Sophie TC Oxfordshire Wedding Photographer

Vibrant bright and natural Wedding Photography in Gloucestershire and the UK

Cotswold Hotel and spa wedding

Gemma and Dave

In May of 2022, I had the pleasure of photographing the lovely Dave and Gemma at the Cotswold Hotel and Spa Wedding in Chipping Norton. A stunning hotel set amongst the beautiful Cotswolds and on the doorstep of the golf course – yes golf buggies were involved! 

The day started out without a hitch with Gemma and her girls all getting ready, watching the flowers arrive and drinking bubbly. The rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and Gemma was relaxed and excited to marry the love of her life. The boys were checking the decorations were all set and keeping Dave calm and relaxed. 

Cotswold Hotel and Spa Wedding
Cotswold Hotel and Spa Wedding
Cotswold Hotel and Spa Wedding

There was a slight hiccup in the proceedings when the fire alarm started going off just before the ceremony – literally Gemma had just finished with the registrars and was ready to walk in. Instead we were working on getting people out to assembly points without Dave seeing her! For some this might cause lots of stress but Gemma found it hilarious! The hotel quickly sorted it out and everyone was safe and the ceremony went ahead – uninterrupted and without Dave seeing Gemma before the start! The rest of the day went off without a hitch. There was even a break in the rain for confetti shots and some family group photos. 

One of the best parts of their day was during their portrait mini session. Dave and Gemma had organised golf buggies with the hotel to take them off to a lovely little spot for some photos together. Gemma actually drove one of the buggies with her new husband Dave holding the bouquet and they were having so much fun! The rain didn’t stop them from having a wonderful time and I have to say umbrella shots are one of my favourites! 

Cotswold Hotel and Spa Wedding
Cotswold Hotel and Spa Wedding

Gemma and Dave had a beautiful coastal theme to their day. They have settled down in Cornwall and so decided to bring the coast to the Cotswolds Hotel and Spa Wedding. Beautiful blues and a slight hint of pink. 

Cotswold Hotel and Spa Wedding
Cotswold Hotel and Spa Wedding
Cotswold Hotel and Spa Wedding
Cotswold Hotel and Spa Wedding

Dave and Gemma had their engagement shoot down in Cornwall, where they live, and it was stunning at sunset! Their lovely dog Donkey (yes that’s correct their dog is called Donkey!) came along on their shoot as well. I always encourage my couples to pick locations they are comfortable with and to bring along any dogs if they have them. They make wonderful photos as you are just relaxed and having fun – plus no one ever complained about having loads of photos of their pet! Sadly, Donkey wasn’t there on their wedding day but was there in photos on the table plan. Here are a few photos from their shoot below, head on over to their full shoot here.

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Cornwall Beach Engagement

Tips from this wedding to take to yours:

  • Don’t let hiccups in the day bother you. Whether it is rain or in this case fire alarms! It won’t stop you getting married and having fun. Plus, it makes a great story to tell the grandkids one day! Your venue, like the Cotswold Hotel and Spa, will get everything sorted for you just like in this case. 
  • If you can take a trip in a golf buggy to somewhere for your couples portraits and drive yourselves – it makes a great story and fun photos. Added bonus is you really get some much-needed alone time away from your guests. Your wedding day flies by extremely quickly. During your portrait time I also give you about 5-10 minutes/however long you want to just take some time to breathe it all in. No photos being taken, no guests just the two of you on your day.

Want to book an Oxford Wedding Photographer?

Check out this Cotswold Hotel and Spa Wedding below and then head on over to my portfolio page to see more! If you want more information on planning your wedding or engagement, then head on over to my weddings and engagements pages.

If you want even more information, then head to my contact page and drop me a message. I can send you over my wedding guide and even book you in for a consultation call.