I was delighted to return to Rivervale Barn for Laura & Stephen’s wedding in June 2018. What a contrast to be there at the height of summer rather than the depths of winter!
When I met Laura & Stephen I knew this would be a gorgeous wedding, they’re such a relaxed, lovely and friendly couple. Laura showed me around Rivervale when we met for our venue visit about a month beforehand, outlining her plans and a few surprises she had organised too and it was then I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed!
Laura & Stephen
Let me take you through a few highlights of the day.
I love photographing wedding flowers, and the arrangements at Laura & Stephen’s wedding made me swoon just a little bit. The colours were delicate pastels in shades of pink, with white and a few dark purples scattered throughout. The flowers were created by Lily’s Flowers, creating the most amazing displays of blush blossoming blooms- and that arch!
A very important member of the bridal party was Laura & Stephen’s dog, Cookie. He’d joined them for their pre-wedding shoot and was back, to steal the thunder again (!), for their big day, with a most important role to play. Cookie was going to walk up the aisle, carrying the wedding rings, carefully tied to his “ring bearer” bandana. Quite frankly, he nailed it, such a good boy! After his moment in the spotlight, he sat quietly to the side, while the ceremony continued. Then it was outside for a quick photo call with his mum and dad, before he headed off for a well deserved afternoon of rest with his dog sitter.
One of the little surprises that Laura had organised for Stephen came in the shape of - quite literally - a Cookie cake. Looking too good to eat, it was a rather wonderful likeness of Cookie. I just love how Laura & Stephen made sure their gorgeous boy was included in their special day.
The big finale to the day came in the form of a fireworks display, one more surprise organised by Laura for Stephen and their guests. On the pretense of going outside for a night-time group photo in front of the venue, everyone was actually amazing by an incredible display of fireworks by Pyromania Displays Ltd. Fireworks can be a challenge to photograph, but it’s so worth it, and such a lovely way to end the evening.
This really was a beautiful wedding, in every sense of the word. So many little personal touches to make it their day, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved. Even Stephen was caught adding finishing touches to the tables for the wedding breakfast!
Other treats that I loved too included; Mary Young playing the violin during the ceremony and drinks reception, a caricaturist mingled with the guests during the drinks reception and wedding breakfast and a choreographed first dance to Ruelle’s ‘I Get to Love You’, with the dancing continuing long in to the night, thanks to Innovents Entertainment.
Such a joy to be involved - Thank you both for allowing me to capture and be a part of your special day. Scroll down to take a look at the wedding in more detail…
Every gasp, every breathe, every tear | Re-live every moment
