Some call it early Spring, others might call it late Winter. Certainly Claire and John’s big day was grey and overcast. I might have shot and edited this establishing picture of the bridal suite and Claire’s beautiful bridal gown with a lighter, brighter, airier look, but the couple were quite keen on the darker look I sometimes do, so I lit and shot accordingly.
Situated in the heart of the Cotswolds countryside, The Frogmill Pub is well known as one of the best places to eat in Cheltenham. So even if you only fancy a visit, or a romantic weekend getaway, which was the reason Claire and John chose it, you couldnt ask for more. The bridal suite is light and comfy, the ceremony space is generous, and the pub itself is pure Cotswolds cosiness, all oak beams and real ales.
I went a bit overboard with bridal prep and groom prep photography, because these two brought with them such a lovely, funny, warm crowd of family and friends, and well, everything is in one place. At The Frogmill, they make it easy to have fun. And props to Claire for her efficiency, as there was even time for a little bridal portrait photography without running over schedule.
It’s always a wonderful luxury when there is time to grab a shot of Father’s first look at his beautiful daughter in her wedding dress, and this was certainly a moving moment.
The candlelit wedding ceremony was a perfect mix of intimate and stylish. Everything at The Frogmill is tasteful in the most relaxed possible way, fitting for a couple who are themselves relaxed and tasteful. Their theme of Lilac for bridesmaids and blue for ushers, complemented the warm light and cream walls. And the ceremony itself was short, sweet and inspirational, with more than the odd tear, here and there.
After the group photographs it was, as is traditional, time for their wedding couple photography session in the grounds. While the dramatic sky begged for some dark and moody shots, here I did try to bring up the light a bit more in many of the edits. Your wedding day is after all, the most hopeful day you will probably have. I dont think that added sunlight flare in the edit looks too fake, do you?
John is quite the joker, and the wedding speeches were uproarious. No one would have expected less than a big barrel of laughs.
And happily, while the sky did stay moody, there was still a little gap of sunlight come sunset. I always ask my couples if they are happy to take a break during the wedding breakfast for sunset wedding portrait photography, and I am always so happy when they are glad to.
After the hilarious and affectionate wedding speeches, it was, of course, time to cut the cake. And then party time, and this gang hit the floor in no uncertain terms, making for a riotous shindig followed by fireworks to round off a fantastic Cotswolds wedding day. Congratulations Claire and John and thankyou for an awesome day! x
