Voco Oxford Thames Wedding | Richard & Maria

Date: Sunday 1st February 2026

Ceremony: St Andrews C of E Church

Wedding Reception: voco Oxford Thames

Photographers: SimplyGreatShots Photography

A wedding day is always a profound story of love, but Richard and Maria’s celebration was a chapter we’ll never forget. It was a day where two families and two beautiful cultures—English and Romanian—came together, proving that the warmth of love is more than a match for a cold, rainy February day. As their Oxfordshire wedding photographers, it was a true honour to document every heartfelt moment, from the historic church vows to the vibrant celebrations at the stunning voco Oxford Thames.

A Day of Two Halves: From Sacred Vows to Riverside Celebrations

The day began with preparations at the magnificent voco Oxford Thames, where both Richard and Maria got ready surrounded by their loved ones. From there, they travelled to the beautiful St Andrews C of E Church for a traditional and moving ceremony. Despite the persistent rain, the atmosphere inside was one of pure joy and anticipation. After the vows were exchanged, a timely break in the clouds allowed for a magical confetti moment—a flurry of white against the grey sky, perfectly capturing the spirit of the day.

An Elegant Reception at voco Oxford Thames

Returning to the voco Oxford Thames, the weather dictated that we move the group photographs indoors. The venue’s medieval barn, with its ancient stone walls and rustic beams, provided a dramatic and intimate backdrop that felt incredibly special. The wedding breakfast was held in ‘The Conservatory’, a bright and elegant space where guests enjoyed a wonderful fusion of English and Romanian cuisine. In a beautiful nod to family and tradition, one of the bride’s own guests was even involved in preparing some of the delicious food.

Handmade Touches and Heartfelt Words

What truly defined this wedding was the incredible array of personal touches. Richard, a man of many talents, had lovingly handcrafted the table numbers from 15mm copper pipe, creating unique industrial-chic pieces that perfectly complemented the venue’s style. The single-layer white wedding cake, adorned with fresh white roses and delicate icing sugar flowers, was a masterpiece of understated elegance, echoing the theme of Maria’s beautiful bouquet and the buttonholes worn by the groom and his party.

The speeches were a powerful testament to the love surrounding the couple. The groom’s father gave a heartfelt tribute, speaking of his deep affection for Maria. The best man shared a few hilarious stories of his time living with Richard, joking that he was “hard work to live with".

Richard spoke in English and a multitude of other languages to welcome their wedding guests from around the world and spoke of his life before, humbly stating that meeting Maria was, without a doubt, the best thing that had ever happened to him.

A Fusion of Cultures on the Dance Floor

This sentiment was embodied in the most incredible surprise. For their first dance, Richard revealed he had secretly recorded his own cover of Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” for his bride. It was a breathtakingly personal and romantic gesture. This was immediately followed by a beautiful Romanian track for a second first dance, which led into an evening of traditional Romanian music and dancing. The celebration of Maria’s heritage was a joy to witness, bringing so much energy and happiness to the dance floor. To top it all off, Richard’s own band took to the stage, performing a fantastic set of ten or so well-known songs that had everyone singing along.

Capturing Timeless Moments at a Historic Oxfordshire Wedding Venue

Richard and Maria’s wedding was a powerful reminder that a wedding day isn’t about perfect weather; it’s about the people, the moments, and the love that fills the room. It was a day of heartfelt emotion, cultural celebration, and unforgettable surprises. We are so incredibly grateful to have been the photographers chosen to capture their unique story.

If you are planning a wedding at the beautiful voco Oxford Thames and are looking for a photographer who captures the real, unscripted moments of your day, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch to tell us more about your plans.

SimplyGreatShots Photography would like to wish Richard and Maria a lifetime of happiness as they begin their new chapter as husband and wife!