Cotswold Wedding at Merriscourt - Oxfordshire

It has to be said, my first wedding at Merriscourt tucked away up in the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire was a pure delight. Both Sandra and I were heading there to photograph and make a wedding highlights film over the summer for a really cool couple.

Jamie & Alex review of their Cotswold Wedding Photography

"OH. MY. WORD!!... Jon, These are absolutely incredible... We don't have internet set up in our new house yet so spent a good few hours yesterday at a cafe in Sydney looking through them all; laughing, awwwing, smiling, kissing hahaha!  We totally love your work and are so impressed with what you managed to do given the weather conditions. Amazing!" 

After meeting Janine and Alex who are based in Sydney - Australia over FaceTime one evening and hearing all about their plans for their rather fun-filled lavish barn wedding, I was excited!  Not only were they the sweetest couple, but they were really into documentary photography and gave us free rein to create something awesome for them.

Click here for Janine and Alex's Wedding Highlights Film (short version)

We love arriving in plenty of time before the ceremony so that we can start to set the scene and get great photos and film footage of all the fun and goings-on during bridal prep's. It not only gives us time to capture all those little details that often so much thought has gone into, but we can get shots of the dress, shoes and any other little moments.

On the day Chloe Pasasmo worked her magic and had Janine and her four bridesmaids looking absolutely stunning.  It was the first time I had worked with Chloe and not only is she really lovely and a dream to hang out with, Janine and her girls looked absolutely flawless late into the night.

Even though it rained non stop pretty much all day, there was a little break in the weather so we were able to head off outside and go grab lots of arty shots around the farm which made the perfect backdrop.  Janine and Alex were really into each other and there was the most amazing vibe coming from them as they spent time catching up with each other.  This means that there were a ton   e.

Even now when I think about it I crack up laughing.  Alex looked so completely shocked when Janine smooshed the biggest chunk of wedding cake into the side of his face. They are such a fun couple and its refreshing to see such high jinx.  When we watch the wedding film back we often pause and rewind it.  Make sure that you click on the film link at the top of the blog and take a look for yourself... its brilliant!

Well despite the weather everyone was in such high spirits and having so much fun and to be honest it never rains non stop so there is always a chance to head out for really great photos.  Merriscourt as a venue is totally stunning and with my first wedding in the bag there, I seriously can't wait to get back.  

The layout of Merriscourt is based around several beautiful old Cotswold stone buildings with a central courtyard which has festoon type lights strung through the trees as well as a fire pit.  No matter what the weather, there is more than enough room for everyone to spread out and soak up the atmosphere.

It's easy to capture Cotswold wedding photography 

Jackie and her team at Merriscourt are really lovely and friendly and everything runs very smoothly indeed and the food is amazing!  I had the beef with dauphinoise potatoes and French beans which was truly delightful.  Outside there are so many places for photographs from Cotswold barns with rustic doors to fields, willow trees an old shepherds hut, old machinery, water tanks, orchards and flower meadows so you are seriously spoilt for choice.  All you need is a smile: )