THE BAY TREE HOTEL WEDDING: CHARLOTTE + CHRISTOPHER

It was almost 18months ago that Christopher initially enquired over e-mail. Usually, I hear from the bride first but I have known Chris since I was 11, we were class mates. It had been almost 20 years since we last met. Chris was one of the first people to follow and actively support my Facebook business page where I would post my wedding photography and always said that if he ever got married, he would book me as his photographer. True to his words, and some years later, he got in touch telling me that he had found his bride. Here are some highlights from their beautiful day.

Charlotte and Chris were married in a lovely intimate wedding ceremony in Burford at The Bay Tree Hotel in Oxfordshire, at what is known as the gateway to The Cotswolds. The Bay Tree Hotel, specialises in “house party” style weddings where the ceremony and reception all happen under one roof – perfect for weddings with less than 100 guests.

The couple’s rings were unlike any that I had ever seen before. Chris explained that they got them specially made.

It was so good to finally meet Charlotte, after being in touch with each other over e-mail for almost a year and half. Chris was great for the initial correspondence, but it is usually the bride that has all the answers to my questions..(no offence guys). It was great also to learn more about Charlotte’s personality through our chats and following her Instagram page as well as having a better understanding of the details of the day.

Chris’s pocket watch and the flower girls’ cute flower wands.

The flower girls were so sweet… I loved listening to Charlotte explain to the girls that their flower wands had magical powers but only if they behaved and did what I said, if asked 🙂

Charlotte’s bridesmaid and sister-in-law, Lowri was responsible for much of the wedding decor and worked tirelessly putting up the flower and foliage garlands in the reception hall and ceremony room. Lowri also designed the couple’s monogram which was on their card box and wedding cupcakes.

Whilst I photographed the bride getting ready, Safrana, my second photographer, photographed the groom and his ushers, best man and father of the bride.

Doing away with tradition, Charlotte walked down the aisle to the sound of Guns ‘n’ Roses.

Safrana, my second photographer took this shoot from the back of the ceremony room.

Charlotte’s Dad, Colin. He was so happy for Charlotte and spoke to us at length about how proud he was of his daughter and how his speech was one of the hardest things he has ever done.

The wedding ceremony was just perfect. The registrar, Siobhan gave a lovely talk. She described how the couple met and also shared words of wisdom on the importance of giving each other space to maintain independence and individuality within the marriage.

Charlotte is a wonderful woman, she is down-to-earth, kind, affectionate and welcoming. Chris you are a very lucky man!

After the ceremony, there were a variety of canapés which included a miniature portion of fish, chips and mushy peas. The couple tried a few before heading out into the garden for their bride and groom portraits.

Charlotte with bridesmaids, Catherine, Lowri and Maid Of Honour, Natalie.

Sadly, Charlotte’s grandmother passed away before the wedding but she was definitely there in spirit. There was a picture frame in the reception foyer as well as this framed picture attached to Charlotte’s bouquet.