Sara and Tom had the most beautiful winter wedding with an intimate ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Gravely, Herts. I’d met these two back in the summer for an engagement shoot in Camden and then again at Mary and Phils wedding in Putney. The seasons have certainly changed since then!
I arrived early at the Barns hotel in Bedford where Sara was getting ready, this was to be the reception venue too so it gave me a good chance to have a look around. I entered the huge room where Sara and her bridesmaids were getting ready and felt like I’d walked into a scene from The Great Gatsby, with all those gorgeous slinky bridesmaids dresses hanging up with their the detailed sequins and stitching, plus the fur shrugs and the feather head pieces were stunning.
After a few photos and some bubbles I left for the church. Much to my delight….it started to snow! I’ve always wanted to shoot a snowy winter wedding, but had failed to realize the logistics of changing camera lenses and fiddling with settings when your fingers are so cold you’ve lost the feeling. (Think doing up shirt buttons after a freezing game of hockey/football back in the school days!). …Also expecting guests to hang around outside the church for group shots was definitely out of the question. (Plan B for shots at the hotel).
I’m just so pleased we managed to get some beautiful snowy shots of Sara arriving at the Church in her amazing Vintage Bentley. Sara and Tom didn’t complain once about the cold and were the perfect couple to work with.
St Mary’s is the most gorgeous and quaint little Church dating back to the 12th Century, it felt a bit of a squeeze to get everyone in but it was perfect. I’m not sure if everyone saw this but the highlight for me was the butterfly that settled on Sara’s veil as she made her vows. I’m a firm believer that this was Sara’s mum watching over her and giving her approval as she made her commitment to Tom. A truly magical moment to witness. The butterfly stayed there until the service was over. A butterfly, in January, on a freezing day, in the snow!
After the service, it was back in cars and mini busses to the Barn hotel for the reception. The snow had melted away at this point and the sun was now shining for a few more photos out by the river. (A lucky weather change!) This then followed by a fabulous meal in the barn, where Sara had styled the room beautifully with gorgeous big feathers, sparkly gold tea light holders and jewels on each table, then a proper knees up disco at the end.
It was really great to see a few familiar faces that I’d met before at Mary and Phil’s wedding last summer and to be made to feel like a friend by such lovely people. I wish them all the very best in their new life as Mr & Mrs Carlin.
Congratulations to Tom and Sara.
