Tithe Barn Wedding Photographs of Darren & Lucy’s Wedding Day
I met Darren and Lucy back on a sunny May morning on a bar terrace overlooking the river in Fordingbridge. I was aware that Darren has one hell of a reputation as a professional magician and magic consultant.
Over a couple of coffee’s their excitement and passion for their Tithe Barn wedding plans completely quieted the part of my brain wanting to scream “show me some magic!”
With a gorgeous countryside venue, split screen VW van, live music, guest entertainment and a secret plan involving Jason Donovan my photographic passion was roused. In essence Lucy and Darren wanted to create a day of unique, relaxed fun in the country summer sun. This is exactly what they got- and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer couple!
Park House Hotel Wedding Morning Photographs
Cut to a scorching Saturday morning in August and I travelled with excited anticipation to the luxury Park House Hotel & PH₂O spa in West Sussex. In one of the gorgeous private accommodations I found Lucy and her bridesmaids preparing for the day ahead.
The light and airy room with a balcony view over the gardens and countryside made for a perfect wedding morning.
With the aid of the natural light streaming into the room I aimed to capture the essence of the morning’s preparations. The bridesmaids zoomed round as they prepared. The busyness of hair and makeup artists, the sporadic appearance of family members, all set against the calm collected bride ‘in transformation’
Outside in the hot sun a wonderfully decorated VW split screen camper van from Vinnies Vintage Vehicles (one of our recommended wedding suppliers) arrived to transport the girls to the Tithe Barn wedding venue (not to be confused with the Tithe Barn in Symondsbury). Here Darren and the guests were waiting expectantly.
The Tithe Barn Wedding Ceremony Photographs
Set in 300 acres of South Downs National Park land The Tithe Barn is a jaw dropping grade II listed wedding venue. The huge stone arches and flagstone floor make it amongst the most unique and aesthetically pleasing wedding venues we work at.
Enjoying the sun there was a happy buzz about the wedding guests. They waited for the ushers to guide them into the wedding ceremony.
The Tithe Barn Wedding Reception Photographs
The newly-weds left to a standing ovation to their drinks reception in the glorious sunshine. After drinking, laughing, greetings and exploring the grounds I organised a few group shots precariously balanced upon some step ladders.
Wedding Couple Photographs
Whilst the wedding guests enjoyed the weather and surroundings, Darren, Lucy and I explored the Shepherds hut, trees and nearby field for some ‘couple shots’.
The Tithe Barn Wedding Breakfast Photographs
Before we knew it wedding breakfast was called and they re-entered The Tithe Barn to rapturous applause.
Looking around the room the amount of thought and detail that had gone into their dream wedding was apparent. A picture frame with their parent’s wedding photographs greeted the guests next to a huge seating plan. The tables were adorned with handmade table and place names, flowers and wedding photo sharing information.
The Tithe Barn Wedding Speeches Photos
All of the speeches no matter how tear jerking and emotional had one theme in common – they were hilarious. I’m not sure I have ever seen a room full of people laugh for so long at a wedding. Lucy’s dad, quiet all day was a natural comedian and speaker. Darren held his own and delivered tears of joy and laughter. Darren’s brother (and best man) had the crowd in the aisles. Darren squirmed in various states of embarrassment and shock.
A Jason Donovan Wedding Surprise
The most poignant moment of the speeches however (that I alluded to earlier) was a secret kept by myself and a select few. In looking back over Lucy’s childhood photographs Darren had noticed that Lucy was for a long time (and still is) a huge Jason Donovan fan. She was often snapped wearing a t-shirt with is face on. So as a wedding day present Darren had organised a framed photograph of none other than Jason Donovan himself wearing a t-shirt with Lucy’s face on it. I’m not sure she could quite believe it!
The Tithe Barn Wedding Evening Photographs
To calm down and recover the wedding party drifted back outside into the low summer evening light. The band set up, the bar opened, evening guests arrived and it was time to cut the cake. The stunning home-made wedding cake not only smelled but looked amazing. Even more so when cut for the first time exposed its rainbow interior.
First Dance Photographs at The Tithe Barn
One of the groomsmen picked up his guitar and beautifully played Darren and Lucy’s first dance. I couldn’t help but think how very ‘them’ the scene in front of me was. Surrounded by singing and smiling friends and family the loving couple swayed and spun about the dance floor. All of the time beaming into each other’s eyes.
Wedding Dancing Photos at The Tithe Barn
Decade wedding band were next up, filling the dance floor with their anthem covers. From then on in the guests, no matter what age or size did not hold back. The dancing flip-flops went on and the moves were coming out.
A lovely fun packed day for a lovely fun-loving couple.
You can see what Lucy & Darren thought of our wedding photography service without time limits in their Hampshire Wedding photographers review.
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