Springing Forward
June 15, 2017
Rachel & Sean's Spring Upwaltham Barns Wedding
Rachel and Sean's wedding fell in April, that time of year when the buds on the trees are beginning to open and the landscape is changing from muted grey and brown wintery tones to a bright and colourful spring palette. The fresh green fields and pretty wild flowers were emerging at the idyllic Upwaltham Barns where the couple chose to marry, and this seasonally ever-changing canvas offered a breathtaking backdrop to many of Rachel and Sean's stand-out moments captured that day.
As a bride there is so much to think about on the wedding morning and emotions are often bubbling away; a swirling concoction of nerves and excitement! Hair, make up, dress, shoes, jewellery, bouquets, photography…everything must be organised and done in a timely manner so as not to be too fashionably late to the aisle! Whilst a groom may not have quite so many preparatory elements to juggle, (although the modern man may argue…), he will probably have more time on his hands, which is why it's often a good thing when I turn up with my camera to bring a bit of distraction in that anticipatory wait!
Sean was actually very calm as he got into his blue suit at Upwaltham's Jasmine Cottage. Shortly after him and the groomsmen had finished posing for the 'getting ready' pictures, they all departed the suite and made themselves scarce. This was just in time, as Rachel then arrived having been getting ready with the assistance of ID Hair & Beauty in the comfort of her family's home in the West Sussex village of Cowfold, Horsham.
She finished her preparations in the luxury bridal space with her Mum on hand for moral support and to help with the finishing touches. Her long gown with sweeping train was absolutely stunning with a flattering low V back and delicate lace caped sleeves. Rachel's bouquet, designed by Sarah from 'Driftwood Flowers' was full of vivid colour; shocking pinks, baby pinks, lilacs and greens. It was very complimentary to the simple elegance of Rachel's overall look and gave a pop of spring colour to tie in with the bridesmaids two-tone dresses of silvery lilac and white.
With just minutes in time between them, Sean and Rachel stood in the same place, reflected in the same mirror, both dressed in their best and full of emotions and with the happy expectation of what was to come and to soon see each other as bride and groom.
Rachel stood at the top of the stairs waiting with her Mum - both of them radiant and beaming with happiness. As Rachel's Dad emerged up the staircase the pride was practically bursting out of him! It was such a lovely moment and beautiful to witness the closeness of this bride to her adoring parents.
It was touching to see the father-daughter connection continue as Rachel's father accompanied her through the barn's gardens - those special few minutes together before the official moment of 'letting her go', (or I should say, giving her away)! Whichever way round you look at it, it's definitely a significant father-daughter moment to be cherished!
Having made heartfelt vows and officially tying that knot, Mr and Mrs Warren made the confetti moment look totally glamorous as they shared a quick married kiss under the barn's rustic oak beams and a sea of drifting rose petals.
It was soon time to enjoy a delicious meal catered for by the super-professional Nibbles2Nosh team who provided an exquisite menu for the wedding party. With family and friends gathered under the lantern-bedecked wooden beams in the light and airy South Barn, some beautiful food choices were on offer including medallions of lamb, whole British baby poussin or a vegetarian option of spinach, pine nut and feta pie. A trio of desserts included chocolate brownies, lemon posset and baked elderflower and lime cheesecake, all of which looked absolutely incredible!
Rachel and Sean had a subtle woodland theme using a delicate fern leaf print throughout their wedding stationery which complimented the hand-selected wild flower posies that decorated the tables. Sean's mother had organised the table favours, having made and applied bespoke labels to little bottles of Blackberry Whiskey. The table plan also incorporated the fern design and whilst the log burner was simmering away in the background adding a bit of warmth to the rustic barn interior, outside the transition into spring was setting the scene for some beautiful portraits to come. In addition to these woodland inspired touches, the wedding cake was made up of layers of rustic wooden log 'slices' and featured personalised bride and groom cake toppers; (so personal in fact that Sean was featured in just his pants!).
After dinner and speeches, I thought the bridal party should enjoy a bit of spring and so we ventured up the hill into the crisp air for some actual 'springing'! The chill factor resulted in a few jackets being lent, very chivalrously, by groomsmen to bridesmaids (and of course groom to bride), and lots of laughs were had capturing this group working together. I think we all felt it was a fun alternative to standing posed and starchy in a room inside, even if it was a little on the fresh side!
Having ditched the bridal party and braving the breezy hilltop, Rachel and Sean also made time for a few romantic photographs - just the two of them.
Back down the hill and in the barn, things were definitely warming up a treat as wedding band 'The Mad Hatters Tea Party' were getting the party into full swing. The dance floor was rammed for the whole night and the new Mr & Mrs certainly enjoyed having a good old boogie with loads of their guests who were all obviously loving celebrating with them.
What a wedding! It was a pleasure to photograph two people that are clearly so loved and cherished by so many friends and family. The happy couple looked stunning and I am honoured that they chose me to photograph their amazing day!
Congratulations Mr & Mrs Warren, may bright and colourful springs always follow any winters you may face as you stick together and keep looking forwards through all the seasons in life!
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A