When The Bear Hotel got in touch for a wedding photoshoot at the beginning of the year, I jumped at the chance.  It is a landmark location in the heart of beautiful Woodstock.  An historical, grand building which is full of character and almost on the doorstep of Blenheim Palace.  On taking a tour of the hotel there were so many surprises; cosy alcoves and winding staircases; even an old tunnel which apparently leads to the Palace itself!

The shoot followed the story of a full wedding day experience at the hotel, from getting ready in the Bridal suite, to the ceremony and wedding breakfast.  The one location style wedding is a firm favourite with couples with so many advantages, reducing much of the logistical stresses a wedding day can bring.  This venue has some stunning rooms with plenty of space for your bridemaids, hairdressers, bottles of Prosecco etc! The Bridal suite is always buzzing with excitement the morning of the wedding and is such an important part of the day to enjoy. 

If you are considering a micro wedding with a small group of family and friends, they have a fabulous private dining room.  The photo below is the room dressed with a single, long banquet style table.  It feels grand but also cosy and intimate.  The design brief was classic, with a touch of colour and plenty of foliage and texture.  The soft pinks and champagnes tone well with the burgundy drapes. This is by far my favourite space at the hotel.  Picture this space for a Christmas wedding… the long dining space dressed with flambyant and full foliage garlands with fruits and berries and plenty of candles.  Lush!

There is also a larger space for bigger parties in the centre of the hotel with room for a dance floor.  Dean’s Chair Cover’s provided elegant drapes which separate the dining area from the hotel and framed the top table.  Again, the use of candles worked well, creating a warm, soft lighting against the classic, period features.

There are plenty of outdoor photo opportunities here too.  The hotel has a pretty courtyard just oustide the Bridal suite.  Step outside the front of The Bear and you are in the centre of Woodstock, which is a picturesque market town and just a walk away are the grounds of Blenheim Palace.

This was a fun, full day to be involved with!  Thank you so much to the team at The Bear for organising this and also to Creation Bureau for these gorgeous photos.  

Flowers varieties used:

Quicksand Rose

Vandela Rose

Royal Porcelina Spray Rose

Light apricot lizzianthus

White Hydrangea

Billion Stars Astrantia

 Suppliers:

Venue: Macdonald Bear Hotel, Woodstock

Photography: Creation Bureau

Wedding dress and accessories: Ellie Sanderson

Chair covers: Dean’s Chair Covers

Flowers: Gladys Doris Flowers