The Vision

Jan and Steve weren’t looking for a stiff, choreographed photos. Their goal was a day that felt like a relaxed garden party with their closest inner circle. When they approached the photography, the brief was clear: “Capture the moments we miss.” They wanted to look back and see the laughter in the corners of the room, the bright smiles during the toasts, and the genuine atmosphere of the Cotswolds in full bloom.

The Setting

Cotswold House Gardens the venue served as more than just a backdrop, it was a central character in the days story. Cotswold House is renowned for its award-winning terrace gardens that climb gently uphill, offering a secluded, multi-layered sanctuary of honey coloured stone and vibrant greenery. For a photographer, these gardens are a playground of natural light. We utilised the winding paths and hidden “nooks” to allow Jan and Steve some breathing room away from the crowd, which naturally led to the most intimate shots of the day.

The Photography Approach

“The Art of the Unseen”Rather than directing the day, the focus remained on observational storytelling. This approach worked perfectly for Jan and Steve’s personalities. The Morning Preparations: Instead of posed “putting on the shoe” shots, we captured the chaotic energy of champagne toasts and the quiet, nervous deep breaths Jan took before heading to the ceremony.

The Ceremony

Utilising the long focal length allowed for close-up shots of Steve’s reaction as Jan appeared, without the camera lens being “in their faces.” This preserved the sanctity of the moment.The “Un-Posed” Portraits: We took a short stroll through the upper gardens. Instead of “look at me and smile,” the prompt was simply for them to walk and talk. The result? Images of genuine connection, framed by the lush Cotswold flora.

Key Moments Captured

Mingle capturing guests mid-laugh with canapés in hand, framed by the climbing roses.The Confetti Run is always my favourite, unadulterated joy. Not a single person was looking at the camera they were all looking at the couple.

The Golden Hour, Using the soft, late-afternoon sun as it hit the limestone walls, creating a warm, ethereal glow around Jan and Steves beautiful connection.

The Result

The final gallery was a vibrant, breathing record of the day. By prioritising the candid style, we avoided the “wedding fatigue” that often comes with long portrait sessions. Jan and Steve were able to actually able to really enjoy their wedding, while the photography happened around them.The lush greens of the Cotswold House gardens paired with the raw emotion of the day created a timeless collection that felt less like a photoshoot and more like a family heirloom.