Riverside Elegance: An Oakley Court Wedding in Windsor

The last days of July 2023 were warm ones, and on one of these, I found myself at Oakley Court for Jojo and Marley's river wedding in Windsor. This Oakley Court hotel wedding was set in a grand Victorian place on the River Thames. I had never shot at this stunning venue before, so I had that usual mix of butterflies and excitement you get with a new wedding venue. But as soon as I met the couple, I was eager to capture their day.

‍

Upstairs, there was a lively buzz as Jojo, her sisters, friends, and mother got ready. Not far off, Marley and his groomsmen were in the middle of a spirited tennis match. I managed to snap Marley mid-swing—not quite Wimbledon material, but definitely one for the wedding album. It's these unexpected moments that make photographing at Oakley Court such a joy.

‍

Oakley Court's grounds were stunning, perfect for a riverside ceremony in Windsor. They'd set up over a hundred chairs facing the River Thames, with lovely floral arrangements by Daisy Grace Blooms adding splashes of colour to this Oakley Court wedding.

‍

Jojo walked down the aisle with her parents on each side, a moment brimming with pride and anticipation. Marley could hardly contain himself as he waited for her. During the vows, we got a lovely surprise - boats drifting by on the River Thames, their passengers waving and cheering. It was one of those unplanned touches that made this river wedding in Windsor feel even more special.

‍

Once they'd sealed the deal, everyone got stuck into drinks and catch-ups. A surprise addition was a tall green bouncy castle, which not only the kids enjoyed, but the newlyweds and some game adults had a go on too - a unique feature for Oakley Court wedding photography.

‍

The speeches started outdoors, near the yurt set up for dinner. Jojo's mother kicked things off to much applause. There's something special about outdoor speeches at an Oakley Court hotel wedding—they feel more relaxed and intimate.

‍

One of my favourite moments, which later won recognition at the This Is Reportage awards, was catching Jojo's brother contemplating lighting his cigarette from the fire pit—one of those unplanned, storytelling moments that make a river wedding in Windsor unique.

‍

The yurt was decked out for a proper Thai feast, then it was time for more speeches. Marley, the maid of honour, and a trio of best men all had their say, leaving Jojo in stitches one minute and teary-eyed the next.

‍

We snuck off for some sunset pics just as the light was fading. The River Thames and Oakley Court's gardens looked absolutely gorgeous - perfect for those romantic shots. Honestly, it's times like these that make me dead chuffed to be a wedding photographer, especially at such a knockout place.

‍

DJ Larry Sun had everyone up and moving as the night went on. I couldn't help but grin watching Jojo and her old man start a proper love train, and later seeing Jojo's family hoist her up in the air, her face lit up with joy. What a way to cap off a brilliant day at Oakley Court - moments like these are why I love shooting weddings here.

‍

Jojo & Marley's river wedding in Windsor blended authentic moments with elegance, all by the peaceful Thames, a setting I'd love to return to. If you're considering an Oakley Court hotel wedding, their beautiful gardens and riverside location make it a truly stunning venue.

‍

If you enjoyed this Oakley Court wedding photography, dive into more with Laura & Chris’s wedding at Silchester Farm in Hampshire, or explore the charm of Zoe & Jame’s Tipi wedding in Surrey!

‍