Zoe and James
Zoe and James’ wedding day was one of those easy, joy‑soaked Bristol stories — city buzz in the morning, countryside calm by evening, hot air balloons drifting across the sky like something out of a film, and Eddie the golden retriever trotting along as part of the whole joyful crew. Zoe got ready at the Harbour Hotel in Bristol, all soft light, tiled bathrooms and that relaxed, pre‑ceremony chaos with her favourite people around her.
City heart, grand ceremony
Their ceremony took place at Bristol Register Office in the Mayoral Room — a grand yet intimate space lined with paintings of former Bristol mayors and centred around an ornate fireplace that gives everything a real sense of occasion. The room felt formal in the best way, but still warm and personal as they said their vows.
After the ceremony, everyone spilled outside and gathered on the steps, the classic Bristol backdrop framing hugs, confetti and those just‑married grins — Eddie bounding about, tail wagging through it all! It’s one of those spots that works perfectly for relaxed, documentary‑style photos — nothing too staged, just the buzz of friends, family and furry friend around them.
On the hill, pure countryside
On the way to the reception, we took a detour to the top of a hill in a park — a very special and poignant place for Zoe. They took a breather there, remembering loved ones in the quiet. It was a lovely time spent with them both, with rolling hills and wildflowers framing those heartfelt portraits.
Doynton village hall, big skies and balloons
Their reception was held in the village hall in Doynton — a beautiful, sleepy spot where the hall sits at the heart of everything and the views roll out for miles. Inside, the space was filled with personal touches, handmade details and the kind of styling that feels less like an event and more like a gathering of all the best people (and dogs) in their lives. Lint rollers on hand!
As the evening drew in, the sky started to fill with colour: hot air balloons from the Bristol Balloon Festival floated across the horizon, perfectly framed behind the hall and fields. Zoe and James stepped outside with Eddie at their heels and we made the most of it — them in the foreground, balloons drifting in the distance, a proper Bristol moment wrapped into their Doynton village‑hall wedding. It was the perfect blend of city, countryside and a whole lot of heart, exactly the kind of day that feels true to them from start to finish.
