Tweed & Lace
September 27, 2017
Jade and Tomas' Upwaltham Barns Summer Wedding
Tomas and Jade met online and having found each other's perfect match it wasn't long before the metaphorical wedding bells were ringing! They chose a peaceful and idyllic venue, rich in history with beautiful views and character which was the perfect canvas on which to stamp their own unique and charming personalities. Having brought in some english country elements to compliment the rustic setting, along with some vintage detail and classic styling, this couple looked right at home surrounded by the lush greenery and weathered oak beams of West Sussex's Upwaltham Barns.
On the morning of the wedding, Jade's makeup and hair were professionally designed and flawlessly perfected by Lauren at ID Makeup Hair & Beauty in Chichester. She wore a romantic lace wedding gown featuring a classic sweetheart neckline and offering a figure-flattering fit-and-flare fishtail style skirt which fanned out subtly from the knee. The bottom edge of the skirt showed off a pretty scalloped lace trim whilst the back of the dress was particularly show-stopping! Right on trend, Jade's stunning keyhole back was edged in delicate lace to tie in with her long sheer lace train which was ornately decorated in clear beading. Dramatically extending out, highlighting and fanning beyond the skirt, we were able to make the most of the train, being able to use it in lots of creative ways in the photography throughout the day.
Jade's pride and joy Jimmy Choo shoes were in keeping with her mint green accent colour to tie in with the bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen's ties (and not to forget Tomas' socks!). The soles of her shoes had been customised, stamped with the wedding date as a keepsake to treasure, and whilst the colour palette had been considered in many of the outfit and decor details of the day, there was something else which carried personal meaning to Jade; - her bridal hair accessory. Original and bespoke, this hair comb was made from her grandmother's vintage brooch and had been successfully crafted with pearls to form a glamorous piece to compliment Jade's gown and overall english country vintage look.
This couple were fun and vibrant characters to be around which made for an inspiring and delightfully distinctive day. Tomas pulled off a very British modern yet vintage country look, sporting a matching tweed check blazer and waistcoat combo with contrasting rusty tan trim to the collar and pocket detailing. Worn with a pair of smart chinos and brown brogue shoes, the pocket square and tie brought in the minty tone theme, also picked out in the bouquets and floral arrangements throughout the venue. Coordinated also with the mint ties, the groomsmen were dressed in grey trousers with chocolate brown waist coats with sleeves that were rolled up later in the day for a casual look. These guys appeared relaxed in their rustic country style which complimented the groom’s tailored gentlemanly look very effectively.
We had a little joke whilst photographing the guys about one particular groomsmen having more hair in his beard than on his head! We thought we'd creatively remember our conversation in this next image!
It was finally time to get the show on the road and Jade's dad is seen here lovingly tending to her long train as she entered through the spectacular floor-to-ceiling glass entrance of the East Barn. The joy on Tomas' face was heartwarming at the anticipation of seeing his beautiful bride.
From outside in the courtyard it was possible to admire the elaborate flower arch design that decorated the doorway, perfectly framing Jade and Tomas as they exchanged vows. From this perspective was also the wonderful uninterrupted view through the wide open doors of Jade's stunning dress with it's breathtaking open back and vintage style lace train as it fanned out elegantly behind her.
With the marriage formalities rounding to a close, the couple were seen to be filled with happiness as they signed the register with very joyful guests on either side of them as their witnesses and supporters!
After a few celebratory drinks I pulled together the bridal party for some gathered-together shots which would showcase the rustic country vibe in the most appropriate setting. The barn grounds contain a Sussex flint-stone walled garden, set against the backdrop of stunning views of the South Downs. This seemed to be the perfect scene in which to photograph this lovely fun group, centred around a quaint wooden bench perfectly positioned in front of a flint wall and green leafy trees, and offering an idyllic backdrop for some more relaxed-style portraits.
The rustic chic theme of the wedding was represented in so many innovative ways and largely summed up by the barn venue itself in it's beautiful rural green setting and with all the natural wooden textures of it's architecture. I liked how the vertical stance of the bride and groom contrasts the straight lines of the wooded wall slats of the barn in this next image. The couple could almost be seen in layers here as the sheer delicate lace of Jade's train falls diagonally between them, bringing contrast to the brown woody texture and cutting through the upright lines of the individuals and the horizontal lines of the barn's cladding.
The details seen in the reception room all seamlessly coordinated with the day's colour palette and the 'LOVE' light-box letters served as a good reminder to all as to what the whole day was really all about. Yummy Roly's Fudge was found in little brown parcel boxes at each place setting as a treat for each guest and tables were decorated with ivory roses, blue geraniums, eucalyptus and scattered pine cones. The simple creativity and teamwork that Jade and Tomas had brought to the day had even extended to them making their own confetti! Having hand-picked fresh rose petals they then carefully dried and saved them for guests to throw upon their exit of the marriage ceremony! A lovely personal touch.
The newly weds enjoyed a fun evening of dancing to some classic funky tunes pumped out by one of Toast Function's finest DJs. The night started out with an improvised first dance that had every guest wowed and feeling super keen to get up and join them on the dance floor!
I loved the humour and ease that Jade and Tomas brought in their refreshing approach to their wedding day. We had many giggles as they worked alongside me to help capture some amazing memories of the day and despite me being affectionately renamed 'Turtle' (for my habit of popping my head up over the camera repeatedly through the day), I will always think back to this wedding with fondness and with a smile on my face!
Jade & Tomas, I wish you both all the best for the future and hope we will meet again one day, perhaps to capture some more brilliant memories as your life together continues to creatively unfold!
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A