An English Rose on a summer’s day…
October 01, 2015
This summer I’ve been lucky enough to shoot several weddings at Southend Barns in Chichester and I’m always amazed at how each couple manage to put their own stamp on the venue. It was no different for Nick and Jo who had arranged a beautifully chic wedding with subtle touches of classic glamour, which were perfectly offset in the enchanting surrounding of the converted barns.
The day started at The Blacksmiths, a recently renovated pub just half a mile up the road from Southend Barns. Will and Mariella Fleming of Southend Barns also own the pub and you can see the same rustic touches and attention to detail at both venues. It was here that Nick and his groomsmen stayed the night before and were getting ready for the day ahead. When I arrived the boys had gone back to bed with mugs of tea having enjoyed a hearty English breakfast down in the restaurant. However, once dressed they all brushed up really well wearing matching navy suits and crisp white pocket squares. Nick and his best man had gone all out for the day and bought handmade bespoke suits with on-trend paisley linings that they had picked themselves.
When I arrived at the pub I had spotted a fantastic photo opportunity in the field at the back and I wanted to take advantage of the great setting in the gorgeous sunshine – I am always on the lookout for the perfect photo and this one was too good to miss! We had so much fun shooting some amazing photos of the boys larking around in the field of wheat. I love this shot of them all in action with the setting of the clouds in the sky and the sun shining through.
Having seen the boys get suited and booted, I then set off to see the bride. Jo was getting ready in the luxurious bridal suite at Southend Barns, which had unbelievably once been used as the milking parlour on the farm!
Lucy and Lauren from ID Makeup, Hair and Beauty in Chichester were already there doing Jo and her bridesmaids’ hair and makeup. The girls looked fab in their matching floral robes whilst sipping on glasses of bubbly. The morning was made even more perfect when the best man arrived with a card for Jo, that revealed Nick had booked them a surprise trip to New York!
I loved the style Jo went for on the day, she looked like a real English Rose with very natural blush makeup that went perfectly with her gorgeous lace detailed gown and minimal jewellery. The bridesmaids also looked sensational in floor-length pale grey dresses while the beautiful white bouquets by The Flower Gallery complimented the chic style of the day.
While Jo, escorted by her Dad and bridesmaids, made her way to the ceremony room and to her future husband, the younger members of the wedding party could not resist taking a sneaky peek at all the guests waiting for them!
Following the lovely vows and exchanging of rings, the newlyweds and their guests flowed out into the Collecting Yard at the venue to enjoy glasses of Champagne and canapés. This is always the perfect opportunity to get guests together for group shots and it's great when the couple want something a bit different and fun. This shot is a perfect example of the bridesmaids and ushers getting into the spirit of it all!
The whole day had a real sense of enjoyment and excitement about it; even the baby in this photo of the whole wedding party is getting involved!
The couple with their guests were soon making their way into the Threshing Barn for the wedding breakfast. Continuing their classic and stylish theme, the beautiful barn with its exposed beams and rustic charm, was decorated with simple touches of silver and cream including a Mr & Mrs sign and striking gilt framed mirror that was used for the table plan.
To make the most of the summer evening sunshine, Jo and Nick had arranged to have their cake cutting outside on the lawn, which was followed by the part the girls had all been waiting for…the throwing of the bouquet!
Before we completely lost the sunshine I managed to steal the couple away for a few photos of them alone together in the neighbouring field. The balmy evening rays and dramatic clouds made such a beautiful backdrop and I even managed to get a photo of the loved-up newlyweds in a field of wild flowers. You can see here the lengths I will go to get that perfect shot!
The couple then headed back into the Threshing Barn to join their guests and kick off the evening with their first dance; an awesome mash up of 90s classics played by Doug from Toast DJs.
I always try to get memorable shots of the bride in her wedding dress at the venue so while the guests were throwing shapes on the dance floor, me and Jo managed to step away from the party to capture this gorgeous evening shot of her looking serene and beautiful beneath the twinkling lights of the Collecting Yard and the big midnight blue sky. The perfect final shot to such an idyllic day!
It has been wonderful getting to know Jo and Nick, from their engagement shoot through to their wedding day, they have been such a pleasure to work with and were kind enough to let me get a few extra shots to use on my new website.
Congratulations Mr and Mrs Blount and wishing you lots of happiness for your future together!
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A