Elegant Countryside Wedding|Alessandra & Chris

Feb 8

Southend Barns , Chichester - May 2023

Reflecting on this beautiful day back in May for Alessandra and Chris. The couples day was full of minimalist beauty with little pops of pastel colours. Their ceremony was held at a local church followed by a lovely reception at the wonderful Southend Barns, Chichester. The beautifully restored barns which are set in the countryside offer the perfect balance of an elegant and contemporary venue but still packed with all the charm.

As a photographer, I strive to capture timeless and elegant photographs with a modern and contemporary finish. I want each image to evoke emotion and tell a story. I approach weddings with a documentary-style, capturing candid moments and genuine emotions as they unfold naturally throughout the day. My main aim is to provide my lovely couples with a set of stylish and artistic photos that they will be able to treasure for a lifetime.

It was an absolute delight to capture this special day for this gorgeous couple so let me take you through some moments of their day.

In the morning Alessandra got ready amongst her wonderful bridesmaids and family members it was an incredibly chilled morning full of little details.

Pearls were definitely a prominent detail that Alessandra had chosen to have amongst her natural bridal look down to the beautiful but simple up do hairstyle embellished with pearls. This all complimented the elegant design of her Alexandra Grecco dress.

Chris and his groomsmen got ready right on the seaside with some morning visits from close family to send their best wishes and help calm those pre wedding nerves. Chris opted for a classic navy suit from Charles Tyrwhitt . One of the reasons I believe having a second shooter is incredibly beneficial is being able to have these moments captured because whilst I’m able to focus being with Alessandra my second shooter and good friend Katie was able to be with Chris and his team before heading to the church.

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place in the beautiful St James Church, Birdham situated a short distance from Southend Barns. The church along with Alessandra & her girls bouquets was adorned by beautiful flowers by The Florist Artisan.

Before Alessandra linked arms with her dad to take that journey down the aisle she paused and shared a moment with her bridal party whilst they readjusted her veil, it was a beautiful moment to capture.

Once leaving the church all guests took part in some very impressive confetti throwing, the couple opted for colourful biodegradable confetti and tons of it along with two confetti cannons in the middle for extra impact.

Top Tip from me : Take a note from these guys get more confetti than you think you need. A small handful of tiny petals really doesn’t go that far. You want a good big handful for each guest!

Plus if there is any left over we can always do another one during your Groomsmen and bridesmaid photos. Believe me guests absolutely love the confetti section of a wedding its like something childlike and nostalgic.

Reception

All guests were transported via a vintage mini bus to Southend Barns where the celebrations continued, Alessandra and Chris were the last to arrive with a lot of cheering and clapping there sure was a warm welcome in to their drinks reception. Lots of laughter continued as the couple mixed and mingled with their guests.

Southend Barns is a family-run venue that brings a warm and personal touch to every occasion. The venue is heavily influenced by its rural surroundings, providing a charming and picturesque backdrop with stylish and contemporary touches, its a venue that successfully blends the beauty of the countryside with modern elegance and Alessandra and Chris styled their day to perfection with all the finer details and

Couple Portraits

Hate having your photo taken? I hear you but I have got you through gentle and natural guidance this will soon become an after thought. You don’t need to be away from your guests for long when having your portraits together but I always recommend that you make the most of this time together and use it as some private time together away from all the eyes of your guests to absorb all those emotions and feelings you share about your day and to celebrate the fact you have just gotten married!

Just take it slow the best way to do this I suggest is to start as if you are going for a little stroll just the two of you with little bit of gentle guidance along the way and not to be shoved in to any awkward overly posed positions that may not suit both your personalities.

So a little bit of walking, subtle prompts on where to position yourselves and those hands and where to look is how I roll when it comes to creating those portraits I believe this creates a relaxed environment in which in turn will produce a collection of romantic, natural and elegant photos of you both. Which is exactly what Alessandra and Chris achieved with their portraits.

Lets Party !

A quick dress change for Alessandra to something that will bring all the party vibes, a beautiful sparkly mini dress with coordinated sparkle converse it was the perfect look for what came next…

there was a surprise for all the guests – oh I do love a wedding surprise, Alessandra and Chris's had a choreographed first dance. It was a moment that took everyone's breath away. As I snapped away I couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for this couple. Their willingness to step outside their comfort zone, to embrace the unexpected, was truly inspiring.

Shortly after all guests were welcomed to join the party on the dance floor and dancing got well underway into the night!.

Each wedding I capture tells its own unique story, capturing the essence of a couple's love and the joining of two families. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of these intimate moments, to freeze them in time, and to create images that will be treasured for generations to come.

“OH MY GOODNESS. We absolutely love the photos, you are so talented and the photos are just beautiful. Thank you so much for everything! We can’t wait to show everyone.”

- Alessandra & Chris

Photographer
CHARLOTTE WEAVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Second Photographer

Katie Rogers Photography

Ceremony Venue

St James Church, Birdham

Hair & Make Up

Bridal Brighton / Austri

Florist

The Florist Artisan

Dress

Alexandra Grecco from Lovely Brides London