Caswell House Wedding
An emotional Autumn Wedding At Caswell House in Oxfordshire.
Caswell House, a stunning wedding venue nestled in The Cotswolds countryside. Caswell House has a fascinating history which you can read about here. Each building brings its own uniqueness to the venue but all have the beautiful cotswold stone. Everywhere you look it is picture perfect. A venue that is infamous for its exclusive weddings providing preparation rooms and luxurious bedrooms for guests to stay.
I first met Rachel and Fil in a zoom meeting just after they enquired about my wedding photography packages. We got on like a house on fire. Although, I don’t believe there is anyone on this planet that wouldn’t instantly love this couple! So chilled and easy to chat to and always with a cheeky smile and joke for everyone. I knew this wedding was going to be one to remember.
The morning involved so many tears of joy and genuine laughter with old school friends and family, The boys had a friendly game of darts to keep the spirits high in the house and the girls were loving their morning of pampering with the dream team that is Mariella and Holly. Two of the best suppliers to have around for your bridal preparations. Macie had even prepared a little survival pack for all of us suppliers. Which included sweets, fizzy drinks, biscuits and crisps…. all the essential food groups to keep anybody going.
As the excited guests started to take their seats, the bridal party made their way to the ceremony, Fil and the boys to the end of the aisle. The anticipation in the barn was palpable. As Rachel and Macie appeared in the doorway, the emotions got the better of the most of us, but even more so for Fil. But then Macie started crying as she walked down the aisle and at that point, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. The marriage ceremony continued as it started, lots of tears but so much more laughter. From fumbled vows to nervous giggles between the couple. This truly adorable trio became a family.
Rachel and Fil had the ingenious idea of providing all their guests with charming wands with bells and ribbons. The registrars informed the guests to use these during key moments of the ceremony. Instructing them to wave them enthusiastically for the first kiss and again for the exit of the newlyweds. This unique touch created a beautiful scene for these special moments in their wedding ceremony.
The wands offered a special twist on a confetti tunnel too. Guests lined up, cheered, and waved the wands enthusiastically as the couple walked through, enjoying the celebration with family and friends.
The reception in the beautiful autumn garden featured champagne and canapés, made even more special by the talented James. Who entertained guests with his saxophone, playing some club classics. This immediately set the perfect party mood, nice and early in the day. It wasn’t long before people found themselves singing and dancing along,
After taking in the stunning reception room which was fully set up and elegantly prepared for dinner, we decided to go on a quick wander around the vibrant autumn garden to capture some couple photos. The array of colours in the foliage and flowers was simply beautiful. We then wrapped up our session with a champagne spray outside of the house. These are always a lot of fun and inevitably create a silly, lighthearted memory.
Then it was time to return to the guests. An energy filled entrance to the wedding breakfast with James playing the saxophone and Rachel and Fil dancing their way down the room. Before the speeches commenced. The speeches, oh my, some of the most outrageously funny and entertaining speeches I’ve heard. The best man pushing the limits to the perfect point. Leaving everyone in stitches. I am a massive fan of this, personality in speeches rather than the tired google suggestions will ALWAYS get my vote. These concluded with a sing along with the Best man and Groom doing a rather nostalgic and special rendition of the Backstreet Boys “ I want it that way”.
A quick dress change ahead of the dancing, to a slinky feather trimmed little number for Rachel. Allowed her the freedom to really dance her socks off when the time came. The tone of the day had been set so early in the day, the guests were eagerly anticipating the dancing to kick in, when it did, it really did. Arms flinging everywhere, everyone throwing enthusiastic shapes on the busy dance floor. Even as we packed up, the dance floor was still heaving and it was clear these celebrations were going to go on long into the night.
A massive thank you to Rachel, Fil and all of their guests for making us feel so welcome and part of the day. It was definitely a wedding we will talk about for many, many years!
Venue: Caswell House
Videographer: HC Visuals
Second Photographer: Tom Aizenberg
Florist: Joanna Carter Flowers
Wedding Dress: Essense Of Australia
Butterfly Bridal Boutique
Seamstress: Sewnbyme
Bridesmaids Dresses: Monsoon
Suits: Fogarty Formal Hire
Make Up Artist: Mariella Rodhouse
Hair Stylist: Holly Edmundson
Saxophonist: James Burwell
Band: The Chaps Band
Cake - The Pretty Cake Company
Are you planning your wedding at Caswell House? I’d absolutely love to hear from you.
