Jun 5, 20224 min read

Harriett & Richard | Rye Hill Barn Wiltshire | Bath Wedding Photographer

RYE HILL BARN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Harriett & Richard’s wedding at Rye Hill Barn in Wiltshire was gorgeous. I’ve been to Rye Hill Barn before and the rustic venue provides is just perfect for chilled, laid back receptions with great indoor and outdoor spaces, including a toasty fire pit surrounded by hay bale seating, for when the night chill arrives.

On the morning of their wedding, I headed to Harriett and Richard’s house where Harriett was going to be getting ready with her bridesmaids. As soon as I arrived the girls headed out (with photographer in tow) for a quick dog walk with pooch Rupert. Before laying out breakfast pastries and fruit for all to pick at. Yum! As the hair and makeup teams did their thing, there was a very relaxed vibe in the air, with Harriett being a super chilled bride! Mid way through hair and makeup, Harriett handed each of the Bridesmaids a gift of earrings from Hi Ho Silver.

As the girls continued to get ready, I left them in the very capable hands of my second shooter, Suzie, and popped down to the church to get a few detail shots before heading to the pub to meet the boys (and a few guests). Earlier on, Richard had given all the boys gifts of cufflinks from Hicks and Hides. Richard was just as chilled as Harriett, as plenty of banter and laughs were had by all.

The ceremony took place in the local village church, and one of Harriett’s closest friends delivered a classic reading perfectly. Harriett and Richard beamed throughout the ceremony, and once they were outside they greeted their guests, who were armed with handfuls of confetti! Everyone gathered on the road surrounding Harriett & Richard and pelted them with the confetti. As the guests dispersed, Suzie headed onto the venue, Harriett and Richard hopped into the back of a classic Land Rover and I followed them back to the place where we did their engagement shoot for a few portraits before heading off to Rye Hill Barn.

After Harriett and Richard had a chance to greet their guests, eat some canapes and drink some fizz we headed into one of the wheat fields with the entire bridal party for some photos before heading back to the garden to do the group photos. Usher Josh did an absolute sterling job and rounded everyone up so we could blast through the more formal shots and get everyone in to eat!

First up were the speeches. Harriett’s dad was first up, followed by Richard, then best man James. To finish off the speeches, everyone had a shot of home made sloe gin! The food started to arrive, and to many's surprise, a meat platter on each table, requiring dedicated guests to carve and serve everyone on their tables. Mains down, and Harriett & Richard headed over to the dessert table so that they could chat to each and every guest (something that is often actually quite difficult to do at a wedding!).

As people started gathering outside, Harriett rounded up her ladies in preparation for the classic bouquet toss, before Suzie and I sneaked them away for a few more portrait shots.Rye Hill Barn has an abundance of fields and tracks, that are just perfect for these kind of shots!

As we head back, more evening guests arrive, just in time for a quick cutting of the cake before the first dance. With the first dance coming to an end, the band (The Anthemics) fired up the dance floor and got the party started. These guys know how to get everyone dancing, and after an hour or so took a short break as the fish & chip van and mobile pizza bar out front served up. on to the second set and the party continued! As they drew to a close, the guests wanted more, screaming for an encore! The band complied and after a few more hits, it was time for the carriages, but not before Harriett & Richard made their way out to their Land Rover with guest wielding sparklers!

SPECIAL NOTE TO HARRIETT & RICHARD

Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your day! It was an honour to be a part of your wedding after getting to know you a little! I loved all of the little traditions you managed to sneak in, and you guys were awesome to work with! I'm so glad I got to be your photographer, and I wish you many more decades of happiness together!

Dave x

FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS

What were your highlights of your wedding day?

The walk with bride and groom into the field for our own photos meant a lot. Also the fact we had a photographer with us from first thing until last thing at night.

How was working with me during your wedding planning stage?

Easy, relaxed and professional. There when we needed you, full of advise when needed and listened often.

How was working with me on your wedding day?

Perfect, couldn’t have asked for a better photographer.

Imagine you have traveled back in time and can offer yourselves (or others planning a wedding) a 'top tip' while planning your wedding or even on your wedding day; What would it be?

Relax and enjoy the process, it all works out in the end to be your perfect day

VENDORS

Wedding Venue: Rye Hill Barn - www.instagram.com/rye.hill.barn

Wedding Dress: Perfect Day Bride - www.instagram.com/perfectdaybride

Flowers: The Witham Flowery - www.instagram.com/the_witham_flowery

Hair: Beehive Hair Studio - www.instagram.com/beehivehair.studio

Makeup: Harriet Gallon Makeup - www.instagram.com/harrietgallon.makeup

Suits: Bakers of Bond Street - www.instagram.com/bakers_of_bond_street

Wedding Rings: Charles Hart - www.instagram.com/vintagetomjewellery

Men's Cufflinks: Hicks and Hides - www.instagram.com/hicksandhides

Bridesmaids Earing: Hi Ho Silver - www.instagram.com/hihosilveruk

Band: The Anthemics - www.instagram.com/theanthemics