Perspective is Everything
October 25, 2017
Jess and Dan's Southend Barns Wedding
On a typical summer’s day in West Sussex, our changeable British weather determined that the Pearce wedding started in deckchairs and ended with umbrellas! Despite the summer downpour, it is a given that we English certainly don’t let a bit of rain spoil our fun and leading the way with their chipper approach and with beaming smiles, were our bride and groom, Jess and Dan. This lovely pair married in the stunning Southend Barns where it is easy to forget that the old dairy farm has suffered all extreme weathers in it’s time. Since new life has been breathed into the barns, restoring the original rustic elements whilst bringing in some fresh modern design, this versatile venue always manages to showcase a wedding beautifully whatever the weather. We found plenty of creative ways to capture Jess, Dan and their wedding party, utilising the variety of spaces on offer and maximising the flexible and stylish canvas of it’s chic interior.
I met Dan and his groomsmen in the beer garden at The Blacksmiths, (the nearest pub to the wedding venue), where drinks were being enjoyed from the comfort of deckchairs and nerves were being settled. Looking dapper in their grey three pieces and brown brogues, these guys styled it out as they posed effortlessly for some group shots before heading to the barns.
Meanwhile in the luxury of the Milking Parlour (Southend Barns’ bridal suite), Jess was with the ‘Bride’s Squad’ (her four bridesmaids), who were being pampered and styled by close friend Tara Bone on hair and Beauty HQ on makeup.
Having got into her beautiful wedding gown with a little bit of Mum’s help, Jess then received a special gift of a delicate bracelet to wear on the day. Her flattering strapless fitted appliqué lace bodice with sweetheart neckline and flared organza ruffle skirt looked stunning as her golden blonde curls tumbled over her shoulders and her full length veil swept to the floor behind her. Jess’s Mum's outfit blended tastefully with elements of ivory lace and latte mink tying in seamlessly with the bride and bridesmaid’s gowns.
Having had some precious moments with Mum it was soon time for the big reveal to some close friends who had been invited to see Jess in her dress before the rest of the guests (and of course, before Dan!). The expressions on all of their faces were pure class as Jess entered the room as a bride, looking and feeling her most glamorous ever. A truly golden moment captured!
Now it was Jess’s Dad's turn to have a precious moment with his girl. As they stood in the doorway backed by smiling bridesmaids and about to head out into the rain towards the ceremony barn, it was touching to see the warmth and love emanating between father and daughter. A line of white umbrellas were held up high, forming a tunnel of protection from the raindrops as they made their way across the courtyard where Jess was soon to see her groom.
Jess may have walked in with her Dad whilst being showered with rain, but she came out with her husband showered with petals. Guests threw confetti as they exited the Dairy Barn after heartfelt vows had been spoken and rings exchanged. The rain was not going to stop the traditions we all hold dear, and thus, wishes of prosperity were scattered over them as they descended back up the aisle as newly-weds.
Although a little too rainy to photograph the happy couple outside, we snuck into the Threshing Barn where all the tables were laid up ready and waiting for the reception. It was a lovely perspective to see the room with the glass windows behind the couple, revealing the greenery and freshness outside. With pink and white paper lanterns (provided by To Have and to Hire) hanging from the old rustic beams like large bubbles, the bedecked room looked a picture of perfection. Floral table arrangements tied in with Jess’s bouquet (all designed by Amberlilys The Designer Wedding Florist), the pastel pink theme furthered by the little pink macarons that were placed at each setting, wrapped delicately with white ribbon.
Jess and Dan had a fun Jäger-Bomb idea for the favours, cleverly executed with little miniature Jägermiester bottles for the guys labelled with 'Take a Shot, We Tied the Knot' and mini bath-bombs for the ladies, boxed and entitled ‘You’re the Bomb’ placed at each setting.
Not content to shoot all our wedding photographs inside, after dinner the girls bravely ventured outside with brollies to capture the all-important friendship shots. These girls worked it, using the white umbrellas to their benefit, brightening up the dull mizzly scene and creating fun, happy rainy-wedding-day picture moments!
As the reception continued inside and the rain started to pass over, I took the opportunity to capture a shot of Jess and Dan in the grounds, against moody skies and featuring cool glassy reflections in this symmetrical sculpted garden backdrop.
We headed back into the warm and dry reception room which had been transformed ready for the evening celebration. Seeing the same room from yet another perspective, decked out for an evening party, was testimony to how wonderfully versatile this venue is. The party vibe was definitely getting into full swing as the new Mr and Mrs Pearce cut the cake witnessed by loads of family and friends who were delighted to witness another little tradition, symbolic of the newly-wed's togetherness.
With drinks flowing, it wasn’t long into Jess and Dan’s first dance before everyone joined the happy couple to contribute some moves and keep the dancefloor busy throughout the night. It was clear that the celebrations would continue on, and neither the fun nor the smiles would be stopping any time soon!
When things don’t always turn out as we hope (in this example the weather!), we are forced to get creative and see things from different perspectives in order to get the best out of the situation we are in. On this July wedding day I felt that Jess and Dan took up this challenge, seeing the glass half full and embracing the day they were given. Their positivity paid off as we found interesting and quirky ways to use the indoor spaces available, and likewise, really fun ways of making the most of the outside space even though the sky was grey and our feet wet.
Thank you for trusting me and smiling on through Jess and Dan, I hope you agree that you and your guests made your picture moments into great memories which you can treasure and enjoy forever more!
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A