To Avo & to Hold
December 07, 2018
Jenny & Alex's Summer Southend Barns Wedding
Jenny and Alex married near Chichester on a blue-sky day in early September. Their wedding was filled with the perfect blend of romance and laughter - so many comedy moments combined with natural love-filled ones, which altogether created a super happy day all round! And here’s how it went...
So I turned up on the wedding morning to meet Alex and the groomsmen who were in the throes of getting suited up in their bespoke threads (handmade by Alex’s uncle and aunty). A fairly typical scene presented itself as I was invited into the beautiful rented holiday accommodation which sat in the bay leading out to the sparkling turquoise sea of the English Channel. At first glance of this bunch of groomsmen, I spied several empty green 1664 beer bottles that had already been consumed the night before and the relaxed atmosphere was lending itself to the usual pre-wedding banter, jokes and mischievous antics. Less typically, as I scanned the room, I noticed an abundance of something else green, almost in equal measure to the empty bottles. Seeming a little out of place, I questioned why there were so many avocados around the place? (I know?!...) The answer was something to do with breakfast, but I never did quite get a full explanation and assumed this was a modern groom 'thing'!
Alex’s fresh look incorporated a subtle floral print on the fabric chosen for both his tie and the back of his waistcoat (tailored by Blaqua Menswear) ensuring a summery style. Although it appeared that the groomsmen might not be entirely convinced by his choice of material, Alex’s confidence and love of wearing it meant he totally pulled it off!
There was no chance of any of us staying inside on such an idyllic sunny September morning so, once ready, the guys stepped out onto the pebble beach for a group shot. The sky was a flawless shade of powder blue and the guys stood out boldly against the glittering sea in this contemporary styled shot.
In another beautiful home further along the beach, Jenny and the girls were simultaneously getting ready, also drinking bubbly stuff and also eating avocados?! Whilst the bride and groom’s accommodations were aligned, so it seemed were the larks, fun and happy atmospheres. It was quickly becoming clear that these lovely individuals were definitely the perfect match!
Jenny’s whole look was classic, elegant and beautiful. Her gorgeous hand-tied bouquet themed with white roses was designed by Chichester’s Earth Seed To Bloom. The simplicity of the white against her selected contrasting colour of navy was tasteful and further enhanced by the men’s deep blue suits.
Complimenting her sleek white Gatsby style gown, Jenny looked effortlessly chic and utterly timeless in this art deco number. The intricate shapes and embellished beading to the dress were exquisitely designed, whilst the fit and flare skirt were flattering to Jenny’s neat and classic figure.
With hair and makeup finished by professional makeup artists ID from Chichester, the overall impact of this bride was simply stunning.
Both parties separately travelled the short journey to Southend Barns where the couple were excited to be married in the vigilantly and charmingly restored barns. Soon it was time for Jenny to head to the aisle accompanied by her Mum who was to be giving her away. The girls followed behind, across the courtyard under the infamous white canopies, heading towards the Dairy Barn where Jenny would be reunited with her dashing groom. The five bridesmaids wore midi dresses in a gorgeous deep shade of teal which toned in beautifully with the whites and greens of the smaller replica bridal bouquets they carried.
It was a touching moment to see Jenny’s mother handing over her daughter to the groom and I loved seeing the genuine smiles and affection between this couple during a very special ceremony.
Radiant with happiness, this bride and groom couldn’t have looked more at ease in each other’s company as they exchanged vows and loving glances.
As talented steel pannist AC (from Toast Functions) played carnival vibe tunes out on the lawns, the room was set ready for the wedding guests to come together after enjoying a few drinks and a bit of catching up. Light streamed through the windows filling the room with the fresh summery feel enhanced by the gold and white paper lanterns which hung from the high oak beams like glorious oversized bubbles.
Whilst To Have And To Hire had done a sterling job on supplying the stand-out venue decor, other details included in the day also added fun and engagement whilst ensuring no one would ever go hungry or thirsty! A personalised gin bar and an impressive and delicious looking cake of cheese (created by Field & Fork and humorously entitled ‘You Complete Brie’!) were at hand for anyone with a bit of extra down time!
What always follows a satisfying three-course meal and plenty of celebratory gin/prosecco/champagne/wine at a wedding is, of course, a bunch of hilarious speeches (and possibly tummy ache from the unfortunate eating/laughing combo)! The groom, his best man, the bride and the bride’s best man (yes, she had one too!) all had air time on the mic and the reactions in the pictures enough, tell of the outrageousness of these speeches!
Still smiling, Jenny and Alex, having adequately recovered from the speeches, were able to enjoy some quieter moments away from the barn. As the sun was setting, this couple embraced against the dramatic cloudy backdrop whilst back in the barn happy guests were left to prepare themselves for a big night of partying!
The moody light faded to darkness and the evening truly began in style. The wedding party gathered outside to witness the newly-weds cutting the cake, and with the first slice came something unexpected. Boom! Fireworks (by SelStar Fireworks) exploded into the night sky to everyone’s surprise and delight! It was a powerful moment full of impact and definitely a fantastic way to open the night.
In great spirits guests returned to the party where Jenny and Alex performed their first dance. They blew everyone away yet again, this time with an impressive choreographed number, even including lifts!
Soon there wasn’t a spare inch left on the dancefloor as everyone had flooded the space and filled it with joyous dancing and singing! What made me smile as I photographed the takeover scene was that I think the loudest voices in the room were possibly Jenny and Alex’s?!
What a day filled with absolute joy and laughter! I loved how everything had a place on this wedding day and how wonderful it was to capture each and every flavour of it - time for laughs, time for romance, time for jokes, time for singing, dancing and eating avocados! There was such a positive vibe and yet it all came with such authenticity and genuine love. The balance of everything visual was on point, carrying impact yet tasteful and subtle, and I loved every minute of being a part of their wedding day.
Congratulations Mr & Mrs Neary, thank you for a fun, creative and joy-filled time!
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A