There's nothing like a New Year's Eve wedding, a double reason to celebrate and drink lots of bubbles. I had a spectacular time photographing and documenting Leanne and Ian's New Year's Eve wedding day. Their wedding took place at the beautiful Cotswolds Hotel and Spa, in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.
It's always a joy going back to this stunning hotel to photograph weddings. I must admit it's one of my favourites wedding venues. One of these days I'm going to have to treat my long-suffering wife and book her into the spa for some special pampering.
Cotswolds Hotel & Spa was a wonderful place to set the mood for Leanne's wedding day. As part of the bridal preparation I captured her having her hair styled by Chole Lyford Hair, and makeup applied by Zoe, from Beauty by Zoe, while the atmosphere got more and more lively.
I found Ian and his groomsmen making a few final preparations to the ceremony room. While this was going on Leanne & Ian's two boys, Jacob & Dylan, was busy practicing their best wrestling moves on each other, while also helping Granddad place the table decorations onto each table. No last-minute nerves here!
Friends and family were visibly moved when the newlyweds exchanged their vows. When documenting and photographing weddings, the stories that are told on the couple's wedding day make my job incredibly humbling and satisfying. Then to top it off there are those little moments of magic, like seeing little Jacob run down the aisle and jumping into his daddies arms, or young Dylan presenting the wedding rings to his mummy & daddy with tears of happiness.
I took the opportunity to take Leanne and Ian for a stroll around the gorgeous surroundings of the Cotswolds Hotel, capturing some quiet moments as we walked. I find that most couples relax after the formal part of the day and it’s a great opportunity for them to have a few moments together, with just yours truly tagging along.
The more winter weddings I photograph, the more I enjoy them. There was a lot of cloud about on the day, and this makes for great soft light, which makes for better wedding photographs.
After the formal ceremony, the guests enjoyed a fantastic wedding reception. There was a joyful vibe during the reception as the celebrations began. I began searching for moments that would help to tell the story of the day.
Following an enjoyable wedding breakfast, it was time to get ready for the speeches. Every speech is unique, and I never get bored of capturing them.
As the evening drew in this was an excellent time to start a game of beer pong, and it was men against women, and I have to admit this was very entertaining and made for some great photos. For two little girls, it was time to put there dancing shoes on.
The DJ got the newlyweds up for the first dance and towards the end of the song their two boys joined them for hugs & cuddles. The DJ played a range of great tunes, encouraging the guests to rock the dance floor and the countdown to midnight started.
I hope these images from Leanne and Ian’s wedding have inspired you as you plan your own special day. There are more examples of my work in the gallery and previous blog posts.
If you are looking for a wedding photographer in Oxfordshire or across the south of England, and like what you see from my documentary style of wedding photography, then I would love to hear from you. Let me capture your precious moments on your wedding day. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.