Libby & Ash - RIVERVALE BARN, HAMPSHIRE
Last month I had the privilege of photographing Libby & Ash’s wedding at the amazing Rivervale Barn. This is the first time I have photographed at this venue and even in the early spring it’s stunning, I can only imagine it gets better as the spring and summer progresses, with its ornate pond and gardens, which look like they will be full of colour and life. However, even in February the beautiful setting of Rivervale is evident.
One of my many favorite aspects of Libby and Ash’s chosen venue was the Bridal Suite. On the morning of the big day, I arrived at the barn as the bridal party gained access to the suite, having been getting ready at the venues onsite Pamper Room. We were able to take many wonderful images in the bridal suite, as it is bathed in sunlight through its twin set of French Doors, which means lots of natural light for photos! My absolute favorite of the morning was a gorgeous window silhouette of Libby in her magnificent wedding dress.
Once everyone one was ready we left Rivervale Barn, Yateley and headed to Holy Trinity Church in Hawley for the service. A wonderfully large and very packed church greeted us.
After the wedding service we were back at Rivervale Barn for the remainder. We used the court yard for the group photo of the bride and groom and their party and the gardens for formal pictures and bridal portraits.
When I met the Bride and Groom before the wedding, Libby told me that she would really love a ‘Wedding Sparkler’ picture. I had never been asked to do one before but after some research, a little advice on my friends at Lilybean Photography and a blow torch! I enthusiastically obliged and the shot delivered is pretty magical. If your venue allows, I would recommend having this type of photo added to your list of ‘must haves’ for the day. Its worth noting that there are a couple of different types of sparkler photos, so make sure you know which type you would like. For instance, American couples like to have an ‘exit sparkler photo’, its a bit like a confetti photo, but in the dark and nobody throws anything at you! Google is your friend here!
Libby & Ash and their family and friends were so lovely and made us feel very welcome and very much part of the day. Massive congratulations to Libby & Ash, I wish them many more wonderful years together.