Childhood Sweethearts seal the deal...
Abby & Joel first set eyes on each other back in secondary school so their wedding day felt so very emotional as everyone reflected on this beautiful couple who had stood the test of time and growing up together....finally their big day had arrived to say 'I do'
The sun beamed down on the Northamptonshire village of Moreton Pinkney where their day was set to unfold. This gorgeous little spot surrounded by fields and farmland, held so much meaning to the couple with the brides parents living there (and providing the bridal prep venue) and the couple themselves having recently moved into the village. Abby & Joel were set to wed in the church and then travel in the grooms Dad's vintage mini to Meadow Spires Farm at the other end of the village. Here a gorgeous tipi had been set up and adorned with all manner of personal touches and stunning country style decor.
I started my day by paying a visit to the Tipi to capture it in all its glory and say hello to the boys who were enjoying a coffee supplied by The Coffee Guys horse trailer coffee shop....handily owned and ran by the grooms Dad! This quirky country themed set up lent itself perfectly as the bar for all the guests throughout the day. As the boys set up the final finishing touches I headed 2 minutes up the road to the brides parents house to capture the girl gang getting prepped. With Jojo Hartley in charge of makeup and Kate Lodge working her magic on their hair they were in super safe and creative hands!
After a round of shots in the garden the bride donned a gorgeous gown from Serendipity Brides and her girls wore mix and match pastel green dresses which tied in beautifully with the florals by Sam the Flower Man. The peaceful countryside location was soon not so peaceful as the brides mode of transport got fired up by the brides dad.....a vintage motorcycle roared away ready for one proud dad to whisk his daughter to her future husband!
Guests all arrived at the church in the glorious sunshine and the Groom and his groomsmen looked dapper in Henrys of Banbury tweed suits. They were accompanied by guest of honour.....Roo....The couples much loved springer spaniel who behaved impeccably!! The church service was emotionally charged with tears all round and smiles a plenty as the couple said their vows in the most gorgeously lit church I have ever had the pleasure of shooting in (most are deep dark boltholes but this one had lovely window light shining through! hurrah!)
The ceremony was wrapped up with a storm of confetti being thrown at the couple before the bridesmaids hopped on a trailer pulled by an old tractor, the brides mum hopped on the back of the brides dads motorcycle and the couple themselves enjoyed the vintage blue mini as their first drive as man and wife. All arriving at the reception venue field in style! The grooms dad had shared a great tale about how the year before he had spotted said blue mini at a car show and offered to buy it from the previous owner....who politely declined....only for the owner to then take him up on his offer at a later date and thus providing such a gorgeous car for the big day!
An afternoon of drinks, speeches and BBQ food was enjoyed by all alongside garden games (featuring flamingoes!) and decor from the grooms parents shop Sweet Celebrations....the balloon arch was certainly a fave feature of mine alongside dog biscuits which the couples dog Roo was kindly gifting all the guests dog's who didn't get to join in the fun! oh and let's not forget the beautiful pink ice-cream van the couple had WON from Vintage Wonder Ice Cream Van and came along to serve the guests with the most delicious ice cream (and provide a great back drop for some photos)
Couples portraits were a breeze for this two after they had nailed their engagement shoot shots 9 months previously....and with a damn beautiful looking bridal party we had some fun getting some authentic group shots of them all. Unlike their engagement shoot which provided a stunning golden hour....the sun didn't play ball so much on the big day itself but we still had pretty skies and a long grassy field (my fave!) to go play in for some evening photos, before they cut the cake created by talented bridesmaid Olivia, first dance with a confetti canon and the evening festivities kicked off!
Thank you team for being the sweetest couple ever and making me feel most welcome! Your day was picture perfect and I wish you guys, along with Roo, all the best for the future as Mr & Mrs Gillett!
Venue: Meadow Spires Farm
Hair: Kate Lodge
Makeup: Jojo Hartlery
Jewellery: Roobea Jewellery
Wedding Dress: Serendipity
Suits: Henrys of Banbury
Florals: Sam the Flower Man
Decor: Sweet Celebration
Cake: Bridesmaid Olivia Jamison
Icecream Van: Vintage Wonder Icecream
Evening Entertainment: Motown Gold
