A Cotswold Wedding. Neil and Ros

Prosecco Darling?

  This was a special one. I might waffle on a bit. I've known Neil since I was 18.  This is a long time ... I am terribly old !! Neil 'Bongos' used to play at the nightclub I worked in. If you're from Southampton and my age(ish) you'll remember the legendary Thursday nights at the Rhino Club. Fun times indeed. We've been friends ever since and been through a lot of life's up and downs. When he met Ros 6 years ago we all knew she someone super special.  I've never known such a joyful human. She has THE most infectious laugh and is just pure delight. We have all shared so much over the years, parties, meals, my hen-do, weddings, our wedding day, love and laughs. late nights and A LOT of prosecco. When they got engaged we were all just absolutely bloody delighted.  The date was set and it was on My Neil and my 2nd wedding anniversary in June. (It all gets a bit confusing with two Neils!!) I just knew that I wanted to shoot their wedding day, and this was my gift to them. We have such a wonderful group of friends and to have everyone in the same place is always amazing. So many of the same people shared our wedding day too. So this was going to be a very special weekend indeed. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Neil and Ros decided to get married in the gorgeous Cotswolds town of Cirencester.  Whist they live in London this is somewhere they have visited often and just loved it, I can see why. I'd never been before and it's a perfect place, full of wonderful independent shops and the warm tones of the Cotswold stone everywhere. After a wicked Friday night and a big meal at a local pub, the big day arrived. The Husbum and I had a MASSIVE, and very posh room, at the Kings Head Hotel where the wedding was being held. We had a lovely anniversary morning, cards and gifts. 2 years is cotton so I *finally* got our wedding album made up on gorgeous hand made cotton rag paper ... and then it was time to immerse myself in Ros and Neils day. I cried when I saw Ros dress ... it was simply breathtaking, even on the hanger! She wore an Eliza Jane Howell stunning beaded dress from The Tailor's Cat in Cambridge and GORGEOUS Jimmy Choos. The flowers were by local florist Oops a daisy. Neil was looked the sharpest I've ever seen him, and he's always been a snappy dresser. He wore a gorgeous hand-tailored suit from Richard James of Saville Row, a Paul Smith shirt and Crocket and Jones shoes. When you're shooting you a wedding you really do have the best spot in the house. I often get all teary even when I don't really know the couple. The love and joy of the moment just gets to me ... so when it's your own wedding anniversary and you're also watching 2 of your absolute favourites getting married .. well frankly I was a bloody mess. I had warned Neil not to look at me during the ceremony for any kind of emotional support. I really had to hold it together as Ros walked down the aisle. An absolutely magical moment I will never forget. The rest of the day was just packed with love and laughter and friends and prosecco. I simply LOVED IT HARD! I shot until the first dance and then downed tools and I got REALLY drunk and danced all night. All weddings are special but this, for me, was simply one the best days EVER.   Some very kind words from Neil and Ros

"Having known Holly for over 20 years, we knew that capturing the memories of our big day was in the safest of hands. Her distinct style and her eye for natural, intimate moments meant we knew the story of our day would be beautifully told.

Although many of our friends already knew Holly, most of our family didn’t. Holly’s warmth and charm meant that everyone was at completely at ease and relaxed in Holly’s company.

We barely noticed Holly moving through the day. So we, and our guests were just able to relax, take it all in and enjoy ourselves.

Although we knew she was an amazing photographer, the shots we received were more than we could've hoped for. These pictures,  brilliantly and evocatively captured, so many special moments from a fabulous weekend and will accompany us down the years, whenever we want to be reminded of the best of days.

We would recommend Holly in a heartbeat and without reservation. She’s a genuine star and will add to the magic of your day."