Some weddings feel like they've been lifted straight from the pages of a storybook, and Allie and Steve's beautiful Cotswolds wedding was certainly one of them.
Travelling all the way from the United States, they planned every detail of their wedding from thousands of miles away, choosing to celebrate in the place where their story had taken such a special turn. The Cotswolds held a special place in their hearts after Steve proposed here, making it the perfect setting to begin this next chapter surrounded by their closest family and friends.
I had the pleasure of photographing their day as a second photographer alongside the incredibly talented Grace Dove Photography, documenting the moments unfolding behind the scenes while supporting the lead photographer throughout the day. It was a wonderful opportunity to capture such a thoughtfully planned celebration in one of the most beautiful corners of the Cotswolds.
A Relaxed Morning at The Manor House
The day began at The Manor House Hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh, where Allie and her bridal party were getting ready in the charming Apple Cottage tucked away within the hotel grounds.
The atmosphere couldn't have been more relaxed. Fresh coffee deliveries, bagels shared between friends and plenty of laughter filled the morning as everyone enjoyed the excitement before the celebrations began. There were thoughtful gifts from loved ones who couldn't make the journey from America, emotional moments with family and the quiet anticipation that always comes before putting on the wedding dress.
Before long, it was time to make the short journey to Kiftsgate Court Gardens.
A First Look in the Water Garden
One of the most memorable parts of the day was Allie and Steve's decision to share a private first look before the ceremony.
Thanks to their exclusive access before the gardens opened to the public, the entire venue felt wonderfully peaceful. With only the birds chriping, the sound of the fountains and the beautifully kept gardens surrounding them, it was an incredibly special setting for such an intimate moment.
Steve waited patiently on the small island within the Water Garden, while Allie made her way towards him. The moment they saw one another, everything else seemed to disappear. There were smiles, happy tears and quiet laughter as they took a few moments simply to enjoy being together before the day truly began.
Not long afterwards, they exchanged private vows tucked away beneath the trees, sharing promises with only each other. It was one of those moments that felt incredibly personal and a privilege to capture from a distance.
Exploring Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Having the gardens almost entirely to ourselves meant there was plenty of time to explore before guests began to arrive.
Every corner offered another beautiful backdrop. Rather than rushing from one location to the next, we wandered through the gardens naturally, stopping wherever the light caught our attention or another stunning view revealed itself.
It's easy to see why Kiftsgate Court Gardens has become such a sought-after wedding venue. Every part of the gardens feels beautifully considered while still allowing couples to enjoy a relaxed, unhurried experience.
A Ceremony with a View
The ceremony took place overlooking the rolling Cotswold Hills, surrounded by colourful gardens and the people who had travelled across the world to celebrate alongside them. Officiated by one of the couple's close friends, the ceremony felt incredibly personal and reflected exactly who Allie and Steve are.
After they were announced as husband and wife, guests gathered outside to celebrate before heading to a coffee cart waiting nearby, a lovely touch that everyone thoroughly enjoyed. While guests caught up over coffee, we made the most of the quieter gardens for family photographs before everyone climbed aboard the bus back to The Manor House Hotel to continue the celebrations.
As we were leaving, visitors were just beginning to arrive for the day. It couldn't have been timed more perfectly, allowing Allie and Steve to enjoy one of England's most beautiful gardens almost entirely to themselves.
Back to The Manor House Hotel
With family photographs complete, everyone climbed aboard the bus and made the journey back to The Manor House Hotel to continue the celebrations.
The May sunshine was still in full force, making the hotel's gardens the perfect place for guests to gather with a glass of champagne and enjoy a little time together before the wedding breakfast. As canapés were passed around and conversations filled the courtyard, there was a lovely sense of everyone simply soaking up the afternoon.
As everyone made their way inside for the wedding breakfast, it felt like the perfect end to a beautifully planned celebration. From the peaceful morning preparations and emotional first look to the stunning gardens of Kiftsgate and the laughter shared back at The Manor House, every part of the day reflected Allie and Steve's love story and the special place the Cotswolds holds in their hearts.
It was a joy to help document such a thoughtful and heartfelt celebration alongside Grace Dove Photography, and I feel incredibly grateful to have played a small part in such a memorable day.
Planning your own Cotswolds wedding?
If you're dreaming of a relaxed, documentary-style wedding in the Cotswolds or beyond, I'd love to hear all about your plans.
Whether you're celebrating in beautiful gardens, a countryside manor or somewhere completely unique, my approach is all about capturing the genuine moments that make your story yours.