James and Ally

Cotswold Wedding Photography

With all winter weddings you wonder what the outcome will be with regards to the weather, are we going to be able to go outside? Are we going to run out of light? Well this wedding certainly tested me to battle the elements. Only a few days before christmas it was always going to be a festive day and the decorations emulated that. So first on the list was to meet both families at the amazing Cats Abbey, just a stone throw away from Stone Barn their venue for the day.  Ally was upstairs getting ready with her girls and James was downstair with the chaps. Everyone was very relaxed and the preparations went smoothly. The guys were suited up and donning their button holes so we headed out for a few photographs before they headed off to the venue, allowing me to head back in for Ally to grace her dress.

With a small break in the clouds we caught one of the few dry spells of the day, the guys with the usual camaraderie had a laugh and a joke just before the gorgeous car arrived. The chaps headed off to Stone Barn leaving Cats Abbey all for Ally and her family, the dress was on and she looked fantastic. I think the small tear her father had showed how proud he was, and he had every reason to be. With the clock ticking it was time to get ready for the ceremony.

Ally and her father cruised down the damp lane leading up to the venue, but nothing was going to spoil this day. The inside of Stone Barn looked incredible, with the illuminated heart, the ‘love’ letters, the Christmas tree table plan decorations and the twinkle lights all over the building. James waited a little nervously with the flower petals laid ready for Ally and father to head to the all important spot. The ceremony went well and the ‘I do’s’ were sealed by the new Husband and Wife. The register was signed and photo bombed by a very cute nephew just before it was time to prepare for the confetti pounding. We had to do it inside today due to the wind and drizzle, but nonetheless looked great!

With the weather not playing ball and the light fading fast (shortest day of the year) we capitalised on possibly the last dry moment, shame the wind hadn’t taken a break too. We weren’t going to let this beat us, so everyone dashed outside for a quick group shot before heading back in for the next part of the day. The room looked great, the tables looking very Christmassy which set everyone up for a very merry Christmas. The food as always looked fantastic here, the speeches caused the inevitable laughs and tears. Before we knew it the cake was cut and the gathering for the first dance was creating a circle of smiles and camera moments!

The weather wasn’t perfect but the wedding was, it was a fantastic day and a beautiful winter wedding. A huge congratulations to James and Ally, I wish them all the best for their future together as the new Mr and Mrs Chapman.