Happy Campers on a Joyous Journey!
November 03, 2016
Clare & Dave's Upwaltham Barns Summer Wedding
I first met London-based Clare and Dave at Upwaltham Barns, a stunning rustic conversion set in the country heart of the magnificent South Downs. It was March 2016 and we were all enjoying a taste of the venue's delicious food at a unique show-case evening (see a previous blog entitled 'A Wedding Experience Evening With Nibbles 2 Nosh'). We got chatting and it was just a few short months on when I got a call and I was delighted to be asked to shoot their wedding back at Upwaltham at the beginning of July, a mere four months on!
On the morning of the wedding, Clare and her bridesmaids were receiving the ultimate in hair and make-up pampering courtesy of the lovely Lauren from Chichester's ID: Makeup, Hair & Beauty. As I arrived the girls were just putting the finishing touches to the beautifying process at the luxurious Goodwood Hotel, Chichester, (well known for it's vast golf course and contemporary sculpture park set in the stunning surroundings of the famous Goodwood estate). After a few pics it was time for the ladies to get to the wedding venue to step into their gowns and get going. They had decided to travel in absolute luxurious vintage style - no less than by powder blue VW Campervan!
I found Dave and his brother already at the barns, suited and almost set to go as they were adjusting their ties, made in a tartan fabric - offering a small salute to the Scottish heritage in the family. I noticed some details about the way the small things were presented that showed me this couple had true class and style; namely the buttonholes and the wedding rings which really stood out as very tasteful features. It was beginning to unfold that this wedding was going to be classically English country pastel perfection with a little bit of vintage thrown in for fun!
It was soon made known to us that the Campervan had arrived so we were required to make haste to allow for Clare to come in and use the bridal suite (which she obviously had to do without seeing Dave)! With undercover stealth Dave snuck out like a pro, ensuring he would certainly not be spied out by a bridesmaid, or more importantly the bride!
You'll be relieved to hear that the ladies successfully entered the bridal suite without being seen or indeed without seeing the groom, phew! Adorned in matching floral robes, they made themselves quite at home in the little hideaway of Jasmine Cottage - relaxing, laughing and enjoying sharing a few pre-wedding nerves! Clare looked stunning as her Mum came to help her into her gorgeous cap sleeved, long, vintage, lace-covered gown. Her beautiful bouquet designed by Rose Cottage Flowers consisted of an array of pretty pink shades, complimenting her bridesmaid's very pale pink, A-line, floor length dresses with subtle lace detail to the straps.
In the minutes before the ceremony, her bridesmaids observed Clare sharing that special slightly nervous but happy glance with her Dad, the one that only a daughter approaching the aisle knows! Clare's Father in great spirits gave her away adding a few comments which consequently caused the couple and guests to be in fits of laughter, a light pause before the seriousness and formality of the vows and a welcomed ice-breaking moment to the service!
The new Mr & Mrs Baird were reunited with their little daughter Sophia straight after the heartfelt ceremony. This very pretty not-yet-one year old was the sweetest little model and obviously had so much to smile about! The closeness of the family was a stand-out part of the day to witness and I particularly loved capturing some shots of the women in the family - four generations together is a pretty unique and precious thing!
The bridal party joined together to congratulate Clare and Dave. With two brothers as ushers and a sister as a bridesmaid the importance of family and friends in supporting the journey of this couple was really evident. The Campervan was a great symbolic backdrop to this scene, hinting that the road already travelled by the couple had been filled with marvellous milestones and that many wonderful adventures would be still yet to come.
The obvious love and friendship extended through to the reception where the speeches were a real feature to the day bringing much connectedness, warmth and hilarity! Causing a regular giggle throughout was Granny who stood to do a little dance every time someone mentioned her name, much to everyone's amusement!
Whilst guests got their 'dancing shoes on' ready for the evening party, Clare, Dave and I climbed the big grassy hill behind the Barns for the part of the day where the light is golden, soft and at it's most romantic. Seeing this couple with this vast and awesome view in front of them was like looking at a glance at their future with all it's wide open space for exploration, opportunities to be discovered and new paths to walk.
Back down to earth (literally!) and after a bit of 'the letting down of hair' and a lot of dancing, Clare and Dave stepped outside into the cool night surrounded only by the candle-like twinkling lights of the Barns for a final quiet embrace.
What a day to celebrate and remember for many years to come; many magic moments, smiles, love and laughter, family, friends and so much fun. I loved being a tiny part of your journey Mr & Mrs Baird, thank you for inviting me to photograph such a brilliant day! Wishing you every happiness and hoping that all your best adventures are still ahead.
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A