Ivy Lodge Wedding Photographer in the Cotswolds
Some weddings stay with you long after you've packed away the cameras, and Harriet and Maxwell's wedding at Ivy Lodge in the Cotswolds is definitely one of them.
Having photographed weddings across the UK, Ivy Lodge remains one of my favourite venues thanks to its beautiful countryside setting, elegant architecture and relaxed atmosphere. From the morning preparations through to the dance floor, it offers everything needed for a seamless wedding day and beautiful documentary photography.
Set within the heart of the Cotswolds, this Ivy Lodge wedding brought together everything I love about photographing weddings: genuine moments, incredible energy and a couple determined to enjoy every second of their celebration, whatever the weather had in store.
Photographing a Wedding at Ivy Lodge
From a photography point of view, Ivy Lodge works brilliantly because the whole wedding can happen in one place. With both Harriet and Maxwell getting ready at the venue, I could move naturally between them and photograph the morning without anyone feeling rushed.
The venue also gives you plenty of variety without needing to disappear for long periods for photographs. The Cotswold stone, surrounding grounds and different indoor spaces all create completely different backdrops throughout the day.
The biggest thing I learnt from this wedding was not to worry too much about the weather. We had heavy rain and bright sunshine within minutes of each other, but the day still flowed naturally. Having good indoor and outdoor options meant we could simply work with whatever the weather was doing.
Planning a Wedding at Ivy Lodge?
If you're planning a wedding at Ivy Lodge, my biggest advice would be to make the most of having everything in one place. With space to get ready, celebrate and party at the venue, there's no need to build unnecessary travel into the day.
From a photography point of view, I’d also leave a little flexibility in the timeline rather than planning every photograph for one fixed time. The weather can change quickly in the Cotswolds, and on Harriet and Maxwell’s wedding day we were able to make the most of the sunshine whenever it appeared without taking them away from their guests for long.
Most importantly, choose a timeline that gives you time to actually enjoy the day. Some of the best photographs from this wedding came from the moments in between, friends arriving, drinks being poured and a packed dance floor, rather than anything heavily planned.
Planning Your Own Ivy Lodge Wedding?
If you’re planning a wedding at Ivy Lodge and looking for relaxed, documentary wedding photography with an editorial feel, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.