A Summer Hazel Gap Barn Wedding Full of Laughter, Dancing and Fun

Getting Ready

Gina got ready at the nearby Gelt Lodge, which was a lovely getting ready location with plenty of space for a big group of people! We did some getting ready shots of her dress from Dotty Bridal and her flowers from Plume Floristry as well doing two first looks. One with Gina’s dad and the other with her bridesmaids, which definitely brought some tears! It was all very calm in the morning, lots of chilled vibes before everyone started to head over to Hazel Gap.

The Ceremony

Their ceremony was beautiful. They opted for a registrar ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Gina walked down the aisle to Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles and met a very smiley happy James. They exchanged rings, a kiss and cuddle and before we knew it; they were married! They had a gorgeous walk back down the aisle with a quick dip n kiss along the way!

Note: I’ll always use flash at Hazel Gap Ceremonies because it’s quite a dark space and I want your wedding photos to be crisp and clear, not super noisy by pushing up the ISO. I will also throw in a creative moody black and white because the space leans into that vibe. I don’t however, shoot constantly because I’m using flash. Because that would be irritating for everyone! Calum will also often use a light. It’s really worth being aware if your ceremony space is dark and if your team know how to use flash/lights to compensate and not compromise your images.

Confetti, Groups & Drinks

We had fresh petal confetti in the courtyard, followed by drinks, music and group photos. They had an amazing singer Connor Walsh doing both the afternoon set and the evening (as a one man band) and honestly he was absolutely incredible. Highly recommend.

We did group photos on the front lawn as well as using smoke bombs for their wedding party. We always recommend to do group photos straight after your confetti unless you’ve got something specific in mind for an evening shot. That way the more ‘formal’ element of your day can be ticked off.

Note: If you’re using smoke bombs, always get the Enola Gaye smoke bombs and testing them out prior to use. Make sure all of your party know what they’re doing. They can cause burns and stains! As fun as they can be we always like to let couples know.

Styling

Tara Knott smashed it out the park yet again with beautiful styling. We always know it’s going to look gorgeous if Tara is involved. We will always recommend her! They also had beautiful stationary and signs by Allie Paint Signs which tied it all together. Their cake was by Baked by Char. They also had a cards and polaroids section for people to take a polaroid and leave a message in their guest book.

Everything was also lit by candlelight, which always makes everything extra pretty!

Couples Shoot

Gina and James wanted more photos (and video) taken before their meal than after. We tend to split it into two halves before and after food, so it doesn’t feel like you’re being taken away for too long but also offers a nice variety in location and light.

We got some lovely shots on the back lawn near the woods, with the sunlight peeping through. They were both absolute naturals. We also got a couple of shots in the ceremony space later on followed by shots on the front lawn on the drive. We kept it super relaxed, informal and with gentle prompts.

Dinner and Dancing

They had their speeches after their food, followed by Connor starting his first set in the evening and everyone enjoying drinks and chatting. Evening guests then arrived ready for their cake cutting and first dance to I Always Knew by The Vaccines (performed by Connor) for his second set. It was an absolutely fab dance floor! Arms being flung around, tears being shed, big group hugs had. It had it all going on.

This was such a lovely wedding to be a part of! Hope you’ve enjoyed reading just a snippet of it. Here’s the fab team we worked with.

Team

Venue at https://crippsandco.com/hazel-gap

Stylist at https://taraknott.co.uk

Dress at https://dottybridal.co.uk

Florals at https://www.plumefloristry.com

Signs and Stationary at https://www.alliepaintssigns.co.uk

MUA at https://www.instagram.com/jt_makeup_/?hl=en

Hair at https://www.hairbyoliviajames.co.uk

Cake at https://bakedbychar.co.uk

Music at https://www.instagram.com/connorwalshweddingsinger/?hl=en

Read our other Cripps + Co Wedding Venue Blogs Here

We are a married team capturing photos & films for weddings and we love what we do. We know how to work together seamlessly as a photo & film team, and we pride ourselves on making your photos & films compliment each other to capture the essence of your day. You’ll have a photo & film team that blends in with your day with ease, capturing your wedding from all perspectives.

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