Marie and Nick’s summer wedding was pure, sun filled perfection. They (and all their guests) travelled over from France and the Netherlands for their wedding at Jesus College in Oxford. 

They were both so keen to have a relaxed city wedding with an afternoon picnic vibe. Luckily they chose the ideal venues for this, Jesus College in the centre of Oxford and the beautiful Cherwell Boathouse, right on the banks of the River Cherwell. 

Oxford City Centre Wedding Photography

One of my favourite things about being a wedding photographer in Oxford is all the beautiful and historic spaces that I get to visit and spend time in. I have photographed wedding ceremonies in most of the Oxford University Chapels over the years and as with all the college chapels it really didn’t disappoint! 

Jesus College was founded in 1571 by Elizabeth I. The late Gothic architecture is truly stunning and made the perfect backdrop to Nick and Marie’s intimate ceremony. I always love the warmth of the college chapels and was immediately drawn to the beautiful floor tiles and dark oak panels. 

Following the ceremony we all emerged, blinking into the bright June sunshine. It can be a slight shock to the system when you leave the dim light of a College Chapel and head out into a summer’s day! 

After confetti Marie and Nick’s guests all enjoyed canapés on the lawn whilst Marie, Nick and I went for a stroll around the College for some portraits. The three of us wanted to explore the city centre a little, including visits to the Bodleian Library and the Bridge of Sighs. All key Oxford landmarks and places Marie and Nick remembered well from their own time at the university. 

Wedding reception at Cherwell Boathouse

I have blogged about my love for Cherwell Boathouse many times, so it almost goes without saying how much I adore it there! Situated on the banks of the River Cherwell, this really is a dream Oxford wedding location. It’s relaxed, it’s laid back, there are punts to hire and the food is superb. 

The guests arrived on a vintage red bus, but Marie and Nick had a surprise in store for their guests! As family and friends gathered on the banks of the Cherwell, chatting away and taking in the views, they looked up to see a smiling Nick and Marie arriving by punt! I don’t think you could have a more quintessential Oxford entrance to your wedding reception! 

Guest spent the afternoon enjoying the river, either on dry land or out on punts. It was the most picture perfect wedding reception. 

Nick and Marie entered their wedding marquee to cheers, napkin waving and whoops of joy. The atmosphere was fantastic. I must also mention the talented and lovely Tushar Sabale. Nick and Marie’s friends had hired the artist to paint a picture of the couple. It was a complete surprise and they were overjoyed when their friends presented the finished piece to them during the speeches. 

The evening ended with dancing and lots of merriment! A fitting end to a wedding day that had been filled with joy and laughter.

Flowers: Fabulous Wedding Flowers

Music: The Django Rags

Wedding Transportation: The Vintage Red Bus

Makeup: Emy Davies

Wedding Painting: Tushar Sabale: https://www.tusharsabale.com/