Adoration, loyalty, longevity & laughter
November 08, 2017
Lucy and Dave's Farbridge Summer Wedding
Lucy and Dave married on a sunny September day at Farbridge, a beautiful barn conversion nestling in the Lavant Valley in the South Downs Sussex countryside. Reflecting their vibrant yet calm personalities were accents of vivid yellows contrasted with cool sky-blue tones which combined to form the main colour palette of the day. Strong triangular shapes seen throughout much of the day’s candid and composed photography somehow resonates with the anchored and balanced feel I got from this lovely couple who I have seen to be so delightfully supportive and encouraging of each other. The harmony of humour and sincerity made me instantly warm to Lucy and Dave, cemented by the unexpected and comical start to the day that began when I approached the manor house in Pulborough on the morning of the wedding...
Dave had hired a lovely big house for him and groomsmen to stay in the night before the wedding, and so this is where I found them (making themselves very much at home) when I came to meet them for some pre-wedding photographs. I had already decided that with such a grand house I would like to make the most of it, featuring different rooms as backdrops. So when I entered the kitchen to discover the best man knocking up a fry-up, I thought this would be a good place to start.
Next as I went to venture upstairs I was greeted by a half-dressed groomsman who (by popular tradition at the end of a wedding) was wearing his waistcoat inside-out (and not loads else…), and whilst dazzled by the shine from his waistcoat lining I managed to politely decline his generous offer of a lift up the stairs on the house’s very own Stannah Stairlift!
I’m not sure what was more disturbing, being confronted with the stair ascension opportunity, or then discovering the next groomsmen - in the bath! (Rest assured he had a tie on.)
Finally I found the ‘Lord of the Manor’, Dave, ready in his suit (wearing waistcoat correctly, I should add), aptly tinkering on the piano (a genuine skill Dave possesses) and whiling away the minutes as he awaited the most important part of the day.
It was all belly laughs at ‘the manor house’ but it became time I made my way to more sophisticated and feminine situation by contrast, over at the charming barns of Farbridge. There in the private bridal suite I found Lucy who was enjoying getting ready in calm and luxurious surroundings. Lucy had chosen some beautiful details and whilst her blush pink shoes did a great job of showcasing her glistening wedding ring and vice versa, the lace detail of her dress, beautiful in itself, also became the perfect backdrop to her delicate necklace of choice.
Lucy changed into a stunning gown with sweetheart neckline and full skirt with a long train that offered stacks of ‘wow’-factor. An off-the-shoulder, scalloped lace bolero jacket finished off the look perfectly, cleverly bringing balance to the plush abundance of the skirt. Lucy carried a bold bouquet of bright yellow sunflowers, which not only pertinently echoed her naturally sunny temperament, but also are known to symbolise adoration, loyalty and longevity - making them the perfect flowers for a bride to carry on a wedding day!
What a stunning entrance was made through the feature doorway into the Meadow Barn, where the idyllic whitewashed ceremony room was laden with romantic twinkling fairy-lights and soft white drapes billowing from the old original oak beams. Inside, once filled with guests, the atmosphere was buzzing and full of energy as the bride and groom finished making solemn and heartfelt vows. I loved the response, seeing the room erupt from the very front to the very back with celebration, cheers and good wishes!
Exiting into the sunny courtyard through an outdoor aisle lined with sky-blue themed bridesmaids, friends and family continued to shower the newly-weds with congratulations, and with a fun and effective confetti-alternative - bubbles! Appealing to all age guests, this mesmerising, almost slow-motion shower of sparkly rainbow-filled light globules, captured everyone’s imaginations, encouraging the good energy of the day to continue flowing! Under the bluest of skies, guests caught up with each other whilst sipping ‘other’ sorts of bubbles and the ambient buzz continued as reconnections and conversations transpired.
The groomsmen gathered together for some group portraits having already planned their photographic composition. This strong pyramid of humans turned out to be a party trick, one which has apparently been pulled out at other events. It was loads of fun watching them climb awkwardly, balance and smile through gritted teeth for the camera (the guys at the bottom hid their pain very professionally), and what a lovely un-weddingy result! The successful coordination of suits and matching button-holes also made this arrangement very pleasing I thought, plus everyone knows - a photographer always loves a triangular composition. Win win!
Continuing in good spirits, the bridesmaids joined the party and we found a lovely bench, an old rustic flint wall and some beautiful green countryside in which to frame this fun group of friends.
The reception was held in the Lavant Barn where simple white paper lanterns (supplied by To Have & To Hire) hung from the old wooden beams above, and tables were dressed with little galvanised watering cans filled with wonderful yellow sunflowers. Gifts of vintage mason style glasses, complete with straws were the favours of choice and were labelled with the guests' names to double up as place settings. A delicious cocktail also awaited each friend or family member, with a different cocktail theming each table whilst, alongside other vintage hints, the heart-stamped brown luggage tags served well as little table menus. Perfectly coordinating with the barn’s decor was the delicious looking wedding cake which was iced to achieve a ruched texture giving a rustic feel, decorated with the simplicity of the bright sunflowers to contrast against the pure white layers.
As the sun was lowering in the sky and guests were mingling before being seated ready for a delicious meal, Dave, Lucy and I snuck out for a brief stroll to find some alternative locations for some portraits of the two of them. Having followed the dirt track away from the barns we marvelled as the sun burst through the wispy white clouds casting warmth and light on the newly-weds. It seemed a bit metaphorical as they walked the winding rocky path and the sun shone down on them, and somehow I felt that this couple, when it came to life, would always find ways to endure and to enjoy.
Lucy and Dave I wish you all the happiness and joy-filled moments in your married life together. May it be like the meaning of the sunflowers that marked your day; full of brightness, long-lasting, loyal to the end and always filled with happiness and laughter!
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A