Dan and Laura got married on a happy & sunny summer’s day at Lyde Court, one of the most sought-after rustic / barn venues in Herefordshire (UK). They had an outdoor ceremony, a festival feel, motorbikes and lots and lots of simply relaxed moments full of infectious joy! Lyde Court is a wedding venue that is like a magnet for down to earth, easy going couples like Dan and Laura, it’s just got that “je ne sais quoi”, as French say – it is a vibe I really resonate with and I love photographing there!
The groom and his groomsmen arrived all in style on their very individual and quite unique motorbikes, causing all eyes to turn, sparking day long conversations on the subject. I really love how they’ve implemented this idea and Dan’s love for motorbikes; it is these things that bring character to each wedding and I absolutely adore when this happens. Also, Laura arranged for a surprise cake to be made for Dan, featuring a motorbike, he had no idea this was coming!
One moment that truly made my day was the quiet time I had with Laura in the bridle suite above the White Room, just minutes before the ceremony. I took a few portraits of her on her own, and she took a few seconds to breathe and take it all in, before walking down the aisle to meet her chosen one. It can also be quite rare, when this moment is achieved. But oh, it is so needed and couldn’t recommend it more to every bride!
Dan and Laura booked me about a year before their wedding and they were looking for a wedding photographer “to capture the emotion and day beyond our memories.” I soon found out we were to discuss more in detail about their wedding day later on, as they were about to set off for a 6 months long trip to South America. How truly wonderful! So we did just that. We met later on and after discussing the day, we shared thoughts and memories of Spanish and (my love and their experience for) salsa – we got on straight away!
“Torrential joy shower” are the words that first spring into Laura and Dan’s minds when asked about their wedding day.
Here’s what else they shared with me: “We listed out all the requirements that we had for a venue and then judged the venues we visited against them. (requirements = party end time / capacity / outdoor ceremony camping or onsite accommodation/beer from Yorkshire…). For décor we had a mix of country flowers, natural and unfussy style, my favourite colour is blue and the blue suits and orange ties were Dan’s favourite Ford Le Mans colour scheme!”
They encourage everyone to bring their own character into their wedding and here are their tips for it:
- Stick to your invite strategy regardless.
- More motorcycles.
- Choose what you both want above all other influences.
If they were to do this again, they would prefer “Quieter sheep near the camping” 🙂
And the one other thing, before I forget, this is the message they pass on to couples:
“After you’ve chosen the photographer whose photos you like, speak to them and decide on the personality you like. We did this and to us, Cat felt like a guest at our wedding, calming, supportive, professional but fun.”
It has been an immense pleasure to work again with the following lovely suppliers that I highly recommend
Venue: Lyde Court
Makeup: Sasha Brown Makeup Artist
Hair: Hair Comes The Stylist
Stella York Dress: from the Tailor’s Cat
