Jo and Steve - Sneaky Peek

Well it's not every day you see a bride winning at tug of war.

All images ©KateCooperPhotography2011

Doug and Naomi - The Wedding

Another bright Saturday morning ushering in another wedding involving another trip to Whirlow Hall Farm. But this time it was the day that the warehouse gadders finally got to get married - after a lot of waiting (for final year medical exams to pass), a lot of last minute prepping (after final year medical exams were passed, hooray!), and a lot of anticipation.

Some of my favourite things:

1. The Vicar. Any vicar that dons an ecclesiastical robe atop cowboy boots, buddy holly specs, a 50's quiff and ear-piercings deserves some sort of badge (perhaps one that says, "My God rides a Harley"). His service was pretty nice too - including a most exuberant "peace" in which guests were hugging, bumping fists and generally jollying about.

2. The Kiss. Apparently this was not totally planned. Doug was going to "judge the room", and the size of the dress, to see whether this would be appropriate. It was, it is, and I still love it, as did most of the guests if post service conversation is anything to go by. (Plus, 'Strictly' fans, doesn't he have good ballroom lines!!)

3. The Speeches. If you scroll down to the triptych of Doug and Nay during the speeches - this is when best man Simon was relaying what sort of woman Doug thought he might be, should he have been one. Guests will know what I mean.

4. The Family. My role in this wedding came about because Doug is cousin to Pete in my wedding no. 2. There were lots of the same family members there (including my favourite bearded scotsman!). Some I'd met last year, some introduced themselves offering lots of encouragement; it was lovely chatting to them, conspiring with them and generally feeling a very welcomed part of things. 

Congratulations! And now for some photographic highlights ...

All images ©KateCooperPhotography2011

Sneaky Peek - Naomi and Doug

The moment they were all talking about ...

All images ©KateCooperPhotography2011

Terri and Dan's Barn wedding

I met with Terri and Dan almost a year ago to talk about their wedding. They told me tales of a lambing shed at Whirlow Hall Farm which, once the lambs were cleared out would be the venue for their 250+ guests. When we visited the venue, I'll admit, I couldn't quite see how they were going to transform this breezeblock working structure into a wedding venue. But they surpassed themselves. Pot plants in the courtyard, ivy draped over railings, miles and miles of bunting, hay bales - they done good.

A few of my favourite things:

1. The food. Made by Jonty and Silversmiths provided the catering, using Whirlow Hall Farm meat - and it was goood.

2. The music. Dan's playlist accompanied the daytime and the breaks between the band and frequently had me raising an eyebrow of appreciation. And the band. Well. I didn't think a guy on guitar and a girl on drums would be able to fill the room with such an energetic and eclectic mix of floor fillers .. but the moves they inspired were testament to my wrongness.

3. The atmosphere. There was a really inclusive atmosphere, amazing for a wedding of this size. You could tell that these were a close knit family  - and close knit friendship groups too - I couldn't tell which kids belonged to which parents. Everyone seemed very relaxed, very lovely, and very good at partying!

Congrats Terri and Dan. Look forward to seeing you on your return.

All images ©KateCooperPhotography2011