Ness and Tom's Myth Barn Wedding Photographer
I first met Ness and her future bridesmaids at a wedding show the previous year. Ness spotted an image of one of my previous brides riding a child's bike and instantly said, "I want this on my wedding day!"
Now, without promising to provide a bike, I did give her a 100% guarantee that I would capture all the fun and energy of her wedding day. And a fun day it definitely was.
Both the bride and groom got ready at Myth Barn. Although Tom was given a list of things to do, most of them involved setting up games and making sure there was plenty going on to keep everyone entertained. It was already clear this wasn't going to be a traditional, sit back and wait kind of wedding.
Bridal Preparations and the Ceremony
The bridal preparations and groom preparations were remarkably relaxed compared to what was about to come, The girls even helped get the ceremony room ready, although Ness still managed to create a few emotional moments along the way.
Ness, of course, made sure there were a few tears from her bridesmaids when she made her entrance for the big reveal. But being the totally independent woman she is, she decided to walk down the aisle by herself. Not even her bridesmaids got to do that.
The ceremony itself brought plenty of smiles and laughter from both the couple and their guests, which is always lovely to photograph. Those natural reactions and genuine moments are exactly what I love capturing.
Group Photos and Garden Games
Once the ceremony was complete, it was time to head outside for drinks. Ness and Tom wanted to get all their group photos done fairly quickly so they could relax and enjoy the rest of their day.
This isn't normally a particularly lengthy job for me, as most of my couples don't go mad with group photos.
Tings did take a little longer though as we did have a couple of attempts where the final group photo was taken with one person missing, Thankfully, nobody will ever know that Tom managed to forget his own brother.
With the group photos done, it was time to really let the fun begin, There were selfies with the cardboard dog that never actually made it to the wedding, and, of course, plenty of garden games.
It's amazing how competitive a bit of rounders and a few space hoppers can get once the drinks start flowing, But Ness and Tom's guests definitely showed that they were there to play, and play hard.
Sunset Space Hopper Racing
Of course, in the back of my mind, I remembered how important it was to Ness to have some of her own fun photos. So, between courses of the wedding breakfast, we sneaked outside to enjoy a little sunset space hopper racing with Ness and Tom.
It started fairly relaxed, but as Tom got the technique right and Ness became a little more competitive, what began as a few friendly space hopper pictures quickly turned into a proper contest.
Space hopper racing at sunset is definitely a new level of romance for me, and one I loved.
Speeches, Cigars and Cocktails
With the space hopper fun done, it was time to head inside for the speeches.
Ness's dad took to the stage armed with props and stories, but the real fun came with the best man's speech. He gave everyone a great insight not only into Tom but also into their relationship so far, which definitely brought plenty of smiles and laughter around the room.
With the speeches complete, it felt like there was about to be a whole new hive of exciting things happening, It was a good job I'd booked my second shooter.
While the couple headed outside to enjoy cigars and even try a pipe, the guests got to enjoy cocktail hour, with a few drinking games subtly starting around the bar.
After the cigars, Ness and Tom got to make their own cocktail tower, which they both went on to enjoy.
And with no traditional first dance planned, there was still one more bit of entertainment before the dancing really got going, a game of Mr and Mrs.
These games are always brilliant to watch, and this one was no exception. Tom did get a little stitched up towards the end, though, For somebody as competitive as him, it did seem a little unfair... but I guess it was Ness's day, right?
An Epic Evening at Myth Barn
With all the formalities out of the way, it was finally time to drink, dance and celebrate. The couple had a sax player, and the atmosphere on the dance floor was epic. The drinking games around the bar were just as entertaining, with guests getting fully involved.
It was a brilliant way to round off an amazing day. Ness and Tom had promised me a wedding full of fun, and they certainly delivered.
From the garden games and sunset space hopper racing to the cocktails, cigars and packed dance floor, there was never a dull moment!
This is exactly what I love about wedding photography. It's not just about the big formal moments; it's about capturing the personalities, the laughter, the madness and all those little moments that make every wedding completely different.
Ness and Tom, thank you for trusting me to capture it all. And I'm still not sure who won the space hopper race!
