Rivervale Barn Wedding
Vicky & Doug got in touch with me about covering their day after seeing me shoot the wedding of a friend of theirs a few years back.
Their wedding was at Rivervale Barn in Yateley, Hampshire near to the Berkshire border. I hadn’t covered a Rivervale Barn wedding previously, but I love shooting at new venues as it means I’m shooting with fresh eyes.
Getting Ready
Vicky, along with some close friends and family, had arrived with arms full of luggage for their Rivervale Barn wedding. Flowers, shoes, special coat-hangers, 2-bridesmaids, 7-flower girls and not forgetting a very special dress, all added to a rather hectic getting ready room.
The sun came out just as guests began to arrive. Then a bit of panic set in because nobody had seen Doug. Shouldn’t he be here by now? Understandably, there was a little bit of concern starting to creep through.
Then the birdsong and countryside sounds were broken by the dull repetitive, thudding sound caused by a helicopter. They were getting closer and louder. Over a tall hedge flew the helicopter delivering a rather anxious groom and an air-sick Best Man. Doug’s Dad had arranged the trip for them as a surprise. It certainly quashed any wedding nerves that Doug may have had.
The Ceremony
A short while later and everyone was in the ceremony room. Doug was waiting patiently, fighting the nerves waiting for his bride to arrive. Then the doors opened. Floating down the aisle came the bridesmaids and an array of flower-girls in height order. With perfect timing, Vicky stepped around the door and slowly walked down the aisle. The tear that appeared at the start of her walk had turned into a huge beaming smile by the time she had reached Doug.
After the ceremony Vicky, Doug and their guests relaxed around the venue and enjoyed the sunshine as canapés were served.
Vicky & Doug chose to have their speeches at the start of the wedding breakfast which is a great way to put everyone at ease so that they can enjoy the meal ahead. The speeches were emotional, full of love and sincerity for what is such an obviously fantastic couple. Then the food was served and it looked amazing.
Rivervale Barn Wedding Reception
Later on, Doug & Vicky’s first dance led into a packed dance floor of jivers, boogiers and a bit of dad dancing. In the background there was the Funky Photo Booth producing prints galore to go with the numerous messages in their guestbook.
Doug & Vicky, thank you for hiring me to photograph your wedding day. It was an absolute fantastic day and a pleasure to photograph. A big thank you also for the warm welcome from your family and friends.