Owlpen Manor Wedding Photography

It is often pointed out to me by my fellow wedding photographers that my clients are as relaxed as the day is long, and that comment is usually accompanied by a little bit of envy (tee-hee!). The weddings that I photograph are always chilled, and a hell of a lot of fun, with the perfect example being Megan & Ben’s Spring wedding at the Cotswold venue of Owlpen Manor.

Oh, and before we carry on, there is one important detail: Megan & Ben are dog people, which means that they are good people!

Owlpen Manor has it’s own private valley, and after much searching whilst shouting at the satnav, you will find one of the most stunning wedding venues in the Cotswolds. With an 800-year old Tudor Manor House, an ancient Cyder Barn, a Parish Church and lots of places for photographs, it’s easy to see why Megan & Ben fell in love with this wedding venue.

We rocked up nice and early to catch up with the girls getting ready in the Apple Loft. Jo Castell was in charge of make-up, and Rachelle Cooper took care of all things hair. Prosecco was being consumed, and there was an impressive spread of baked goods and fruit on display (which may have nearly been spilled onto the floor…but not quite!). The flowers from Acacia Floristry were also there, and they looked amazing!

Over to the Manor Farm cottage to meet up with Ben and the lads, who were already making sure that the alcohol was up to standard for their guests. I’m not sure that any was left for their guests, but if there was, it was of a suitable standard! As the boys got ready, I spotted some thoughtful gifts and a heartfelt card from Megan which may have made this wedding photographer pause for a second – I knew then that this was going to be one of those weddings that will be filled with moments.

I was back over to the Apple Loft as Megan was getting into her wedding dress from Veils of Berkeley, and that was a very emotional moment. Almost as emotional as the Bride’s dad, Pete, seeing his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time. I teared up, ‘cos I’m a big softy like that.

Off to Owlpen Church of the Holy Cross we go, and the ceremony was a glorious affair, held in front of Megan & Ben’s nearest and dearest. There was plenty of love on display . . . and a few tears too! With the rings exchanged and the legal formalities completed, everyone headed outside into the sunshine to shower the newlyweds with confetti before enjoying the drinks reception in the manor gardens, with Steven Reid providing the soundtrack to a bright, Spring afternoon.

With canapés chomped and drinks quaffed, it was into the Pole Barn (wonderfully styled by the Cotswold Wedding Company) for the wedding breakfast and speeches. My favourite Magician & Wedding Host, Christian Fletcher, was on hand to welcome the top table into the barn to whoops and cheers from all the guests, before everyone settled down for their food. Fletch was then back to introduce the speeches with such aplomb and, quite frankly, I’ve never seen it done better. Steven also hung around to keep the awesome tunes going! I teared up once again during Ben’s speech before we all went outside to enjoy the sun. During this downtime, I grabbed the new Mr. & Mrs. for a quick portrait session.

The cutting of the cake made by Sannas Cakes was followed by the first dance in the Cyder Barn, and then the dance floor opened up, under the purview of Neil of Dizzy Feet Events. Guests sang loudly and danced heartily while Neil did his thang! Clouds formed in the evening, so unfortunately we weren’t going to get a sunset shot, but I collared Megan & Ben to make use of the dramatic sky before coming back to an absolute treat from The Box Kitchen.

I loved photographing this wedding, and I feel privileged to be part of a day that was so special. The kick-ass slideshow is below (FYI: I must inform you that it is a legal requirement to turn it up loud!), and if you’re looking for a Cotswold wedding photographer, then all you need to do is drop me a line.