Hannah & Ryan were married in October at a very loverly venue, The Fennes, Essex, I do have to say this is one of my favourite Essex venues 🙂
I love to photograph winter weddings, lit by candles and often log fires, especially when, like this one, they are small and intimate occasions. Winter wedding photography can be very challenging, we never quite know what the weather will bring and the nights close in very quickly, but they do provide a very flattering light, with the sun low down in the sky there are no harsh shadows.
Thats why I find it really important to meet up with the clients at their venue and run through the day in detail so we can have an ‘A’, ‘B’ and even a ‘C’ plan. I really want the couple to get the most from the day, to relax and enjoy themselves and we will take care of the photography.
I was honoured that Hannah & Ryan chose me to be a part of their day. I knew it was going to be a very intimate affair during the day with only 28 guests, but in the evening there were another 120 plus coming. Hannah really wanted to ensure we got a photo of all the evening guests, so we set up a small studio in one of the front reception rooms and got a photo of most of them – The evening guests. Many thanks to the staff at The Fennes for helping us steer the guests in the right direction 🙂
The weather on the day was pretty good, bright and dry, which is a real bonus, Hannah looked absolutely stunning in her elegant Mia Sposa dress, with hair by Taylors, and beautiful flowers byFleurtations, with the make up services were provided by Celina Keywood. The bridal party were all getting prepared at The Fennes in the bridal suit, an amazing place for the bridal party as well as a photographer!
Hannah had kept her dress a secret, even from most of her bridesmaids, so it was great to hear then guessing on the style and see their faces when she walked into the room. Hannah had obviously put in a lot of planning and thought to the dresses (as well as the rest of the day), the three quarter length style and the wintery colours really looked amazing.
The ceremony in the gorgeous church just at the top of the road – St Marys – returning to The Fennes. The day was bright but the grass was very wet, so the wellie boots I carry with me at all times came in really handy. Its also a bonus when the bridesmaids have a bit of fun in the boots.
As with all weddings this time of year we knew we would need to get all the group images we needed before the wedding breakfast as the light would be gone after. But we did pre-plan a few evening shots with some high power lights.
During my pre-wedding meetings, Hannah told me she planned on singing to Ryan, I liaised with the DJ so I knew the plans. I have to say I was amazed, I really thought she was miming, she had a fantastic voice. Poor Ryan was totally taken back 🙂
This was a really lovely wedding, celebrating exactly what weddings should be all about – love, laughter, family and friends.
Photography by: Steve Hobart Photography