Ciara and Michael’s winter wedding at Lapstone barn - Lapstone Barn Wedding Photography

Morning Bride and Groom prep at Lapstone Barn

I’d met them Ciara and Michael at  a previous wedding the summer before. Ciara was a bridesmaid, which was good because I knew I’d remember some faces. Best yet though, I knew they’d have a super-chilled vibe yet still with a great buzz of energy

I feel lucky that I get to see past couples and other guests I know from previous weddings, its like making new frinds every week. This wedding kicked off with the Bride, her mum and her sister busy setting up the room. I was lucky to record both her mum and sister taking pride in how everything looked.

There are always gems to catch throughout the morning.  Hugs and tears when things are complete, the moment Ciara saw the cake her mum had made. That was a special touching moment. As always, wholly natural nothing posed or poised. 
Meanwhile, the lads were getting ready in the house next to the barn. Or at least that’s what I’m sworn to say. In amongst the shenanigans, I did manage to get some groom prep photos too though. It was a classic English wedding morning routine. A great breakfast followed by the lads trying and failing to master doing up the ties and button holes.  You can almost always guarantee a phone with YouTube  tutorials will always come out, unusually today it was Cava not lager that was doing the rounds

 Heading back over to the girls, hair and makeup was in full swing. Some thoughtful soul had called in a request to local radio and alongside the congratulations they cranked out a belter.  Soon everyone was up dancing, I really do love the vibe of a morning prep.

Off to the Church, Next stop THE WEDDING

Ciara was getting her dress on at her mum’s which was next to the church. I arrived as the house hit full wedding day tilt.  Family members rushing to get ready, flowers everywhere, kids bouncing off the walls, and of course the bride was running late, which brought a sense of calm to the high energy chaos.
While Ciara, was getting into her dress, I ran next door to see how the cava was going down only to find a bottle of whisky had taken its place. Still, it eased Michael’s nerves.  Good old Jameson’s 

A sprint back to the house and it was tears for all, as Ciara, complete with her dress gave her proud mum and dad the official unveiling.
A small stroll to the church and it was time for the grand entrance. Ciara’s step dad was doing the honours and this made it extra special. I could see there was a deep connection between them and I tried my best to capture that.  From his speeches I could tell he held a great deal of love for Ciara, he even used one of Ciara’s favourite games, Connect Four, to talk about love and marriage.
 

Back to Lapstone Barn, let the party begin

After the church ceremony came the traditional confetti storm and then we all ate mince pies before heading back to the venue.
Laspstone Barn is a stunning place and even though we had to head inside as it was now getting dark and we had rain, the barn is so beautiful it made for the perfect haven from the gale, so to speak. The reception was a cracker, it’s always one of my favourite parts of the day as there is such a high energy buzz about the venue as friends and family members catch up and the drink starts flowing, and best of all, the couple is allowed to finally relax.

Next came the traditonal speeches with a less traditional twist.  The speeches were introduced by Ciara’s bridesmaid Gemma. It was actually at Gemma’s wedding where I’d first met Ciara. At her wedding Gemma sang a surprise song during the speeches so I knew how talented she was, but wow, she was a hell of a compare too.  In honesty, all the speeches were amazing, Michael came across as the wee golden boy and everyone had a kind word for him.  My favourite was the bride’s speech though, I love how more and more brides are doing speeches and Ciara totally smashed hers with a heady mix of emotion and witty banter.

As the day was drew on and the dance floor was calling.  Michael and Ciara, like most of my couples want in the  moment, natural and not staged photos. Still, I managed to grab them for a fleeting moment, far from the madding crowd and we headed outside to make the most of Lapstone Barn’s beautiful festoon lighting before heading back into the warm as the evening rolled into cocktails, shots, and dancing.

In all, a proper pleasure.

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