A cotswold marquee wedding
A marquee wedding in the Cotswolds offers couples a beautiful blend of countryside elegance and relaxed, personal celebration. With sweeping rural views, golden stone villages, and rolling fields as your backdrop, a marquee allows you to create a day that feels entirely your own. As a Cotswold wedding photographer, I love how these open and light filled settings let your personalities shine through, whether your marquee sits beside a family home, a private estate, or one of the region’s charming manor houses. The soft natural light and expansive landscapes create the perfect canvas for meaningful, romantic photography that captures the true spirit of a Cotswold countryside wedding.
Preparation
The beauty of this Gloucestershire wedding day started for me when I rocked up to the groom prep, rang the doorbell and was greeted by a handsome Chappy. “Hello! Are you the make up artist?” he asked questioningly.
“No”, I said. But I would love to know which one of you are having their make up done today!” The party was only just beginning. By the time I made the rounds and introduced myself to everyone (I try ever so hard to remember everyone’s names), I was asked “so what do most guys do during prep while you are here?”
I assured them that as a wedding photographer most weddings I photograph involve bacon sandwiches and guys on a PS4. However, I also explained that I was waiting for the right dream team who would be willing to jump in a bathtub and give the girls a run for their money on prep photos. These guys were VERY competitive. With a “get naked” sign found in the bathroom, we quickly made use of it and had a laugh in the process. The wedding jitters were quickly left on the floor with their pants and it was all go in the “Team Henry” wedding party.
On the other hand, the girls were making use of the beautiful wedding accommodation at Drakestone House. A beautiful, quietly situated manor house nestled away in the Cotswolds awaiting the day that was about to embark. I love being a wedding photographer at Drakestone House because the atmosphere is so homely. Laughter lives closely behind every closed door. The kitchen is a flurry of activity as parent’s make tea and coffee for their children and friends. Hair and make up was in full swing and the girls were all laughs and giggles.
Ceremony
The vintage blue beetle (my mom had one exactly the same colour but it was a Volkswagen Rabbit – loved that car) was ready and whisked Zara off to the church.
It was all smiles and the tears waiting in the background to make their appearance at the right time. Henry waited impatiently at the alter of the church, his excitement bubbling as he paced waiting for his bride to come. Zara made her way down the aisle with her grandfather. The tears and facial expressions were so dear that the whole congregation burst into happy laughter as Henry and Zara were at last standing beside one another.
The wedding went from strength to strength with every little detail perfectly executed. From the handmade lavender confetti, to the arrival of their fur baby (sloppy kisses and all).
The Party
The wedding party then went back to Drakestone house where the sun greeted the guests on a hot September day; wishing them a life of happiness and love. The band were bringing the live music to the canapés as they came out of the marquee. Even Henry had a little dance with the band. Rather than having speeches indoors; the gardens set centre stage for the presenters. The childhood teddy bear, bad jokes and fantastic stories all came out as their loved ones shared memories.
As a result of the hard work and vision of The Wilde Bunch floristry team, the marquee was set with a rustic theme. The trestle tables were laid underneath the hanging rattan wreath dancing overhead. The semi naked cake, designed by the outstanding Victoria’s Signature Wedding Cakes, stood high above the many cupcakes for the guests to indulge on through out the evening.
Afternoon quickly turned too evening. The sun said it’s goodbyes and left the guests on the lawn waiting with sparklers. Finally the moment came as Henry as Zara came at full speed down the aisle of loved ones, waving their sparklers in celebration of a wonderful day. A new beginning.
As your wedding photographer, I can only say thank you so much. Thank you for trusting me with your first family heirloom. For allowing me to document your first day as Mr and Mrs. May you live a long and happy life together. Laughing as much as you did on this special day.
Let’s Talk
If you are planning your wedding and would like more information on how I can be YOUR wedding photographer, aka fly on the wall for the day. Please get in touch for more details. If you need more convincing head over to Google Reviews for true, honest reviews left by couples and guests. I look forward to meeting you and photographing your perfect adventure.