Holly & Daniel at St Bart's Church & Wellington Barn

I first met Holly and Daniel at a Wedding Show which was hosted by the brilliant Whitewed Directory. This lovely couple had just come from the beautiful Wellington Barn that is situated in the heart of Wiltshire and presents a picturesque scene. Holly and Daniel had fallen in love with the venue and its striking scenery. They knew instantly, that it would be the perfect place to capture their wedding celebration memories on camera, with the wild flower meadow, rustic shepherd huts and the stunning panoramic views of the Wiltshire countryside.  Holly and Daniel were clearly very excited. We spent an extremely productive and enjoyable time together, where Holly and Daniel shared their hopes and dreams with me for their big day. I spent time providing ideas, using my own personal experiences of weddings at Wellington Barn.

The couple's wedding ceremony took place at the majestic St Bartholomew’s Church in Royal Wootton Bassett. It was my first wedding at the Church. My initial visit was when I attended the wedding rehearsal. It is always my wish to attend, if couples are happy for me to do so. It provides a marvellous opportunity to meet family members and the clergy prior to the wedding day. Having an opportunity to meet close family members before the big day means that formal introductions can be made and it allows family members to become familiar with who I am and any final questions or reassurances can be addressed. All this helps to make everyone involved feel more comfortable on the day.

I had the great privilege and honour of photographing both Holly and Daniel getting ready for their special day. Both sets of parents lived in Royal Wootton Bassett and Holly and Daniel had each decided to get ready at their respective family homes. This was a huge bonus as the parent’s houses were in close proximity to each other, which provided a fantastic opportunity that enabled me to move between the two homes to capture both the bride and groom’s preparations, surrounded by the people they held dear to their hearts.  

All was very calm at Holly’s family home, although Dad mowing the lawn may have had something to do with trying to dissipate nervous energy. Holly had decided to undertake applying her own makeup for the day. It was a rare and personal touch, which fashioned some lovely pictures. Holly’s stunning flowers were created using a soft, pale shade of blue combined with delicate creams. The elegant bouquets were designed by The Floral Studio and soon filled the dining room, both with their colour and beautiful fragrance.

The big day arrived in the middle of July, and the weather did not disappoint. It was warm with soft whispery clouds that allowed the sun to glimpse through them. Daniel was very relaxed whilst waiting with his best man, and the church had a real air of excitement for Holly’s arrival. Organ music filled the air as Holly walked down the aisle. She wore a delicate veil that cascaded down her back and the train of her dress gathered gently on the ground behind her. She walked on the arm of her proud father, with a sense of nervous excitement for the ceremony ahead. The service was full of warmth, love and happiness

Function Cars of Purton provided the wedding car and Holly truly arrived in style in one of their lovely white, open top imperial cars. This amazing vehicle and glamorous bride and groom, all made for some spectacular photographs both at the church and on arrival at Wellington Barn. As the couple swept up the drive to enjoy their wedding celebrations, Holly and Daniel made a grand entrance as they stood in the back of one of these magnificent open top cars, with the celebratory white ribbons and ‘Just Married’ plaque hovering over the shiny silver front grill of the wedding car.

At Wellington Barn for the wedding breakfast celebrations, the building was filled with chatter and merriment. The food was delicious and speeches fun. As the day drew into evening, twinkling lights lit the wooden beams of the barn, a chandelier hung centre stage and soft blue lighting enveloped the barn creating a great sense of warmth. The evening was beautiful and the cloud from the day disappeared, to expose a clear sky that allowed the sun to shine gloriously overhead. Holly and Daniel had a surprise for their guests after the wedding breakfast - Impala’s, with their glossy, reddish brown coat, were introduced to family and friends. Everyone found the Impalas adorable and Daniel’s father was nicknamed the Impala Whisperer!

As the evening led into the night, Holly and Daniel wished to go outside where a blazing fire pit flickered warmly. The happy couple expressed a wish for a sparkler path to be lit, to light the way for them both as they began their journey as husband and wife. What a great addition to the celebration of a wedding and they are positively encouraged at Wellington Barn. A sparkler line up makes for powerful imagery and couples always want these photographs in their wedding album. Holly and Daniel were no exception. We went for two takes as the happy couple ran through the guests the first time around – a slower pace was needed for the final shot. A sparkler send off - a picture perfect ending for a picture perfect day.