Cripps Barn

Sarah and Josh in the stunning Cotswolds

Sarah and Josh married at the utterly beautiful Cripps Barn in the Cotswolds. I’ve worked all bar one of the Cripps and Co venues but this has to be my all time fave. Like the others, nestled away amongst nature. Beautiful architecture, grounds and STUNNING views for miles. It really was a hidden gem.

Sarah got ready with her wedding party in nearby cotswolds cottage in a tiny little hamlet and josh treat us to a tiny slice of the Florida Keys in a small marina type lodge overlooking a boating lake. Cotswold water park and the risk averse wakeboarder at 9.30am really was giving all the summer holiday vibes.

The couple chose a beautiful muted orange, cream and green colour scheme which complimented the barn perfectly. Their incredible Florist Keely from By bunch Studio created the most perfect delete bouquets and florals for the venue. truly stunning

Carmels, creams and a tiny hint of sage green made these bouquets delicately beautiful

We had time for a couple of group shots before the ceremony. The contrast between the groomsmens tuxedos and the bridesmaids terracotta dresses from Six Stories was a beautiful mix of warmth and sophistication

Sarah had a first look with her bridesmaids and dad, and then something I’d never experienced before - a lovely group hug. This was a moment I'll never forget and will definitely encourage at more weddings. It was a really lovely moment.

Stepping into the barn for the first time was an amazing experience. As like the other Cripps venues, some things looked similar, the epic outdoor kitchen, the beautiful South American inspired textiles on the cushions and seats, the mix of old and new architecture and amazing use of light. I had a little bit of time to capture some detail shots, the incredible suspended floral rings in the main barn, and the invitations designed by Trix Creative

Sarahs mum walked down the aisle first with Sarah’s sisters fiancé and was shortly followed by the beautiful bridesmaids and then Sarah and her dad. The ceremony was lovely, with two personal readings amongst a stunning backdrop. Then it was time for the reception.

With little over 80 guests for the day it was a busy bustling atmosphere of laughter and happiness. Musician Nicci Forli played songs throughout the ceremony until it started to rain and then moved inside to entertain the guests. Josh’s dad was the highlight for me, whenever I pulled the camera on him he told me that “Josh told me not to do weird things” - safe to safe, he did weird things and was there for it. excellent job Josh’s dad :)

The rain stopped for about 10 minutes so we had a quick impromptu dash around the venue for some couples shots before the rain got heavier. Sarah wore a stunning Made with Love bridal dress and accessorised it with winged shoulders. The movement in the dress looked beautiful. Her hair was worn back in a high Hollywood waved pony and finished off her look beautifully. Josh in his classic tuxedo looked very smart and as a couple they looked incredible together.

We dived inside to escape the rain and quickly checked the beautiful reception room. I love these natural moments where the couple can see the room before it’s filled with guests. All their planning, hair work and visualisation comes together to see the room they’ve made fr everybody they care about in the world. Keely had kept the florals simply but elegant using stems and bud vases and creating an another nbeutoful ring suspended from the ceiling.

Another tiny slither of rain free time was found - long enough to get the wedding party outside for a quick walking shot. I love these shots, they are informal fun and each person is given the opportunity to show their own personality rather than standing to attention.

Thanks to the rain we were all huddled inside the beautiful barn where canapés were plenty and Guinness glasses were in full flow. Josh had chosen a reception drink - Guinness but to make it aestehcially pleasing it was served in Prosecco glasses - genius. The Prosecco businesses were going down a treat and not before long things started to get lively in the barn. Group shots started and things got exciting. Josh plays water polo and so his team were lining up for a photo. If you don’t know, the average height of a water polo player is 10 foot 2. These boys were massive. So all of a sudden I had 15 or do massive blokes throwing another massive bloke at my camera. All this and dinner hadn’t even been served yet.

Another thing I adored about Josh and Sarah’s day was their song choice for the reception. I know this was a fun thing to think about when we got married 9 years ago. We chose an artist called Richard Cheese (Dick Cheese) - don’t ask, just google. Keeping it A LOT more classy than we did, these two had made a playlist entirely of songs from their guests weddings, childhood memories and experiences they’d shared together. So every time a new song came on that guests recognised, the room would burst into spontaneous singing.

Food and speeches completed, it was time to head back into the big barn for a Prosecco tower. Surrounded by their bridesmaids and closest family. Then a cake cut and then finally an epic first dance.

It didn’t take long for the dance floor to get lively, people were merry and happy and it made for a fast moving and fun dance floor. The band - Truly medley, deeply were fabulous. Getting (and keeping) the party started all night.

Golden hour was long gone and the party was taking shape but we still had time to go for a wander into the beautiful grounds. The grass was soaking wet but these two didn’t care by this point. Happy smiles and cuddles and they headed back inside for toasted marshmallows on the fire pits and good times with friends.

An epic day for an epic couple.