Wedding Photographer Chalk Barn, Wiltshire
Ah, a real family affair this was, as this was the third wedding in the family I have photographed – I shot Katie’s Aunt’s wedding quite a few years ago, and then her brother’s wedding just last year! It was lovely to be back again for Katie & James, seeing so many familiar faces that I’d photographed before – felt a bit sad leaving them at the end of the day, actually, as I don’t know when (or if) I’d be seeing them all again!
Katie is also a little bit extra special to me, as she starred in my favourite-ever ‘tin can alley’ capture, when she was a bridesmaid at her brother’s wedding last year. This is her absolutely smashing the tin cans below:
But anyway, I digress, back to Katie & James’ wedding!
It was my first time as a Chalk Barn wedding photographer, and I have to say, it’s a fab venue, with amazing views over Wiltshire. They had an emotional outdoor ceremony, which I always love to see – the ’emotional’ part especially. That’s what it’s all about – and, I don’t know about you, but I sure would love to see my partner get all emotional when they see me on our wedding day. This is what life’s all about, and I love to capture it.
“Hi Alan,
Well… what can I say… WOW!
We are totally overwhelmed and overjoyed with the incredible gallery of shots. We have got both sets of families coming round to look all together at the weekend and then they will be everywhere!!
The slideshow is amazing and I have watched it so many times, it really is like reliving the day and makes me smile from ear to ear. We are so in love with them all, and cannot wait to share more with our family and friends!
Best wishes,
Mr & Mrs B!”
I’m going to show some of my favourite Chalk Barn wedding photography captures below, with some of my accompanying thoughts (if they’re of interest; if not, I hope you like the photos at least…!)
These are all 100% natural moments, by the way – even #7. See my thoughts below.
Ah the emotion! I love how James, Katie and her Dad are all feeling it here, just as Katie arrived at the end of the aisle. As a documentary photographer – and just as a human being – I *love* to witness moments like this, and being able to preserve them forever has to be the very best thing about this ‘job’.
At the other end of the emotion-scale: Belly laughs! I’ve purposely included their friend in the frame doing the reading, so we have context as to what Katie & James were laughing about – helping to tell more of the story in a single frame.
Although my money is on them actually having done this once or twice before…it’s the First Kiss! Love the way they’re looking at each other, with their bridesmaids and guests watching on.
One of the best dips I’ve seen! They had pre-warned me that they were going to do this as they walked back down the aisle, so I was ready and primed for it. Although I aim to get as many impromptu moments as I possibly can, it’s always a good idea to let your photographer know beforehand if you have anything special or specific planned.
Just after they’ve walked back down the aisle, the embrace. Totally 100% natural – I’m just in the background, watching, observing, not prompting or talking to them, but just letting them be themselves, and enjoying their first few moments as husband and wife.
A different kind of First Kiss, ha! Love dogs at weddings. I know I’ve said it before, and I’ll probably say it again. I love dogs at weddings.
Just waiting to make their entrance into the wedding breakfast – again, totally natural. So much of what we do as wedding photographers is to watch… see the moment, or the possibility of the moment, get into position, and (hopefully!) capture it. I like the negative space of the wall on the left here, leading your eye to Katie & James’ kiss.
I love Katie’s happy face here! Pure joy.
Getting down low for a bit of a different viewpoint of the dancefloor here; Katie and her new mother-in-law rocking out together. Love to combine a moment with a bit of a different angle.
Singing your heart out with your brand-new husband/wife? Can’t think of a much better way to end your wedding 🙂
You may be interested in seeing some other blog posts, including Katie’s brother’s Wiltshire wedding photographer images, wedding photographer Castle of Trematon in Cornwall, Old Marylebone wedding photographer in London, or wedding photographer Mickleton Hills Farm.