Summer wedding at Oxwich Bay Hotel: Craig & Lisa

View of Oxwich Beach

Craig and Lisa got married at the Oxwich Bay Hotel on the stunning Gower peninsula. One of my favourite places to visit in the UK - one of my good friends got married on the Gower a few years ago, so I was excited to be able to head back.

I shot their engagement shoot in Cambridge in February on a rare rain free and sunny day. Craig and Lisa are definitely my sort of couple - they love G&Ts just as much as I do, which makes them golden in my book.

Groom wiping tears at altar

Craig was so emotional before the wedding as the nerves took hold and couldn’t bring himself to watch Lisa walking down the aisle. There was a funny moment as he turned to look at Lisa as she arrived at the altar, when holding back the tears forced them out of his nose!

Groom wiping his nose after crying

They were so lucky with the weather - it looked ominous in the morning, but come wedding time, the sun was out which led to one of the most beautiful sunsets that we just had to take advantage of for some couple portraits before their first dance.

I loved every second of their wedding and everyone made myself and Larissa, my amazing second shooter, feel welcome. First wedding I’ve been held ‘hostage’ until I’d had a drink and a dance, but when said drink is a G&T, I’ll go anywhere you ask! 😉

I asked Craig and Lisa to share a few thoughts on their wedding day and planning.

Why did you choose your wedding venue?

Craig: “We chose the venue for the location. I, grew up in the local area but it wasn’t until we went to visit the venue that I appreciated what I’d had on my doorstep for my childhood. The views looking out over the beach, coastline and bay were absolutely stunning and we both fell in love with it.”

Lisa: “After we’d picked the location, we enrolled in a trail half marathon in that area with the finish point being the beach in front of the hotel. So that area already has a lot of memories for us.”

Oxwich Bay beach

What was your ceremony like?

Craig: “Emotional! I was really nervous and couldn’t stop crying. The ceremony itself was elegant, peaceful and one of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve been privy to.”

Lisa: “I was so excited, the butterflies were out of control as I waited outside of the door waiting to see Craig. I was panicking that I would mess up my vows but when it came to it, the registrar put me at ease. I think the ceremony was perfect, but if I’m honest it went past in such a blur, I was barely aware of all the people around us as I couldn’t take my eyes off Craig.”

How would you describe your overall wedding experience?

Craig: “An absolutely amazing day. From the start of the day when I first got there to make sure everything was all sorted, to the guests arriving, to the ceremony and to the evening/early morning. For me the highlight was seeing my gorgeous wife to be standing next to me…”

Lisa: “It was a brilliant day from start to finish, filled full of friends, family and love. For me the day was completely stress free which is a testament to Craig as he handled all the last minute issues.”

What did you enjoy about your reception?

Craig: “Seeing friends and family that haven’t seen each other for a number of years all catching up where they’d left off. I don’t remember much .. not because I was drunk … but because I was so busy going round and talking to all the guests.”

Lisa: “Dancing, laughing and making memories with family and friends. The reception flowed really well, credit to Sarann and the team at Oxwich Bay Hotel for covering all the little details. Especially Sarann who made sure I got some dessert!” - good job too as dessert was lush!

The wedding cake

Other than ‘don’t do it’(!), what advice do you have for other couples getting married?

Craig: “Plan early, maybe get an earlier ceremony time so guests have time to check in and change for the event. Most of all savour the day, enjoy being the centre of attention and don’t get so drunk that you end up in the bridal suite and having other people trying to get you undressed!!”

Lisa: “Enjoy everything and try not to stress about anything. We have made so many memories whilst planning the wedding and had the chance to meet some lovely people along the way. From a wedding expo where we found Carla; doing hair and makeup trials first thing on a Saturday morning and then going to Cardiff fully glammed up to hunt down bridesmaid dresses. We had so much support from our friends and family. Our cake was made by family friend, favours were made by Craig’s mum and sister. It just made the whole day feel more personal.”

If you’re planning your own beach wedding and want me to capture all the fun and laughter, get in touch!

If scrolling isn’t your thing, watch a short slideshow of Craig and Lisa’s wedding. Turn the sound off if you’re in the office. I won’t tell!