Wherever you go in the South East of the UK, people will know of the Crazy Bear. Whether it’s the one in Beaconsfield (nestled in Buckinghamshire), or the original in Stadhampton (near Oxford), the very mention of the name conjures up visions of fine champagne, delicious Thai food and unforgettable weddings. The Crazy Bear has become something of an institution for couples looking for a venue that’s genuinely special – a place where the food is exceptional, the service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else. And creating wedding photography at the Crazy Bear is something of a joy too!
As much as the Crazy Bear is a venue of dreams for many brides and grooms, it’s a photographer’s heaven too. Walk through the doors and you’re immediately struck by the sheer visual richness of the space. It’s a veritable visual overload in the very best way – full of black walls, even darker ceilings, oak floors, golds, pewters, ebony, leather, copper, glass and velvet all layered together in this gloriously atmospheric setting. The interior design is theatrical and moody, which might sound challenging, but it actually rewards a photographer handsomely. Those dark tones and rich textures create incredible depth and dimension in photographs. The interplay of light – whether it’s natural daylight streaming through windows, the warm glow of the evening service, or the dramatic uplighting during the reception – bounces off all these surfaces in the most beautiful ways. It amply rewards with stunning images in all weathers, all seasons, day or night. A winter wedding feels cosy and intimate; a summer celebration feels luxurious and dramatic. There’s genuine visual interest in every corner, which means there’s always something compelling to photograph.
Which is why being a photographer there is something rather special. Wedding photography at The Crazy Bear is something of a joy to do – every single time.
