East Yorkshire barn wedding
Two shooters - Only Jo Greenfield on film and photo. Second shooter photo only.
Well well well…. what to say about this absolute belter of a day on Saturday at the STUNNING (yes I used capitals because I think I may have found my new fave venue ever) East Yorkshire Barns wedding venue. WOW!!!! Ella and Chris were another of my lovely postponed weddings but unlike the others they’d completely changed their wedding during covid. No longer at their first venue two hours away, they had now moved to this stunning location and wow - the best decision ever.
I’d seen a few photos on instagram but I wasn’t quite prepared for just how perfect this venue was. It really is a photographers dream. It literally ticks every box for pockets of light, a variety of backdrops (which helps no end for group shots which can become repetitive) the mixture between architectural, agricultural and aesthetically beautiful just worked so well.
The colours!! oranges, terracotta, greens, blacks and greys are the literal perfect colour scheme for my photography palette.The only thing that improved to even more was the absolutely stunning styling from Born Boho Hire.
I stepped into the barn and my mouth just dropped open, seeing this set up really was something spectacular. The attention to detail and the colours with the layout was so so beautiful.It just worked so well. Photographers pay hundreds of pounds to go on styled shoots that look like this, and here it was…. in front of me. Everything just worked perfectly. From the pampas grass to the cheesecloth on the tables. With my graphic design background I was particularly fond of the signage….
Everything Ella had chosen was perfect. Her suppliers were incredible. Ruby J Beauty who created the most gorgeous makeup for Ella, her mum Susan and her bridesmaid. Perfect Silhouette who worked her magic on the ladies hair, Bloom and Bridal who provided stunning florals and Madi Lane for Ella’s stunning dress. It’s a first for me but I absolutely LOVED the six stories T -shirt that Ella’s dad was wearing because honestly…. this is the most stressful thing about wedding photography, Identifying the important people. Slap a tee on them and then I have no problem figuring it out rather than me taking a million photos of your annoying uncle knob head because I think he’s your dad.
The boys arrived and got ready in their shepherds hut and I grabbed a few moments with Chris before he went to meet his guests.
Chris and his boys had a little pink heart shaped piece of fabric sewed onto the underside of their ties and Chris in his jacket. They looked cute. The actual story behind the pieces of fabric was that they belonged to a pair of Chris’s underpants. I didn’t quite catch the whole story but I’m certain it was something to do with them bringing sunny days and so they became a good omen for the wedding day. I know there was something mentioned about him not washing them for ten days but I’ve chosen to forget that detail in the interest of public health.
You’ve heard of first looks yes? how about a first touch? Ella had presented me with a little task in the morning and she wanted her and Chris to have a first touch. Sounds simple right? but the logistics of such an ask are not as easy as you might think. Usually finding a corner is the easiest option but in an attempt not to delay or disrupt the day for photoshoot purposes I had to use the sliding barn doors, my trusty 24 lens and pray that the sun didn’t come out on Chris’s side of the door. I managed it, and what a perfect photo it made. Big thanks to my wonderful second shooter Claire who snapped from the side for me.
On to the ceremony and it was beautiful, heartfelt and personal. The backdrop of the moon and pampas grass just gave it that extra wow factor. Lovely words said by both followed by a quick downpour confetti run…
The wedding celebration was in full swing and kicked off with an aperol spritz drinks reception followed shortly by some wonderful canapés by Blues Catering (I can say they were wonderful because we were very kindly presented with a plate full all to ourselves. Thankyou Ella and Chris! Live music playing and families chatting and catching up in the background made for a wonderful relaxed atmosphere.
Speeches and meal over, it was time for some couple shots and fun with smoke bombs…
Then the party began. I was so excited, my favourite band were making their appearance and I couldn’t have been happier because I know in their presence I get the best photos and films. They get the party started and they just bring a whole new energy to the wedding. Back Chat Brass…. in my opinion the best brass band out there. Ella and Chris had sworn me to secrecy so I knew they were coming to the wedding but their guests didn’t. I love it when this happens. The reaction, the smiles….. all so worth it.
I departed shortly after 10.30pm because they had paid for a later finishing time from me and it was worth it to see their closing song before I left. Chris’s mum was called Eileen and so the only song that needed to be played was of course - Come on Eileen by Dexy’s midnight Runners. Her face lit up the room, she was laughing, singing dancing and just looked so bloody happy. The best way to finish what was a wonderful wedding. Thank you for asking me to capture your day Ella and Chris. I can’t wait to get started on your highlight film (maybe in about ten years when I’ve caught up on the others in the queue) haha.