Clare and Alex hosted the most joyful wedding on their Shropshire farm, with a priority for their friends and family to have the absolute best day celebrating with them, and the laughter and smiles were in full force right through to the end of the evening.
Bride Clare has been a very good friend of mine for many years, and I was delighted to be entrusted with capturing her wedding day to her lovely groom Alex. When the couple first showed me the cow shed on their farm where they were planning to base the wedding celebrations, I’ll admit I was a little skeptical, mostly because there were wide-eyed calves still living in the barn! But with a huge amount of hard work, from not just the couple, but also an abundance of generous friends and family, the cow shed was given a makeover fit for the big day. With reams of bunting and fairy lights, and beautiful arrangements of wildflowers and foliage adorning the doorways, the venue was completely transformed!
After a busy morning getting ready in the couple’s house, packed to the rafters with family, bridesmaids and groomsmen, plus Milo the black lab, the guys headed up the bank to the cow shed to enjoy a quick pint together before welcoming the guests. Shoutout to the groom’s brother John for keeping the hoardes fed through the morning with sausage sandwiches! Meanwhile, Clare’s dad Brian readied the 40-year old Mini he was driving to escort her up the hill to the ceremony. I’m biased because she is my friend and I love her, but Clare looked absolutely radiant in her vintage 70s blue-and-white dress and floral crown. The groom’s sister Nicky had made the bridal bouquet (and the groomsmen’s boutonnieres) using Clare’s favourite flowers - zingy tulips.
Alex and Clare’s heartfelt ceremony was led by another good friend of theirs, humanist celebrant Kate, and was punctuated beautifully by a reading from friend Amy and a moving speech by Clare’s father that brought several guests to tears. After their exchange of vows and rings, there were a lot of hugs and smiling faces as the couple greeted their guests for the first time as husband and wife. A little rain drove everyone under cover briefly, but spirits were absolutely not dampened by the rain! A highly entertaining space hopper race was held by the groomsmen between showers, and we were treated to a gorgeous rainbow!
The couple had set up a DIY photobooth area with a great choice of fun props (including the now-infamous panda mask!) and I couldn’t help but snap a couple of photos myself as guests chose their accessories. Forgoing a formal sit-down meal and speeches for more relaxed mingling, with a pizza truck (who made Clare and Alex heart-shaped pizzas!) keeping everyone fed, the evening quickly turned into a lively party as the couple shared their first dance and were joined by their guests on the dancefloor. I had the BEST day celebrating with Clare and Alex, and I’m so glad I was able to capture some memories for them.
Supplier shout-out:
Celebrant - Kate (The Vintage Celebrant)
Bar - Olive’s Event Bar
Pizza and salads - Pedal and Push Catering
Band - Nashville Heat