Wedding Photographer Stone Barn, Cheltenham

Freddie and Mario’s Stone Barn wedding near Cheltenham was an exquisite blend of English charm and Mexican tradition. I knew this summer wedding was going to be alot of fun because everything I’d heard from Freddie and Mario about their day sounded wonderful: from a ceremony celebrating their love led by Julia Hawkes to band Tux Fizz rocking the dance floor in the evening.

“We searched for a while to find our perfect wedding photographer, particularly as my (now) husband is very keen on photography and can quickly identify those able to take striking photos of celebrations. Throughout the pre-wedding process, Simon was fabulous to work with; he is clearly very organised and understood exactly what we were after.”

Stone Barn is located between Burford and Northleach and has the all the elements to make it an all-round superb Cotswold wedding venue. The former farm buildings have been converted into a high-standard event space with rustic charm aplenty: wooden beams, high ceilings and flagstone flooring all blending in sympathetically with the surrounding countryside. There are well designed spaces available both inside and out, making it great for all weathers. 

Every couple who choose me to capture their day will have more than just images that show what it looks like. My goal is to show what it felt like to be there; from the emotions, the connections and the story. So as Freddie and Mario’s wedding photographer at Stone Barn it was another opportunity for me to do just that: allow the action to unfold naturally, to create images that are honest, engaging and give an insight into the feeling and atmosphere of the wedding. Something that is often to forgotten is the experience couples have with their wedding photographer. Do they make it feel easy, relaxed and fun, or is there awkwardness, pressure to perform or pose? I have always aimed to make every single person at a wedding feel comfortable having me there and this matters even more when it comes to the couple photos. My approach is to make the couple session a chance to just hang out together, to be free of posing or any expectations on how it should look. Instead this is about having fun, being yourselves and sharing in real moments of joy or meaning. These moments have value and become an honest reflection of who it is I am photographing. Using a variety of games, interactions and activities that light a spark allows couples to step into a space where my camera is not the focus, the focus is on experiencing a real moment. 

“On the day, he was calm, friendly and approachable and gave us time to get used to his presence while we prepared for the celebrations. For the couple shoots, he encouraged us to relax through little games and discussions to ensure he captured candid shots of us being ourselves. We are both so grateful for his talent and dedication, his warmth and approachability and his ability to make us feel so at ease.”

There was a great moment when the boys arrived in their vintage Landrover with Mexican and Great Britain flags flying between the Pride flag. With friends and family having travelled far and wide, Stone Barn welcomed all in dazzling Summer sunshine. A very personal ceremony led by Julia Hawkes cemented their relationship and then it was onto confetti, drinks and speeches outside. With a live saxophonist and a buzz of excitement in the air, it was also a great chance to capture guests enjoying themselves. I took Mario and Freddie off for some couple photos and we drove the Landrover up the hill which was fun, if a tad bumpy! Later they were lucky enough to make the most of setting sun for a few photos before the evening party.

As always the food at and Cripps and Co venue is outstanding and everyone was well fuelled. Eden Flowers were the florists on the day bringing colour and life to the spaces. Crowd pleasers Tux Fizz were at their best and the band really lifted the vibe and kept it going all night along with the Mexican sombreros and tequila! Such a fun wedding to be a part of, please do enjoy a few photographs from this Stone Barn wedding. 

“The photos are absolutely stunning and really show us and our day in the best light - Simon captured it all so perfectly! For anyone looking for a talented and professional wedding photographer, look no further than Simon!”