Oxfordshire Wedding Photography
Stratton Court Barn Wedding Photography
David & Ella-Mae’s Italian-themed summer day
Hi, I’m Jordan, a wedding photographer in Oxfordshire, and I recently spent a beautiful summer’s day at the lovely Stratton Court Barn. These are some of my favourite Stratton Court Barn photos, from David and Ella-Mae’s wedding, an idyllic countryside venue that turned out to be the perfect setting for a romantic, intimate celebration.
Theirs was an Italian-themed day, complete with limoncello favours, dancing in the courtyard, and all the usual joyful moments alongside a few lovely surprises. If you photograph as much of this county as I do, you can see more about how I work across Oxfordshire, but for now, let me rewind and take you through their day from the very beginning.
The Morning
Bridal Preps in the Hayloft
I arrived a couple of hours before the ceremony and wandered the venue, taking in all the little details David and Ella-Mae had put in place. Then I joined Ella-Mae and her bridesmaids in the Hayloft, where the hair and makeup team were busy and the mood was relaxed and full of anticipation. I love this part of the day, catching the details and the quiet moments before everything begins.
There is always something special about the dress. David also pulled off a lovely surprise, sending Ella-Mae a bouquet of white roses, and she had written him a letter in return, a quiet exchange I was glad to catch before the day got going.
Then came Tequila Rose shots for the bride and her crew, a fun twist before the ceremony. Meanwhile, Ella-Mae’s father was waiting for that first look at his daughter, one of those moments that always carries a little weight.
The Ceremony
The Main Barn
Oak beams, natural light, and an unplugged ceremony.
The Ceremony
An Unplugged Day in the Main Barn
At Stratton Court you can marry outdoors or in the main barn, and David and Ella-Mae chose the barn, with its sturdy oak beams and soft natural light. At their request it was an unplugged ceremony, phones away, everyone present, which meant I had the moments all to myself to photograph. Little touches like the chair decorations and the unplugged sign set the tone before anyone took their seats.
With the groom waiting at the front, Ella-Mae walked in with her father to become the centre of everyone’s attention. There were a few happy tears, as there often are, and the ceremony was full of warmth as the two of them said their vows in front of everyone who mattered.
After the vows came the signing of the register, with both sets of parents close by, and then the walk back as a married couple. Outside, their guests were waiting with confetti, always one of my favourite moments to photograph.
The Reception
Drinks in the Courtyard
Signature cocktails, a saxophonist, and sunshine.
The Drinks Reception
Sunshine in the Courtyard
After the confetti, guests spilled out into the courtyard to congratulate the couple and grab a drink. Alongside the champagne were two signature cocktails made for the day, the groom’s Italiano Fizzano and the bride’s St Germain Spritz, a nod to their Italian theme. There were garden games on the lawn and limoncello favours waiting inside, all the little touches that make a day feel like theirs.
There was a lovely surprise too, a saxophonist whose playing drifted across the courtyard, and before long David and Ella-Mae couldn’t resist a few moves of their own. I always love it when couples lay on extra entertainment like this, it gives guests something to gather around and gives me some brilliant, unguarded moments to photograph.
Your Day, Your Way
Planning Something Similar?
If a relaxed, light-filled day like this is what you have in mind, take a look at what each package includes and find the fit for yours.
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Couple Portraits
Just the Two of You
The rose garden and the rolling Oxfordshire countryside.
Couple Portraits
A Few Quiet Moments in the Rose Garden
The portrait session is always led by the couple, and David and Ella-Mae were more than happy to have plenty taken. We made the most of the manicured formal gardens and the expansive lawn, with the rolling Oxfordshire countryside behind them. They looked completely at ease, and it shows.
As the light softened into golden hour, we slipped out for a last few frames. This is my favourite light of the whole day, warm and low and forgiving, and the perfect way to round off their portraits.
The Wedding Breakfast
Speeches & a Mr & Mrs Quiz
Heartfelt, hilarious, and a quiz to keep them honest.
The Wedding Breakfast
Into the Barn for Dinner
The barn was set beautifully for the wedding breakfast, from the table plan to the limoncello favours that tied the whole Italian theme together. As guests took their seats and David and Ella-Mae made their entrance as a married couple, I caught the details before everyone sat down to eat.
A Bit of Fun
The Mr & Mrs Quiz
Before the speeches came a Mr and Mrs quiz, which is always good for a laugh and usually a few red faces. If you are thinking of doing one yourself, I have put together a list of Mr and Mrs questions to get you started.
The Speeches
Heartfelt & Hilarious
The speeches were everything you want them to be, warm, funny, and a little emotional. While the guests tucked into their meal, I had run through the photos so far and grabbed a glass of something fizzy from the bar, then came back to catch every laugh and happy tear.
The Evening
Onto the Dance Floor
Cake, pizza, and some seriously wild moves.
The Evening
The First Dance
As the evening rolled in, it was time for the first dance. There is always a lovely shift around this point in the day, when the formal parts are done and everyone relaxes into the celebration. David and Ella-Mae took to the floor, and the room filled in around them.
Late Evening
Pizza, the Swing & Dancing
As the night went on, a pizza van rolled in, the big garden swing became the place to be, and the dance floor filled up properly. These are the hours I love, the formalities long gone and everyone just enjoying themselves.
Final Thoughts
Is Stratton Court Barn a Good Wedding Venue?
It is always a great day at Stratton Court Barn, and David and Ella-Mae’s was no exception. The atmosphere was relaxed, the weather was kind, and the couple were surrounded by the people who matter most. Between the main barn, the courtyard, and the rose garden, the venue gives you variety in every direction, which makes for a beautiful, varied gallery.
If the reviews and the photos have you considering it, I would say go and see it for yourself. And if you are looking for a Stratton Court Barn wedding photographer to capture your day in a relaxed, light and airy way, I would love to hear from you. You can see what each collection includes on the pricing page.
A barn that gives you a little of everything.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about their day as much as I enjoyed photographing it. If you are getting married here, do get in touch for a friendly chat about your plans.
Jordan Fox
The Venue
Stratton Court Barn, Bicester
Address
Stratton Audley, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX27 9AJ
Setting
A rustic barn venue in the Oxfordshire countryside, with a main oak barn, courtyard, and formal rose garden.
Stratton Court Barn Wedding Photographer
Getting Married at Stratton Court Barn?
I would love to hear about your day. Get in touch with your date and we can talk through how I would capture it, relaxed, natural, and full of light.
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