On Saturday 27th of November last year the UK felt the full force of storm Arwen. Following two previously cancelled wedding attempts this was not going to get in the way of Stef and Mike’s dream wedding day. Outside as wind howled and rain lashed, our couple made their vows and partied the day away cozy inside the beautifully rustic barn at Redcoats (The Farmhouse at Redcoats).
Stef and Mike had twice planned to marry abroad in Skiathos, but unfortunately Covid had other ideas. Keen to tie the knot and unite their family they organised a celebration closer to home, choosing the picturesque Hertfordshire village of Redcoats.
With Christmas fast approaching the barns were dressed in festive fashion. This was in perfect contrast to the wintery weather on the day, because baby it was cold outside! Festoon lights hung from the rafters linking stunning floral hanging pieces that were adorned with glittering baubles and Christmassy red and green blooms.
Everything worked beautifully against the backdrop of the warm rustic timbers provided by the Redcoats Grade II listed barn (built in 1771!). Their famous antler chandelier casting a warm glow on proceedings below. Bride Stef added further personal details herself. These included name places made with pretty wooden Scrabble pieces and a bespoke made table plan featuring carved wooden trees and love hearts. Table names were derived from holiday destinations that were significant to the bride and groom.
Groom Mike and his guys ensured that guests received a warm welcome when they arrived and came inside from the terrible weather. Drinks were served at Redcoats’ quirky Cowshed bar and adjoining lounge. Meanwhile, Stef finished her pre-wedding preparations across the yard in the main farmhouse. As the music started, provided by the very talented Naomi, The Spotlight Violin, it was time for everyone to take their seats!
Supported by his best man Jun, Mike anxiously awaited the arrival of his beautiful bride. Stef, along with her bridesmaids had to brave the weather and make a quick dash across the courtyard to the barn. Once safely inside and out of the elements the girls quickly fixed windswept hair and retouched makeup. With the service about to start I made my way to the top of the isle, ready to capture Mike’s reaction to Stef’s big entrance!
Heading up the procession were Stef and Mike’s daughters. Their youngest proudly undertaking flower girl responsibilities for mum and dad, scattered petals and leading the way for the other girls. She also clutched a very cute sign that read “Daddy it’s about time we made mummy one of us!” The bride’s sister followed as did close friends, and finally stunning bride Stef herself, escorted down the isle by her father who beamed with pride throughout.
The ceremony was conducted by registrars from the Stevenage register office with heartfelt and humorous readings also made by close friends of the bride and groom. Emphasis was on the unification of Mike and Stef’s beautiful family. Their daughters sat in the front row so that they could stay close as mum and dad made their vows.
It’s always nice to get a big photo of everyone together at a wedding and this often takes place outside shortly after the ceremony. Because of the awful weather I arranged with the couple and the registrar that we would take this photo at the end of the ceremony before Stef and Mike led their procession out of the room. On cue I hoped up on a chair and quickly snapped some shots of everyone cheering for our newlyweds! Shortly after the service was over we managed to quickly squeeze in some family photos inside whilst Redcoats staff started to turn the room around for the wedding breakfast. I’m always prepared with portable studio lights and flash at a wedding and it’s in circumstances like these where that becomes absolutely essential. You can’t successfully take photos like these on a dark wintery day without them.
It takes a lot to stop me from taking a wedding couple outside for portrait photos. No matter how bad the weather, there is usually a break at some point or a way to use dramatic conditions to creative effect in the imagery. However, this wasn’t the case on this occasion, Storm Arwen was just too intense. Instead we found some fab intimate areas inside the beautiful barns at Redcoats. Not least the dramatic central staircase in the main hotel which is a wedding photographers dream! This photograph looking down at our couple kissing below has to be my favorite of the day.
It was a real privilege to join Stef and Mike for their big day. Like many couples trying to get married in the past 18 months, they had to drastically change their plans. But, this was an awesome celebration regardless and an absolute joy to photograph!
If you are planning a wedding at The Farmhouse At Redcoats and would like to discuss photography options please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
