The backdrops to love
September 26, 2014
Georgia & Ross's wedding at Southend Barns, West Sussex
At the height of summer Georgia and Ross managed to steal 1st August to get married, a prime date for any English country wedding. From my perspective the day was literally perfect from beginning to end and such a delight to shoot. Apart from the warm and bright weather, what stood out above everything was the closeness, friendship and fun that I witnessed between the friends and family that surrounded this obviously well-loved couple. It was also the variety of locations and scenes on the day that made my job such a pleasure to shoot. Having an array of different backdrops is a photographer’s dream and we had the best of West Sussex venues that day.
My day began in the beautifully historic market town of Arundel, I first visited Ross and the groomsmen getting ready. Meanwhile Georgia was having hair and make-up done at her parent’s home in the small pretty town of Birdham near Chichester.
The boys were ironing shirts as I arrived and were ready in no time, so we ventured out to photograph them looking dapper, against the old stone ruins at Arundel Castle.
Over in Birdham I then joined Georgia and the bridesmaids who were enjoying a lovely morning drinking champagne and having a giggle whilst getting ready. It's often the details on the day that mean the most to the couple and bring the personal touch to the occasion. Georgia's fabulous Jimmy Choo's were one such detail that were definitely worth remembering!
The bride-to-be looked absolutely stunning and I’m sure you’ll agree from the image below, she really was a knock-out bride.
With the ceremony location just a stone’s throw from the house, Georgia, her bridesmaids and parents took a short stroll to St James’ Church, a beautifully restored building originally dating back to the fourteenth century. Grade I listed, and with bags of rural charm, this little parish church created a idyllic backdrop of tradition and romance.
While the sun shone down from the blue sky above, the bridesmaids followed behind the radiant Georgia, carrying her train all the way.
Inside the church, the light flooded through the ornate stained glass window onto the couple during their peaceful traditional ceremony. When exiting the church I took a moment to photograph Mr and Mrs Woodham. Silhouetted against the soft sunlight, the flower bedecked stone door arch perfectly framed these newly weds. I felt that Georgia’s personal style and chosen colour palette was beautifully represented through the elegant dresses and delicate pastel bouquets; details which brought a timeless feel and complimented this classic scene.
Following the ceremony, the graceful stylisation translated seamlessly into the next modern but rustic venue of Southend Barns, where the reception was to be held.
Inside the Barns the drinks were flowing and it was a chance for the guests to exchange greetings and have a catch up. I loved the sense of fun that emanated throughout the day. The next shot just captures the spirit and joy which was so evidently felt by everybody present, the excitement for Georgia and Ross was something almost tangible. I always love a group of guests that don’t take themselves too seriously and enjoy the moment!
Group shots at a wedding can easily end up being very similar, so the versatility of the barn with it's vast array of backdrops really offered some diverse options. Often I find that the colour and textures of the unexpected locations can work magically in combination with the couple’s choices of outfits and bouquets. For me, this next image works really successfully in bringing all those elements together.
I loved it when the girls gathered together for this next friendship shot. It also seemed that kisses were to be the theme of the day so we went with it! Yet another pretty backdrop, the famous Sussex flint helped to bring a bit of 'country' back into this group shot.
Continuing to maximise the variety of spaces offered by the venue, I photographed Georgia and Ross in the quiet Dairy Barn away from the bustle of chatting guests, laughter and clinking glasses. We experienced a lovely serene moment where I think we captured one of my favourite images of the day.
For anyone who’s been to Southend Barns, something very memorable is the wallpaper in this next image! Yet another interesting scene combined painted french furniture, a distressed oak framed mirror, pretty english flowers and this funky wallpaper covered in cow illustrations! This modern rustic selection offers so much interest in addition to the already gorgeous couple.
As the day drew to a close it was essential that we made the most of the cornfield, our final backdrop revealing the last hints of summer. Already harvested, what remained was this fantastic golden carpet of texture.
Georgia and Ross truly shone that day and their family and friends beamed along with them. Having worked with a great variety of locations throughout our time together, the best backdrop of the day for me was the pure atmosphere of happiness, love and laughter.
Congratulations Georgia and Ross!
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A