Getting Ready At Eynsham Hall
I took the photographs for a wedding at Eynsham Hall a few months ago, this was such an amazingly colourful celebration.
The ladies were in such high spirits when I arrived. A relaxed atmosphere is always a great indicator of what lies ahead for the day. And I was not disappointed, this turned out to be one incredible wedding!
Pictures In The Peacock Lounge At Eynsham Hall
Sophie opted for the Peacock Lounge at the hotel to get ready on the morning; the colourful 1870s tapestry’s adorning the walls are stunning. The dramatic sunlight illuminated the room, and I certainly made the most of this gorgeous light.
I loved Sophie’s funky wedding car for her journey to the church – this fabulous 1950s Indian Ambassador Kushi Car was blinged up to the nines! The interiors were adorned with lavish red and gold fabrics, whilst the exterior was emblazoned with bright flowers. This cross between bohemian, Indian and kitsch worked superbly!
The Wedding Ceremony At St Giles Church – Standlake
I’ll never forget my drive from the hotel to this pretty little church in Standlake. The periodic downpours from the heavens were insane! At this very moment the weather omens did not look good for the day. In fact, each time the rains came the roads were flooded really badly. Thankfully when I got to the church, there had been no rains whatsoever. The English weather can be so bizarre at times!
The lovely intimate ceremony was a truly emotional affair, and I loved capturing every magic moment of this very special time for Sophie and Andrew. Miraculously, the rains stayed away for the whole time we were at the church.
Portraits Of The Newlyweds in 12th Century Church Windows
Once the ceremony was over, I was keen to capture some dramatic stained glass window poses with the newlyweds. The windows in this 12th Century Church are breath taking; the attention to detail and colours are what drew me to them. Although, all is not as it seems at first glance! Sophie and Andrew are actually stood on a pew to bring them up to the window height.
Thankfully Sophie and Andrew were just as keen on my idea for these images, so they had not hesitation in doing whatever was necessary to make these shots happen. So after checking the safety aspects, and gaining the permission of the vicar, they came together really quickly.
After a few further pictures in the church grounds, we were on our way to the reception.
Eynsham Hall Wedding Reception
On this very changeable day, the rains returned no sooner than we started our drive to the reception venue. At least I knew we’d have the gorgeous venue interiors of Eynsham Hall for picture options, although I was still hopeful that the clouds might break at some point!
The stately surroundings of this building are wonderful on every level, and new visitors to this majestic venue are sure to be wowed!
The original Eynsham Hall was built in the 18th Century, before being demolished in the early 1900s. It was rebuilt in a very grand Jacobean style, set within a fabulous 3,000 acre estate. Eynsham Hall is one of Oxfordshire’s great country houses, and a very special place for weddings too.
Champagne In The Red Room
With the rains persisting outside, the drinks reception was held in the hotel’s grand Red Room. This is one of my favourite spots in the hotel, with huge windows and dramatic decor making for a great ambience. And the far reaching views over the grounds did not disappoint. The buzz in the room was pretty electric too – there was no way these guys were not going to let the rain dampen their spirits.
Sophie had designed a vibrant colour scheme, and had decorated the long banqueting dining table with beautiful richly coloured flowers and decorations.
It was a lovely and unexpected surprise to see the super talented harpist Tori Handsley performing for the wedding guests. We work together a lot, and she’s based just a mile away from my Chesham studio.
Classic Wedding Photographs
Sophie and Andrew wanted me to capture lots of dramatic impact shots. Thankfully at Eynsham Hall the wedding photograph opportunities are spectacular indoors.
I was thrilled with the images of the newlyweds inside the hotel, but I could see how disappointed Sophie and Andrew were that we couldn’t be outdoors. After checking on my phone that the weather would be improving after the meal, there was no way could I leave part way through the wedding breakfast as planned!
My offer to stay later was so appreciated by Sophie and Andrew – and no sooner than the speeches were over the skies cleared. Quick as a flash they both made their way outside; the smiles on their faces said it all. My camera was now clicking away capturing so many beautiful images. I worked fast, there was no chance I was going to trust the rain clouds to stay away for too long!
With so many smiles and lots of laughter on the day, I loved capturing the special moments at this wedding. Sophie and Andrew were so charming to work with too, and unbelievably appreciative too.
Kind Words
Mark we just cannot thank you enough, your work is truly breath taking. You are so incredibly talented you literally captured every single detail of our wedding day in the most remarkable way.
All the moments we couldn’t possibly have seen or necessarily remembered – you caught on camera, working tirelessly to ensure absolutely nothing was missed! For this, we are eternally grateful.
Every time we look at our beautiful gallery, we relive the day, in particular our confetti shots! The sheer love and joy of the day. Now that, to me, is incredible, how someone can capture such raw emotion.
Mark your ability not to miss a moment is incredible, and your energy and passion really comes across in the photos. You were able to blend in so well with our guests and you provided first class service from the moment we made contact.
Thank you for truly capturing the essence of our day and for providing us with so many wonderful memories.
Andrew & Sophie
