Just last week I photographed my last wedding of the 2014 season and what a season it has been. I’m so blessed to do a job I love doing and have so many wonderful couples that put their trust in me to capture and tell the story of their big day through the pictures I take.

I knew this wedding would be an absolute cracker and a great way to finish the year but even I was not prepared for what a great day it would be. I have known Lee (aka Skin) since I was 16, he’s a great guy with loads of character and has a fantastic group of close friends, many of which I also know or have been involved in their wedding days. I have also had the chance to meet Kelly at a few others weddings over the years as a guest and also as she makes amazing wedding cakes! She’s simply beautiful inside and out and her eye for all things “fabulous” is stamped all over this wedding. I couldn’t wait to get started!

I met up with Kelly at Casa Hotel in Yateley just a few minutes down the road from where all the days events would be taking place at Rivervale Barn. It was a busy room with 5 bridesmaids and Kelly’s mum Janette also getting ready. There was a lot of excitement in the air and a few teary moments before everyone set off to Rivervale to make the final finishes touches in the bridal suite which provided us with some lovely photo opportunities as Kelly put on her stunning dress.

Skin was greeting guests with his Best man Carl and his 3 ushers Marc, Dodge and Tash. All of whom looked super smart in their suits. Everyone made their way into the ceremony room which was beautifully decorated with lanterns and filled with loads of natural light as we had quite a clear Winter’s day outside. As Kelly made her entrance with her very proud father Keith there was many a tear in the eye of both Skin and the guests as she simply looked stunning!

The ceremony really had Kelly and Skin’s stamp on it, they read their own vows, had a lovely reading and then they all sang “The Wonder of You” by none other than Skin’s favourite singer Elvis! I loved every minute of it and captured so many beautiful moments.

After the ceremony everyone enjoyed drinks and canapés and even braved the cold whilst we did a few group shots in the courtyard before heading off around the venue for some couple shots. For Winter weddings I always try and incorporate the the warmth of the light throughout the venue in the pictures, be it the fairy lights, lanterns, uplighters, candles etc and this venue had these in abundance. They even had this amazing water feature in the courtyard which we lit later in the evening to create some beautiful shots for Kelly and Skin.

After a confetti tunnel of rose petals it was time to head in for the wedding breakfast and the speeches. Keith, Skin, Carl, Dodge, Tash and Marc all made speeches and relived some great stories from Skin and Kelly’s past and times together. There were a few emotional moments too and so much laughter as your see below in the pictures.

I’m going to lose count of the amount of times I say the word “beautiful” talking about this wedding but the wedding breakfast room really was something else. Even the staff at the venue said it was one of the best they have seen and that’s definitely a massive compliment. There are many balconies around the barn too so I got the chance to capture it all with a few aerial shots.

After dinner it was time for Kelly and Lee to have their first dance as husband and wife surrounded by all their close friends and family. It was a great way to end the formalities for the evening and really get the party started! Evening guests arrived and the place was full with everyone having a great time right the way through till closing time.

Kelly and Skin, your a really special couple and I’m so glad I got the chance to be a part of your wedding day. Your both a pleasure to be around and I can’t wait to share the full collection with you both when you get back from your tour of America but for now heres your sneak peek storyboard!

Thanks also to Leela Wanless for assisting and 2nd shooting on the day, great work as always!