If quintessential Cotswold village life is what you’re after then Moreton-In-March, Gloucestershire is going to tick the box. It’s here that Andy & Caroline chose to have their wedding at Manor House Hotel, a charming 16th Century Manor House in the heart of the Cotswolds. This is a venue I’ve photographed weddings at on several previous occasions, but I knew this time the weather may make my life a little more difficult.
The forecast was for showers, which I know as a wedding photographer means whatever decision I make at a given moment, will be undone in seconds when the weather changes! In reality whether it rains or not during the most part of the day is irrelevant, what I’m hoping for is a dry spell of about 30mins minumum during the drinks reception. Well, mother nature had other ideas! In fact, pretty much the polar opposite to what I wanted. It was dry for most of the day, but rained during the entire drinks reception! Not a massive departure from my other weddings this month (and many last summer), so it was time to look inside for some inspiration….and the all important ‘space for a few group photos’.
Expectations of a summer wedding, compared to a winter wedding, should be slightly different. Space often dictates if you can have a large group photo of your entire wedding party, so in summer this is usually fine, but in the cold months, not everyone is so keen to head outside in a slinky dress & heels! Beyond this one factor though, the rest of your day is no different, in that I’ll photograph it in a documentary style, and only interject when the need arises.
Andrew is a self confessed camera dodger, which was clear from the 500 group photos I had to take in order to ensure he was looking in my direction once! Combine this with Caroline’s skill to blink at every key moment and I realised I was up against it! Clearly, the weather was going to be the least of my challenges :-)
Anyhow, it did all work out in the end, so if you wish to check out their wedding at Manor House Hotel, please enjoy the photos below, with an accompanying commentary.
You may be wondering what the paper around Caroline’s neck is (as was I). No, it’s not a napkin, (although did serve this dual purpose later) but in fact an aid to keep make-up off your clothes. One very diligent make-up lady.
Fiona Perry did the lovely flowers. She’s based near Moreton-In-Marsh….and here she is delivering the wedding bouquets.
If Andy doesn’t want to look at the camera I’ll simply take photos of his feet!
Yep, still not looking.
A weather check.
For the less observant amongst you, Caroline is 5 months pregnant….as was her sister. What I mean is, her sister is also pregnant, I’m thinking not 5 months though hey…..perhaps closer to full term.
Yep, dry as a whistle out now. You wait until the drinks reception when I want to go outside, it’ll be raining then for sure!
Inside Manor House Hotel, set for the wedding ceremony. It looked like such a big space until it was filled with wedding guests.
Guests enjoyed pre ceremony drinks in the bar……
….and a roll around on the sofas for those under the age of one!
No pressure, just a room full of guests watching you hovering around nervously at the front!
I love to see couples holding hands during the wedding ceremony.
Ah ha, just pop this on here and you’re all mine :-)
Gran taking it easy early on and sticking to the orange juice.
Two AWOL wedding guests, found in the hotel foyer!
Raining, really? Yep, look out the window……
Thankfully Andrew and Caroline came equipped with a cute looking white wedding umbrella……
….so we went outside for a quick photo or two in the rain, before heading back in pretty sharpish!
For some reason though I do rather like wedding photos in the rain.
Someone’s spotted the wedding cake….now just don’t knock it over.
Lovin’ dads face in this photo.
It’s best not to ask about the swinging balls ;-)
The wedding speeches were wasted on this girl…..bubbles are definitely better.
Gran got plenty of attention on the dance floor :-)
Booooo, the girls give a thumbs down to the boys dance skills. I personally thought they were pretty good – and therein lies the reason I don’t ever dance myself.
If you are having a wedding at Manor House Hotel, Gloucestershire please contact me, I’d love to hear from you. You can also see my sample wedding album at Manor House Hotel, please ask staff there when you visit, or check out a few weddings on my blog.