Saskia and Adrian at Dovecote Barn
A summer wedding in Oxfordshire
I arrived to photograph Saskia and Adrian’s wedding at the beautiful Dovecote Barn in Oxfordshire. On one of the hottest days of the year, the sun was in full force. Saskia and Adrian greeted the sunshine with a calm excitement, surrounded by family and friends who had travelled from far and wide to celebrate with them.
Ceremony at Dovecote Barn
Dovecote Barn’s rustic charm provided the perfect backdrop for their, along with the fantastic team that work there. As Saskia walked down the aisle, the atmosphere was one of excitement and pure joy as she was cheered and clapped by their guests. One of the most amazing things about my job is that every wedding is so different, this moment right here told me that the guests were SO invested in the happiness of this couple.
After an intimate ceremony the guests showered Saskia and Adrian with confetti before heading to enjoy some champagne and canapes. The are outside the barn is a perfect setting to relax after a ceremony and in the sunshine with champagne there’s nowhere else you’d rather be! The laughter and colour exploded as happy guests greeted the newly married couple.
Garden reception at Williamscot House
Next up: the stunning garden reception at their residence, the stunning Williamscot House. If ever a venue perfectly matched a couple’s personality, this was it. Cocktail glasses in hand, canapés drifting through the air, sunshine on the lawn, and a natural pool shimmering in the afternoon light it had all of the vibes of a relaxed festival.
Before I knew it Saskia and Adrian were in the pool escaping the intense heat and their guests were joining them! The moment was iconic as there aren’t many brides that are so relaxed that they would go for a swim before their couples’ portraits or wedding breakfast. It was such a relaxed atmosphere, lead by the bride and groom.
Speeches, dancing and a whole lot of tears
The speeches were heartfelt, beautifully delivered—some by the couple’s children. This added a layer of intimacy and warmth that brought tears to more than a few eyes. And then came the moment. During Adrian’s speech the band kicked in, and before we knew it, the entire crowd was on their feet dancing. I remember that moment so clearly, it was like something out of a film! That’s the type of moment I live for as a wedding photographer. It wasn’t staged. It wasn’t orchestrated. It was real. And in that moment, the story of this wedding was told in full colour. Moments like this are such a privilege to witness and I was genuinely overcome with emotion. In my career I have a little highlights reel and this was definitely up there with the best of them.
Thanks you so much for having me there with you on your truly spectacular day. A wedding i won’t be forgetting in a hurry!
Cx
If you’re looking for a photographer who will blend into your day, focus on real moments, and deliver images you’ll still love on your 50th anniversary — then let’s chat. Whether you’re marrying at Dovecote Barn or hosting a garden reception at your own home (or somewhere equally wonderful in Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands or the surrounding counties), I’d love to help you tell your story. Drop me a message, let’s talk about you as a couple and what you want photographically from your day.
