Yesterday was the wedding of Gemma and James. It was such an amazing, fun filled day, it is a privilege to be able to share days like this with wonderful, friendly, fun people! Gemma and James were married in St Mary’s Church in Alverstoke, just a very short distance from Gemma’s parents house. It was an intimate ceremony and James was clearly so proud when he saw Gemma for the first time. After the ceremony and a few rather windy group shots by the church, Gemma and James headed off in a vintage Rolls Royce just as the first drops of rain began to fall. Incredibly as I drove East back towards the reception, the weather improved and by the time I arrived at Southend Barns, just ahead of Gemma and James, the sun was shining and the Barns looked incredible.
This was my first time photographing a wedding at Southend Barns and I have to say I am in love with this venue! The Barns have been renovated to an incredibly high standard by Mariella and William Fleming and they are elegant and classy with every facility you could need. Even better they are just five minutes from our house so we hope to be photographing a lot more weddings there. A string quartet welcomed the arrival of Gemma and James as well as delicious canapes, champagne and Pimms served by the great staff from Field and Fork Catering. A brief break in the weather saw the guests take shelter in the Dairy Barn, which is where Civil Ceremonies at the Barns are held, but before long the sun came out to stay and guests enjoyed playing Boules on the lawn while we took some group photographs before dinner. After the meal, everyone enjoyed the speeches, I have never laughed as much as I did at the Best Man’s speech – if he ever invites James (or Nev) to be his Best Man, he should be very afraid!
In the evening, the Band got everyone on the dance floor and there was clearly going to be a great party long in to the night! I know James and Gemma are going to have a long, happy and fun filled marriage and I can’t wait to catch up with them when they get back from their honeymoon. I hope you enjoy the photos and watch out for the special video at the end! If you enjoy them, please do share the link on Facebook and Twitter.
