Riverside Elegance: An Oakley Court Wedding in Windsor

It was late July 2023 and properly warm when I arrived at Oakley Court for Jojo and Marley's wedding. This massive Victorian place sits right on the River Thames in Windsor, I'd never shot here before, so I had that familiar mix of nerves and excitement about working somewhere new. Meeting the couple sorted that out though, and I was ready to get stuck in.

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Upstairs, Jojo was getting ready with her sisters, friends, and mum, loads of energy and laughter going on. Meanwhile, Marley and his groomsmen were having a tennis match outside. I grabbed a shot of Marley mid-swing, not exactly Wimbledon standard, but definitely worth including in the album. It's those random moments that make days like this so good to photograph.

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The grounds at Oakley Court are gorgeous, perfect for a ceremony by the river. They'd set up over a hundred chairs facing the Thames, with Daisy Grace Blooms providing lovely flower arrangements that added pops of colour everywhere.

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Jojo came down the aisle with both her parents beside her, you could see how proud and emotional they all were. Marley was barely holding it together waiting for her. During the vows, we got this brilliant surprise when boats went past on the Thames with people waving and cheering. One of those unplanned things that made the whole ceremony feel really special.

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After they were officially married, everyone got drinks and started catching up. There was also this big green bouncy castle that turned out to be popular with more than just the kids - Jojo and Marley had a go, plus quite a few of the adults. Not your typical wedding entertainment, but it was brilliant.

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The speeches started outside near the yurt where dinner would be. Jojo's mum went first to lots of applause. There's something about outdoor speeches - they feel more relaxed somehow, less formal than being stuck inside.

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One of my favorite shots from the day, which actually won at the This Is Reportage awards later, was Jojo's brother about to light his cigarette from the fire pit. Just one of those candid storytelling moments you can't plan for.

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Inside the yurt they'd laid on a lovely Thai feast, then came more speeches. Marley spoke, the maid of honor had her turn, then three best men all shared stories. Jojo was laughing her head off one minute and wiping away tears the next.

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We snuck away for some sunset photos as the light was getting really nice. The Thames and the gardens looked stunning - proper romantic setting for couples shots. It's moments like that when I remember why I love this job so much, especially at places like Oakley Court.

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DJ Larry Sun got everyone dancing as the evening went on. I was grinning watching Jojo and her dad start up a conga line, and later seeing Jojo's family lift her up in the air, her face absolutely beaming. What a way to end such a brilliant day.

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Jojo and Marley's wedding mixed genuine moments with elegance, all set by the Thames. If you're thinking about Oakley Court for your wedding, the gardens and riverside location really are something special.

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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!

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