When I look back on 2020 it’s easy to assume every wedding I photographed happened under lockdown restrictions, but Yogi and Simon’s February wedding at Eastington Park happened just 6 weeks before the first lockdown!

This one felt really special as I’d known the bride for years. It feels like a lifetime ago, but I used to be a fashion photographer and Yogi was one of the first models I’d ever worked with! We bonded over a shared love of cats and stayed in touch, so it was a real joy to be asked to capture their wedding day.

Eastington Park is an 18th century manor house in Gloucestershire, and it’s the perfect venue for a winter wedding. In the morning I met Yogi and her bridesmaids in the spacious bridal suite which was perfect for a relaxed morning as they had their hair and makeup done. The room was full of light which glittered off of Yogi’s intricately beaded dress as she got ready. Her bouquet was a mix of red and white roses, thistles and greenery which was just perfect for a winter wedding.

Simon was all smiles as he got ready with his groomsmen, making his entrance down the venue’s iconic spiral staircase to meet their guests (but not before a quick go on the tree swing of course - one of my favourite shots from the day!)

Their ceremony took place in a room overlooking the gardens, and it was filled with heartfelt moments and laughter. They celebrated with petal confetti outside before heading back indoors for a cosy drinks reception.

One thing I particularly love about winter weddings is the early golden hour and we were treated to a stunning sunset as their drinks reception drew to a close. I’m so glad Yogi and Simon braved the chill as we got the most beautiful shots - my favourite happening as they walked back inside, Yogi wrapped in a pashmina, Simon’s arm around her to keep her warm.

They made sure their cats were there in spirit through framed photos of them on the tables for the wedding breakfast and a brilliant cat origami competition that Yogi judged at the end of her speech! I loved seeing all the little cats that the guests had made lined up and it was such a fun and original idea that made their wedding personal to them.

The evening kicked off as Yogi changed into a gorgeous painted leather jacket that her girls had made for her hen do and completed the look with show stopping red lipstick. The DJ kept everyone on the dancefloor with a fantastic mix of hip-hop, funk and soul bangers and it was so much fun capturing a packed dancefloor to end the night.