Archive for Gate Street Barn
Jen and Anjohn – The Prequel and The Sequel
Posted by: | CommentsIt was the best of times. It was the..well..best of times. It was just two times on different days. To make it even more interesting, it ain’t done yet. Yes, this is the many weddings of Jen and Anjohn. So it is that if you want to get married on Good Friday then you’re a wee bit stuffed. Solution. Get married at the registry office on Thursday then have a humanist ceremony on Friday. And if your family is from Bangladesh why not have another ceremony in 6 weeks time. If you’re not following as close as you should then let me spell it out to you. That is exactly what we did and will do.
So last Thursday I made my way to the registry office just outside of Guildford town centre. Its actually a place that has some meaning to me. It was there that I shot my very first wedding back in 2004. Last week just like in 2004 it was a straight forward affair. This time 15 guests made their way into the small ceremony room to complete to legal bits before we all made our way to Cote in Guildford for a family meal. One potential pitfall of this plan is that you may find yourself having such a good time that you fail to notice your watch and discover you are an hour late for your Humanist ceremony rehearsal (which, I have to say is lovely, personal and wholesome but in my humble opinion not in need of a rehearsal). Its all something to tell the grandkids.
Waking up the day after the, well, afternoon before is all bit peculiar. Turning up and not only knowing the couple in your viewfinder but also knowing you just shot a wedding with them the day before is a unique prospect. It was great. Like old times I tell you. The good part is that this day would be a completely different set of parameters. A joint bridal and groom(al) prep at Jen and Anjohns in Guildford then off to Gate Street Barn. Being a) married and b) not one to have the world staring at you as you enter a room meant that the start of this ceremony would be very different. A bit of meet and greet before the ceremony was a delightful difference for me. I loved it. Of course the ceremony was unique (as in a Humanist ceremony its all about the couple – yay!) but also I saw something I hadn’t seen before. I’m not sure if its a tradition of the Humanist or Anjohn’s Bangladeshi heritage or simple somerhing they thought of themselves, but the weddings rings, which the day before were given to form the legal part of their marriage, were today taken off, bound together and at a point in the ceremony passed around to every guest to hold, see, rub and if so inclined pray. It was interesting to see how some simply passed it on, some were delighted by the shine and a few seemed to pass on good vibes in both secular and non secular ways.
The last surprise for everyone was the table layout. Two long tables split the barn bringing a village festival feel to an amazing day. I can’t wait until May for the last part of wedding trio!
Normally I post a link to even more images on my Facebook business page. An error in logistics (IOW I’m a bonehead) means that I won’t be able to upload that until Monday. So, enjoy this longer than usual blog post and I’ll will fill you in on the fuller Facebook upload next week!
First – Guildford Registry Wedding
Lookie here
“no seriously…I’ve met a real live Hobbit. It was THIS tall”
I’m sure I’ve seen that guy on The West Wing
On reflection this is a black and white shot. Love the Registrar.
Storytelling at 0.3 of a meter
I have no idea who that is…but she kept jumping over a parking post so I photographed it
Part 2 – Good Friday
It would later be revealed why the chair I used to photograph the shoes was so important
The A-Team’s Hannibal would have proud…and even more pleased as it all came together
Again…I didn’t know at the time but when the light shone almost exclusively on the necklace I was drawn. It turned out to be the last Christmas gift Jen’s mum gave her. You tell me there’s no such thing as karma or the universe
Apparently earrings are more difficult than first thought
This was just happenstance…
Jen in the chair her mother made
The benefit of getting ready together….actually I lied a bit. A big reveal comes later but I will do a whole blog post on that later.
That was just the coolest thing…
She loves that jacket…honest
Passing around the rings
I mean REALLY loves that jacket!
Don’t deny Jen…it worked didn’t it! :)
Wow!….and more wow!
I couldn’t seem to get ‘Cab’ to smile despite he’d spent the last two days laughing away!
Big appetite
Checking the job dossier from Jen
Alleged product found in Anjohn’s medicine cabinet
As I mentioned…a link to more Facebook images on Monday.
Sarah and Steven – A Big Freeze at Gate Street Barn
Posted by: | CommentsHoly cow…its Spring. Thing is someone forgot to tell Mother Nature. Quite honestly, I happily did family groups outside in February. No one complained. It was fresh not cold. Now that its the end of March you would think we would optimistic for warmer weather. Apparently on the same day last year it was 21 degrees (that’s Celsius). So quite how a year passes and the high was around 2. Seriously. I guess on the plus side it was dry even if it was too cold for anyone to really enjoy the outside. On the plus side I still the family groups outside and it took about 30% less time than normal. Amazing what freezing your dewberries off will do to inspire folks to get a move on.
Yes, this was Saturday’s wedding of Steven and Sarah at the glorious, beautiful and internally warm Gate Street Barn (quite frankly one of Surrey’s finest wedding venues). Despite working at Gate Street many many times it was still a first in staying with the Bride (aka Sarah) in the Bride’s room. Small yet functional. But it meant no traveling and no getting cold outside. Sarah and Steven are a delightfully sweet couple. Calm yet spirited, thoughtful yet spontaneous. A delightful combination of charm, personality and wit that makes for such an enjoyable day for me (and Darren). We really do enjoy being part of something so sincere and honest. It makes you feel like a part of something real not fabricated. Thank you to Sarah and Steven for having us along.
Below is a selection of images. Afterwards I’ll be posting a link to more images which you can view on my Facebook business page. So gander, read, enjoy and at the end is a link for more.
Seriously…how gorgeous is that
The main perk of getting ready in the barn
CurlyWurly
Mum’s broach
Small mirror, big image
Here comes the … Dad
Glasses on my head…cool don’t you think
Today’s doppleganger is the Best Man and Brother of Steven…I give you Mark Wahlberg (or Dirk as I called him)
…in a veiled way of carrying on the Dirk reference
Marky Mark is enjoying it as well!
7pts
That kid is adorable!
Its true…country roads really do take you home!
Gravity is no match!
A big warm bun and huge hunk of meat (although this isn’t a Cheeseburger in Paradise)
Chris from Chess has some new LED lights. Me like.
I have no idea
I love the couple in the middle…I’m don’t read minds but I’m guessing it went something like this “W….T….F”
Time for me to stick to my word and give you that link to the book of Faces and my business page where you can find about 100 images from Steven and Sarah’s Gate Street Barn wedding on Facebook.
Sarah and Wayne – Godalming and Gate Street Wedding Photography
Posted by: | CommentsSarah and Wayne. My goodness me. What a laugh. From the madness of Wayne and his mates, to the boob touching of the Bridemaids, to the sour faced Sambuca shots. This day was a real gem. In some ways blogging months after the fact gives you a chance to reflect on the day and remember what it was so special. Not only for them but also for me. I do take each day personally. I want it all to be perfect for the couple. A partly selfish position as if its perfect for them, its perfect for me too. Calm heads makes for calm faces. To be honest it was never really going to be a problem with these guys. Their familes and friends are just like them. Serious when it matters and keen to let their hair down when it doesn’t.
The first great decision was the ceremony at St Peter and St Paul in Godalming. Its simply one of the best churches in Surrey. Great light, great space, room for me to move just a little bit and never been noticed. Of course you need to ensure that you carry that wisdom through and they certainly did. Gate Street Barn is just the most fantastic venue around. It all starts with the top and the staff. Just excellent. It was a great day I won’t forget. Thank you both for making me feel so welcome and part of the family.
Have a gander at these images and at the end there will be a link to loads more on Facebook.
Shoe fetish
Why yes…this necklace was photographed on top of a bin…thanks for asking
How to engineer your own death as a photographer
Three ladies and a breast obsession. Result!
She’s living in a box — not a cardboard box .. thankfully
Sisters — are doing it for themselves
Tasty indeed!
It was so nice for Kenneth Brannaugh to pop in for the ceremony
Concentration
A little less concentration
I love the The Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul in Godalming…lovely light
Even after 330 weddings I still see things that simply blow me away…love it!
Gate Street Barn — one of Surrey’s (heck the country’s) finest wedding venues
No bottoms were squeezed in the creation of this photo
What a smile
Porchful of Honeys
Porchful of .. well .. guys .. bring back the honeys
Someone is buying his story hook, line and sinker
Wayne…what a laugh!
Camera angle raised to save the dignity to all those involved — you know who you are!
And so….it begins!
11m 40s — get real! No chance
TOUCHDOWN!
There’s no need to ask…he really is a smooth operator
I’m 40…no time for peek-a-boo
No…really…its not a game for adults
I love symmetry
Its only a cake!
…one eyes, purple people eater…sometimes I really hate DJ lights
Exhibiting a Michael Schumacher level of confidence
You’ve made it into three images on the blog…That takes some doing
Office Poncherello phoned…wants his glasses back
Charlie had been wondering what happened to all his angels
I’m guessing the ideal wedding present wasn’t a years supply of Sambuca then?
As I promised, here is a link to more images on my Facebook Business page for Sarah and Wayne’s Godalming and Gate Street wedding.
Becky and Matt – Godalming and Gate Steet Wedding Photography
Posted by: | CommentsA truly international experience. But did they really get everyone to fly over from Chicago just in time for the Olympics. Oh yes they did. These guys are a bundle of laughs. He’s from Liphook (just up the road). She from Chicago. They met teaching and now they live in Egypt. I know, whodathunkit. Instead of getting married in Chi town they venutred to the Surrey Hills and the lovely Gate Street Barn. Of course not before a quick stop in Godalming at one of the finest churches in Surrey. Once at Gate Street the weather was fantastic. Not quite a hot day in Egypt but enough to keep everyone happy. A great day for everyone. Thanks for having us along.
There will be a link to more images on my Facebook Business Page after these images. Stay tuned.
YouTube saves the day (photo by Darren)
Essentials (photo by Darren)
(photo by Darren)
Blue
Working hard on the ‘Bolt’
Hen Night memories
(photo by Darren)
As promised, a link to my Facebook business page with more images. Becky and Matt’s Godalming and Gate Street Barn Wedding
Lisa and Simon at Gate Street Barn – Its Been A While
Posted by: | CommentsNo…I’ve not left this green (and now sunny) earth. I’ve been totally maxed out catching up with weddings as well as a trip away and childcare things. Welcome to Summer!
So…I’m not going to say much for this one (or the next few TBH). What I will say is Lisa and Simon are two fantastic people. They have some wicked friends and crazy families and all of that in a good way. Both Darren and I had a blast hanging out with them at Gate Street Barn. We cannot thank you enough for having us.
In a break from tradition there won’t be any Facebook gallery. This is at the request of Lisa and Simon. However, I did post a few more just after the wedding which you can find here!
She’ll love me…honest!
I can hear Joey now…”FOOOZBALL”
Like me a member of the Harry Hill appreciation society
Brother of the Groom flirts with Sister of the Bride .. nice
I know…flirting with the Sister of the Bride…who knew!
Like Hogwarts only different
OK…this blows the whole flirting with the Sister of the Bride right out the water!
Kinda like Octoberfest
And now for the top 10 reasons you MUST have Darren!
Lisa and Mr Grey – From THE Book
Posted by: | CommentsDon’t sign the contract (apparently). First off…let me just say this. I’m biased. It’s true. I (well, we) spent over 10 hours with Lisa and Simon (not Mr Grey at all) and yet this wee preview contains 6 images from the bit I spent only an hour at. That being the ‘Bridal Prep’ at Lisa’s parents house. Why? Good question. I guess it boils down to a) complete free reign, b) its never the same thing twice, c) space and light are so much easier to work in (see point a), d) see point a again. Its generally the bit I’m most looking forward to seeing. This doesn’t take away AT ALL from the amazing church, gorgeous Groom, smashing venue, fantastic caterers, lively band etc etc. Its just how I roll. So…a quick preview for the Bride (and Groom as well) who “doesn’t do Facebook”.
Yes…I know…its borderline blasphemy..forgive me this indiscretion
The dress has an unexpected number of one liners
I know…seriously…12 images and 6 from the prep…you must be mad man!
Redemption is a wonderful thing
Wedding Breakfast in the Round. Just like Take That and Shakespeare
Simon…I remember you!
No…its not an ‘oh darn the Bride has here eyes closed’ shot. She kept the shut and even ‘winced’ when she thought it was about to land
Little sis for the win
More in a few weeks
