Katie and Michael first got in touch after a friends recommendation, and it is always such a pleasure when people book me based on previous experience…. hopefully it means I am doing something right!
Katie and Michael chose the incredible Cotswold Wedding Venue Cripps Barn for their venue and ceremony location and although it goes without saying, they couldn’t have chosen better. Nothing was too much trouble, and the day was faultless from start to finish. With such beautiful interiors at Cripps, you never have to worry about nice spaces for photos if the weather takes a turn but inside, I was praying for a chance to get out in the stunning grounds and surrounding fields. I can’t resist a sunset shot!
The day started out a little overcast, but it stayed dry which was all that mattered! And inside it was all smiles and sunshine with the help of a very cute little flower girl! As beautiful as everyone looked on the day, it’s fair to say that Katie and Michael’s daughter stole the show! It certainly hasn’t helped me narrow down the photos for this blog!
The girls all got ready at a cosy little Airbnb cottage in Barnsley, only 4 miles away from the beautiful Cripps Barn. Katie kept it really natural with delicate fresh flowers in her hair and make-up expertly done by the lovely @thisisannawhite.
Katie’s beautiful fishtail gown (@bylillianwest) with lace bodice and tulle skirt was from the wonderful @thebridalroom with the bridesmaids wearing dresses in different pastel shades from @rewrittenbridesmaids.
Not forgetting Michael and his Groomsmen of course and they didn’t scrub up too badly either wearing a blue tweed suit from @peterposhsuit.
The beautiful wedding bands had to get a mention in this story as they were made by the very talented @lottie_jewellery who just so happens to be Katie’s best friend and bridesmaid too. Nothing says that you have your best friends blessing like making your wedding bands. A very special tribute for a special couple.
The ceremony room at Cripps always offers a sense of magic with its twinkly lights and cosy features but the floral arrangements by @go_wild_flowers really added something extra special! The fireplace was adorned with a beautiful pink, peach, white and yellow swag and the hand tied bouquets with highlights of blue cornflowers tied in beautifully with the bridesmaids dresses and the groomsmen’s suits.
Katie and her dad travelled to Cripps together and I just love the shots of Katie’s dad helping her out of the car. The pride on her dad’s face really is evident.
The ceremony was so happy and light-hearted with lots of laughter and my hope is that when Katie and Michael look through their photos in years to come, those special moments will come flooding back. Although the lighting in Cripps is always spot on, I just love the timeless look of a black and white photo, particularly during the ceremony.
After the ceremony the guests enjoyed peach Bellini’s and canapes while the little ones enjoyed stretching their legs in the beautiful gardens. Everyone was then treated to an incredible menu of BBQ Rump of beef with chimichurri & Rotisserie Chicken or Middle Eastern roasted vegetable Turla-turla with cumin yoghurt. To finish it was the epic Chocolate Brownie served with vanilla mascarpone cream….and it really was epic!
As we moved into the evening, it really was a photographer’s dream. We had wildflower meadows, sunsets, smoke bombs….What more can you ask for.
The Gilmore’s certainly know how to throw a good party and with the help of the incredible @FoxlandbandUK and saxophone beats, the dancing didn’t stop!
Mr and Mrs Gilmore, it has been an absolute pleasure, and I couldn’t have asked for such a wonderful group of family and friends to work with either! Thank you for including me in your celebrations and wishing you all the very best for your future together.
“Exceptional!! would recommend Paul 1000X over! He fitted into the day seamlessly, great fun to work with, felt like a friend on the day and not a supplier! The end result we couldn’t be happier with either, Paul suggested at different times of the day to get more photos to capture different lights/moods and this worked really well with our venue!”