Cue a 'mint' wedding for this lovely couple of 'Herbs'!
September 08, 2016
Jo & Chris's Summer Wedding at Southend Barns
Jo and Chris brought all those held dear together to celebrate their gorgeous wedding at West Sussex' rural and rustic Southend Barns. The day was obviously an amazing time dedicated to the couple in observing their commitment to each other in marriage yet what stood out to me the most was how much it was also about family connecting together and creating some fantastic fun memories.
On that fresh morning of the 'big day', I met Chris and his groomsmen at The Blacksmiths pub, based in Donnington, Chichester. This newly renovated pub with accommodation boasts a warm and homely atmosphere featuring various rustic touches which bring the charm and comfort anyone would hope for on the morning of preparation for a big occasion. The boys, smartly suited and booted were very happy chilling out on the brightly striped garden deckchairs in the pub's beautifully cared-for and sunny garden. All ready for a bright June day of merriment, the lads (very practically of course) donned suitable eyewear completing their sharp look, and so, (despite any hint of nervousness) oozed total coolness and calmness… so much so perhaps that when all grouped in this next photo slightly reminded me of a scene from 'Men in Black'! (Not a bad throw-back I vouch?!)…
Seriously though, these guys had real style reflected through Chris and Jo's superb taste that had literally emanated through all of the outfits, details and decor choices on the wedding day, but more about those later! When photographing some of the details that morning, just a little glimpse at the wedding bands instantly revealed that this couple had an appreciation for quality right down to the very smallest elements.
Over at the wedding venue Jo was getting ready in the chic bridal suite and having make-up carefully applied by her very own 16 year old daughter Millie. How special for a mother to involve a daughter to this level on her wedding day! What an honour also to be made more beautiful by someone so precious to you! What trust was given and what memories were made that morning. Special times.
Jo's dress was simply elegant and luxurious and set off by the unusual bouquet of individually selected flowers in white, pastel lilacs and minty greens. I loved the inclusion of the currently very stylish succulents which added great shape, texture and subtle colour to the bridal bouquet and showed off Jo's very-on-trend-taste. I discovered that succulents are a great option to include in summer flower arrangements as they don't wilt in the heat and are therefore really long-lasting! The bouquet and decor flowers also tied in beautifully with the unique and individually tailored bridesmaid dresses which were in a soft mint, and also with other decor details such as the romantic posies of lavender tied to the chair drapes in the ceremony room.
The bride and groom soon reunited at the end of the aisle and as the ceremony commenced in the Dairy Barn, the closeness of family was evident. The pride seen in the faces of those cherished by Jo and Chris was a joy for me to capture in photographs, I truly love catching the little expressions that are a picture book of emotion when seen afterwards. Jo's Father beamed with pride as he gave his daughter away. Chris' Mother and two Best Men (friend and son), looked on, also emotion-filled at seeing the happiness of the couple making those poignant and meaningful vows.
It was lovely for Jo and Chris that a family friend was able to host the service and lead through the ceremony.The happiness on their faces summed up the feeling of the day and it was clear how much support and love there was in the room coming from all the guests!
What a cheer went up after that service! It was fantastic to see so many people ready to celebrate this special couple and so nobody held back in toasting a very big and happy 'cheers' to the new Mr and Mrs Herbert!
The weather was a little changeable that day so we made the most of the umbrellas when necessary and didn't let a little rain stop us capturing some creative outdoor pictures. It's always good to embrace the challenge of not settling for a standard group photograph where everyone just stands in a line on some grass! This next image includes some balanced positioning, symmetry and reflection in an attempt to bring further interest to the shot, framing the couple and their bridal party in a modern but quirky shape-filled outdoor space.
It was soon time for the guests to take their seats in the beam-filled Threshing Barn for the reception. The newly married couple Mr and Mrs Herbert chose to use their name to theme the day by cleverly including herbs in various ways! As the scribed blackboard seating plan revealed, each table was named after a herb and there were herbs to be found in the bouquets, flower arrangements and even decorating the chairs, hanging from the backs of the delicate white organza chair drapes. Little personalised slate hearts named each guest's place and the theme of love continued, literally spelt out in bold at the back of the room!
The inclusion of herbs in these various ways was a lovely touch that worked so well with the rustic nature of the countryside barn venue, a sweet yet subtle salute to the new Mr & Mrs 'Herb'ert!
After a fabulous meal with top quality menu choices catered for by the wonderful 'Field & Fork', the party got into full swing as soon as the fantastic musicians kicked off with the first dance. As Chris works in the music industry he had found an awesome band, not only professionals but also friends. The dance floor was packed all night long and some amazing moves were shared by all!
Ending the night under the deep blue moody sky, Jo and Chris, sheltered from some drizzle under a white umbrella and still managed to look so classy in their final pictures together. It had been a magical day full of love and laughter, family, friends and fun and I felt so privileged to be a part of it.
Mr & Mrs Herbert, thank you for embracing the silly moments, the serious ones and for smiling through the showers, congratulations to you and here's to you, to love and to family!
With love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A