Ben and Elysia’s Christmas Wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn

 

Well 2019 certainly ended on a high! I got to shoot a beautiful couple’s wedding day at one of my all time favourite venues and they all partied like it was 1999. What more could I possibly ask for? Nothing!

As always, it was an absolute pleasure working with the following suppliers:

Hair and make-up – Sarah Meredith MUA

Wedding Dress – Justin Alexander

Flowers – Woodend Flowers

Harpist – Maxine Molin Rose

DJ – Andy Murphy

Catering – Top Table Catering

 

Winter Wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn

December 7th 2019 saw the beautiful and brilliantly funny Elysia and Ben tie the knot in a Christmas themed wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn. From the red roses featuring in the all of the stunning floral arrangements to the nutcracker, gingerbread and candy cane themed tables the wedding had sprinkles of festivity without looking more like a Christmas fete! It was just perfect! As the girls undertook their pampering the lads were able to take in the magnificent views over the water, enjoy a few beers and even enjoy the thrill of a scratchard (and the groom won a tenner!)

Sandhole Oak Barn Wedding Photographer

I absolutely count Sandhole Oak Barn as a home from home these days. It’s amazing that so many couples pick me to capture their big day there because for me, no two weddings there are the same. Whether it’s an indoor our outdoor ceremony we’re always guaranteed a beautiful backdrop and a warm welcome. Elysia and Ben got married inside of the barn since despite the fantastic December conditions it was certainly a bit chilly still! Those final few moments before the bride and bridesmaids walk down the aisle is still one of my all time favourite parts of the day. The looks of nerves to excitement and sometimes downright horror that can pass over a groom’s face in these seconds is often hilarious to witness. Ben did a great job on bringing the emotion that day. I always wind my grooms telling them that if it looks like they aren’t going to cry I will poke them in the eye! No need at all to do that to Ben – what a babe!

After Ben’s emotional reaction to Elysia walking down the aisle, it was no surprise to see where he may have got his soft side from – his Dad was just as bad during the vows! Love it!

Wedding Portraits at Sandhole Oak Barn

With the wedding being in December and is the way with winter weddings we’re usually pushed for time when it comes to portraits. After Elysia and Ben greeted their guests and had a cheeky drink it was time to head out and make the most of the beautiful lakeside views at the barn. As is usually the case at Sandhole Oak Barn (and this is one of the main reasons why I love it so much) we were treated to a fantastic epic sky and sunset just in time for portraits. A massive high five and badge of honour for Elysia too for requesting all her portraits be done outdoors even though it was really cold! She never complained and even when I asked if she was too cold and wanted to go in she told me no and she would rather have her photos taken by the water. You go girl!

That being said, we did eventually head indoors to join their guests and de-frost! It must be said, it’s been a while since I have witnessed such a boisterous bunch! I thought we might lose some before we’d even finished the wedding breakfast due to ‘over-hydration’ 😉 Boy was a wrong! You’ll see the evidence a bit later!

 

Turns out, nothing makes a portrait session turn into fits of giggles (more than my dirty and often rather inappropriate humour) is a well-timed, unexpected and very loud sneeze!

Wedding Party at Sandhole Oak Barn – Andy Murphy DJ

As soon as I heard that Elysia and Ben had booked the fantastic Andy Murphy DJ for their evening entertainment I knew we were in for a good one! As soon as the day arrived and I got to meet the guests there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I was going to end the year with a wonderful party! I don’t think i’ve ever seen Andy look so perplexed when so many of the guests flooded the dancefloor and started busting shapes when he was only playing the ‘background music.’ You know the time during a wedding day when evening guests are starting to arrive and mingle, the day guests are in a bit of a food coma and can’t decide if they need to start getting in the shots or take a nap. It’s the inbetweeny bit where everyone catches their breath, freshens up in preparation for that second wind. Except….after getting pretty intoxicated even before the meal the first wind never leaves. The guests eat their puddings and instead of waiting for it all to settle down they get on up, grab a partner, head to the dancefloor (where the music is still being played quiet) and throw the shapes and moves of some high school cheerleaders! Absolute respect to the boys AKA ‘The Regiment’ for bringing the party. I don’t think I can recall ever sharing time with such a bonkers-wild and totally lovely group of guys.

Sandhole Oak Barn Wedding Photographer

I hope you enjoyed looking through the highlights of Elysia and Ben’s bonkers and brilliant winter wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn. If you would like to see more of my work from this venue I have a few more blogs ready for you below:

Stunning Spring Wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn

A selection of images from a varitey of weddings and seasons at Sandhole Oak Barn

 

Are you getting married at Sandhole Oak Barn? Get in touch to check my availability by clicking here!