Wedding For The Weekend- Paul & Amy’s Summer Wedding at Coberley Church in Cotswold Village

Today we have a gorgeous real wedding to share with you all! Photographed by the very talented Marcus from Big Eye Photography! We had the pleasure of meeting Marcus at the Tweet Up we attended last week and strongly recommend him for anyone looking for a talented, caring and motivated photographer!

Paul and Amy were married in the beautiful Cotswold village of Coberley, where they live, at Coberley Church. A really stunning area, comprising only a few houses and a real countryside feel, despite it being only about three minutes out of Cheltenham.

When photographer Marcus previously met with Paul and Amy he quickly realised that they love black and white images and that flowers would play a large part in the detail of their wedding!

After taking a few photos at Amy’s house, Marcus met Paul at the Church where he greeted the guests, then made his way back up to the road outside the Church where Amy was walking from her house to her wedding. (walking to the church! LOVE this idea, so sweet!)

Why I love church weddings…

Oh, let me count the ways! The charm of a church wedding is undeniable. For starters, there’s something deeply resonant about the timelessness of a church setting. The history, the architecture, the reverence—it’s like stepping into a living, breathing storybook where your wedding becomes a part of a centuries-old tradition.

Church weddings offer a sense of gravity and permanence. When you exchange vows under those high, vaulted ceilings, surrounded by stained glass windows that have seen countless ceremonies before yours, it feels monumental. It’s not just a celebration; it’s a solemn, beautiful commitment witnessed by generations past and future. It’s like being part of a grand, unending tapestry of love stories.

On a personal note, attending a church wedding always gives me goosebumps. I remember my cousin’s wedding a few years ago in a quaint countryside chapel. The acoustics made the organ music soar, wrapping everyone in a cocoon of harmonious sound. It was ethereal. The atmosphere was thick with emotion and tradition—far more impactful than any hall or garden setting I’ve ever experienced.

Now, let’s talk about aesthetics. Churches often boast stunning architecture, providing a natural, picturesque backdrop for your photos. You don’t need to go overboard with decorations because the inherent beauty of the place does the heavy lifting. Think of it as having a Michelin-starred chef prepare your meal: no need to add extra seasoning!

Of course, there are practical considerations. Churches often come with built-in seating, excellent acoustics, and a designated person (the vicar or priest) to help orchestrate the ceremony. These elements reduce the logistical stress significantly, allowing you to focus more on the moment and less on the minutiae.

Sure, there are cons to consider—like adhering to specific religious requirements or the formal tone that might not suit every couple. But the pros, in my opinion, outweigh them. A church wedding isn’t just about the ceremony; it’s about embedding your love story into a lineage of enduring unions. It’s a declaration, not just to your partner but to the world, of the seriousness and sanctity of your commitment.

In reflecting on what I’ve learned, church weddings symbolize continuity and stability in a world that often feels chaotic and transient. They remind us that while trends may come and go, some things—like love and commitment—are meant to last.

After a walk back up through the village, the reception was held in a marquee adjacent to a cornfield, with beautiful flowers in teacups and jars dotted around, including home grown sweet peas! There might even have been a chance to have a play on the swing…!