Summer Weddings - A Sumptuous Cotswolds Wedding at The Matara Centre, Gloucestershire
The Matara Centre a celebration of world multi-cultures
Are you are looking for a wedding venue in the Cotswolds, a Cotswolds wedding photographer or perhaps looking for inspiration and ideas for your own wedding? If yes, then this blog is written just for you.
The Labyrinth at The Matara Centre Gloucestershire
The Matara Centre near Kingscote in Gloucestershire was the venue that Nicola and Chis fell in love with. It truly is a beautiful wedding space, a spiritual place. You feel the energy and spirit of Matara as soon as you walk into the grounds. It is extraordinary.
It is only the third time I've worked there, but I sincerely hope I get to photograph many more weddings there in the future.
“There is no remedy for love but to love more.”
Matara was formed a quarter of a century ago. As described on their website, "A man had an idea. Intrigued by the philosophies and principles he encountered on his travels, he wanted to create a beautiful place that invited people in, created a sense of calm and gave time to reflect. The result is The Matara Centre, a celebration of the worlds multi-cultures filled with intrigues around each corner".
A summer wedding at Matara Centre Gloucestershire
Nicola and Chris booked me early in 2019 for their summer wedding in 2021, well before any of us had heard of COVID-19. They had hired the house for their respective families to come together for two days of celebration in the Cotswolds. They had always planned on having only close family on their wedding day. As a result, the numbers were well below the government regulations on weddings. They could go ahead with minimum changes to their plans. It turned out to be the first wedding that Matara held since lockdown. I was indeed lucky to be asked to capture their wedding story for them. And what a beautiful story it was.
The house at The Matara Centre is beautifully appointed, the rooms are light and airy with beautiful large windows which give the most perfect light for photographs of bridal preparation. The lovely Abi Andrews Hair and Makeup was busy doing her stuff when I arrived, and I'm sure you'll agree that Nicola looked stunning.
The ceremony itself was held outside next to the ornamental pond. This iconic Matara setting makes for the most perfect of intimate ceremonies. Chris and Nicola had the most beautiful weather for their August wedding. Beautiful fluffy clouds and blue skies.
Following the ceremony, we were able to make full use of the extensive parkland for the photos. Matara boasts a walled rose garden, an exotic summer house, open fields, woodlands appointed with ornate statues, a lake with a pretty bridge and even a labyrinth.
Every couple who are married at Matara is offered the chance to plant a tree in the parkland. A lovely opportunity to dedicate their day forever in this beautiful setting. It is a lasting reminder of their day that they can come back and visit over the years and watch their tree grow. I could use a corny line here about watching the tree grow as their love and marriage grow - but I won't. It is a pretty awesome thing to be able to do though I'm sure you'll agree.
Reflections on the day from the Bride, Nicola
I asked Nicola to reflect on her day, and she very kindly obliged with these words.
We had the most fantastic day at The Matara Centre. Our wedding day was everything we wished for. We chose The Matara centre as it combined all our interests. We love gardening, we love nature, and I have interests in all things spiritual. The Matara Centre combined all those things, so it was a very natural choice.
On our day everything, for us, seemed perfect, including the weather. And we are so lucky that our photos reflect our day. We appreciate the stunning natural photos Paul took. I have many favourites. But My absolute favourite is a photo under a rose arch, which is my favourite flower. Closely followed by a picture of us in the labyrinth at Matara and around the lake. Another favourite is a photo of my sister laughing, as our Mum died not long ago this a very happy photo to see. And yet another one is Chris, my now husband, telling a joke. Our day went by so quickly, the photos are a picture story of the day. These will be very cherished and allow us to remember all the details.
We chose Paul to be our photographer as I liked the way he captured the surroundings and the emotions. From our first meeting, he seemed focused on what we wanted to capture and was attentive to our needs. On our day, he arrived when we asked. He Blended in and took photos, as and when required. Nothing was too much trouble for Paul at all. He took pictures of those who love having a picture taken and those who don't with a calm and sensitive manner. I'm quite self-conscious, but I felt very relaxed having my photo taken.
We have the most amazing photos to remember the day by. Our only problem - choosing which ones to put on the wall!
Matara Centre Wedding Photography
Chris and Nicola wanted photos in as many locations as possible to be able to remember everything about their day in this unique setting. I was more than happy to oblige - they really were very generous with their time. I think you'll agree that the photos of this lovely couple show the real story of what a wedding ceremony at Matara can be like.
It is so tempting to put ever image I have from this wedding here, but I’ll resist. Here is a sample from this lovely wedding to give you a flavour for both the Matara Centre and for my style of Photography from this Matara Centre Wedding Photographer. If you would like to have an informal chat about me capturing your wedding day either here at Matara or anywhere else in the UK then please do get in touch.
“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.”
Find out more about The Matara centre and Abi Andrews hair & makeup and do visit my social feeds for more inspiration
If you've enjoyed reading this, you may be interested in reading my blog about How to get the best from your wedding photographer.
The Hilarium at Matara
Cotswolds Wedding Photography
by The Lemon House
I 'm a Cotswolds wedding photographer based in Gloucestershire.
I capture documentary style wedding stories with real imagination, creativity and natural but vibrant imagery. I work throughout the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire and across the whole of UK
I work with couples who love and see the value of beautiful wedding photography. People who want to have their story captured forever to share with family, friends, and future generations of themselves. If this sounds like you then please do get in touch.
I am based in Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire