Capturing Love and Joy: A Cotswold Wedding at Merris Court with a Furry Friend
- Chantelle Shepherd Photography
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
By Chantelle Shepherd Photography www.chantelleshepherdphotography.co.uk
Venue- Merriscourt
A wedding day is full of moments that tell a story—joy, laughter, and love shared between two people and their closest friends and family. When that story unfolds at a stunning Cotswold wedding venue like Merris Court, near Chipping Norton, it becomes even more special. This wedding was a perfect blend of natural beauty, heartfelt moments, and a touch of furry fun, all captured through intentional candid wedding photography that brings the day to life.
The Charm of Merris Court Wedding Venue
Merris Court offers a unique setting for couples looking to celebrate their wedding in the heart of the Cotswolds. Its classic architecture and surrounding fields provide a timeless backdrop that blends elegance with countryside charm. The venue offers space for inside and outdoor ceremony's, including a separate space for dining and relaxing. There is also accommodation onsite, as well as a separate space for to get ready in the morning of the wedding. For couples choosing this venue, the experience is about more than just the location—it’s about the relaxed atmosphere and the ability to create personal, memorable moments.
The venue’s gardens and open spaces allowed for plenty of natural light and beautiful scenery, perfect for myself as a Cotswold photographer to capture every detail that this area brings. The day’s floral arrangements, crafted by Eden Flowers from Burford, featured white roses and incredible greenery that complemented the venue’s rustic elegance.
Flowers- edenflowers
Including a Furry Family Member
One of the highlights of this wedding was the presence of the couple’s dog, who played a special role throughout the day. With help from Chris with Short Legs dog care, the dog was comfortable and happy, adding a warm, personal touch to the celebrations. Including pets in weddings is becoming more popular, and it brings a relaxed, joyful energy that guests and photographers alike appreciate.
The candid wedding photography that I aim to strive for enabled me to capture moments of the dog interacting with guests and the bride and groom, showing genuine affection and adding to the day’s natural feel. These images remind couples that weddings don’t have to be stiff or overly formal—they can be filled with laughter, love, and even a little playful chaos.
Capturing Candid Moments and Vibrant Energy
The best wedding photos often come from unplanned moments. This wedding was no exception. As an intentional wedding photographer I focus on capturing images that tell a story, pulling all parts of the wedding day together, catching guests sharing smiles, laughter, and spontaneous dances. My relaxed approach helps my couples to feel at ease, capturing lots of movement and laughter, producing couples portraits that are timeless.
During the cake cutting, forward facing flash was used to create a vibey effect that highlighted the fun celebration. It can often have a whole new effect on images offering creativity on a new level.
Evening Portraits with a Sunset Backdrop
As the day turned to evening, the couple took advantage of the beautiful Cotswold sunset over the fields surrounding Merris Court. These relaxed portraits captured the couple’s connection in soft, warm light, creating timeless images that reflect their love and the peaceful countryside setting.
This part of the day for the couple is important, as it allows time away to breathe and just be with each other.
Why Choose a Cotswold Wedding Photographer
Choosing the right photographer is key to capturing the essence of your wedding day. As a wedding photographer that has captured over 100 weddings around The Cotswolds and beyond, I understand how important capturing true moments are. Which is why i photography with intent and observation, anticipating when important times are about to happen and gaging the atmosphere of the wedding day, blending candid wedding photography with artistic portraits to tell your story naturally.
Whether you are planning your wedding at Merris Court wedding venue or another location in Gloucestershire or Oxfordshire, working with a photographer familiar with the area will always be a bonus, ensuring your photos will reflect the beauty and spirit of the Cotswolds.
Final Thoughts on a Relaxed and Joyful Wedding Day
This wedding at Merris Court was a wonderful example of how a day can be both elegant and relaxed. The inclusion of the couple’s dog, the beautiful floral arrangements by Eden Flowers, and the use of creative photography techniques all contributed to a memorable celebration. I look forward to returning back at Merris Court soon.
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