Photo Gallery Highlights from Dave & Ella-Mae's wedding day

I recently visited the stunning Stratton Court Barn, an idyllic wedding venue in the charming Oxfordshire countryside. The setting was perfect for a romantic and intimate wedding day and lucky for me, I had the pleasure of capturing David & Ella-Mae's beautiful summer wedding!

Allow me to guide you on a retrospective journey through their unforgettable day, from the first moment to the last. An Italian-themed wedding, complete with limoncello favours, dancing in the courtyard and a day brimming with all the usual joyful moments and some unique surprises. So, let's rewind and start at the very beginning...

Bridal Preps at Stratton Court Barn

On the day of David & Ella's summer wedding, I arrived two hours before the ceremony at the beautiful Stratton Court Barn. As I strolled around the venue, I took in all the charming details that the happy couple had put in place to make their special day unique and memorable.

I then met up with Ella-Mae and her bridesmaids in the Hayloft room who were preparing for the big day. The hair stylists and make-up artists were busy making sure everything was perfect, so I took on the responsibility of capturing the precious moments as they unfolded.

The atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful, and I wanted to make sure the girls felt comfortable and at ease while I snapped away.

David pulled off a surprise, presenting Ella-Mae with a beautiful bouquet of white roses. In return, Ella-Mae had a letter for David, a moment I managed to snap along with his parents' gift exchange.

Next up? Tequila Rose shots for the bride and her crew - a fun twist to the proceedings. As the time for the wedding vows neared, guests began to trickle into the courtyard, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

The Ceremony at Stratton Court Barn

At Stratton Court, there were options aplenty for ceremonies to unfold. One could choose an outdoor ceremony, basking in nature's glory, or like our couple did on their special day, opt for the rustic charm of the main barn. With its sturdy oak beams and the gentle glow of natural light streaming in, the barn proved to be the ideal backdrop for their perfect day.

Honouring the bride and groom's special request, this was a unique 'unplugged' wedding, and I had the exclusive opportunity to capture all the magical moments as the only photographer. The spotlight was on our radiant star, Ella-Mae, as she gracefully entered with her father, instantly becoming the centre of everyone's attention. There were a few instances of heartfelt tears, reflecting the sheer joy of the occasion.

The Drinks Reception at Stratton Court Barn

Right after the heartwarming "I do's", we ushered the guests for that quintessential confetti shot, a moment full of cheer and celebration. After this, guests flowed out of the rustic barn and into the courtyard, eager to congratulate the beaming couple and get their hands on a refreshing drink.

In addition to the bubbly champagne, we also had a special treat: signature drinks dedicated to the bride and groom. The groom's choice was the 'Italiano Fizzano', a sparkling concoction, while the bride's pick was the delightful 'St. Germain Spritz

There was another delightful surprise in store for the guests - a talented saxophonist whose music filled the air. Before long, David and Ella-Mae couldn't resist putting on a little show of their own, adding to the joyous atmosphere. It was such a blast! I always appreciate when additional entertainment is arranged for the drinks reception. Not only does it provide ample opportunities for your photographer to capture memorable moments, but it also adds a unique touch that makes your special day stand out.

On the reception lawn, there were garden games set up which helped some of the younger guests let off some steam. I took a short detour back to the barn where everything was being set up for the wedding breakfast. It's always a joy to photograph the finer details - the charming limoncello favours, the tempting desserts, the elegantly crafted menu, and more. These photographs add a wonderful texture and variety to the final gallery.

We used the formal rose garden to take some group shots - it was the perfect setting.

The Couple Portraits at Stratton Court Barn

Next, we moved on to the romantic portraits. This is always a part of the day that's led by the couple's preferences, as not everyone desires an extensive photo session. However, Ella-Mae and David were enthusiastic about having a multitude of pictures taken, and I was more than pleased to accommodate their wishes! We utilised various picturesque locations - the manicured formal gardens, the expansive lawn with the rolling Oxfordshire countryside serving as a backdrop. As you can see from the photos, they simply looked stunning!

The Wedding Breakfast at Stratton Court Barn

The barn hosted our wedding breakfast which included some fun speeches and a Mr and Mrs quiz which is always hilarious.

Whilst the guests tucked into their meal, I use this period to run through the photos so far and grab a glass of something fizz from the bar.

The Evening Reception at Stratton Court Barn

The evening at Stratton Court was an absolute blast! There were ample opportunities for candid shots in the lively bar area, joyful dancing, ceremonial cake cutting, and even pizza slices being enjoyed. And let's not forget the wild and wonderful moves being thrown on the dance floor.

Conclusion

It's always a great day at Stratton Court Barn and today was no exception. The atmosphere was relaxed, the weather was beautiful and the couple were surrounded by their loved ones.

I hope you've enjoyed reading about Ella-Mae and David's special day at Stratton Court Barn just as much as I've enjoyed photographing it. If you're looking for a talented photographer to capture your wedding day, get in touch today.

Useful info about Stratton Court Barn
Address: Stratton Audley, Bicester OX27 9AJ

Who is Jordan Fox?

Jordan Fox is a professional wedding photographer who loves cats, peonies, The Office and McDonald's fries! If you're getting married at Stratton Court Barn, get in touch for a friendly chat to discuss your day.

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