As Claire & Stuart’s March 21st wedding drew nearer, it was clear the UK was headed towards a lockdown of some form .None of us knew when, or to what extent, but social distancing was already being strongly encouraged.
Regular correspondence between Claire & Stuart, South Farm, myself and other suppliers in the weeks leading up to the date showed that all parties were keen to push ahead. However, with just a few days to go it was decided that the original plans for a full day and 100 guests would have to be scaled back in the name of safety …….and scale it back they did! With just immediate family on both sides (12 guests), we agreed for me to cover an additional 2 hours to cover the ceremony and reception. This would give us time for the family group shots, and Bride & Groom portraits. I am delighted to now be photographing the full fat wedding day for them at South Farm in early 2021.
First kiss as a married couple in the Drawing Room
Claire & Stuart had also added my Videographer (Michael) for the day who was determined to not miss out on the ceremony, and wanted to be able to incorporate it into their full wedding video that he would produce in 2021. We arrived in the morning just as Claire was finishing getting ready, and whilst Michael set up for the ceremony I captured the moment her dad (Chris) saw her in the dress for the first time. ‘First Look’ photos are tricky, as it’s hard to capture the moment naturally if you overly prep them, and if the Dad is too aware of the photographer it can all be ruined. Thankfully Chris’s reaction was everything I had hoped for and more!
Due to the reduced numbers of the wedding party, the ceremony was now able to take place in the Drawing Room; beautifully furnished in classic country house style, with fine old paintings and a collection of rare illustrated Natural History books. Claire entered the room with her Dad, and their dream of getting married in March 2020 (which almost didn’t happen) became a reality!
Claire enters with Chris in the Drawing Room
After a beautiful and emotional ceremony, the couple left the room straight out to the courtyard where they were met by glorious spring sunshine for the drinks reception. After observing and documenting the love and joy in the courtyard, we arranged a mini confetti throw and I got cracking on the family group photos. The joy and relief on everyone’s faces was a delight to capture, and I savored what I knew would be my last such wedding moments for quite a while.
Joy and relief as Claire & Stuart celebrate their new found marital status
With the reception and family photos done, it was on to the main event - Bride & Groom portraits in the spectacular grounds of South Farm. Claire & Stuart had previously enjoyed the benefits of an Engagement Shoot with me last October at one of my favourite spots, Rowney Warren. This experience really helped prepare them for the shoot, and they remembered all of my advice and made everything so easy for Michael and I to capture.
October’s Engagement Shoot at Rowney Warren
Having shot so many weddings at South Farm, and having such a great relationship with the fantastic team there, I floated the idea of a short trip down to their beautiful lake which is just away from the main site. With the gorgeous weather, amazing light and no need to rush back for a Wedding Breakfast it seemed like the perfect opportunity for us. Everything came together as planned, and a team member whisked them down in the infamous South Farm Tuk-Tuk, and we captured some stunning images and video in the most tranquil surroundings.
The beauty of South Farm’s private lake
Although only there for just over 2 hours, the breadth of what I was able to capture at South Farm speaks volumes for what a wonderful venue it is. The staff there all understand how all of the wedding suppliers work, and meet their needs as well as their clients and guests. At such a stressful time, we were all so happy to come together and make this happen for Claire & Stuart, and we can’t wait to see them again in January 2021.
Scroll through the images below to view the full story of their day.
