Gloria & Oliver

Gloria’s dress spent the morning hanging in the Old Dairy Barn, then in its leafy doorway, while she had her hair and make-up done in the bridal suite. Her mum was by her side, and the details were lovely: gold bangles and a gold necklace, Miss Dior, pearl-trimmed shoes and their own illustrated stationery. Over in the groom’s room, Oliver sorted his tie, cufflinks and watch. Then came the big moment when Gloria’s mum and dad saw her in her dress for the first time.

The Old Dairy Barn was full of rows of cross-back chairs, white ribbons and a long table of blush and white flowers at the front. A singer performed as guests took their seats. Oliver waited at the front looking a little nervous until Gloria walked in on her dad’s arm, and her dad gave him a big hug when they reached him. There were tears, the rings, a first kiss and the register signed, then out through a cloud of rose-petal confetti beneath the leafy barn entrance.

Bucks fizz and cold beers from the bar, a toast between the two of them, then plenty of laughs with family on the terrace. Gloria’s parents were having the best time. We gathered everyone for the group photo and family groups in the garden, then left the guests to enjoy themselves while we went for a wander.

Dark wooden tables, crystal glassware, green menus, blush roses and white flowers, and a rustic Mr & Mrs sign. A simple white cake with fresh roses sat on an old barrel, and handwritten table names finished it all off.

Coton House Farm has so many lovely little corners. We started in the pine walk, under the festoon lights, then moved through the leafy green arches and finished in the old wooden doorways, where the shade gives soft, flattering light. A lot of cuddling, a lot of laughing and a few quiet moments too.

Gloria’s mum and dad were first up dancing in front of the giant light-up LOVE letters. As the light faded, Oliver swapped his jacket for braces and we headed back out under the fairy-lit pergola for a few last portraits (and Oliver made a new friend in the venue’s cat). Then it was cutting the cake on the barrel and a first dance in the oak barn.