It was a glorious June weekend. The location was Ufton Court in Berkshire, a stunning Grade I listed manor house set in several acres of stunning picturesque grounds and woodland, and the occasion was the wedding of Joanne and Victor. This striking 16th century timber-framed Tithe Barn was to be the blank canvas upon which the happy couple wanted to capture the magic of their wedding day, and I was the photographer they had chosen for the job.
The weather was perfect, with not a single cloud in the sky nor the slightest hint of a breeze in the air. It’s easy to get lost in your own thoughts when you are in the tranquil peacefulness of a setting like the courtyard at Ufton Court, especially surrounded by such beautiful scenery. You can be forgiven for forgetting the chaos of those last minute details that can trouble a bride in those last few hours before the wedding ceremony.
Joanne was the picture of calm and always with a smile on her face, one moment sitting in quiet reflection in the woodland timber cabins whilst having her hair and makeup done, the next dashing to the Tithe barn to check on the flower arrangements and make sure that the plan for the seating arrangements was on display. In the woodland cabin on that wedding morning the air was full of laughter. Joanne was surrounded by her friends from the salon. Her little boy and girl and all her bridesmaids were there and had been on hand all morning. Joanne played the perfect hostess, keeping all the troops supplied with pizza and coffee. Time flew past so quickly that morning and before we knew it, 1pm had arrived.
In the Tithe Barn Vic was waiting patiently to catch his first glimpse of his beautiful bride. And as Joanne and her bridal party stepped out of the afternoon sun and into the cool interior of the barn, with its exposed wooden beams, simple lines and artistic floral arrangements, all eyes were naturally on them and remained that way as she made her way to Vic’s side. The bride was a vision in her wedding dress, flanked by her bridesmaids and of course with her young children by her side.
With the ceremony over, Vic and his new bride emerged from the Tithe barn into the bright June sunshine of the courtyard surrounded by their friends and family, all anxious to congratulate the happy couple and wish them all the happiness for their future. So many photo opportunities, so many memories to capture for ever in each single shot, I hope that I captured that magic for them.
A stunning location, a beautiful bridal couple, and the perfect weather: this is what makes wedding photography a real labour of love.
