Oliver and Fabrizio’s Heartfelt Wedding at Cumnor United Reform Church, followed by a Joyous Reception at The Perch

I consider myself to be so lucky to call wedding photography my job. I spend my days with wonderful couples and their families. I’m surrounded by joy. It’s perfect. 

And every now and then a wedding comes along that is just the cherry on top of that delicious wedding photography cake. A wedding where I become part of the family, a wedding where there are smiles at every turn and I can’t stop taking photographs because happiness just shines out. Oliver and Fabrizio’s wedding was one of those days. 

From the very relaxed morning at Oliver’s family home through to the warm, uplifting ceremony and the beautiful wedding reception at one of my favourite venues, The Perch, this day really did have it all. 

Wedding celebration at Cumnor United Reform Church

This was my first time visiting Cumnor United Reform Church and I cannot wait to shoot there again. This lovely church is out in the Oxfordshire countryside, but just a short drive from the city. Their tagline is ‘a small church with a big heart’ and I can’t think of a more apt description! 

Cumnor URC pride themselves on being a welcoming venue for LGBTQ+ couples and they were the first congregation in Oxfordshire to register for Same Sex marriages. I love that this spirit of hope and inclusion shines through in everyone at the church. It really was a fantastic ceremony to witness, full of music and sheer unadulterated happiness. Oliver and Fabrizio’s dog, Doug, even got involved! 

The Perch, Oxford wedding photography 

The Perch is one of my favourite wedding venues. One of Oxford oldest pubs, the 17th century thatched building sits in the most tranquil and beautiful spot, right on the banks of the Thames. 

As is typical of an Oxford wedding venue, the Perch is steeped in history. There has been a pub on the site for over 800 years – and in that time they’ve welcomed some of Britain’s most revered and celebrated authors, poets and artists through their doors. It’s been immortalised in Inspector Morse (and Lewis and Endeavour) and is an influential venue on the British jazz scene. So Oliver and Fabrizio were in very good company when they chose The Perch to host their wedding reception! 

Fabrizio’s friends and family had flown over from Italy and all over the UK, and their wedding was postponed due to Covid, so I know how much it meant to both Fabrizio and Oliver to see all their loved ones chatting away and having a great time together. 

A Country Feast

After enjoying the sunshine in The Perch’s grounds everyone made their way inside the marquee for the wedding breakfast. The Perch are well known for their “country feasts”. Heaps of yummy food, all sourced from the local area. The tables are always piled high with edible delights and I never get tired of seeing the astonishment on guest’s faces as plates and trays of exquisite food are brought out. It really is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach! 

Once everyone had eaten their fill, and after some emotional speeches which had the whole marquee – including me! – in tears, it was time to party! Their first dance led straight into a ceilidh and before long the dance floor was packed. Everyone was getting involved and having a go! 

I’ll leave you with my highlights – and there are many – from Oliver and Fabrizio’s day. If you’re planning on getting married at Cumnor United Reform Church or The Perch then please get in touch. I would love to hear more about your plans and chat to you about your wedding photography. 

Suits- Bought in Italy

Flowers- Kemlo and Kemlo

Ceilidh Band- The Ceilidh Tree

Cake- Oli’s mum