Ivy Lodge Wedding Photographer: Sophie & James Romantic Cotswolds Wedding
Updated: Sep 14
A Real Wedding At Ivy Lodge
I absolutely adore photographing weddings in the Cotswolds so when I got a photography inquiry from Sophie and James for their wedding, I secretly jumped for joy. I’ve never worked as an Ivy Lodge wedding photographer before so I was so excited when they booked. Just like many other wedding photographers I love to work at new venues as it’s so lovely to be in a different environment from your usual workplaces.
When you think of the Cotswolds you’re automatically drawn to the most stunning architecture, usually light coloured stonework and period features. Buildings and villages surrounded by the most beautiful fields and countryside. This is exactly what Ivy Lodge was, a picturesque wedding venue nestled in the heart of Cirencester Park. Looking like a small idyllic castle perfectly placed for couples to enjoy, almost hugged by trees from the surrounding woods.
A Ceremony In Cirencester
Sophie and James chose to hold their ceremony indoors, where they exchanged beautifully personal vows. Lit candles filled the room giving the ceremony warmth and romance. The ambient light made it so easy to photograph indoors even though it wasn’t the brightest of days. From the moment I met Sophie I knew it was going to be a fun relaxed day. She was full of energy and the vibe suited my style perfectly. I always joke about poking the groom in the eye for a teary moment, but in this case I didn’t need to as James was besotted with Sophie as she walked down the aisle.
Rain.. No Fear Your Wedding Photographer is Here
The great British weather is always unpredictable so planning for this is a must on any wedding day.
It rained for much of the afternoon, meaning we had to put portrait plans on hold and wait for a break in the weather. It’s something that can easily stress out any Bride and Groom, but Sophie and James didn’t let it affect the mood of the day. While we were waiting for it to settle they spent time with their family and friends making it a great time to capture candids.
Once the rain had stopped I was able to take them both out for the natural, romantic wedding photographs they originally booked me for. We were then able to use the front of Ivy Lodge for the bridal party photos. When it came to the couple portraits, we included their classic car, which was perfectly placed against the stonework and really suited the character of the venue. Adding a car in for the couple portraits is always a favourite of mine, it’s almost like having a prop. Everything just felt so natural as if it was meant to be.
Photography in The Cotswolds
What I loved most about photographing Sophie and James’ wedding at Ivy Lodge is the gorgeous indoor space and backdrops it has to offer. My favourite part is photographing right outside the front. There’s just something about stonework matches my style of photography perfectly. It adds luxury and a timeless feel that you would want hanging on your walls. If you shoot the other way away from Ivy Lodge you have a completely different backdrop with the woodlands and open countryside views. Although we didn’t get a golden hour on the day, I imagine on a sunny day you would get a great sunset to add to them romantic couple portraits as the trees are quite low on the horizon.
The soft, natural tones of the stonework inside, where the wedding breakfast was held was a breath of fresh air. The styling for this wedding matched the space perfectly, with a long trestle table sat in the middle of the hall, making it easy to capture natural, candid moments of guests during James’ speech. The beautiful greenery placed at the entrance felt like we were bringing the outdoors in. The large candle chandeliers in the centre of the room created such a romantic medieval vibe, which matched Ivy Lodge perfectly.
A Wedding Celebration to Remember
Their day was a joy from start to finish, even with the unpredictable weather. Sophie and James embraced the rain, and certainly did not let it affect them. It was a privilege to capture their love story at Ivy Lodge Cirencester and I definitely can’t wait to be back.
Your Wedding Photography at Ivy Lodge
When planning your wedding at this gorgeous venue, there are a few simple ways to make the most of everything this beautiful wedding venue has to offer. Consider setting aside around 30 minutes during sunset or in the evening for couple portraits for a different atmosphere as the light softens and you feel a bit more relaxed. On rainy days make use of the indoor spaces that Ivy Lodge has to offer. The rooms have so much character and original medieval features you can embrace them in to any of your photographs. I used the fireplace as a backdrop for the traditional group shots as we were unable to use the outside.
As an Ivy Lodge wedding photographer, I always encourage couples to focus on enjoying their day rather than worrying about the weather or sticking to a rigid timeline. Some of the most memorable images happen spontaneously, whether that’s a quiet moment together in the gardens, laughter during the drinks reception, or a dramatic portrait beneath a moody Cotswolds sky. Trusting the process allows those genuine moments to unfold naturally and results in photographs that truly reflect your wedding day.
If you’re searching for an Ivy Lodge wedding photographer and are planning your wedding at this beautiful Cotswolds venue, I’d love to hear more about your plans. You may also enjoy exploring my other Cotswolds wedding photography galleries and Gloucestershire wedding venue guides for more inspiration when planning your wedding day.
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