Annette and Richards wedding date marks 6 years to the day since they went on that first date.

I arrived at the Manor Suite at the Barns Hotel to capture Annette’s bridal preparations.  This spacious room was a luxury to work in, with its own en suite, and grand free-standing bath, there was for plenty of space for Annette and her two niece bridesmaids Amy and Emma to get ready.  Annette’s mum was there too and we were soon joined by Lana, Annette & Richards super cute 20 month old daughter who had spent the night at Richard’s parents to ensure she had a good nap in the morning.

While Annette and Amy were having their hair done, Emma helped me set up Annette’s gorgeous wedding gown photograph and Mother of the Bride Ann, gathered up all the little special pieces and accessories that Annette would be wearing come the ceremony, so I could get some images of them too.

As you will have seen from their pre-wedding shoot, Annette has pretty short hair but on this day, the hair stylist was able to work miracles and sculpt her hair into an up do that made it look like Annette could have had super long hair to start with.  A simple and delicate cut to Annette’s wedding gown was perfect for Annette’s petite frame, with pretty lacy detail across the top which continued down one side of the dress.

Richard had bought Annette a rose gold watch which was designed with 2 rings on the face for their wedding day and this matched the wedding jewellery and hair piece that Annette had chosen to wear down the aisle.  A lovely gift with great sentiment as this watch can stay with Annette over the years of their marriage and she may still be wearing when they are retired and their family have grown up.

I nipped downstairs when Richard arrived with his 2 best men Gary and Dave.  These guys were taking no risks, sharing equal responsibility for the rings by keeping one each!  Richard’s buttonhole was made with a series of real buttons which looked great set again his navy suit.

The sun was shining as Annette and her father made their way to the barn for the ceremony.  This couple had opted for bright and vibrant flowers with a mixture of colours, shapes and textures that added a nice splash of colour as the bridal party made their way down the aisle.  On the trees outside the Autumn berries were out and these were matched in Annette’s bouquet as well.

After the ceremony, I took Richard and Annette off in the sunshine for some photos while their guests enjoyed the popcorn and cookies and other sweet treats this couple had organised with the reception drinks by the canal.

When we arrived back into the barn it had been transformed ready for the wedding breakfast.  This is where you could see the real creative flair that Richard and Annette have as the room looked incredible!  In keeping with the rustic barn, the couple had opted for a naked cake.  There were flowers tied to the chairs, fairy lights and bunting hung from the ceiling and there was even some bunting made using images of Annette and Richard.  When this couple had their pre-wedding shoot a couple of months earlier they mentioned that while making this bunting they suddenly realised that they only had something like 15 photos of them together.  Hopefully after today they will have lots to choose from.

This couple have known each other for over 20 years and took a chance 6 years ago to move from the friend zone and go on a date.  I am so pleased they did as Richard and Annette make a solid couple and I know they will have lots of fun years ahead with their little family.