Sunset skies for a sparkling winter wedding
December 17, 2014
Molly & Andrew's Southend Barns Wedding
In November of this year Molly and Andrew tied the knot in the beautiful location of Southend Barns in West Sussex.
The clear crisp skies offered us many opportunities that day for some dramatic photos with breathtaking backdrops whilst the interior of the barns were looking warm and inviting.
The twinkly fairy lights, rustic stacked logs and fur rug-laden benches and made for a cosy feel, perfect as a retreat from the cool air outside.
Whilst I photographed Andrew and his best man outside against the the log-stack (a very manly backdrop I felt!), Molly dressed in white with sparkly detail and her bridesmaids in winter berry shades, got ready in the comfort of the bridal suite.
It's always special to photograph a wedding for a familiar face and I actually first met Andrew on board the HMS Warrior many years ago when I worked as a photography assistant. It seems we've both come along way since the days of him coordinating weddings and me carrying all sorts of kit and reflectors around! Andrew, who like any normal groom, was a little nervous to be photographed but hopefully having my familiar face was one of the reasons they chose me to be their wedding photographer! Andrew, thankfully, did seem at ease and Molly was relaxed and very natural on camera so they were both a joy to photograph. It really was lovely to watch the heartfelt ceremony and to see both their faces radiant with happiness.
Molly and Andrew left the service with beaming smiles and under a shower of confetti, the low winter sun also beaming soft warm light behind them.
One thing I really noticed at Molly and Andrew's wedding was how guests really looked content and were making themselves at home in the mingling moments before the reception. The comfortable outdoor sofas were perfect for relaxing with a drink and canapé or two, whilst being able to keep toasty by the flickering flames of the raised fire pit.
The light in the winter is so magical that you have to make the most of it while it lasts. I was determined to capture the glorious sundown so we decided to save the group pictures until later. After a catch up and relaxing warm winter drink with the guests, we took a few pictures in the glowy light of the barn's courtyard, then snuck away for some stunning portraits against the golden fiery skies.
Nothing makes for a more romantic and dramatic picture than a couple in love against a sunset. It may be a little cliché but these kind of amazing sky moments are rare, and especially priceless on your wedding day! This is one of my favourites.
Back into the warmth of the barn the reception room was set up beautifully, sparkling with fairy lights and candles against the ancient oak timbers. The charming rustic scene looked truly idyllic and festive, everything you'd hope for at a barn winter wedding.
After a delightful meal were the speeches. I had to include some images of Andrew in this blog as he delivered such an incredible speech and it was totally spontaneous. I'm pretty sure it will be one of the most memorable parts of the wedding day for all the guests and he left the room in fits of laughter and so impressed with his unplanned, unrehearsed performance. It really was hilarious!
Not wanting to be outshone, Molly took the limelight on the dance floor later that night! The party was so much fun and fully reflected the couple's happiness. Molly persuaded her bridesmaids and many of the guests to join her in throwing some moves, she also managed to grab her father for a very special dance too.
The night ended with sparklers and no wedding would be complete without some sparkler writing in the sky! We thought we'd be ambitious and attempt to write the wedding date! Fortunately for those doing the writing, the date consisted of lots of 1's, so the people standing in the middle of the line were lucky, the people on the ends, not so much! It was great fun attempting such a task and a brilliant way to end an altogether fantastic day.
Thank you Molly and Andrew for having me photograph your beautiful Southend Barns winter wedding, it was full of fun and sparkle, just like the two of you!
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A