Gloucestershire Wedding Photographer - Matara

James and Gemma had their wedding at Matara in Gloucestershire.  It's a fabulous wedding venue, with loads of options in the gardens for photos.....which thankfully we had some opportunity to do as the weather was perfect.  Gemma and James both work in the film/TV industry, one as a make-up artist, the other Producer/Director (I think that's right), so are used to being on the other side of a camera.  They took some coaching, but thankfully we produced some great shots.

The main house at Matara - or as my wife puts it "the house she'd like".  I'll keep saving!








It's not often I shoot weddings with 7 bridesmaids....and all with a different dress design.








This may need explaining, so if I tell you it's mouthwash you'll probably get the idea!




Gemma's sister works as a set designer (is that correct?) so had a big influence on the day and helped  style the wedding.  This room at Matara is vast and easily catered for the 140 guests they had seated for the ceremony.









Straight after the civil ceremony Gemma and James headed out into the oriental garden for a Jewish blessing....where apparently James had been most looking forward to stamping on the glass!










Fans can be very effective at removing confetti from your hair.


















James' dad was my assistant photographer for the speeches.













After speeches, as the sun began to set, we snuck back out for a final couple of relaxed portraits.






Even the little courtyard garden at Matara's main house is fantastic for photos.

Matara Winter Wedding Photos - Gloucestershire

Alistair and Bryonie - Matara winter wedding - November 20th 2010

A few days prior to this super cold snap of weather, (when it was a toastie 5 or 6 degrees, not -4 like now) I was at Matara for a winter wedding..........with an outdoor ceremony - yikes!

It was a shorter wedding than some (as I didn't cover bridal preps) although had some of Matara's 'quirkier' trademarks, with tree planting, ribbon tying and walking around in circles for good luck!?!

Alistair and Bryonie also have a little baby (Noah - 4 months old), who I'm sure enjoyed the ceremony from the comfort of his warm buggy and getting right in on the action during speeches too.

Although 'technically' I didn't cover bridal preps, I did pop my head round the corner to say hi as I hadn't met Bryonie prior to the wedding day.  A couple of frames had to be taken therefore, especially with Bryonies sister providing some fine facial expressions!






Ready and waiting....the setting for an outdoor ceremony at Matara.










Arrival of the bride into the ornamental gardens.


Gloucestershire registrars allowed some photography, but only from a far.  This did limit my options on viewpoints somewhat with the large pond in the way!












Hey up.....here's Noah, joining in the drinks reception.










After a few swift drinks, it was wellies on and off outside for tree planting, ribbon tying and walking round a ring of stones.






I don't think I've ever seen so many wedding guests in wellies.


A few stragglers to the tree planting party.....clearly distracted by the open bar.













Inside at Matara they have a new addition (since my last visit anyhow) - a curtain of sparkly lights.






Milk for Noah, Champagne for the grown ups.






A quick lesson in sex education from the best men.....if not a little too late.