Wedding at Old Down, near Bristol
The Barn at Old Down is part of the Old Down Estate, just north of Bristol. I photographed this wedding there on a pretty hot day at the end of May. The ceremony was outside, under the vines - the sort of spot you're pleased to see when you arrive as a guest, and a photographer!
What makes it work as a wedding venue is how close everything is. The Barn is right next to where the ceremony happens outside, and the lawn for canapés is only a few steps away too. Only the portraits involved a little walk through the estate.
Everyone gathered in the shade, and a nice soft light fell across the space filtered by the vines.
The vows, over faster than anyone expects. Most ceremonies run to fifteen minutes or so, and couples tell me afterwards they can barely remember them, which is a good part of the reason I'm there!
Everyone came out onto the lawn for canapés and champagne to celebrate, eyeing up possible shady spots to chat. We went off for a short walk in the woods, cooler under the trees and much quieter, which is half the point. Most couples don't realise how much they need ten quiet minutes together until they actually get them.
Back inside for speeches, dinner, and lots of laughter.
From the ceremony under the vines to everyone sitting down to eat in the barn, all of it a few steps apart. That's a good day to photograph, and an easy one to be a guest at.
