Honestly, there are very few days that come close to Sophie and Rob’s Tithe Barn at Stanway House wedding. It was colourful, emotional, joy filled and completely unforgettable – the kind of wedding that feels more like a once in a lifetime festival with all your favourite people.
From start to finish, the day was packed with personality, laughter, music, and the photos really do leave me with the biggest smile on my face.
A Relaxed Cotswolds Morning
Sophie began her wedding morning at a gorgeous Airbnb in the Cotswolds, getting ready with her family and friends in the most relaxed, happy atmosphere. One friend was busy making Sophie’s wildflower flower crown – such a beautiful, personal touch that perfectly suited the festival feel of their Stanway House Wedding.
I also popped over to another Airbnb in the neighbouring village to see Rob getting ready with his groomsmen and his mum. Being able to capture both sides of the morning is always so special, and it was lovely to see the excitement building for both of them.
When I returned to Sophie and the girls, Sophie was getting dressed – and she looked absolutely INCREDIBLE. She wore a stunning jumpsuit from Coast, paired with a bespoke lace cape that attached at the back. Combined with her wildflower crown, she looked effortlessly cool and I loved her vibe so much.
A Truly Beautiful Church Ceremony for a Stanway House Wedding
The ceremony took place at the church at Stanway House, and it was beyond wonderful. The choir singing filled the space beautifully, creating such a special atmosphere.
And then came George. Their beautiful dog George was the ring bearer, wearing a tiny suit and top hat – and that little cutie patootie totally stole the show. He came down the aisle with the rings like an absolute pro, looking ridiculously cute and making everyone cheer. Sophie and Rob were beaming throughout the entire ceremony and you could just see and feel how happy they were.
Confetti, Brass & Garden Celebrations
After the ceremony, Sophie and Rob exited the church to a huge confetti throw – accompanied by live music from The Brass Funkeys. Having the band playing during the confetti was such a brilliant touch. The combination of music, colour, and celebration made it feel incredibly special and very them.
Everyone then wandered around the corner into the gardens of Stanway House for the drinks reception. It was a boiling hot day, but there were pockets of shade and plenty of space for everyone to relax. Sophie and Rob had styled everything so beautifully and the space looked incredible.
Colourful Styling, Incredible Food & Emotional Speeches
The Tithe Barn, where dinner was held, was decorated in the most vibrant way, with sunflowers and colourful lanterns adding pops of colour. Dinner was Indian food, and it was amazing. I love Indian food so I made sure I stacked up my plate! The setting and vibes were so perfect for the festival style of their Tithe Barn at Stanway House wedding.
After dinner, everyone headed back outside to the marquee in the gardens for speeches. They were emotional, funny, and full of love, and Sophie was absolutely beaming throughout.
Meanwhile, George was living his best life too – cooling off with a dip in the lake to escape the heat!!
The Fountain – a paid actor if you’re having a Tithe Barn at Stanway House Wedding
Next, we headed to another part of the gardens for group photos – including one big group shot of everyone. What guests didn’t know was that the fountain at Stanway House (the tallest fountain in the UK!) was about to go off.
Once the photo was taken, everyone turned around… and the fountain erupted. It was so powerful that everyone ended up absolutely soaked, but instead of running away, people ran towards it. We all laughed and screamed, and it created the most incredible set of photos and it was such a core memory. Sophie and her bridesmaids even jumped into the lake, fully embracing the chaos! All the kids were rolling down the grass hills using it like a giant slip and slide. It was such a pure moment, even if slightly unscripted and a tiny bit chaotic! I didn’t know where to run first to photograph as it was such a surprise moment. Luckily, it was so hot that everyone dried off quickly, and spirits were higher than ever!!
Golden Hour, Ceilidh & Festival Vibes
Back near the barn, pizza was starting to be served, alongside a crêpe van provided by The Old Manor House Bakery and ice cream for dessert from Daisy and Co Catering, including doggy ice cream for George, of course. Oh and an expresso bike serving caffeine for anyone needing a pick me up by the wonderful Popup Joe’s. There were games dotted around, including beer pong, giving the whole evening true family festival vibes.
As the sun began to set, it was time for the ceilidh, held partly inside the barn and partly outside as the evening light softened. I quickly asked Sophie and Rob if they fancied sneaking away for five or ten minutes to catch golden hour, and we got some absolutely gorgeous sunset photos before heading back to rejoin the end of the ceilidh. I really do love weddings that feel like a big festival, so if you’re inspired by Soph and Rob’s day, then definitely check out my blog post on how to plan an unforgettable festival wedding here.
An Unforgettable Party for their Stanway House Wedding
Once it was dark, everyone moved fully inside the barn for the evening party, with Rob’s band, The Brass Funkeys, taking to the stage (luckily they had given Rob the night off to enjoy – he did perform a couple of songs but he was mainly on the dance floor!) They are an incredible nine-piece brass band, and the atmosphere was UNREAL. So much so, that we actually ended up booking The Brass Funkeys for our own wedding in 2024 – I loved them that much. The party was just off the charts. Everyone was dancing, jumping, fuelled by pizza from Vines Family Co, and we celebrated non-stop.
The night ended in the best way possible, with Sophie and Rob being lifted up on chairs on the dancefloor, much to their surprise. It was such an iconic moment and the perfect way to finish an unforgettable Tithe Barn at Stanway House wedding.
Thank You, Sophie & Rob
Sophie and Rob, thank you so much for having me and trusting me to capture your incredible day. Your wedding was totally epic and so full of joy, emotion,, colourful, and full of love, even if it was a bit crazy at times (I’m thinking the fountain surprise and you guys being hoisted up on the chairs!) Thank you, I’ll never forget it!
