Reportage wedding photography at Kirtlington Park

Last Friday saw Justyna and Tom’s wedding in a church in Woodstock, with their reception at the splendid Kirtlington Park. Being the start of the August Bank Holiday, the weather showed promise at first but then the drizzle and the clouds came in order to keep with the Bank Holiday tradition.

Justyna, her mother, sisters, niece and a friend got ready at Kirtlington Park ( a unique Grade 1 listed Palladian mansion outside Oxford, unspoiled by some giant hotel chain ) before the ceremony at St Hughes of Lincoln Roman Catholic church in Woodstock – a significant church for Tom’s family. The service was even conducted by a friend of Tom’s from his primary school days.

Drinks on the terrace and inside – sadly not the weather to use the extensive grounds.

As Justyna is Polish there was also the traditional ceremony of bread and salt.

“The Bread and Salt Blessing is an old and most popular Polish tradition. At the wedding reception, the parents of the bride and groom greet the newly married couple with bread, which is lightly sprinkled with salt and a goblet of wine.
With the bread, the parents are hoping that their children will never hunger or be in need. With the salt, they are reminding the couple that their life may be difficult at times, and they must learn to cope with life’s struggles. Also, it was believed that salt had the power to heal and cleanse, uncover thieves, protect houses against fire, dispel storms and hail, and drive away evil spirits. The wine symbolizes the desire that the couple will never go thirsty, and that their lives will be filled with health and happiness. After the bride and groom each taste a piece of bread they break the plate and glass for good luck. The parents then kiss them as a sign of welcome, unity, and love.” as well as some rousing Polish singing during the wedding breakfast. The latter accompanied by napkin waving.

Here are a few images from the day at this Kirtlington Park wedding…