Mountains of confetti, a VW camper and some amazing photos on Otley Chevin…

Chilli Barn wedding photographer. My second wedding in a double wedding weekend saw me back at one of my favourite (and most local!) venues, The Chilli Barn.

Getting ready.

Sophie and her bridesmaids “The Emmas” were getting ready in Ilkley so I joined them there in the morning to capture them all getting ready together. Charlotte from Beauty in Bloom was working her magic on Sophie’s hair when I arrived, and I spent a really chilled out couple of hours with them all. I started photographing Sophie’s beautiful gown, then hair and make up being finished off, and the girls enjoying a drink and a laugh together. Time flew and it was soon time for Sophie to get dressed with the help of The Emmas! The gorgeous campervan from Liberty Campers arrived in plenty of time so we grabbed some team shots in from of him (yep he was a him!), before I left to make my way to The Chilli Barn.

Ceremony.

Guests were arriving as I got there so I got some detail shots of the barn set up before people took their seats, and then busied myself with lots of candid photos of everyone catching up before the ceremony. Everyone took their seats in the barn and I waited outside to catch Sophie and The Emmas arrive in the campervan. They made a very elegant exit from the camper, despite some concern about how to get out! I dashed inside then to get a few shots of Alex chatting with his friends and family and to take my place at the top of the aisle.

I’d prepped the girls on their aisle walk (take it slow, flowers low, look up and smile!) and they all nailed it. Sophie practically glided down the aisle (solo no less!) towards Alex who it’s safe to say was blown away by the sight!

It was a lovely ceremony, with some great readings (inc one from The Amber Sypglass which is one of my faves). The vows and rings were exchanged and Sophie & Alex were pronounced husband and wife to huge applause. A few faux register signing shots and it was back outside for confetti. They’d chosen my favourite kind – biodegradable paper discs in bright colours. And lots of it! I heard Alex comment that he’d ended up eating some!

Reception.

And it was on with the drinks reception. They had a lovely long reception which was so nice as it meant I could let them have a drink and catch up with their guests for a good chunk of time and got loads of lovely informal photos of everyone enjoying the afternoon. Then I nabbed Sophie & Alex for some shots with the campervan and then their group photos. We forged on with the shots of the two of them after that, and were they bloody naturals! I just stood them together and they were off, chatting and laughing and cuddling with barley a word from me – winner! We got loads of great shots in front of the barn and in the field behind it which was full of buttercups (and the odd cow pat, thanks for braving it S&A!).

Speeches.

I left them alone then to spend some time with their friends and family whilst I got lots of detail shots of the marquee set up for the wedding breakfast. I loved the flowers chosen by Hyde Park Flower Club by Dottie’s, and the Colin Caterpillar cakes! Time for some more candid shots of everyone mingling and then it was guests were called to be seated. Speeches were up first and were a hit! The bridesmaids, best man Joe, and finally Alex all gave wonderful speeches – equal parts moving and hilarious! Then it was chow time.

After dinner I took Sophie & Alex over to Surprise View on The Chevin for some shots of the two of them overlooking Otley and beyond now that it was a bit quieter and we didn’t have time pressures.

Party.

The evening guests started arriving from 7pm so it was back to the barn to greet them all and to get ready for party time. I’d heard that Sophie wouldn’t be leaving the dance floor so I was looking forward to seeing everyone throw some shapes to some classic 90’s and 00’s tunes. Sophie & Alex kicked things off with their first dance and quickly called everyone to join them so the party could truly start!

Thanks S&A for having me, I had a blast! And please do get in touch if you’re planning a wedding at The Chilli Barn, I’d love to hear more.

Venue: @thechillibarn
Florist: @hydeparkflowerclub.by.dotties
Hair & make up: @beautyinbloom
Wooden arch: @oakleaf_weddings
Dress alterations: @mrsrebekahhock
Campervan: @libertycampers