Natasha & Craig's Countryside Wedding
- Kirsty Cheshire
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
Welcome to the wedding of Natasha & Craig.
Natasha & Craig’s day kicked off my 2025 season of weddings but I was actually booked as a surprise for the couple from the wedding party. The groom’s sister got in touch a year previous to book me.
Their special day took place at the stunning Cider Mill Barns, a converted barn situated in Stratford-Upon-Avon surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside.
Luckily, the groom was informed of my attendance the night before the big day, so I was able to greet him as normal ahead of the ceremony, but then it was an undercover mission until after the ceremony when I could be revealed to the bride. The ceremony was beautiful and intimate, taking place in their rustic ceremony room with exposed brick and oak beams.
Following the ceremony, we headed outside for photographs with friends and family, along with a very special guest in the form of their beautiful black Labrador, Holly!
Finally came my reveal and both bride and groom were excited for their painting to take shape. We took a variety of photos in front of The Summerhouse (which is perfect for outdoor ceremonies too btw!) and the couple settled on this stunning, tender moment of Craig kissing the Natasha’s forehead.
I quickly got to work sketching out their portrait and laying down the foundations for the background before building up the layers in their outfits. I then moved on to the detailing in their faces and expressions and was so pleased to hear guests commenting on how I had captured their likeness already – that really is the biggest compliment I can receive from guests and loved ones.
Natasha, Craig and their guests continued well on into the evening and celebrated and finally it was time to reveal the painting. I assembled the wedding party that had contributed to booking me as a gift for the couple out on the terrace and gave them the honour of revealing the painting to the couple. It was such a sweet moment to witness and Natasha & Craig were very happy with their portrait.
Back in the studio, edits continued with a rather significant change in the background. My signature style involves a soft, blurry ‘bokeh’ background but the summerhouse just wasn’t fitting with that, so several amendments later, the balance of the painting was restored with the main focus being on the happy couple.
Once finished, the couple chose to have it framed in a deep-set black frame which really elevated it and meant that when I delivered it to them, it was ready to hang straight on the wall in their home.
I absolutely loved painting for Natasha & Craig. Each painting I have the pleasure of creating, I learn so much but I always put my heart and soul into creating something special and personal to the couple.
A huge thanks to the other suppliers on the day for helping to bring Natasha & Craig’s day to life.
Venue: Cider Mill Barns https://cidermillbarns.com
Photographer: Victoria Steed Photography https://victoriasteed.co.uk/Videographer: Two Towers Media https://www.twotowersmedia.co.uk/
Make Up Artist: Morgan Lee Beauty https://www.instagram.com/morganleebeauty/ Hair Stylist: Holly Leah www.instagram.com/hollieleahhair/
Florist: Heaven Scent Florists
Cake: White Hyacinth Weddings http://whitehyacinthcakes.co.uk/
Musicians: Enigma String Quartet http://enigma-stringquartet.co.uk/
DJ: Rob Lawes https://www.roblawesentertainments.com/
If you are interested in booking me for your wedding, or as a gift for a loved one, please visit my website to submit an enquiry form www.theliveweddingpainter.co.uk or email me directly on info@theliveweddingpainter.co.uk
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