Emily & Oli travelled all the way from Seattle to hold their wedding at Ardington House in the Oxfordshire countryside! We can certainly see why - the magnificent house stands proud in the grounds, and the ceremony location in the meander of a river is straight out of a fairytale!

Wedding photography at Ardington House with first look and outdoor ceremony

The day ran to a US timeline, which we always enjoy - doing a first look, couple portraits and group photos before the ceremony means the cocktail hour is completely free for mingling and relaxing!

Emily's brother Eli conducted the ceremony, which was incredibly special, and the whole day had a very elegant, classic feel. It was also wonderful to work with Roo again on film!

After some emotional speeches outdoors in the garden, everyone made their way into the riverside marquee for the reception. An ice cream cart was the perfect treat for guests out in the sunshine! Emily & Oli's first dance was so much fun, and we ended the day with some beautiful, relaxed couple portraits out in the gardens at sunset. What could be better?!

Emily and her girls got ready in the upstairs bridal suite at Ardington House. It’s such a special time for intimate moments with family and bridal party too!

The boys got together at Ardington House to get ready there too. The downstairs rooms are beautiful, light & airy!

Before their ceremony, Emily & Oli decided to see each other for the first time in a ‘first look’. We love capturing first looks as they’re always very sweet and emotional! The staircase at Ardington House provided a beautiful wow moment when Emily came down the stairs in her beautiful gown!

As is common in the US, we did all the portraits pre-ceremony. This is great as it means that once guests arrive, the couple can fully focus on mingling and enjoying the cocktail reception. We were absolutely spoilt for choice with backdrops in the house and grounds!

We also did their group photos before the guests arrived. The bridesmaids looked lovely in champagne-coloured dresses!

At the back of Ardington House, the grounds expand to a beautiful stream - a quintessentially British scene, with the dome providing a focal point for the outdoor ceremony.

Even after the first look, seeing your bride walking down the aisle with the music you chose and all your friends and family in one place will still evoke a lot of emotion.

Located right next to a little stream, the outdoor ceremony at Ardington House has a distinctly painterly feel to it!

After a beautiful ceremony, everyone went back up to the gardens of Ardington House to enjoy canapes, drinks and a couple of impromptu speeches!

The marquee was decorated in simple, timeless, green and white decor. Nestled in a quiet corner of the estate, it’s a lovely setting for your wedding reception.

Speeches are a great time for candid photos. There are so many emotional moments, big belly laughs and teary eyes - it’s such a joy to capture!

After the speeches, the UK graced us with a beautiful sunset, so Emily & Oli took the opportunity to have a few quiet minutes in the grounds of Ardington House together, whilst their guests enjoyed mingling in the summer evening. The beautiful setting of the marquee, right next to a stream, created the dreamiest golden backdrop!

For the evening, the band created a great atmosphere and had everyone up on the dancefloor!

Are you looking for a wedding photography for your big day at Ardington House? Get in touch!

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Venue: @ardingtonhouseoxford | Photography: @whitestagweddings | Videography: @roo_films | Florist: @foxglovesandroses | Planner: @fingersandforks | Dress designer: @kellyfaetanini | Makeup artist and hair stylist: @brushbeautyco | Ice cream tricycle: @plumhoneychurch | Cake: @rebeccachapmanweddingcakes