The oldest hotel in the UK, the Old Bell Hotel hosts a modern celestial wedding // Layla and Simon
You’ve probably (if you’ve been around on website and insta for a while) heard me talking about dream clients, your vibe attracts your tribe etc, well that’s exactly what happened here. What does modern wedding photography in the cotswolds really look like i hear you say?
Now let me tell you exactly what it is!
Now when Layla first booked me i knew she was special, i knew it was going to be an amazing day. When i first met her virtually i think i kinda fell in love with her a bit and our souls just clicked, fast forward to the wedding day and i was greeted with hugs in abundance. Then i find out that she’s my birthday twinnie, hello fellow Virgos! So let’s talk about this super quirky and super beautifully whimsical and celestial modern festival style wedding they planned at the Old Bell Hotel Malmesbury.
The Venue
We can’t start properly without talking about this unreal venue, rumored to be the oldest hotel in the UK in the Costwolds, overlooking or overlooked (whichever way you prefer to look at it) by Malmesbury Abbey.. Every room opulently decorated, different, packed full or quirky treasures and antiques, each doorway intrigues you and invites you in the explore the space. Now i’m a bit of an interiors lover, and this places oooooozes maximalist style (done super tastefully).
Nestled between the elegant horse shoe shaped building is a quintessentially English courtyard, manicured garden and yes … something i dubbed the fairy house. In all honesty i’m not sure it’s actually that, but oh my gosh, it’s a magical turret round house with the most enticing little staircase leading to it. Heart melting when you see it!
Setting the Modern Wedding Photography in the Cotswolds Vibe
Layla knew she wanted sunflowers because it’s her mums favourite flower and that tied in perfectly with their celestial festival theme that they wanted. With an engagement of 1.5 years they’d set a budget of £14,000. They knew they didn’t want to abide by lots of traditional wedding traditions so opted for mum and dad to walk Layla down the aisle. Instead of speeches Simon had planned a wedding video with a surprise cameo of Kevin from the US office. They even wanted their beautiful dog wilson at the wedding.
Layla and Simon are super believers in being authentic to themselves, Simon not a suit guy, layla who decided last minute as she was about to walk down the aisle that heels weren’t her thing, so whilst her pom pom shoes were heavenly stunning, she opted for authenticity and whipped them off to go bare foot and stay this way for the rest of the day. Yes even running through the streets of Malmesbury bare foot.
Advice for new couples planning their wedding from Layla and Simon
Don’t stress about the small stuff, everything will fall into place. We spend so much time planning this day and before you know it, it becomes a memory.
Have fun, laugh, smile, eat your wedding food, play games, hug with all your heart, and don’t forget to take a step back for a brief moment to soak in the memory of all your favourite people in one room celebrating your love, it’s true what everyone says, it’s one of the best days of your life, enjoy every single moment.
Supplier list
Venue – Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury
Modern Wedding Stylist by – Starrey Eyed weddings
Modern wedding Photography in the cotswolds by- Me, Jade Maguire Photography
Band – Radio King
DJ – Chris Sansom-Nines
Dress – Sophia Toli
Veil – Etsy
Headband – Crown & Glory
Shoes – Charlotte Mills
Wedding Cake – Krispy Creme
Groom Attire – ASOS & Vans
