Jess and Max are an amazing couple who contacted me way back in the summer of 2022 about capturing their Cotswold wedding at Merriscourt; once I knew I was free and we’d had a chat I knew this was going to be a good one.

We met up at Blenheim Palace at the end of November where I got to capture them for an engagement session and it was lovely to meet a young couple who were so energetic and happy to be together, they giggled their way through the time and it was such a pleasure to know I was going to be with them on their wedding day.

Bride and Groom walking hand in hand through a field at sunset at Merriscourt in the Cotswolds

Another Stunning day full of love and laughter for this beautiful couple.

The morning started with Jess getting ready with the girls at her parents home in Oxfordshire as I joined them (after finally finding the house). Everyone was in a fantastic mood, enjoying the build-up and really relaxed about the day ahead. I started off photographing the most beautiful dress (with all 17 layers!) and details; as I was making my way back to the girls who were having hair and makeup done, I spotted Jess’ mother in the kitchen typing away. I was curious - was this last minute notes for a speech?

Jess’ brother, Sam, is not only a fantastic cricketer who represents England, but he is also blind, and when I was talking with their mother it turns out that she was actually typing the words to the hymns to be sung at the church on their braille typewriter and I thought this was a lovely moment to capture - very much a close family.

As Jess got ready to surprise the bridesmaids and father with her completed look, Max and the boys were arriving at the church, ready to greet their guests and get inside the church. Max was a little nervous, but his groomsmen were with him and supporting every step of the way and so, by the time his bride made her way up the aisle, he was just beaming with admiration and pride.

Their ceremony was perfect, with some speeches from loved ones and some excellent singing voices (yes, even the guys at the back!), and so newly-wed, Jess and Max walked though a wonderful and very colourful, confetti line. Next was something that I think Max was really excited about too - he was taking the wheel of a Porsche 911 to whisk his wife away with.

We all headed back to Merriscourt for the couples’ reception and what a wonderful venue it is. With three main barns joined and set in over 500 acres of countryside, it certain makes for an exclusive and picturesque place to celebrate at. Once we arrived, we caught up with the guests and then moved onto the formal group photos which were blessed with glorious sunshine.

As we headed back in we setup ready for speeches and they were superb - Jess’ father delivered a funny and emotional speech, followed by Max and then his best men, who did him proud with a nice mix of humour and valuable memories. Then it was time to dine!

Whilst everyone slowly filtered out of the dining area, Jess and Max joined us in the gardens of the cottages for some couple portraits and you could tell the couple were in a bubble of their own - with few prompts, it was great to just let them spend time together and see them laughing and joking. At one moment we were taking a few photos of Jess on her own and I looked over to Max, who was just staring at his bride with a smile, taking in the moment, knowing he was going to spend the rest of his life with the beautiful woman in front of him.

The evening kicked off in style, with their chosen band, Tux Fizz, absolutely blowing everyone away with some incredible music and the passion and energy they had was matched by the guests who refused to leave an inch of the dancefloor empty. The bands’ vocalists joined guests on the dance floor and shared the microphones around, ensuring that everyone was really involved and it was so, so good!

Just as the band took a short refreshment break, I mentioned to the couple that I’d seen the chance of a good sunset in some fields just away from the main car park - they certainly didn’t need asking twice, and we marched to the spot and captured some great shots as the sun was saying it’s goodbye for the evening. As the couple headed back and ripped up the dance floor again, I also said my goodbyes and headed home, but this was one wedding that was going to live long in my memory.