Is all Bedfordshire wedding photography like this?! If so, count me in!
Vivi and James’ Christmas wedding in Bedfordshire was just phenomenal.
Artful styling from Louise Perry combined festive warmth and whimsy with all the hallmarks of a classically beautiful wedding. There were traditional details like the bouquet of white, crimson and burgundy garden roses and the stylish groomsmen suits with tails. And even an old routemaster bus for the guests and a vintage Rolls Royce as a wedding car! It all combined to give the styling a timelessly sophisticated aesthetic.
But when we moved on to the reception, it was like entering a Christmas wonderland! It was brimming with festive cheer and stylish Chsitmassy details. And it felt more like a luxurious Christmas feast than a wedding breakfast!
But it wasn’t just beautifully styled, it got really emotional, too! Vivi got ready in her childhood bedroom, with her old school books and photo albums still on the shelf. There was memory, meaning, and love in the walls. And I’m not gonna lie, it kinda got to me a little bit!
From beginning to end, Vivi and James’ wedding was cosy, classy, super emotional, and wonderfully Christmassy. So come take a look. Because I guarantee it’ll make you want to crack open the mulled wine!
Bridal prep in her childhood bedroom
Vivi chose to get ready in her childhood bedroom. Having her hair and make up done and putting on her beautiful wedding dress, in a room where her old school books and childhood photo albums were still on the shelf. It was such a poignant reminder of her life’s journey and all the memories and moments that had come before.
I always love a ‘first look’ with the parents of the bride. Because it’s guaranteed to get me all misty eyed behind the lens! I loved that I got to take photos of Vivi and her parents outside the front door of their family home. And I couldn’t help but imagine them having ‘first day of school photos’ together many decades before.
A festive wedding ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Woburn
Vivi and James had their ceremony in the breathtakingly beautiful St Mary’s Church in Woburn. And here’s a fun fact! Ginger Spice got married at St Mary’s Church! She wasn’t there though, which was a disappointment. But even without Ginger Spice there, it’s still a wonderful place to get married. Especially at Christmas!
There was a huge Christmas tree at the top of the aisle. A gift from the Duchess who lives next door (I know, right?!) And Louise Perry had worked her styling magic, with bundles of christmas firs, ivy, and sprigs of mistletoe lining the aisle from the ends of the pews.
We hadn’t even left the church yet and already I was feeling that warm Christmas cheer!
A Christmas gift from the Bedfordshire wedding photography gods!
After Vivi and James had come out of the church to a shower of confetti, we had some photos in front of the church’s big red doors. With the deep red velvet bridesmaids dresses and the red ties of the groomsmen, these doors perfectly complemented the wedding’s festive palette. A Christmas gift from the wedding photography gods!
Vivi, James and I strolled off into the church’s grounds together for some couples portraits. A winter fog had rolled in and shrouded the distant trees, adding little extra Christmas magic to the beautiful churchyard. This brief time together as a couple after your ceremony is always a special few moments together anyway. And one of my favourite parts of any wedding day as a wedding photographer. But with the fog blanketing the grounds in a blissful silence, it made it all the more intimate and secluded.
Sophisticated Christmas wedding styling inspiration
Vivi and James had their reception in a huge marquee in Vivi’s parents’ garden. And saying it was styled to the max does not do it justice! Because with not a shred of tinsel or an inflatable santa in sight, this was an absolute masterclass in classy Christmas styling.
Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes filled the decking and greeted us as we arrived. And the bundles of Christmas foliage from church had been repurposed and draped over the back of the chairs. Huge Christmas wreaths and baubles hung from the fairy-light-covered roof of the marquee. And there was even mistletoe hanging above the doorway!
And I loved the knotted purple napkins, the gold cutlery and gold rimmed glasses on the table, and the pine cones scattered about the elegant three-tiered buttercream cake. Candles flickered on the tables as we watched the December sky growing dark through the marquee’s clear roof. And the whole place smelled like Christmas trees, pine cones and candles. Magic.
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I honestly loved this wedding. Effortless class and sophistication was blended seamlessly with fun little festive touches and a warm, wintery cosiness. And it made it one of the most beautiful, unique, and fun weddings I’ve ever been to.
But most of all, Vivi and James’ love for each other was so infectious to be around. They radiated affection and happiness in each other’s company. From the intimate couple’s portraits in the grounds of the church, to the wonderful reception surrounded by their friends and family, they were so hopelessly besotted with each other. And I felt so blessed to be the one to capture their special day.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Bedfordshire and you love my work, I’d be delighted to hear from you. Please get in touch today and let’s get to know each other.
The Wonderful Suppliers:
Dress: Rosa Clara
Florist: Blue Sky Flowers
Wedding Planner: Louise Perry Weddings
Hair: @kylies_hair_affair
Make-up: @emmaguildmakeup @spenceandoliver
Grooms Attire: Souster & Hicks
Entertainment: The Tricks
Food: Gather & Feast
