Becky and Chris’s Joyful Winter Wedding Merriscourt Wedding Photography

 

Becky and Chris came to me through a referral – a fellow teacher at Becky’s school in Solihull, who’d had me as their wedding photographer a few years back. I love getting referrals – it means someone is still loving their wedding images years later!

I met Becky and Chris in chilly Leamington a few weeks before their wedding for a couples shoot. Having had their wedding postponed at least once already, they understandably were a little anxious that it might all still not happen. However as we chatted about their plans for the day and for their honeymoon, I could see them allow themselves to get excited and it was clear just how much they were ready for the big day to roll around. 

Fortunately, their fears weren’t realized and soon it was time for Becky and Chris to tie the knot at Merriscourt, a wedding barn venue in the heart of Chipping Norton, on the border of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. It’s a beautiful place, with stunning views across the countryside, and on the morning of the wedding Merriscourt was covered in a crisp wintery chill.

When I arrived, Becky, her bridesmaids, and her mum were getting ready in the homely farmhouse which forms part of the Merriscourt barns, in Chipping Norton.  As I opened the door, I received one of the warmest welcomes I’ve ever had at a wedding! The whole gang was shouting my name and waving, they were all so excited for the day to get underway, and I could tell that I had a lovely day ahead with this happy and good-natured bunch. 

Becky’s excitement levels were through the roof! She was bouncing off the walls, delighted at every little moment – it was totally infectious. The group sat around the big farmhouse table in the kitchen, sharing stories from the hen do and recounting Becky’s various mishaps from over the years – it turns out she’s an expert at missing trains, but with the whole of the wedding day taking place at Merriscourt, I wasn’t too worried about any potential lateness.

As well as my photography, Becky and Chris had also opted to use my Vlog My Wedding service. How it works is that I give the wedding party a bunch of kit for filming their own footage of the big day, so that they can capture all the special moments as they happen, then I edit it together afterwards for a memorable and personal wedding video. For Becky it was a no-brainer – as soon as she saw the kit, she said, she knew her friends and family would have an absolute ball shooting their wedding day experience – and the footage definitely confirms her suspicions!

With everybody ready, looking beautiful and brimming with excitement, it was time for the wedding ceremony itself. It was a really moving service. Chris had lost both of his parents over the last 2 yearss, and of course their absence was felt in the room. It was touching to see the support and love that he and Becky had from all of their family and friends who were present. Chris’s Nan acted as a witness and signed the register – a lovely moment.

It was a gorgeous day at Merriscourt when we emerged from the wedding service. It was bitterly cold, but the view of the rolling countryside stretching far into the distance was bathed in winter sun, and I knew that the most beautiful sunset was on its way.

It was important to Becky and Chris that we captured a few shots of them with their families, so it helped that I had a second shooter with me that day so we didn’t miss out on the wedding guests enjoying themselves while my lens was trained on the bride and groom. There’s been such a lovely atmosphere at all the weddings I shot in 2021, and this was no exception – there was a real feeling that every person there was so happy to be celebrating Becky and Chris and was so grateful for the chance to be all together.

With the early evening quickly drawing in, it was time to head outdoors to capture that sunset – and it was as beautiful as I had hoped. The views from Merriscourt are really beautiful and made the perfect backdrop for some shots of the newlyweds.

For their wedding breakfast, Becky and Chris had opted for a delicious carvery, so while their guests donned chef’s hats and aprons, I had a chance to snap some more pictures of the giggles and laughter – a chef’s hat is definitely a challenging look to pull off!

After dinner, we headed outside for some sparkler fun, and then it was time for the live band to begin. I’ve been to a lot of weddings with live bands, and I’m in no doubt that it makes for a fantastic atmosphere and really contributes to that 2021 party spirit! I’d set up a photobooth at the edge of the dancefloor and I think those images definitely capture that feeling of joyful abandon which dancing with your nearest and dearest brings.

What a special day – I was so happy to be a part of it. Congratulations Becky and Chris!

 

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