If you’re planning a wintery, festive wedding, or thinking of having your big day at Coltsfoot Country Retreat, you’ll find lots of inspiration from Jessica & Barry’s gorgeous day.
When Jessica and Barry first got in touch with me about their wedding, I was so thrilled – they were planning such a fun winter wedding with an intimate ceremony and a live band for the reception. Jessica and Barry are the sweetest couple and I couldn’t wait to capture their special day.
GETTING READY
I started at the Cromwell Hotel in Stevenage, where Jess was getting ready, and having her hair and make up done with her bridesmaids and mum. It was so chilly out, but everyone was in a good mood, with some festive tunes playing on the radio. Once Jess’ initial prep was done, we made our way over to the beautiful Coltsfoot for the final preparations and the rest of the day.
THE WEDDING
The wedding took place indoors at Coltsfoot, and it was a beautiful ceremony where they chose to keep it simple with no readings, just exchanging rings and their vows in front of their family and friends. It was an absolutely gorgeous winter’s day, just the perfect weather you’d hope for on a wintery wedding day. The sun was streaming through the large windows that overlook Coltsfoot’s stunning vistas.
AFTER THE FORMALITIES
After being showered with confetti in the lane outside the venue, the guests enjoyed canapés and cocktails, whilst we took a few family photos – the weather was so lovely with the most beautiful sunset. I like to ensure my couple have plenty of time to mingle with their guests, but a wintery wedding meant only a relatively short amount of time before the sun went down. My favourite photo from our couples session is the shot with the alpacas, and of course we also had to get a bit of mistletoe action in, it was only right, being a few days away from Christmas! Check it out below!
The Wedding Breakfast
For the wedding breakfast they had some delicious food from, as always, Coltsfoot’s amazing menu, and it was absolutely delicious. After some speeches and mingling, the band kicked off the party and kept everyone dancing all night. This was the first time I’d worked with the Indie Killers and from meeting them at this wedding and seeing them play they are now firmly on my recommended suppliers list, as they are so amazing!
Jessica & Barry also made use of Coltsfoot’s pizza oven – what’s better for evening food than delicious wood fired pizza delivered straight from the oven?!
TOP TIP FOR PLANNING A WEDDING
If you’re planning a winter wedding, there are loads of ways to give a nod to the season without going full on festive! Have a look at my last blog post about Winter Weddings for some more inspo.
Here is Jessica and Barry’s wedding story. If you’re getting married and looking for a wedding photographer, get in touch.
SUPPLIERS
Dress – Mori Lee
Suits – Mr Macky’s
Make Up & Hair – Niki Lawrence
Cake – Emily Jane Cakes
Flowers – Linda Masters
Band – The Indie Killers
Venue – Coltsfoot Country Retreat
