I was so happy when Dot and Alex told me they were holding their reception at The Cherwell Boathouse. This is one of my favourite local venues – it’s right on the river and is run by a lovely team who understand the importance of putting your own stamp on your wedding day. The food is incredible, and (the best bit, if you ask me) the bride and groom can arrive in style in their very own punt. It’s quintessentially English and just so romantic!
Dorota and Alex are a couple who really like to make an entrance! Not only did they glide along the river in a punt to their reception, they chose a vintage mini as their transportation to the church. Alex drove to pick up his bride-to-be and they arrived at the church together so they could walk down the aisle arm in arm. I love that they weren’t afraid to break with tradition and take their first steps into married life together.
Some of my favourite pictures of the day were at the punt arrival. There’s a lovely mix of glamour and romance, and hilariously candid wobbling as everyone tried to exit the boats with dignity intact. The theme of the reception was heavily inspired by the riverside venue, with lots of lovely touches that sum up English summertime. Think strawberries, Pimms cocktails (I’m so happy that Pimms O Clock exists!) and straw boater hats for the guests. It’s hard not to look spiffing in a straw boater, it turns out!
Each guest was given a note to fill in for the bride and groom, including space for some marriage advice, and room to draw a self portrait, which led to some brilliant results. I love this idea, it’ll make a wonderful and probably quite barmy scrapbook for Dorota and Alex to look back on in years to come! After the speeches, the party got going fairly quickly, as Dorota incorporated a tradition from her home in Poland and chose to have the toasts with shots of vodka rather than bubbles!
Here are some of my favourite images from this lovely day. If you’re looking for a photographer for your wedding day, get in touch and let’s have a chat. I’d love to hear from you.
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