EVERYTHING’S ROSIE AND CHRIS
January 21, 2022
Rosie & Chris’ Summer Southend Barns Wedding
The charmingly romantic Southend Barns set in the stunning West Sussex countryside proved the perfect venue for Rosie and Chris’ sunny September wedding day. Rosie’s vintage style Annasul Y. bridal gown from Sass and Grace with it’s low back detail, scalloped edge, transparent lace and cleverly placed appliqués on the front bodice gracefully set the tone whilst complementing the barn’s impressive rustic features.
The dusky pink mesh bridesmaid dresses also tied in perfectly with the elegant look with their fitted waists, draping, cape-style sleeves and shimmering intricate hand-embellished beads and sequins adding an angelic touch (Monsoon and Next).
Thoughtfully positioning the bridal party among the delightful setting and symmetrical pews of the Secret Garden, with Rosie and Chris at the forefront, allowed me to capture their chosen stylish colour scheme. The ladies adopt relaxed and chic poses with Chris and his groomsmen all looking super sharp in their blue suits and ties from Marks and Spencer and TM Lewin respectively.
The bouquets, hand tied by Nordic Twigs, were simply gorgeous and carried significant meaning too. Delicate roses of soft pinks symbolised Rosie’s name whilst fresh sprigs of rosemary paid a beautiful homage to her actual birth name. The pretty blue thistles with their tough thorny leaves added a depth of form and texture whilst seamlessly uniting the navy and pink colour scheme - a well thought out and meaningful arrangement and a perfect opportunity to photograph their rings to embody the coming together of the happy couple.
Rosie’s hair and makeup was lovingly created by her very talented family friend to complement her timeless vintage style - a classy and beautiful look with 1920’s-esque up do and delightful paired with her dress and bouquet. It was lovely to see the two friends share laughter and happiness in the morning as the finishing touches were applied and we captured the bride’s character in full bloom.
Chris’ personality was also woven throughout the day. They had their heart set on an al fresco ceremony to reflect Chris’ love of the outdoors which worked out very well indeed as, contrary to what had been forecast, the clouds lifted late morning revealing blue skies for a gloriously sunny ceremony.
The Secret Garden was an apt and delightful place to inject a link to Chris’ Australian heritage with an adornment of eucalyptus across the Arbour’s wooden beams which provided a naturally ornate frame for their first photos as husband and wife as they make their way back down the aisle under a shower of confetti thrown by their elated guests.
We took a moment before the ceremony to capture Chris and his Groomsmen hanging out on the courtyard steps bringing the focus onto this dapper gent by framing him between the balanced windows highlighting his prominent role on this joyous day. The panoramic length of the steps and the standing and sitting poses of the friends give the image a ‘waiting at the platform’ feel…a nod to another of their chosen personal themes later woven into the celebrations.
Blessed by the favourable weather we were able to capture some truly beautiful and natural, much desired outdoor images of the newlyweds as the day unfolded and the sun continued to shine, like when they sealed the confetti line with a kiss!
…and when it came to cutting the cake under the warm rays as the gentle breeze delicately blew across the grassy lawn.
Rosie and Chris' vintage theme followed through to the Threshing Barn, where the party enjoyed sumptuous cuisine from Roots Catering, with classic rose table decorations with pillar candles and twinkling lights twisting around the solid oak columns. We just had to create a memorable portrait of the happy couple as they stole a moment alone together among their dream venue.
When it came to the table plan and seating arrangements Rosie and Chris chose a London Underground theme which signified Rosie’s former residence in the capital as well as the location for their first date and where they had got engaged - with the proposal happening in Hyde Park it made sense for the top table to be named after the Piccadilly Line.
This lent a modern and edgy theme to the vibe and decor as well as serving as a pleasingly methodical approach to representing this aspect of their lives together and a reflection of their organised and thoughtful personality traits which we had seen shining through in all our meetings together in the run up to the big day.
Capturing this stunning scene in the lowering sun, and some time out together was high on Rosie and Chris’ list of important photo moments and what an incredible sunset we were gifted to make some magical portraits. The picturesque swirling sky made for an awesome backdrop and a powerful vintage cinematic moment of the silhouetted couple in a dreamy loving moment in the fields surrounding the barns.
We also made time for this equally impactful portrait of the two of them in the venue grounds as the night fell upon them and their day came to a close. We feel that this image is reminiscent of taking a night stroll along the Thames’ Southbank linking back to their connection to London.
Rosie and Chris, we hope you thoroughly enjoyed your wonderfully loving and stylish day and that you have many years of happiness ahead, growing old together creating a life as vintage as your stunning wedding day.
Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A