We only met Nicki and Tom the week before their wedding. As we recognised each other at Calcot Manor it felt like meeting old friends. Since January countless phone and Skype calls between the UK and Australia had taken place. Each conversation taking indulgently longer than it should as we chatted away about the wedding plans, life and everything in between. We would be having our first morning cuppa in the Cotswolds while Nicki and Tom would be back at their home in Manley after work or yoga practice. Each email from Nicki was excitedly opened. Usually revealing some secret or surprise that Tom or their guests had in store! We were completely beguiled by the vision for their destination wedding in the Cotswolds. Mostly the generosity of spirit with which this couple lived life resonated with us deeply. Their Calcot Manor summer wedding unfolded as fabulously as expected. In person Nicki and Tom were even more warm hearted and fun! Nicola and Tom, we are so thankful our paths crossed with yours. Witnessing your love for life and each other has left us completely inspired…
Cufflinks made from watch mechanisms were Tom’s gift to each Groomsmen.
Tom in turn had his own surprise from Nicki…
…An amazing Panerai watch!
Tom and the guys looked very stylish in light grey suits and playful black and white ties.
Nicki’s bridal style was oh so romantic; her Charlotte Mills shoes even had a poem inscribed on the sole!
After months of internet stalking we were most excited to see our Bride’s Moira Hughes dress!
Every aspect was exquisite. From the subtly embossed Italian bodice…to the dramatic bow and raw silk skirt.
Nicki’s beautiful Bridesmaids were by her side all the way; true friends and cheerleaders to our Bride.
Nicki is an avid reader of our journal and heeded all our advice on timings for the morning…
Careful planning meant everyone had time to enjoy themselves AND we got to capture photos like this!
There are so many wonderful moments to capture…like receiving a beautiful necklace from your husband to be!
Or when the Father of the Bride sees his daughter for the first time on the morning of her wedding.
Nicki’s middle name is Joy and we couldn’t have wished for a more radiant and happy Bride!
Nicki, we are so grateful to you for allowing us to capture all your beauty and joy…
With the Bridesmaids joining our Bride in white, soft florals in green and peach added just a blush of colour.
We loved the romantic and delicate details inspired by nature that permeated the day.
Vintage cars transported everyone to the nearby Church in Hawkesbury Upton.
Mist and rain created a sense of atmosphere and a muddy car park invoked a spirit of adventure!
With horse traffic to contend with too the setting could not have been more idiosyncratically English.
Our Bride made her way up the old stone aisle of St Mary’s on her Father’s arm.
Where Nicki and Tom were became husband and wife!
We love those first few moments when our couple emerge from the Church as newlyweds.
The joy of the occasion is completely infectious…
And everyone joins in the celebration as confetti is thrown with enthusiastic abandon!
Rain could not deter these two as Nicki and Tom made their way back to Calcot Manor…
…Driving a dashing Jaguar XK12!
With champagne poured we enjoyed photographing our good looking bridal party.
Whose reaction when the surprise Mariachi Band turned up hats and all was just the best!
The Mariachi Men created an instant party atmosphere with their festive and lively performance!
No one held back from enjoying what must be the best wedding surprise we have ever seen!
After formal family photos and while guests enjoyed the band it was time for bride and groom portraits.
When it comes to having a good time Nicki and Tom certainly nailed the brief!
They really wanted photos that made the most of the breathtaking views at Calcot Manor…
It was however our gorgeous couple (and that stunning veil!) that made the vista.
After portraits it was back to the mariachi, pisco sours and champagne!
A handmade sign directed to all the important destinations near and far, including the bar!
As the sun appeared the last box was ticked to make Nicki and Tom’s wedding at Calcot Manor a perfect day!
After their drinks reception at the main house and gardens of Calcor Manor…
Everyone made their way to the beautifully styled Barn for the Wedding Breakfast to commence!
Our couple commissioned the very talented watercolor artist Harriet de Winton to create their paper goods.
Including a bespoke watercolor table plan on canvas inspired by the beaches in Sydney that our couple love.
Lisa Elliott Floral Design created a statement in the Barn at Calcot Manor with a hanging wreath installation.
A lavender and fern wreath motif wove through the details including the handpainted cake by Curtis & Co.
Guests enjoyed a delicious three course dinner created by the talented Calcot Manor chefs.
Which was followed by animated and heartfelt speeches.
We stole away to catch the sunset…
Before heading back to the conservatory at Calcot Manor where Nicki and Tom cut their exquisite cake!
After that there was no delay in getting the dancing started and a party that would last well into the night.
Congrats Nicola and Tom, your wedding showed us how much happiness is possible on a single day!
Thank you everyone who made Nicki and Tom’s exclusive use Calcot Manor summer wedding happen!
Luxury Cotswold Wedding Venue: Calcot Manor
Ceremony Location: St Mary’s Church, Hawkesbury Upton in the Cotswolds
Dress: Moira Hughes Couture
Shoes: Charlotte Mills
Headpiece: Bride Le Boheme
Bridesmaids: Coast
Hair and Makeup: Sally and Nicola from Bristol Bridal Hair & Makeup
Suits: Ted Baker
Cufflinks: AHW Studio handcrafted industrial + steampunk jewellery
Ties: Scotch & Soda
Watercolour Table Plan, Stationery and Calligraphy: de Winton Paper co
Cake: Curtis & Co Cakes
Floral Design: Lisa Elliott
Band: Mariachi Men
Evening Entertainment: Buddhalicious
Cotswold Wedding Photography Duo: Weddings by Nicola & Glen
