An Alternative Wedding Shoot With Philippa James Photography
There has been a big shift in wedding trends over the last five years and Oxfordshire couples are desperately seeking alternative ways to get married. Local wedding blogger and photographer Philippa James from The Oxford Wedding Blog, teamed up with us to collaborate with over eight local business on a non-traditional wedding photo shoot to give you some wedding inspiration and ideas with a difference. The shoot took place at indie Oxford member Tap Social Movement in Botley, which is a brewery and community space founded to give opportunities to those having difficulty turning their lives around after coming into contact with the law.
Philippa commented;
“It was fantastic to collaborate with such like-minded creatives on this shoot. As a wedding photographer, I come across so many couples who struggle to find something a little less traditional in Oxfordshire. I’d say alternative wedding venues such as Tap Social (Oxford), Braziers Park (Wallingford), and The Maybush (Moreton) all offer fantastic alternative options that allow couples to stamp their style on their day.”
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Recent wedding trends have made it possible for couples to get married anywhere and have exactly the day they want. Even though it may not be possible to legally get married anywhere, many couples are opting to hire a professional celebrant so they can create a very personal ceremony at their chosen location. The ‘legal bit’ is then done on a separate day in a registry office.
Pleased to be hosting the shoot at Tap Social, Tess Taylor, Co-Founder at Tap Social Movement commented;
“We haven’t advertised our space as a wedding venue, but couples have been drawn to us as they are increasingly looking for something a bit different for their wedding day. We are also so close to the city so many couples are opting to have a traditional ceremony in the beautiful city centre, then coming back here to kick back, have a relaxed dinner and follow it with a big party. We have the space to host 150 guests and couples seem to really like the relaxed vibe we have going on.”
Alongside the venue, couples getting married in Oxfordshire are looking for local, creative suppliers. Photographer Philippa James came up with the non-traditional concept for the shoot, aiming to showcase the work of other local suppliers involved. Philippa asked us to work with her on the shoot to highlight independent businesses in Oxfordshire that offer wedding services. We modeled hand-made wedding dresses designed by Oxfordshire based Maud of MaudiKa Bridal, and mixed it up with leather jackets and accessories from second hand vintage shop, Eagle Vintage and jewellers Payne & Son. Clare Moroney, the make-up artist, and Jodie & Emma from Kenny’s Hair Boutique, worked closely to the ‘urban glam’ brief, and florist Jane, of Bicycle Blooms, brought an autumnal floral theme to the shoot. The autumnal design was also echoed in the stunning gold leaf naked wedding cake by Lulu’s Little Oxford Kitchen.
We are passionate about indie businesses collaborating together to support each other, and promote their work. We were thrilled to be able to put together a purely local supplier list for this shoot, as we know small businesses are far more invested in your experience as a customer, and want to make sure you have the best day ever.
Independent businesses thrive on community and collaboration, and this wedding shoot highlights how indies will go that extra mile, and create something extra special for you. We are so lucky to have such creative and innovative businesses on our doorstep.
If you want to explore more local independent businesses in Oxfordshire, check out our online directory.
Love, Rosie xxx
