A Picture Perfect Country Wedding - Hyde Barn, Lower Slaughter.
After a week of incessant rain, the day of this English country wedding dawned clear, sunny and warm. The cloudless sky proved to be the perfect backdrop to a wonderful day, as the bride and groom’s impeccable taste, style and attention to detail created a spectacular contemporary country wedding.
When I arrived, rather than spending her time being pampered, the bride was pitching in to make the venue look even more beautiful. A stunning building nestled in the rolling Gloucestershire countryside, the Hyde Barn is a barn conversion with lots of natural light which floods in through the many windows, and beautiful views across the fields. The light illuminated the gorgeous but unstuffy floral arrangements which added to the relaxed country feel of the day.
Satisfied the Hyde Barn was decorated to perfection, the bride and the rest of the wedding party went off to get ready in a room just off the barn, which was big enough for 15 adults, 2 children and a dad with a helium machine – a recipe for disaster! When they were ready, with the bride looking photo-shoot beautiful, the relaxed style continued – rather than the bride taking a car to the church, she and her father travelled there in a classic, beautiful 1960s VW camper van. The service was warm and personal, with photos carefully placed around the church to add to the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Once the ceremony was over, the new Mr and Mrs headed back to the barn to party in style with their friends and family.
Canapes and drinks were served as guests enjoyed the beautiful views under clear blue skies, then the wedding breakfast began. Three was certainly not a crowd as the three ‘best men’ gave three hilarious speeches, then the groom’s sister gave a heartfelt speech and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. After the speeches, it was time to party. As the sun went down a band from London had everyone on their feet, dancing away the evening. It was a truly wonderful day for a wonderful couple, who stamped their warm, sunny personalities on every detail.
Vanquis Bank Summer Party
I had an amazing time photographing Vanquis Bank’s summer party at Kew. It kicked off at the Princess of Wales Conservatory, where guests were greeted by music from three members of the ever-popular “Wandering Hands”. iPad caricaturist Will Kevans kept guests amused, and magician Dan Farrant added sparkle. Dan showed me an incredible trick where he turned old foreign notes into brand new £20’s - if only I could do that!
Guests were then taken by the Kew Explorer to the Orangery which looked stunning, having been beautifully decorated with a tropical theme complete with palm tree projections and striking table decorations.
The Caribbean theme continued to bring sunshine to the party, and carried on even in the food with mouth watering red snapper and punchy jerk chicken supported by a huge range of delicious salads and sides, all lovingly created by the talented Richmond Caterers.
Once the meal was over Wandering Hands went from 3 to 5 members and truly got the crowd rocking. At one point the lead singer started singing amongst the crowd and the crowd starting dancing around the band, which got really confusing!
I left with the party still going strong and tropical warmth and light inside the Orangery guaranteeing a holiday atmosphere, despite the unseasonably chilly summer night.
A great theme for a great occasion.
Princess of Wales Conservatory Wandering Hands keeping the party amused in the Princess of Wales Conservatory
Princess of Wales Conservatory Summer Party in the Princess of Wales Conservatory
The Kew Explorer The Kew Explorer outside the Princess of Wales Conservatory, Kew Gardens
The OrangeryThe Orangery
The OrangeryThe Orangery with a tropical theme for the party.
The Orangery with a tropical theme..The Orangery lit beautifully with palm gobos.
The OrangeryThe Orangery lit up in the evening for the summer party
Wandering HandsA singer from Wandering Hands wandering through the crowd
Wandering HandsWandering Hands keeping the party amused in the Princess of Wales Conservatory
Cambridge Cottage Fresh New Look for 2016
The events team at Kew Gardens asked me to photograph Cambridge Cottage's fresh new look. It's just been painted ready for the new season and looks fantastic. Much brighter with great new lighting. The garden is looking great and everything is ready for the new wedding season.
