A dreamy day with a touch of sparkle
September 21, 2017
Paige & Perryn's Summer Southend Barns Wedding
Paige, a petite and stunning blonde, and Perryn, who lacks socks but makes up for it in charisma(!), are a vibrant couple full of fun and creativity who brought their unique approach and personalities to the altar on their bright and airy summer wedding day in June. Marrying at the charming and romantic rustic venue of Southend Barns near West Sussex's sandy coast, the couple were surrounded by adoring family and friends who were clearly full of love, support and excitement for the happy day ahead. The artistically implemented colour palette of blush pinks, metallic golds, ivory and copper offered a classic whilst modern look, which was bang on trend for weddings this season. Blending perfectly with the contemporary interior of the 200 year old lovingly restored beam-filled barns, Paige and Perryn managed to create a dreamy and whimsical atmosphere, without losing their glamorous and cool edge.
Laid back and chilled out on what should have been perhaps one of the most stressful mornings of his life, was Perryn! We met just half a mile down the road from the wedding venue at a pub, also belonging to the owners of Southend Barns. The Blacksmiths, recently renovated in a complimentary style to the neighbouring barns, boasts loads of comfortable and interesting spaces. Perryn was definitely feeling relaxed when I arrived to capture him for some pre-wedding preparation shots!
Suited and booted in no time at all, Perryn even found time to soak up a few rays in the pub's large garden area. Being near the coast, it would seem that deck-chairs are the obvious choice of outdoor seating (for when one is bored of lounging on a large black sofa) and stripes of course are obligatory. Fortunately my wide-angled lens came in very handy for creatively capturing the many aspects of Perryn in his element!
Whilst I left the groom and his trusty sidekicks to make their way over to the venue all in good time, I went on to meet Paige who was getting ready in the venue's bespoke bridal suite. Paige had a very important and adorable helper/Flower girl (also her God-daughter) who was guarding the dress and standing by with sparkly bridal shoes at the ready.
Looking gorgeous, girly and glamorous, Paige wore a strapless mermaid silhouette gown with sweetheart neckline and fitted champagne-pink bodice with an overlay of intricately embroidered ivory lace. Layers of organza ruffles cascaded down to create a dramatic chapel length train and she carried a bouquet of whites and pink florals which reflected the ruffled cloudy texture of the gown's skirt. Paige's long blonde curls tumbled down her back also complimenting the billowy effect of the ruffled train.
Right from the start of the day the message was loud and clear that this wedding was to be about family and the importance of supporting each other. As guests were to arrive to the peaceful scene in the high vaulted ceremony room known as the Dairy Barn, the vibe was warm, inclusive and summarised by the mirror sign at the entrance that inscribed with the lovely words; 'Choose a seat, not a side, we're all family once the knot is tied.'
Before long, Paige's nephew proudly came down the aisle introducing the imminent arrival of the bride; 'Here comes my Aunty'. The couple had previously mentioned to me about their nephew's love for Paige and that he had intended on marrying her. Of course he was very disappointed to discover that Perryn had beat him to it, but was pacified in being tasked with the honour of proceeding ahead of her during the big entrance.
The vows that were sealed with a kiss evoked some fantastic reactions from the couple's friends and family who were genuinely thrilled to see them officially tying the knot. I loved seeing the expressions on the faces of guests, (especially of those sitting on the front row)!
On the lawns outside after the formalities were brought to a close, Paige's nephew was happy that he managed to steal that much longed for kiss from the bride. He didn't look quite so happy however to see Perryn stealing one after him!
The sun was shining and we gathered the bridal party together in the lush green gardens for some group shots; the bridesmaids were coordinated in blush pink dresses to tie in with Paige's colour theme and Perryn's best man and brother literally followed suit in matching blue.
One of our favourite shots of the day captured the muted white and grey tones in the Dairy Barn as Paige and Perryn shared a lovely quiet just-married moment shortly after guests had all filtered outside for celebratory drinks.
Over in the Threshing Barn the tables were set ready for the reception and were decorated with white balloons and large bouquets in tall conical glass vases set upon rose gold sequinned table runners. The flowers were an important part of the day for Paige and much attention had been made to coordinate the arrangements with the bridal bouquet and bridesmaids flowers, choosing vases which allowed for guests to still be able to see each other around the centrepieces during dinner. A simple Forrero Rocher chocolate was placed upon each setting as a little favour for guests, bringing a touch of gold to the table along with some little copper candle holders, extending the metallic theme further.
A spectacular pastel-hued flower wall featured behind Paige and Perryn's seats, acting as a beautiful backdrop for the newly weds. The carefully selected florals continued to parallel with the various other arrangements seen throughout the wedding day, harmonising beautifully with the couple's chic style choices and offering impressive impact to the top table. The beautiful modern wedding cake design brought so many elements of Paige's ideas together with it's three tiers. The intricately detailed blush pink icing, piped to have the same ruffled effect as Paige's wedding gown was exceptionally clever, also mirroring the delicate frilly petals of the pink and cream roses seen throughout the barns. A gold glittery bottom layer and gold leaf trim added to the top white iced cake brought the metallic accent in to create an overall stunning looking cake!
After speeches and a delicious meal prepared by Field and Fork, the day was drawing in with the sun starting to lower and the breeze was picking up outside. On the edge of the barley fields we noticed the fluffy clouds sweeping through the sky and it seemed the perfect point to stop and capture some meaningful images of Paige and Perryn against these moody skies. With the swaying crop behind, the marshmallowy expanse above offered the ultimate reflection of Paige's soft billowy dress & ruffley bouquet, making for a magical end to a very romantic wedding.
I'd love to congratulate both Paige and Perryn for the wonderfully fun day. Thank you for having me along to soak it all up whilst behind my camera! I felt very welcomed by you and your lovely family and friends and thought your mix of contemporary and classic ideas worked perfectly, ensuring we all enjoyed a good dose of your lovely personalities! Wishing you the very best for the future.
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A