Rain on your wedding day? No problem.
July 02, 2015
Lesley-Anne & Andrew's delightful Southend Barns Wedding
Lesley-Anne and Andrew married in May this year at St Mary’s Church, set in the historic West Sussex village of Yapton. Their reception followed after at the romantic and rustic venue of Southend Barns near Chichester and although they had wet weather, they certainly didn’t allow the ‘rain on their parade’ to interfere with their fantastic wedding day.
Andrew and his groomsmen were due to have some portraits at the beach, but due to the rain I met them getting ready for the wedding at his mother’s home. I arrived to find him armed with a vacuum cleaner, ensuring the house was ready for my arrival. I don’t think knew then of my ‘thing’ for cleanliness, but it certainly impressed me and I couldn’t help but think already, "This man hoovers! Lesley-Anne is on to a winner!” Of course, I could not let this moment go unrecorded!
We thought the decorative lampshade in the lounge was a great feature so we utilised it for all it was worth!
Before heading to the church I went and found Lesley-Anne who was getting ready at Southend Barns to capture a timeless portrait of her looking perfectly composed and full of happiness and excitement. I first met Lesley-Anne through The Enterprising Women Conference, an event she runs locally through the University of Chichester with the aim to inspire and motivate young women to consider a wide range of career possibilities, helping to ensure they reach their full potential. Lesley-Anne kindly has asked me to attend as a guest speaker over the last couple of years which I have been honoured to be a part of. I have really enjoyed attending these conferences so to be asked to photograph Lesley-Anne and Andrew’s wedding has been an even greater privilege for me!
I love this part of the day where somewhere in the background of the hustle and bustle of a bride getting ready is the father of the bride, getting his tie straight, full of nerves whilst bursting with pride. I never like to forget the significance of a parent on a wedding day and the emotional journey they are on, quietly and behind the scenes. It is precious to be able to capture these little moments.
Lesley-Anne had some lovely classic details which showed a soft and delicate side to her personality. The bouquet of roses in shades of pink, the soft lace of her elegant dress and the subtle necklace she wore beautifully reflected the wedding’s rustic English-country charm.
It was time to get to the church so out came the canopy of umbrellas! I loved that Lesley-Anne embraced the moment and giggled her way down the path to the church remaining excited despite the rain, with dress hitched up and a huge smile on her face.
After a lovely ceremony the couple’s joy and delight was evident as they exited the quaint 13th century church.
The wedding consisted of a lovely blend of English and American themes seen through various elements in the details and decor. The day began with a fairly english feel - pink roses, a traditional village church and of course rain! Then the new Mr and Mrs Neville headed to their reception venue in style, riding in an iconic classic white London taxi.
Upon entering the Barns the room was decorated beautifully with pink and mauve flowers reminiscent of an English-country garden and handmade favour bags and jars were dotted on each table.
I also spotted a few hints at Las Vegas where Lesley-Anne & Andrew were due to be honeymooning after the wedding. This theme had been cleverly incorporated into the decor, mainly represented in the amazing wedding cake and cupcakes. Each cupcake was themed with gambling related symbol and I have to say they looked absolutely delicious! The table plan was really unusual and effective - a set joined-up frames sat on an easel, each themed with the name of a Las Vegas Casino to represent each table.
I always enjoy capturing the bridal party in a group composition that challenges the norms and this next shot was one of the couple’s favourites. The ever popular cow illustrated wallpaper at Southend Barns is always a great backdrop offering a modern and unexpected twist to a wedding image. On rainy wedding days I try to maximise on incorporating the most interesting parts of a venue into the pictures, helping to avoid that predictability that can come with posed group photos shot in one similar space.
The speeches were a big highlight at this wedding where the fun and laughter abounded! We all saw and felt a lot of joy, as well as witnessed some real heartfelt words offered by family and friends who spoke; an impromptu poem read by the bride’s Nan was one truly poignant moment to capture.
Family is such an integral part of a good wedding celebration and it’s often a rare and unique opportunity for all generations to participate in one way or another. At a time where the guests were mingling and catching up as the evening drew in, I thought how lovely it was to see even the smallest family members enjoying themselves and getting involved such as Lesley-Anne and Andrew’s sweet nephew, happily toddling around exploring the grounds.
I like photographing these kind of unnoticed moments as they can often fill in some 'gaps' from the overall story of their day for a bride and groom who’ve otherwise been occupied in chatting to their guests and carrying out their duties!
The venue looked glorious as the sun disappeared and glowing lights outlined the inner courtyard of the barns. Where the garland of festoon bulbs reflected on the rain which had remained on the ground from earlier that day, a glistening golden pathway was created which looked really magical.
It had been a very special day for the newly married couple and the mixture of weather brought lovely atmosphere and interest to the photography, ending with a deep blue sky and cosy feel, created by the warmth of the fire pit and string of golden lights around the venue.
Lesley-Anne and Andrew were such fun to work with and really made the most of their day. Thank you both for having me capture your lovely wedding, I cannot wait to give you your album which will be filled with loads memories from a brilliant happy day!
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A