Couldn’t Have Asked For Moore
August 22, 2019
Charlotte & Warren's Upwaltham Barns Summer Wedding
I first met Charlotte and Warren when I was showcasing at a wedding fair at Upwaltham Barns. They were memorable to me as we’d shared an amusing conversation about how Warren looked very much like a groom in one of my display albums! When they enquired about booking I was delighted to hear from them and excited to find out more about their wedding plans and photography hopes. Having booked Upwaltham, a familiar venue that I know and love, I already knew the couple were going to experience a beautiful summer wedding day where the picture-perfect moments would transcend the ‘look-a-like’ inspiration that first caught the couple’s eye at the wedding fair! Charlotte and Warren’s vibrant joyful personalities made their images totally unique that day and it seemed that their smiles and laughter were equally reflected on the faces of their doting guests! Whilst the barn setting was idyllic with the golden light soaking almost every shot in pure magic that day, it seemed like everything was in the right place at the right time. I actually wondered, could this couple really have asked for more?!
I found Warren and his three best men (yes three!) on the morning of the wedding adding the finishing touches to their regalia in the form of essential buttonhole flowers. Utilising the barn’s charming decorative mirrors, the groomsmen tribe seemed pretty happy with their blue-suited uniformity, whilst judging from their ties I had an inkling we’d be seeing a bit more pink throughout the theming of the wedding!
As part of a pretty pastel colour palette, Charlotte had chosen a pale blush pink that echoed subtly through the elegant bridesmaid's gowns. Represented further in the bridal bouquet of deluxe peonies and antique pink roses, Charlotte’s stunning ring sat showcased amongst the beautiful blooms. It was clear to see that Angel Like Flowers had successfully brought a hint of vintage country flavour with a soft feminine touch to all the decorative floral designs they had created for the day.
Hanging in the window of the bridal suite was Charlotte’s lace-covered mermaid style gown. With the daylight softly filtering through the fine white fabric and lace, its delicate silhouette revealed the deep v-necklines to the front and the back of the dress, a neat waistline and an elegant flared-out train.
Before the bride’s big moment of getting into her wedding dress, Charlotte and her squad of four bridesmaids, who wore matching silk PJs, enjoyed a bit of pampering to ensure they were wedding-ready. Whilst Beckie Packham attended to the hair, Brighton-based makeup artist Katie Cullen perfected Charlotte’s flawless bridal makeup enhancing the lovely features of this stunning bride. The preparations that morning incorporated banter and laughs, the bridesmaids fulfilling their duties of keeping nerves at bay whilst ensuring the atmosphere remained light and fun!
The opportunity for some lovely natural candid photography arose when Charlotte walked arm-in-arm with her Dad through the gardens to the East Barn toward the room full of wedding guests and an expectant, slightly nervous groom! With bridesmaids following on, it was heartwarming to see the connection between father and daughter on this special mini journey towards her new future.
With vows, wedding rings, loving words and glances exchanged, Mr and Mrs Moore emerged through the large floral-adorned doorway into the brilliant sunshine. In traditional fashion, guests welcomed the elated newly-weds with delighted cheers of congratulations and with the throwing of generous amounts of confetti!
With the formalities completed, Charlotte and Warren greeted guests who enjoyed the warmth of the courtyard and a relaxing moment to chat and mingle. This little section of time is great for recharging after the seriousness of the wedding ceremony and photography-wise is ideal for capturing candid pictures. Whilst the assumption can often be that to get these a photographer needs to go and hide in the bushes somewhere, often this couldn't be further from the truth. Being amongst guests, close-in and engaged, can be an approach I use for these types of shots which isn't to say that people are taken out of their moment by my presence, or the camera’s. The emotion is still real and authentic and the reactions genuine, which I love seeing come through the images.
Also important to my style of photography is definitely the notion of capturing defining moments whilst they are happening, and surprisingly this doesn’t always necessitate using the candid approach. Introducing little pockets of time during the natural flow of the day enables a couple to enjoy all the different components, serving to enhance their wedding day experience rather than hinder it. Just a few stolen minutes here and there, can give a couple the breathing space they need to reflect, be together, laugh and reconnect whilst the busyness continues around them. Whilst retaining an element of the composition, the resulting shots are often more relaxed, with the portraits still reflecting lovely real-time emotions.
The speeches that day offered more opportunity to be a fly-on-the-wall to capture many moments of hilarity! With so many best men(!) there were plenty of reactions to capture... an entire room-full in fact!
It is my feeling that the bride and groom should always live out their wedding day fully without too many interruptions. Often is the case that the couple is dictated to by a kind of unnatural stop-start itinerary governed by a caterer, a registrar, a cake needing to be cut or by a photographer who has an endless list of group shots to capture. Instead, I find that by grasping the mini pockets of time that occur within the natural flow of the day, we find amazing opportunities for fun and connection.
Heading up the hill behind the glorious venue of Upwaltham Barns, the bridal party found such moments.
It is they who have been chosen by the bride and groom to play the most significant roles of the day and who’s time is most comforting to them in the quieter junctures. Capturing spontaneous joyful group shots in this way always proves to be a joy and I just love it when the photos of groups become for the wall, rather than for the back of the wedding album!
Charlotte and Warren’s day was particularly full of special ‘pocket’ moments and I could see this lovely bride and groom fully embracing each hour, going with the flow and possibly not really even noticing some of the magic that was being captured on camera. Everything about this mid-June day felt seamless and beautiful and I was over the moon to be able to photograph such a special day.
Congratulations Charlotte and Warren! Your romantic, blush pink, wedding was inspired and represented everything elegant. The beautiful rustic country setting, well-chosen florals and careful styling made for a picture-perfect day which I loved being a part of. Needless to say, I hope your day was everything you wished for and Moore!
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A