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Winter weddings have a special kind of magic, don’t they? Louise and Dave’s Christmas wedding at Caswell House in Oxfordshire was no exception. Between the twinkling fairy lights, the rustic charm of the venue, and the crisp December air, this was one for the books. And yes, I had my trusty Sony gear in hand, including the new 28-70mm f/2 G-Master, which turned out to be the MVP of the day.


First Impressions: A Venue That Feels Like Christmas

Caswell House is a gem. Nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside, it’s got that perfect mix of cozy and elegant. Think ancient stone walls, warm wooden beams, and roaring fireplaces. Add a sprinkle of Christmas magic—wreaths, garlands, and a Christmas tree that could’ve been plucked from a storybook—and you’ve got a photographer’s dream.

Louise and Dave went all out with the details. The tables were adorned with pinecones, candles, and gold accents that caught the light beautifully. It felt like stepping into a Hallmark movie, but, you know, with better lighting.


Morning Prep: Calm Before the Festive Storm

The day started with Louise getting ready in one of Caswell House’s charming suites. The light streaming through the window was soft and diffused—a dream for natural light portraits. The Sony 28-70mm f/2 shone here, allowing me to switch seamlessly between wide shots of the bustling bridal party and close-ups of Louise’s intricate lace dress.

Meanwhile, Dave and his groomsmen were downstairs, enjoying a whiskey toast to steady the nerves. I caught candid moments of laughter and camaraderie, the lens locking onto every expression with pinpoint accuracy.


Ceremony: Intimacy in Every Frame

The ceremony took place in the barn, decked out with twinkling lights and candles lining the aisle. Shooting wide at 28mm captured the ambiance of the space, while the f/2 aperture worked wonders in the low light. The way the lens rendered the glow of the candles and the emotion on Louise and Dave’s faces? Pure magic.

As they exchanged vows, there were tears, laughter, and a palpable sense of love in the room. The autofocus on the Sony handled it all effortlessly, nailing focus even as I shifted between the couple and the reactions of their friends and family.


Portraits: Golden Hour Meets Winter Chill

Post-ceremony, we stepped outside for portraits. Winter weddings mean chasing the light, and golden hour didn’t disappoint. The frosty landscape provided a stunning backdrop, with Louise’s flowing dress and Dave’s sharp suit adding a touch of elegance to the rustic scenery.

At 70mm, the G-Master lens delivered portraits that were sharp yet dreamy, with a creamy bokeh that made the couple pop against the muted winter tones. We even got a few playful shots with a sprig of mistletoe—because, Christmas.


Reception: Dancing Lights and Laughter

Back inside, the barn had transformed into a festive wonderland for the reception. The warm glow of the string lights and the lively energy of the guests created the perfect setting for candid photography. From emotional speeches to the chaos of the dance floor, the 28-70mm f/2 was the only lens I needed.

One standout moment? Louise and Dave’s first dance under a canopy of fairy lights. Shooting wide captured the scene, while zooming in highlighted their shared smiles and stolen glances. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do.


Final Thoughts: A Christmas Wedding to Remember

Louise and Dave’s wedding at Caswell House was the perfect blend of festive charm and heartfelt celebration. The Sony 28-70mm f/2 G-Master proved itself as the ultimate wedding lens, handling everything from low-light ceremonies to fast-paced dance floors with ease.

As I packed up my gear at the end of the night, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for couples like Louise and Dave who trust me to capture their stories, for venues like Caswell House that make every frame a masterpiece, and for gear that lets me focus on the moments that matter most.



Here’s to more magical weddings and the stories we get to tell, one grainy (or not-so-grainy) day at a time

Three-tiered white wedding cake with floral pattern bottom layer displayed on rustic wood slice with golden bokeh background.
A classic white wedding dress with spaghetti straps and sweetheart neckline hangs elegantly on a hanger against a dark wall.
A romantic wedding ceremony aisle lined with wooden chairs and twinkling string lights overhead creating a warm glow.
Multiple pink bridesmaid dresses hanging on wooden rack with black hangers showing soft chiffon fabric details.
Close-up detail of a rustic layered dessert tart decorated with dried flower petals on white plate.
A framed photograph of rustic French countryside cottages with terra cotta roofs hangs on a white wall.
Glass candy jars filled with colorful sweets and treats sit on a reflective wooden surface beside pink fabric.
A black and white photograph shows a person in a suit standing in a courtyard of an old stone building.
Groom wearing a charcoal grey suit with pink tie and pocket square smiles at camera.
Wedding party member in grey suit stands outside stone building entrance with ivy.
A romantic floral arrangement with white and blush roses against a backdrop of glowing golden bokeh lights.
A delicate blush pink bridesmaid dress with draped chiffon fabric and spaghetti straps hangs elegantly against greenery.
A rustic holiday wreath with dried hydrangeas, evergreen branches, pinecones, and berries hangs on a dark wooden door.
Groom in grey three-piece suit with pink tie and white boutonniere smiles indoors.
Someone wearing cozy white pajamas and holding a holiday gift stands at a wooden doorway in a warmly lit room.