Dave & Emily's Winter Wedding
March 20, 2014
When I first met Dave and Emily they told me of how their love of travel had bought them together. They met in Buenos Aires, Argentina which is where their journey as a couple first began. I was lucky enough to photograph their engagement back in November 2013 and was delighted to be invited back to shoot their wedding just four months later. Just half an hour from the coast, Dave and Emily's vintage themed wedding was the first of the season to be held at the beautiful location of Upwaltham Barns in West Sussex.
It was a sunny and crisp morning when I arrived at The Ship, a classy boutique hotel in Chichester where the bridal party were getting ready and preparing for the big day. I first went to photograph Emily who was already in the capable hands of professional make-up artist Danielle from 'Subtle Changes'. Emily was relaxed and looking radiant, I noted that so far the day was running to plan and Emily seemed very calm and in control.
I then went across the hotel to find a slightly contrasting situation! Groom-to-be Dave, who, whilst laid back and also relaxed, was messily unpacking a suitcase looking for something lost whilst clutching a printed itinerary of the day that Emily had left for him! In my amusement at how differently couples cope in such a pressured situation I just had to capture this moment!
It was cold outside and l felt that the natural graphics of the hotel offered an elegant backdrop for some further photography. I often like to see the humorous side of people come through in pictures and so I created a more 'tongue-in- cheek' shot with Dave on his 'throne' in the spotlight with an interesting composition of his sidekicks in the shadows!
I returned across the other side of the hotel to find Emily ready in her gown looking so modestly beautiful in her delicate lace embellished dress. She was framed perfectly against the dark wood of the Georgian bannisters which were the same bannisters through which I shot Dave and the guys. For me using the same setting can provide a link between the couple whilst differing the style of photography serves to highlight the contrast in their personalities.
I arrived later at the gorgeous Upwaltham Barns excited to witness Emily and Dave's special ceremony. What really stood out for me was the tangible emotion that just seemed to emanate not just from the couple but from all the guests present. When Dave first saw Emily gliding down the aisle I knew this would be a moment that needed to be seized! This was a moment that I felt encompassed something special and unique about the couple, a moment where you could see their genuine connection, and feel the love from the gathering of friends and family supporting them.
The venue offered some beautiful and unusual opportunities to create some interesting shots. I love the almost harshness of an industrial looking backdrop against the delicate fabric of a wedding dress as it is perhaps unexpected, and not what you would envisage from bridal photography. I also often find that a bride appreciates having the back of her dress on record as it is often not captured in pictures, but can sometimes be a significant reason why a wedding dress is chosen!
One thing I will always remember about this wedding was the genuine smile on Emily's face and the happiness which she radiated from the beginning to the end of the day! Dave clearly struggled to get a look in!
I found the venue to be beautifully decorated and I could see the couple's creative touch throughout. The table decorations and seating plan incorporated a clever travel theme and were obviously inspired by how the couple first met.
As the winter evening drew in quite early the opportunity to use a variety of lighting was a real positive addition to the day's photography. We had fun with sparklers as we got inspired and enjoyed celebrating such a happy day. This couple clearly cherished each other and are so cherished by others. It really was an honour to be a part of their special day. Congratulations Emily and Dave!
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A