A Charming English-Country Wedding
July 22, 2015
Claire & Andy’s Upwaltham Barns Springtime Wedding
In a barn venue at the end of May this year, Claire and Andy were privileged to marry surrounded by the lush greens and soft pastel colours offered by our lovely English springtime in all it’s fresh sunny glory. Choosing the outstanding rural and rustic Upwaltham Barns as the stunning backdrop to their vows and reception, this couple were spoilt for choice when it came to inspirational settings full of the beauty of nature and English-country charm. Of course locations such as these are always a delight for me as a photographer and offer vast opportunities to capture the precious moments for the couple in the most idyllic ways!
My day began with capturing some images of the groom all suited and booted. As a Navy Lieutenant, Andy looked very smart and handsome in uniform, accompanied by his groomsmen, all in traditional waistcoats and tails. The strength of these dashing outfits looked striking against the West Sussex flint stone, oak wooden beams and various other natural features of the carefully restored barn.
I’m sure marrying a groom in uniform ranked very highly with bride-to-be Claire who looked the epitomé of the English rose with her fair complexion and naturally pretty smile! Claire’s lace gown with empire line detail was soft and elegant and was complimented attractively by the mixture of pinks and corals. These were seen through the array of roses and wild flowers in her bouquet which were beautifully arranged by Kerry at Rose Cottage Flowers.
The wedding ceremony was sealed with a kiss before the throwing of confetti and the gathering of friends and family at a relaxed drinks reception.
I loved the newly-wed’s natural joy and sense of fun, they were very happy to try out all sorts of lovely compositions and interesting poses. Claire had seen a previous shot of mine taken at the same venue, (one you may recognise from my website), which she wanted to replicate. Instead we took the essence of that previous idea and put a little twist on it to create two images, both magical in different ways.
Something I love about Upwaltham Barns is the variety of textures on offer which make for amazing backdrops. The wooden slatted barn walls give so much natural warmth and a rural flavour which contrasts so well with the all that’s polished and modern in the barn. In this next image we went for a quirky angle and a play with perspectives to add a bit of fun and interest.
The laughs continued as we had a giggle capturing the lovely bridal party of close family and friends which included Andy’s brother, both fathers, Best Man - (long term friend, Pete), and Andrea - bridesmaid and sister to the bride.
As guests had a drink and mingled before the reception I noted a few of the details that Andy and Claire had put into place to personalise the venue.
Andy’s fantastic craft skills were on show through many of these details and his impressive handy-work really added a personal flavour to help make an already lovely venue look just amazing. A personalised wooden crate abounding with roses was the base to a wonderful handcrafted signpost - one of my favourite decor details on the day.
For Claire in particular, the details of the wedding day were of great importance and significance. I saw how she ensured that each guest had been carefully considered through various little thoughtful touches she’d put into place. The children were given specially selected snacks and drinks for example, and I could see that the guest’s comfort and enjoyment was top of the couple’s priorities for the day. The reception venue interior tied in seamlessly with the outside space, looking pretty as a picture decorated with pastel coloured bunting and delicate wild flowers, all which enhanced the English-country theme.
This couple had obviously shared many global trips together as a theme of travel was highlighted through the table plan atlas map with attached airmail envelopes, and an old vintage suitcase detailed with bunting, laid out for collecting cards and gifts brought by the guests.
A wonderful meal was provided by Nibbles2Nosh consisting of a variety of barbecued meats, fresh colourful salads and warm breads. The self-serve style made for a very relaxed classicly English summer affair.
As the sun lowered in the sky we ventured up the hill to soak up the last bit of warm light and take in the view.
Away from the hustle and bustle of guests, what a beautiful location to spend these few quiet moments on your wedding day.
The evening drew in at the end of a gorgeous day and Claire and Andy looked thoroughly happy and content and I felt very honoured to have photographed some of their precious moments for them to hold onto for years to come.
Congratulations Claire and Andy, thank you for having me at your special day. What a lovely wedding!
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A