Vicky and Phil chose to have their country vintage shabby chic wedding in the beautiful Ribble Valley in Lancashire. A place of rolling hills and beautiful scenery. I love shooting in this part of the country, and I feel very lucky as a Lancashire Wedding Photographer to have it on my doorstep. They picked The Shireburn Arms in Hurst Green specifically because the gardens at the rear have the most amazing views of the valley. Fingers were crossed therefore that the sun would show itself and we could all enjoy being outdoors.
As it turned out, the weather was totally stunning and the guests were all wowed by the setting.
The Shireburn Arms is a lovely modern inn set in a beautiful village location, very popular with couples looking for a Lancashire Wedding venue, and it was easy to see why Vicky & Phil had picked it for their big day.
I found Phil enjoying the sun (and a nerve-calming drink!) in the gardens. and mixing with the groomsmen and early arriver guests. Gotta say, Phil was looking pretty dapper too in his tweed suit!
I loved the Vintage bicycle and bunting (supplied by Chris at www.beautifullyvintage.co.uk) in the garden – a really fun and decorative addition to the scenery.
Vicky meanwhile was upstairs getting ready in the Valley Suite with her sister Rebecca. Vicky had opted to forego having any ‘getting ready’ pictures, so I just popped in for a quick couple of portraits before heading back downstairs.
The wedding breakfast room was still out of bounds to guests, but I was allowed in to get some photos before the room filled up. With pretty flowers, vintage crockery, props and beautiful centrepieces (featuring old books, lace and a bit of an aeroplane theme) not to mention the bunting and styled guest table, the room looked very gorgeous. All styling again by Beautifully Vintage.
The ceremony room at The Shireburn is full of the most lovely natural light, just the way I like it, and the registrars were happy for me to shoot throughout, so lots of lovely pics of a beaming and laughing couple!
The deed done, the ceremony was followed by confetti throwing, drinks and canapes in the sun-drenched garden/patio, lots of mingling and mixing, the kids playing lawn games, and just a few group shots… idyllic! Even got some cows in (special request of the bride!)
It’s always nice to plan a spell in the day for a couple shoot, even just 20 minutes. I find couples can spend precious little time together on a wedding day, having so m any friends and family around, so it’s a chance for the bride and groom to have some time together, and I like to encourage that as much as possible by keeping it relaxed, putting the longer lens on and stepping back a bit…
As a surprise for Phil, Vicky had booked a Triumph TR6 for the day. I’m no car fanatic, but I can still recognize a nice car when I see one!
To continue the country vintage theme, guests were served afternoon tea, sandwiches and cake before the speeches…
With the afternoon tea and speeches over, it was time for everyone to relax in the gardens once again, drink, chat, laugh and enjoy the smell of the hog roasting…
The evening progressed with Vicky and Phil cutting the cake and then leading everyone onto the dance floor…
Which was my cue to leave…
Family & friends can view the full gallery here… but you’ll need to ask Vicky & Phil for the password!
All Photography © Jonathan Bean Photography
