Rhodes House Wedding Photos | Louise & David

Bride and groom stand next to a red telephone box In Oxford

“Jonny is amazing at his job – from the little things like being super responsive, carrying a bridesmaid’s backpack to the venue for her(!), but mainly in taking incredible photos. From the momentary reactions to all the big and little things that happen on your wedding day. He’s also super chilled and fun to have around; we can’t recommend him enough.”

Rhodes House Wedding Photos | Central Oxford, UK

I first had the privilege of meeting this lovely couple at Louise’s sister’s wedding which took place at Stour Space Art Gallery in London. I love it when past couples refer me, it’s so nice to rock up at a wedding and see familiar faces. It’s like catching up with old friends!

Louise & David first ‘met’ each other on Tinder, when they were both living and studying in Oxford. Louise was Dave’s first and only Tinder date! They got engaged in South Africa, where Dave is from. He’d made a slightly snap decision that the moment was right, so went on a fake “run” to pick up a ring and a bottle of champagne, which he smuggled down to a tiny secluded beach. Yes Dave! Great champers smuggling my friend 🙂

Here’s the rest of their story told in their own words:

Wedding Day Inspiration

For us we wanted to focus on two or three things that really matter, spend time and money on those, and let other things fall into place. We wanted tasty food, great photography, and a live band – all of which we got! Around that, we just wanted a relaxed, fun day with all our favourite people.

We pinched the idea of writing little guest ‘bios’ for everyone from my sister’s wedding a couple of years ago. They were such fun to come up with, and gave our guests great ways to start chatting to people they hadn’t met before – loads of people have since said they’ll use the idea themselves, so the trend continues! I (Louise) got ready in an Airbnb not far from the venue, and loved the walk through University Parks with my parents and bridesmaids. It’s a walk I’ve done so many times before, and it was a really calm, lovely way to make my way to the ceremony. We also loved having the bridesmaids be our (hilarious, excellent) MCs – a great way to have more women’s voices in the traditionally male-dominated speeches.

Why choose Rhodes House as your Wedding Venue?

It meant a lot to us to be back in Oxford – it has significance for both of us individually, as well as being where we met, so it felt right to be there to make that commitment. Rhodes House itself has amazing architecture and garden. Dave is also lucky enough to get a hefty discount there, which definitely helped!

Tell us about the wedding dress.

My dress was from Whistles – though I tried on quite a few ‘proper’ bridal gowns, I couldn’t quite bring myself to hand over that much money. Then I tried on this one, and felt comfortable, elegant, and totally myself. The ladies at Whistles were also brilliant! I added a bespoke veil from Nina Furness in Cheltenham.

Groom’s & Bridesmaid’s Wedding Fashion?

Dave chose a suit from Reiss, a floral tie from Mrs Bow Tie, a pocket square from TM Lewin, and Russell & Bromley shoes he already owned. Louise had to persuade him to buy a new white shirt, rather than wear the one he has for work!

Bridesmaids chose their own dresses & shoes, with a rough brief of ‘pale pink-ish’, and ended up with a mixture of Asos, Coast, and Benetton. They looked beautiful.

Any advice for those planning their wedding now?

Everyone says it, but make sure you take time to really look around and absorb what’s happening – it goes much too fast. And make a speech! Remember that you’ll never have an easier crowd for a speech in your life.

Choose a few priority things that really matter to you both, focus the money and effort there, and don’t worry too much about the other bits – they’ll happen, they’ll be great, you won’t care that much! Enjoy the process as well as the day itself; it’s so easy to wish it away because of the stress, but it’s such an exciting time.

And don’t order your booze from Asda – they’ll decline your credit card. Twice.

Rhodes House Wedding Photos Oxford bridal prep

black and white hair and make up bridal portrait

bride getting her wedding dress ready to wear

father of the bride sees his daughter for the first time in her wedding dress

father of the bride gets emotional seeing his daughter in her wedding dress

father of the bride checking his watch as the bridesmaids get ready

Many hand making final touches to the bride's veil

Bride descends staircase holding her bouquet

Documentary wedding photography Rhodes House Oxford

Bridesmaids walk through the park en-route to Rhodes House Oxford

Bride's veil being thrown into the wind as she poses on pathway in park

Black and white portrait of the groomsmen in Oxford wedding venue Rhodes House

Bride walks down the aisle in the ceremony room with her parents at Rhodes House

Bride and groom touch hands during wedding ceremony at Rhodes House in Oxford

Bride and groom saying vows during wedding ceremony at Rhodes House in Oxford

Bride and groom saying vows during wedding ceremony at Rhodes House in Oxford

Bride and groom's first kiss wedding ceremony at Rhodes House in Oxford

Bride and groom's first kiss wedding ceremony at Rhodes House photo

Wedding guest holding multiple handbags

Epic confetti photo at Rhodes House venue Oxford

Two guests battle over the ball playing croquet on lawn at Rhodes House

Young girl watches guests make bubbles in garden at Rhodes House photo

Documentary wedding photos at Rhodes House Oxford venue

Bridesmaid laughing hysterically holding wedding flowers in garden at Rhodes House

bride and groom portrait in garden of Rhodes House wedding venue Oxford

Young page boy with a big leaf on his head in garden of Rhodes House wedding venue Oxford

Rhodes House wedding table setting decor details photo

Waiter at Rhodes House wedding table setting decor details photo

Bride and groom make their entrance to the wedding breakfast photo

A teary eyed groom listens to speeches during wedding breakfast at Rhodes House Oxford

Bride laughing at top table during speeches at Rhodes House Oxford

Speeches at Rhodes House wedding photo

Groom laughing hard during speeches at Rhodes House wedding photo

Guests laughing hard during speeches at Rhodes House wedding photo

Rhodes House main hall is part of the University of Oxford in England

Front exterior of Rhodes House part of the University of Oxford in England

Bridal party group photo outside of Rhodes House Oxford in England

Bridal party jumping with umbrellas on the streets of Oxford photo

Bride and groom kissing in the rain on the streets of historic Oxford UK

Fun bridal party group photo in the rain on the streets of historic Oxford UK

Photojournalistic wedding photo Oxford

Dark and moody low light bride and groom portrait photo

Bride and groom embrace next to a red telephone box in Oxford as tourists walk by

Wedding guests mockingly pose to cut the cake at Rhodes House photo

Wedding guests admire the cake at Rhodes House photo

Cutting the cake at Rhodes House documentary wedding photo

First dance at Rhodes House documentary wedding photo

First dance at Rhodes House documentary wedding photo

Party on the dance floor at Rhodes House documentary wedding photo

Party on the dance floor at Rhodes House documentary wedding photo

Party on the dance floor at Rhodes House documentary wedding photo

Party on the dance floor at Rhodes House documentary wedding photo

Bride and groom party on the dance floor at Rhodes House documentary wedding photo

 

Shout Outs to the Rhodes House Wedding Suppliers

Make up artists: Natalie McFarlane – a very talented friend

Florists: A willing crew of family, with flowers from Triangle Nursery and Bloom & Wild

Rings: Dean Vermeulen, who’d made jewellery for Dave’s family before

Cake: Was made by the bride! Catering Company: Ross & Ross

Entertainment: Pocket Jukebox – The band were so great that when they got cut off by the strict noise curfew, there was an impromptu a cappella rendition of ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ from all those who didn’t want the party to end. We went to the pub, then to a terrible club..

Thinking of having Rhodes House Wedding Photos or using South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3RG as your wedding venue?

Then hit me up via my contact page where you can book a call or fill in my contact form and check my availability.

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