Emma, Andy, and Juno’s story
Emma and Andy – with Juno the Springador (who is a very good girl) – had a summer wedding at Notley Abbey. in the Oxfordshire countryside. They had an outdoor celebrant wedding ceremony in the walled garden, a riverside drinks reception on the lawns in front of the house, and dinner and dancing in the Monks’ Refectory. With the day intentionally planned in one location, Emma and Andy soaked up every marvellous and magical moment. Because what’s better than a day with your favourite people and time to enjoy the peaceful pauses between the big moments?
“You were so amazing, We were honestly blown away by you! We wanted you to stay and hang out with us forever. We are so so SO happy we found you.” Emma & Andy
Emma getting ready
The excited anticipation with your favourite people on your wedding morning is something to savour. As Emma got ready with the girls, there was plenty of time to chat, hug, giggle, and soak up every second. Emma made sure she had time to present her bridesmaids with gifts and share a precious moment of quiet reflection with her mum before she stepped into her elegant Modeca gown. The look on her dad’s face when she gracefully walked down the stairs towards him says it all – he was in awe, with a smile from ear to ear!
Andy getting ready
Meanwhile, Andy was in the cottage with his groomsmen and furry VIP Juno, the couple’s Springador (who is a very good girl). They all got ready together and then welcomed guests at the front of the house. Emma secretly kept an eye on everyone arriving from the window of her bridal suite, and I captured some of the hugs and smiles from our sneaky viewpoint.
The ceremony
Emma and Andy got legally married before the big day. So today was all about a truly personal, celebrant-led wedding ceremony in the walled garden. It was a super sunny day, which only added to the relaxed atmosphere of being outdoors and surrounded by nature.
But the main event… Juno’s grand entrance as ring bearer! When called, she ran full pelt down the aisle in her collar of flowers to deliver the rings to her pawrents. The guests loved this moment, and Juno received plenty of attention for her brilliant work. Weddings with dogs are my happy place! Having Juno deliver the rings was a lovely touch, and she walked back down the aisle proudly with the newlyweds. I’m convinced she thought the round of applause was for her!
The drinks reception
Emma and Andy’s guests assembled with armfuls of petals to kick off the celebrations in style. (Notley’s long, wide pathway is ideal for confetti!) And there wasn’t a cloud in the sky as everyone sipped cool drinks, chatted in the fresh air, and enjoyed the idyllic riverside gardens.
A little later, Emma and Andy took a quiet walk with Juno around the picturesque grounds of the venue. And of course, I tagged along to capture relaxed portraits of the three of them as they wandered. Juno enjoyed the stroll with her favourite humans so much that the zoomies took over, much to our amusement as she raced around on the gravel and covered us all in dust!
The evening
The wedding breakfast took place in the Monks’ Refectory, where both Emma and her chief bridesmaid added to the traditional line-up for speeches and shared some wonderful words and special memories.
After dinner, a gin cocktail bar was set up in the courtyard which everyone enjoyed until the sun went down. The groomsmen moved Emma and Andy’s cake outside for them to cut with Andy’s military sword, which he made sure was perfectly clean when he licked the icing off afterwards!
As the band started, everyone gathered inside for Emma and Andy’s first dance. It was a fun end to a relaxed day full of thoughtful touches.
Planning a relaxed wedding like Emma and Andy’s?
If you’re planning a relaxed wedding at Notley Abbey, I’ve got a page of info and inspiration just for you!
The creative team
Photography
Photos by me, Sarah Vivienne – hi!
Dreaming of pictures like these? Make yourselves at home and have a good look around.
