Having previously been to this wedding venue back in the summer (on a remarkably warm day) I knew my return would be different, it was November after all and a chilly 4 degrees. A winter wedding at the Bear of Rodborough has new challenges eh, and who wants a hot wedding day anyway? I thought maybe an Australian bride (where Rosey is from) but apparently not, the main requirement was for it to be dry. Well it was certainly that, Gloucestershire was bathed in golden autumnal light, (despite it being very late November) and we had a sunset to die for.
It was a small wedding with only around 40 guests in total, which most probably has a lot to do with many of Rosey’s friends still being down under in Oz. None the less the day had a great atmosphere and there was even a brief live streaming of events to those friends and family unable to make it.
Here are a few photos from the day.
I hadn’t met the couple prior to the day itself, so was pleased to be in the right place when I arrived. Mike had in fact been given my details by his brother who’s wedding I photographed 4 years ago. It’s always nice to catch up with old clients and great to hear them spreading the word about my services.
Mike takes no chances on getting food down his suit :-)
I think she may have caught me ‘poaching’ her shot.
Ever wondered where the venue get’s it’s name (The BEAR of Rodborough)?
Loved these simple bridesmaid dresses. When you have a small intimate wedding, creating too much fuss often seems overkill. The simple wedding bouquets and clean lines worked well IMO.
‘O’
The funny faces continue!
It’s always a lovely moment when the couple meet for the first time on their wedding day…..
….but often creates a tear or two.
Another moment many couples will be familiar with. NO, not simply the ring exchange, but the fiasco that typically ensues with trying to get it on.
“High Five”
If that’s not the eye of a man about to get ‘The Wedding Kiss’ I don’t know what is?
“so we pretend to sign the register for a photo – you Pommies have some funny ideas”
“ohhh nice”
But what are they actually looking at? I thought it was Mike’s ring at the moment I took the photo, but clearly it’s the wrong hand. A new tattoo maybe? Answers on a postcard please.
“Over there, take me over there Chauffeur, food is that-a-way”
“Say C – H – E – E – S – E”
With a cracking sunset developing and a VW camper van as the wedding transport, we headed out to nearby Rodborough common for a few couple portraits.
If you fancy a 1967 Split Screen Camper Van for your wedding, drop Mark a line at VW Do Weddings.
Leaving the Camper Van behind, we headed out across the common with me navigating. I’d chosen footwear appropriate to the location. Rosey however hadn’t ;-)
With a quick switch of view 180 degrees, Mike dropped Rosey down and I clicked away at the fantastic sunset.
If you hadn’t already seen this photo over on my FB page, then here it is again. Can I say wow? Am I allowed to? Well, WOW, I said it!
Did I mention it was cold in November? Especially as the sunset when you’re on the top of a very exposed common? This is the reality of a winter wedding.
With only a few minutes of usable light left (and with hypothermia setting in) I brought some Off Camera Flash to the party. It’s rare to have the right circumstance at weddings to use creative flash outdoors. More often than not, couples are eating or having speeches through the golden hour, meaning it’s usually too dark afterwards. Thankfully this time around it was perfect……if not fecking freezing!
Inside at the Bear Of Rodborough had a cosy intimate feel with catering for around 40 guests.
A taste of Oz at the tables.
That moment many grooms will associate with…….when you tread on “The Dress”.
If you considering a wedding at The Bear of Rodborough, please contact me for a chat, I’d love to hear from you.
You can also get ideas of this venue from the summer wedding of Mark & Sharon who got married nearby at Rocco Gardens and held their wedding reception at The Bear of Rodborough.