Lucy & Ben - The Great Tythe Barn, Tetbury

Lucy and Ben's wedding was a bit different for us to cover in several ways. One was that it all took place in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside, all in one location at the Great Tythe Barn. Also the large number of Italian guests gave it a unique flavour with the mix of cultures. The cottages and the barn where the service and reception were held are all clustered around the yard, it was nice to just walk from one area to another. The history is something to wonder at, the barn is well over 400 years old.

The bride and groom got ready in different areas and had to take care not to see each other before they were meant to.





A quick peep through the net curtains to check that people were going inside for the service. I really enjoy these sorts of images, they tell a story as well as make attractive pictures.

Another moment captured, as dad checks his watch. It is difficult to photograph genuinely candid moments, one has to be alert and anticipate any action, as well as combine light and composition to add the final touches to the image.


The interior of the barn is surprisingly large, just as well as it was pretty crowded with all the guests attending this wedding.

On the way out after the service, this series of images sums up the exuberant mood.

The nice weather and gardens gave us an opportunity to take some attractive portraits.


I operate in a very discreet and documentary fashion, so even though I kept back from this part of the day when the couple were videoed I managed to be quick enough to get this shot as Lucy's veil blew away.

The reception started and the interior was beautifully laid out, olive trees made the centre point of each table. The trio of Italian singers (called Take Two) set the mood in a superb way. At frequent intervals people would bang their plates with the cutlery and chant "bacio, bacio" - the couple then were expected to stand and kiss, all great fun!


I couldn't resist this nice detail shot in this blog.

The caricaturist was very popular, and skilfully drew various guests, naturally doing one of the couple themselves.

The speeches proved very amusing and were appreciated by everyone present.



Fast forward to the first dance, it is challenging to record the emotions of such an event and, at the same time, provide beautiful images. Between myself and my assistant (Karen, my wife) we managed to achieve some delightful images.





With chinese lanterns not being allowed, the couple had a balloon release instead.


Eventually the day drew to a close, we had a spectacular day and we hope that these images provide memories for the future.

Ali & Stuart

What a fantastic day everyone had for Ali and Stuart's wedding. Lots of preparation went into the day and it was a pleasure to photograph the day's action. The bride is always at the centre of attention on her special day, here the bridesmaids are busy while the make-up receives the finishing touches.




Meanwhile the guys manage to fit in a quick round of golf, watch a bit of the Test match, grab a bacon roll and off for a drink. Now note those shoes that the best men are sporting! I have to credit this image to my assistant (and wife), I have recently had some people compliment me on some blog pictures and I had to own up that their favourite was actually my wife's work!



A brief glimpse of the bride and her father as they enter the church. The inside was packed with a large number of guests.





It was nice to have a walk to the marquee from the church, with a few pictures taken on the way.


The garden and marquee gave a very summer garden party feeling, with perfect weather. The speeches were great fun, the two best men gave a great double act, even if some of what they said was a little embarrassing for the groom.


As night fell the action continued.

The first dance gave the couple the chance to show their athleticism. The dance floor was absolutely heaving, making it actually difficult to find room to take pictures.



One of my jobs is to record memories and it was lovely to photograph such a precious moment as the bride and her mother danced together.

The marquee certainly made a beautiful sight as the day drew to a close.


Finally the party ended, except for a few die hard party goers at one end of the otherwise empty marquee.
What an amazing day.