GLOWING FOR GOLD
January 08, 2022
Rachel & Rob’s September Upwaltham Barns Wedding
Rachel and Rob’s wedding day at the gorgeous Upwaltham Barns was as relaxing and magical as the vista from the venue’s iconic hill itself.
This lovely couple had perfectly styled their big day to complement their surroundings with all their personal touches and the harmonious earthy, autumnal colour scheme which tied in delightfully with the tones of this sweeping bucolic backdrop. As the wispy clouded sky meets the verdant rolling hills the lowering sun’s rays bounce off the grasses and Rachel's dress casting a natural warming golden glow to their portrait.
Likewise, inside, the muted peaches, pinks, golds and greens of their colour palette blended seamlessly with the East Barn’s neutral interior decor creating a dreamy space for the couple to tie the knot.
The charming floristry beautifully arranged by Lily Lupin lined the aisle creating a natural wild flower garden feel and married flawlessly with the peach walls and light oak beams whilst drawing your eye towards the ceremonial table adorned with coordinating floral centrepiece.
We found the symmetry of this space provided a pleasing frame in which to capture where Rachel and Rob were soon to be wed. Under the cordial glow of the exquisite chandelier with the floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the surrounding South Downs and allowing the sunlight to stream through illuminating the room.
Rachel’s hand tied bouquet, by Lily Lupin, also superbly embodied the couple’s colour palette. These blooms were beautifully embellished with soft, gold and light cappuccino draping silks adding to the rustic, boho feel of the day as they sat wonderfully in keeping on one of the Jasmine Cottage’s vintage wooden chairs.
Sitting pretty nearby was the bride, as she readied herself to meet her groom. We took a moment to throw the limelight on her show stopping Willowby dress from Watters Designs as it hung from the cottage’s lofty, exposed beams.
We highlighted the gown’s bohemian layers of delicate fabric detailed with shimmers of embroidered gold shooting stars and dusting of seed beads and clear sequins whilst Charlotte from Polka Dot Hair and Makeup created a complementary glowing look for Rachel.
By harnessing the light and tones around us we complemented the colour choices through our photography; the mild and mellow tones of the hard and soft interior features balance perfectly with the golden sunbeam gown, and the illuminated leafy green foliage outside backlight Rachel and Charlotte’s semi silhouettes echoing their green outfits - almost replicating Rachel’s bouquet.
Enter the bridesmaids and you catch a glimpse of how everything gracefully came together with a further glowing injection of radiance from this joyful trio.
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Throughout this jubilant and heartwarming day we were treated to some delightful bursts of colour which brought out the vibrant versions of the harmonious hues creating some equally poignant and creative photographic moments and memories.
This double decker bus provided a prop of epic proportions as we took a low perspective from which to photograph Rob, his best man and usher as they hung out together in the morning. The brilliant, solid green and yellow of the bus really accentuate the bold orange of their ties and strong blue of their smart tailored suits by Astares whilst projecting fun and energy into their portrait.
Another poignant photography moment for Rachel and Rob was up the hill with the smoke bombs! We all shared in the laughter whilst my assistant and Rob’s usher crazily ran around creating awesome smoke waves setting a distinctly different scene to this rural ideal and putting a unique slant on the classic Sussex countryside image.
Another stand out colour moment of the day was gifted from Mother Nature herself, providing a perfect setting to bring the warmth of the day to a close with this incredible pinky orange sunset. You couldn’t plan that if you tried, but we made sure to capture it for Rachel and Rob as it lowered behind the barns just before they headed back in to dance the night away.
Light the Lights!
Despite the retired sun, the celebrations continued to shine throughout the evening with the venue’s illuminations creating a wonderfully warm ambiance for Rachel, Rob and their guests.
The couple were bathed in blue light as Atmospheric Audio provided the tunes as they took their first dance as Mr and Mrs surrounded by the contrasting yellow incandescent beams bouncing off of the ceiling above their onlooking friends and family.
Whilst outside, the rich inky blue of the night sky served to enhance the dazzle of the courtyard festoon bulbs welcoming exchanges of conversation and merriment as the evening continued. Upwaltham Barns have done an amazing job of creating this inviting ‘inside out’ feel, with the glass curtain wall allowing Rachel and Rob’s guests to still enjoy the atmosphere of the bar and roaring fire whilst staying cosy under the outdoor heaters as they take in the evening.
On the other side of the courtyard we took our final shot in front of the entrance of the barns. The perfect setting and reflective moment to capture the newlyweds together at the end of the day.
Rachel and Rob, we love how your faces simply glow in this gorgeous moment where you exchanged your rings.
We hope that the feelings you shared on this day and the moments we captured will stay in your hearts and last a lifetime.
Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A