A summer Oxford Oratory and Ashmolean Wedding, wow what an amazing combination. Oxford is honestly a dream come true for a photographer, and I was really spoilt for choice at Fran and David’s wedding in early September, with three incredible venues to capture – The Oxford Oratory Church, Regent’s Park College and Ashmolean. Gorgeous weather, a stunning setting and a great group of people made this one to remember! Due to the sheer size and logistics of shooting the wedding, I employed the help of a second shooter. A big shout out and thank you to Jessica Jager (www.jessicajager.co.uk) who did an awesome job of assisting me on the day – especially capturing the groom’s morning shots while I was photographing the bride.

The couple

Fran and David are a fab couple and we really had a lot of fun together capturing their wedding. I’d actually already had a chance to photograph Fran, as she did one of the luxury Ellie Sanderson boudoir shoots (www.elliesandersonboudoir.co.uk) as a wedding gift to David – who was blown away by the surprise and, of course, absolutely loved the photos – which meant she was already pretty relaxed in front of the camera. Fran loved the photos so much from this shoot that the beautiful album was being passed around her bridesmaids on the morning of the wedding during the getting ready shots!

The groom, David, has Scottish roots, and I love how the couple gave a nod to this throughout the day with thistle buttonholes, flashes of tartan and a lively ceilidh in the evening.

Fran got ready with her family and bridesmaids at the Old Parsonage Hotel, a gorgeous 17^th-century hotel in the centre of Oxford, packed with character and a great setting for some fun ‘getting ready’ shots.

The wedding dress

Fran wore a luxury, couture gown by British bridal designer Phillipa Lepley. With its ruched satin sweetheart neckline bodice, classic A-line skirt and lace bolero, the dress perfectly channelled a timeless, elegant style. Fran added a string of pearls, pearl earrings, a pearl embellished headband and a pair of classy L.K. Bennett heels to complete her beautiful English rose bridal look.

Her bridesmaids wore chic, navy floor-length dresses and matching pearls, and carried the most incredible bouquets. The flowers really were something else – a dramatic clash of textures in white and shades of blue, all with the ever-present thistle!

Oxford Oratory Wedding – the ceremony

The couple married at The Oxford Oratory, an amazing Catholic church in the centre of Oxford. One word – wow! This place is unreal and I relished the opportunity to photograph inside such an atmospheric church. This is where having a second shooter really paid off, as we could capture the ceremony from ground level as well as from the balcony. Getting two different perspectives on the ceremony led to getting some very cool shots!

The drinks reception at Regents College Oxford

There’s something really special about Oxford in the sunshine and Fran and David were blessed with fantastic weather all day. As the wedding party walked through the sunny streets of Oxford, for the church to Regent’s Park College for a champagne reception, I managed to snap some great candid shots. Regent’s Park College itself made a fab setting for a drinks reception – everyone piled out into the beautiful gardens to drink champagne in the sun, accompanied by the sounds of a pianist. Fran and David even had a silhouette artist cutting guests’ silhouettes out of paper (very impressive!) as a fun keepsake of the day – such a different choice of entertainment and the guests loved it. I grabbed this opportunity to get some couple and bridal party shots, making the most of the fab gardens.

Ashmolean Wedding – the reception

The guests took to the streets again for a short walk to the next venue, the Ashmolean (www.ashmolean.org) – the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing many weddings here and am very proud to be one of Ashmolean’s recommended wedding photographers – it’s a really unique wedding venue with loads of cool places for memorable wedding photos. While everyone enjoyed another glass of champagne, I took Fran and David off for some couple shots in the museum’s Cast Room and Mallet Gallery ­– what a treat to capture these special moments surrounded by world-class art! I then managed to assemble everyone for an epic group shot on the staircase in the Atrium. Can you spot the bride and groom?!

A  wedding breakfast in the impressive setting of the amazing Sculpture Gallery followed, then the night wound up with a traditional ceilidh, where all the guests got stuck in.

For more wedding ideas and inspiration, check out my blog.

The Oxford Oratory and The Ashmolean Wedding Photos

If you would like to see other Ashmolean Weddings then click the link here Weddings at The Ashmolean