Hitting the High Notes
July 25, 2019
Russell & Paul's Southend Barns Spring Wedding
Russell and Paul’s May wedding day was brimming with theatrical splendour, whilst their contemporary styling was accented with dashes of vintage charm. Chichester’s Southend Barns was the wedding venue of choice which worked perfectly for both the intimate wedding ceremony and as a glamorous backdrop to all the outstanding musical elements on the day. The old restored barns seamlessly combine tasteful modern decor with authentic-rustic details, which suited the couple and the wonderful content of their day perfectly.
Creating a new refreshing tradition, Russell and Paul got ready together on the morning of the wedding, enjoying time with each other before the arrival of family and friends. Donning sharp blue suits by Astares Menswear, grey check waistcoats, peach neckwear and stylish groom accessories, this couple embodied coordination in their perfectly matching attire.
Accompanied by their mothers who were assigned to be giving their sons away, the grooms walked across the Collecting Yard to the the Dairy Barn, ready to journey the aisle together. Paul’s two nieces were the sweet little flower girls in white leading the procession, with Paul’s daughter as an elegant bridesmaid in pastel peach following on. With Russell arm-in-arm with his Mum at the back, the line-up was complete and the wedding party joyfully made their entrance, seeing smiling guests standing to welcome them.
The Dairy Barn was adorned with soft white drapes hanging from the aged oak timbers. A classic white floral arrangement designed by Full Bloom dressed the table at the end of the sweeping aisle where the couple stood together for the ceremony. Readings by guests were exceptionally presented and Russell and Paul exchanged vows and rings, happy and beaming at the completion of the formalities and their new-found married status!
After a petal confetti-filled exit out in the Yard, family and friends took the opportunity to catch up with each other whilst enjoying a celebratory drink and a chat with the newly-weds.
It was soon time for Paul to be reunited with his ‘other’ love, Olive. A beautiful vintage bus in gleaming ivory and blue with bright red trim, Olive the beloved made for a brilliant backdrop for the wedding party photographs! Doubling up as a photo booth inside, she was also the perfect hideaway for guests to capture a few silly selfies!
The Threshing Barn was decorated attractively for Russell and Paul’s Wedding Breakfast. The crisp white table linen and polished glass and silverware were set smartly whilst understated white peony table arrangements finished the classic look. Elegantly designed menus and place names included Russell and Paul’s personalised wedding logo which featured throughout various stationery elements of the day. Each place setting was also gifted with a mini vinyl - a soundtrack of music from the wedding day (I thought this was a fun touch and a brilliant keepsake for guests to be able to take home with them). Finally, bringing an element of humour to the table, were the small packs of souvenir sweets for guests to munch on, amusing because of the tiny faces of Russell and Paul printed on them!
The room was buzzing with atmosphere and life, with speeches consisting of a delightful mix of meaning and laughter with Russell’s Best Lady really stealing the show! Inspired by Russell’s love for the performing arts, some of the couple’s talented friends and also Paul’s son, then followed on to perform some fantastic musical numbers to entertain the wedding guests. It was a wonderful personal interlude and a great warm-up, helping get guests ready for the evening party ahead.
After an energy-filled day, Russell and Paul appreciated taking a few minutes outside to capture some romantic newly-wed portraits as the sun was setting over the neighbouring fields. The short walk from the barn allowed the couple to reflect on all the highlights of the day so far, of which there were many!
I am certain that the evening party would have been one of the most memorable parts of Russell and Paul’s wedding, with DJ Nick from Toast ensuring the dancefloor was full at all times. It was brilliant to see the happy couple on their feet and dancing the night away and making their way around all their guests, connecting with loved ones and those who had travelled from near and far.
The evening closed in, encompassed by an enchanting deep blue sky and surrounded by the warm beams of light from Olive the bus (how could it have been any other way?!). Looking dreamily happy together, it was clear that there would be no stops in this new journey of marriage for the grooms.
Congratulations Russell and Paul. You both brought love, laughter and entertainment to your exquisite wedding day which was full of fun, classy details and engaging personal touches. It was heartwarming to see how you celebrated your families, friends and passions as much as they were there to celebrate you and I felt honoured to capture your day, one which I know will be ever-remembered fondly by all who were there.
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A