Matara Centre Wedding Photos | Gloucestershire | Cotswolds

“Jonny is someone who felt like a guest more than a photographer and he made the day even more special than we ever realised it could be. Jonny has honesty, integrity, humility and kindness. We not only feel like we found an amazing photographer, but also a friend for life.”

MATARA CENTRE WEDDING PHOTOS | COTSWOLDS | UK

This wedding was one I’d been waiting for with anticipation from the day I met Kirsten, Steve and Dave, their awesome French Bulldog, for their pre-wedding shoot. Dog lovers, happy-go-lucky and downright lovable, they are simply my perfect couple. I knew their wedding day would be ace. We met for coffee (cappuccino for Dave) and cake (as you do) and chatted all things wedding. I got to learn the history behind their story to date. It is what, I suppose, you could call a fairy tale for the modern age!

Meeting online on Plenty of Fish (Steve likes to call if Fillet of Fish, it makes him feel a bit classier) the proposal shortly followed one evening on dog walk with the beloved Dave. Steve had set up a picnic with some ‘reserved for Mrs Currer’ signs. Kirsten saw the flowers and thought it was a burial/remembrance site… all very romantic! At the very moment the question was popped Dave celebrated by gobbling Rabbit poo. Yes all, err.. very romantic?

MATARA CENTRE WEDDING VENUE INSPIRATION | AUTUMNAL DECADENCE, FAIRY LIGHTS AND LOVE

Kirsten wholeheartedly took on the role of planner. As a result her job as a solicitor suffered greatly in the 18 months between engagement and wedding, something that did not go un-noticed by her boss. However, the whole team at the Matara Centre were fantastic in helping her achieve her vision. Steve apparently helped too (loads- so he says!)

They really wanted to play on the autumn theme as it is a favourite time of year for them. It was all about the rich colours, warmth, fire, sparkle and depth of the autumn season. The dark evenings and crisp cold mornings are what they live for.

If anyone ever gets the opportunity to visit the Matara Centre in the Cotswolds they will understand why it’s such a magical wedding venue. There is honestly something so exceptional about Matara and until you experience it for yourself you won’t understand. Everything the venue stands for is unique and personal. It is a place to lose yourself and find your true happiness. Every corner holds a new secret and the whole place is laced with fairy tale magic.

THE WEDDING FASHION | A SOTTERO AND MIDGLEY DRESS

Kirsten saw the dress online and had to find a shop that stocked the designer Sottero and Midgley. The closest stockist was All About Eve in Newport. Kirsten wanted a dress that was elegant and modern and something she felt like herself when wearing. The dress gave her a confidence that she doesn’t always find comes easily and once she put it on no other dress could compare. Alterations were by Abigail Westrup Bridal Portishead- someone who does beautiful work.

The groom’s suit was harder to sort than the bride’s dress. To say that Steve is a perfectionist is an understatement and thank goodness for T.M Lewin in Bath and the fantastic manager Guy who dressed Steve and the rest of the groom’s party from head to toe, yes- including their underwear!

The bridesmaids wore stunning dresses by Coast bridesmaids collection. The two girls were already stunning beyond belief so it was not hard to find something that suited two such beautiful girls on both the inside and out.

WISE WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE HAPPY COUPLE

DON’T DOWNLOAD WEATHER APPS! They cannot predict the weather 4 weeks in advance and the stress you will cause yourself in that time is not worth it. Trust people when they say it will all be alright on the day, they are right! The only thing that matters is you start the day as bride and groom to be, and finish the day as husband and wife. It literally will be the best day of your life. There is nothing to worry about. You are surrounded by people that you love and who love you and who want nothing more than to see you grow old together happy and content. What more could you ask for?

Further advice for those planning their wedding now: BOOK JONNY BARRATT! Seriously though just book Jonny already. Also, make sure that you enjoy every second, the day is gone in a flash and you need to ensure that each moment is personal and perfect for both of you. This is your day and no matter what anyone else says or thinks this moment is all about you.

AN EMOTIONAL DAY | NOT A DRY EYE IN THE HOUSE

During the speeches there was a surprise video message received from Kirsten’s family in Australia who sadly could not make the wedding. Needless to say there was not a dry eye in the house and THANK GOODNESS Kirsten was wearing water proof make up!

Moving readings at the ceremony included The Still and Settled Place by Edward Monkton and an extract from Winnie the Pooh by A.A Milne. The Owl and The Pussy Cat (Edward Lear) and The Lovely Dinosaurs (again by Edward Monkton) were read during the evening woodland ceremony.

A cover of Justin Timberlake’s Mirrors performed by Madilyn Bailey played as Kirsten walked down the ailse. I’d say you have never really heard the lyrics of that song until you listen to this version. It really is spine-tingling. For the first dance the band played one of their all time favourite songs ‘I will wait’ by Mumford and Sons. It was utterly epic.

MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME

We have way too many amazing memories to pick just one but the following are some of our favourites. Stood in a fairy light lit woodland clearing surrounded by friends and family laughing and joking before jumping the broom. Watching the sky light up with phenomenal fireworks hand in hand with each other. The band closing its performance with a stripped back version of ‘Stand by Me’ and each and every guest singing along. Knowing that whatever life throws at us we will never have to face it alone.