A Spring Hazel Gap Wedding with the Best Golden Hour and Sparklers
To kick start our wedding season, we shot Ellie & Ben’s lovely Spring wedding at Hazel Gap Barn. We’ve been to Hazel Gap barn many a time and it was lovely to return for such a beautiful wedding, that also gave us a gorgeous golden hour. Read on for more about their day and some photos too…
Getting Ready
They both got ready at separate cottages at the nearby Welbeck Cottages. It was lovely because we got to capture a bit of both of them getting ready in the morning because they were next door to each other. We managed to get this cool shot of Ellie getting ready whilst Ben and his family and friends gathered outside for photos.
Their Ceremony and Confetti
Ellie & Ben had a really lovely ceremony with personal vows that they read out to one another. They had a registrar led ceremony amongst their family and friends with newspapers on each of the seats for each other guests, with all the info about their day. Ellie walked down the aisle to an acoustic version of ‘Kiss the Girl’. It was a beautiful romantic ceremony, which was followed by the confetti outside.
Group Photos and Candids
After their ceremony and confetti, we went out to the front of Hazel Gap Barn to do their group photos. We love to be really swift and organised with group photos so you have maximum time with everyone during your drinks reception. We always ask for a couple of helpers that can gather everyone together on the day so it reduces you standing about! After that, we get into candid mode, capturing everyone having a drink, chatting and relaxing. We also captured their done up VW van that Ellie’s Dad did. They also had a few details on the day such as the audio guest book for guests to leave messages on throughout the day.
Afternoon Couples Portraits
We always split our couples portraits into at least two parts - one before food and one after (so it doesn’t feel like you are away from your day too much). Ellie and Ben really wanted to incorporate the ceremony space in particular, so we did some lovely portraits of them in the space. We also used outside as well, but we will save that for another post! What’s great about Hazel Gap Barn is there’s so many options for couples portraits both inside and outside.
Speeches and The Evening
Speeches are many things, words from loved ones, silly anecdotes and laughter and tears. But never have we had a couple been gifted a stone garden figure for their garden! Obviously, you’d have to watch the speeches for it to make proper context but let’s just say that now Ellie & Ben have a home to find for it!
After speeches, everyone stayed chatting and having drinks whilst some of Ben’s friends (and Ben) decided to have cigar’s outside. However, no one seemed to like the said cigars but none the less it made for some good pics (and facial expressions)! They also chose to do a quiet cake cutting, whilst everyone was still chatting and milling about after dinner.
Before we knew it, it was time for their first dance to the song Until I Found You- Stephen Sanchez & Em Beihold. Then the dance floor fully kicked off and I highly appreciated Ellie and her Sister’s choreographed dance moves to The Killer’s Human. Absolutely love capturing little moments like that!
We also did Sparklers and no one got burned or singed and everyone was waving them around having the best time! Convinced sparklers brings out the kid in your no matter your age.
Golden Hour To Kick Start our Year
Last year, we got hardly ANY golden hours. It’s sometimes a thing of mystery. You can be 100% aware of the last hour of light, but too many clouds - no golden hour. Not south facing - no golden hour. Hidden by trees - hidden golden hour. But Ellie & Ben’s wedding delivered for us! I don’t need to say too much else with these photos but golden hour photos always feel that bit magical and romantic and for a wedding, it fits perfectly. Also, Ellie’s dress was EPIC.
