Beckie and Dan's wedding was such an wonderful combination of elegance and history with trend and vibrance. The Ceremony was held in the wonderful Bodleian Library where history and culture ouse from the walls followed by the reception that was held in the Jam Factory that is best known for its wacky and creative space filled with young and inspiring art work.
The day started at the lovely Vanborough Hotel in the heart of Oxford in a beautiful Georgian building. As soon as i walked in I knew the hair and makeup artist was going to be great at her job as the Beckie and her bridesmaids had their hair in curlers! Over the past years of observing many makeup and hair dressers i have learnt that curlers are the way forward for picture perfect hair that lasts. Susie from the Oxford Hair and Make up Company did an amazing job. Beckie wore a stunning dress from Paverly Bridal in Wimbledon. It had a beautiful combination of vintage and elegance to it, and Beckie was a picture of natural beauty and loveliness. I just love the way that brides have a natural gift of always choosing the prefect dress. She decided to walk from the hotel to the Bodleian where she arrived to applause and cheers from an enthusiastic group of forgien students much to Beckie and her fathers embarrassment. I felt this welcome was a fitting start to how the rest of the day continued. There was such laughter and celebration through out the day. Everyone of my images had laughter or smiling in and the Jam Factory's decorative hanging baskets festooned with flowers set the scene with a joyful feel.
Naturally the Bodleian Library gave an incredible atmospheric back drop and the flowers by The Garden of Oxford looked stunning at the front. Two amazing luxurious pedestals added to the elegance of the chapel and soften the dark wood. They then were walked back through the streets of Oxford over to the Jam Factory where they added to the wild, vibrant and colourful decorations at the Jam Factory. The colourful bunting complimented and helped to bring a sense of celebration to the angular, supportive iron beams above our heads. For me it looked so dynamic and creative. The guests were happily settled into the reception when we arrived after a wonder back through the streets of Oxford gathering a few memorable portrait shots in this wonderful city of Oxford. I love to capture images along side the classic famous landmarks and mix them with beautiful intimate moments amongst the hustle and bustle of the city. It always makes me smile seeing a bride and groom dressed in their best and most beautiful gowns casually walk through the crowds as if it is any normal day, and a stunning white dress always creates smiles claps and cheers of congratulations from passers by.
The reception rolled on with the guests being served many varieties of drinks and gins from the bar at the Jam Factory until they were all asked to take their seats on beautiful long tressel tables. Remembering that the Jam Factory is a gallery space the guest were amused by the array of nude drawings they had keeping them entertained. Another beautiful quirk to the original and creative space for a so called formal meal.
I loved this wedding. Despite being a small venue it was creative, and filled with vibrance. I love the images of the guests dancing to The New York Royals framed by the palm branches. I so enjoyed photographing the day and this beautiful couple that were so clearly so loved by all their friends.