I had a doubler header this bank holiday weekend with the first wedding at Friars Court in Oxfordshire. This venue is perfectly suited to outdoor wedding ceremonies (which are becoming ever more popular), but a spanner can be thrown into the works when the weather has other ideas.
Reported 25mph winds and heavy rain aren’t the perfect recipe for an outdoor wedding ceremony, which left Lee with the decision of whether to go for it, hoping for the best, or to make the call early on and retreat back to the safety of indoors. With advice from many parties involved (Jeffrey, myself and the registrars) and despite it not actually raining at this point in the proceedings, it was deemed ‘too risky’ to take a punt on the outdoors.
With the decision made and chairs set up in the garden room at friars Court, all was set for their wedding. Sarah used the bedroom in the main house to get herself ready, whilst Lee entertained guests on their arrival.
Having photographed Lee’s sisters wedding at Ardington House last year, I wasn’t surprised to recognize quite a few familiar faces again. I do however get the feeling this family maybe somewhat jinxed when it comes to outdoor wedding ceremonies, as last May was chillier than expected too for Hannah’s wedding. None the less the British bull dog spirit prevailed and despite 500 mph winds we even managed outdoor group photos and found time for some beautiful couple portraits around the grounds of Friars Court.
Anyhow sit back and enjoy a few photos from Lee & Sarah’s wedding at Friars Court.
Most wedding mornings start with a drop of Champagne.
At this point the flowers arrived – can you tell by the next three photos?
“umm, these flowers smell lovely”
From a white dressing gown, into something a little more appropriate.
Multi tasking bridesmaids in action. One attending to the veil, whilst the other sprays you with perfume.
Cute.
It looks as though Lee’s dad (frame left) has fallen over here? What’s going on there then?
It was somewhat ‘cosy’ with the ceremony being indoors as space is at more of a premium. Getting all angles covered during the ceremony was rather challenging therefore.
After the wedding ceremony Lee & Sarah had a brief relax and glass of Champers, whilst guests were rallied together for a confetti shot at the front of Friars Court.
… you’d have no idea it was blowing a force 12 gale eh? (except for the 50 photos I had to delete with eyes closed & hair across their faces!)
This weeding must have had the most vintage wedding details I have ever come across. I’ve therefore share quite a few with you :-)
The wedding Marquee at Friars Court was beautifully decorated by Lee & Sarah with a vintage theme and loads of items personally sourced by themselves.
Yum……and with a handy spoon attached. What a unique wedding favour these are.
Can you guess what date they got married?
A sun umbrella? If only we’d had some sun! :-)
Lee had this delicate button broach in leau of a traditional button hole.
I really can’t remember what was said at this point, but it makes me laugh just looking at this photo.
‘Just Married’, and just done the Father of the Bride speech.
Onto some words from Lee about his beautiful bride.
Lee’s dad had a lot of props for his best mans speech. Firstly the DJ light glasses…..
…..followed by the toilet step (which apparently helped Lee reach the dizzy heights of his decks when DJ’ing)
….and finally a new musical instrument to master.
Speeches were over….but the crowd were left wanting more: “put the glasses on again”
A touching wedding gift for the bridesmaids (Sarah’s sisters)…..
….clearly brought a tear to her eye :-)
…..mum was at hand with a tissue, whilst Sarah supplied hugs!
If you are having a wedding at Friars Court drop me a line, I’d love to hear from you and hopefully have the chance to photograph your wedding day too.