Lauren and Ryan

Lauren reached out to me not long after they’d booked Silchester Farm. They’d chosen a fairly rustic venue, but were looking for a more modern and relaxed style for their photography. Both she and Ryan agreed they didn’t want to spend too long away from their guests and felt nervous about being in front of the camera. A common theme with my couples! They were looking for an editorial feel but without the formality, which is the perfect way to describe my photography style. We got on so well during those initial conversations and I absolutely couldn’t wait to photograph their day.

Silchester Farm is tucked away in the Hampshire countryside, a rural idyll with a great balance between contemporary style and rustic character. As you turn off the winding country lanes, into the treelined driveway, you really do feel like you’re getting away from it all. Although in reality Silchester Farm is just over an hour from London and a short drive from Reading station, making it so easy for couples and guests alike to travel.

When I arrived for bridal preparations Lauren greeted me with a hug and a gift bag full of snacks and treats. They’d done the same for every supplier and each member of their wedding party. It was such a lovely surprise and their entire day echoed that generosity and kindness. Nothing was done without meaning, everything was well considered and meant something to them both.

They said their vows in Silchester Farm’s 400 year old Threshing Barn, a gorgeous space with huge floor to ceiling windows looking out over the landscaped gardens. As their guests took their seats, and Ryan nervously stood waiting for his bride a hush fell over the room. Then there was a small gasp of surprise as Lauren’s voice filled the air. She’d secretly recorded a voicenote for Ryan, requesting it be played just before she walked down the aisle. Well, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, her emotional words had everyone sobbing - I might have even had to wipe away a tear or two myself - and that was before she’d even set foot in the room!

It’s been lovely to look back at blue skies and sunshine as I write this, spring still feels like a very long way away! Lauren and Ryan were lucky enough to have the most perfect summer day for their wedding, the whole reception gave garden party vibes. Their sax player went down an utter storm, I don’t think Lauren’s family stopped dancing all afternoon!

One thing that struck me, both on the day and as I was editing their gallery, was the sheer joy of the day. Lauren and Ryan are so perfectly loved by everyone at their wedding and it shone throughout the day. One of my favourite things about being a photographer is being able to capture those fleeting moments of love, from a reassuring touch on a shoulder to Lauren’s bridesmaids continuously hyping her up. Moments that pass by in a blur but mean so much to look back on.

Now, this might be a slightly controversial opinion in the wedding industry, but I am a big fan of family group photos. I adore how they capture a moment in time, people gathered together from all walks of life and celebrating the couple. Lauren and Ryan have big families so we laughed our way through the photos, embracing the chaos that comes with trying to coral a large group of people into one spot and capturing the energy of the day as well as the quieter moments in between.

Lauren had requested a group photograph of all their guests, which was a first for me but became one of my highlights of the day. 102 guests, plus Lauren and Ryan. I am not a bossy photographer, and I never want to be, so you won’t find me shouting at your guests to get them into place. I enlisted the help of several groomsmen and together we got people into position.

That’s when I captured one of my favourite moments of the wedding. As Lauren and Ryan walked over to their guests the look on everyone’s faces was beautiful. You could see the love that their family and friends felt for them. I was so pleased I managed to capture it, because those are the photos that will come to mean the most in years to come.

If I needed to sum up the day it would be ‘Good vibes all round!” There was so much going on, but again nothing felt forced or for the ‘gram. It was all very Lauren and Ryan, which led to so much laughter and banter. Picture me trying to photograph 15 lads, post wedding breakfast when (many) drinks had been consumed. It was an experience! Of course they picked Ryan up and threw him SO high up in the air. This big group of men then spent 5 minutes patting him down afterwards to make sure his suit looked good!

You’d think that nothing could top the emotions of the ceremony, but Lauren had a little surprise up her sleeve. After a very sweet first dance the music stopped and Lauren picked up the mic. She invited her parents up to join her, wished them a very happy wedding anniversary and revealed that she and Ryan had chosen this date deliberately so they could share anniversaries. It was so touching, I cried again behind my camera and can feel myself welling up as I write this blog! To top it all off, her Dad gave a short speech to her mum, then her parents had a dance along and, as if that wasn’t enough, the four of them all danced together. Honestly. I was so blown away by the meaning, love and sentimentality.

For me, the final photograph of this blog post epitomises everything about the day, and in fact, everything I love about wedding photography. Whilst it might not be technically perfect it captures love and family. Lauren, holding hands with her mum, as they hug her dad and dance together. Done. It actually ended up being my last photo of the whole day.The cherry on the cake of the most wonderful day!

I can’t say anything else about this incredible day, except that this wedding fully sums up how amazing it is when couples put their complete trust in me to do what I do. Enjoy the photos!