I was thrilled to be asked to photograph Vicky and Pete’s wedding day at the absolutely breathtaking venue the Fison Barn, which is part of the Earth Trust centre in Little Wittenham. The weather threatened to disrupt the day, even if the photos suggest otherwise! Ultimately other than a few small showers mainly in the evening it was a beautiful albeit windy day.
Out of this world views (if you don’t mind a walk!)
The Earth Trust site is situated at the base of the Wittenham Clumps, otherwise known as a F off big hill!!! Seriously it’s big and pretty much the only hill in the area, meaning the 360 degree views from the top are incredible. Vicky & Pete are both lovers of the outdoors which is evident in their hobbies. They were keen to take their guests for a walk up the clumps in the afternoon, avoiding potential rain, to share the views. Once up the hill the guests couldn’t help but be blown away (and almost literally by the strong wind) by the panoramic views offered at the top.
If you don’t fancy the walk then the site still offers a large array of photographic opportunities surrounding the complex. Beautiful fields, country tracks, out buildings and more. I was really spoilt for choice for options for Vicky and Pete’s couple portraits, and we could easily have spent hours exploring given the chance.
Earth Trust, Environmental ethos for the win
If the name Earth Trust doesn’t mean much to you, then you really should look them up. Their mission is to give people access to, and experience of the environment, through the natural green spaces they manage, and together understand what they can do to care for the planet.
The site is predominately an educational facility but doubles beautifully as a wedding venue, without that awkwardness some multi purpose venues can have.
Couples can also take great heart in knowing the eco-friendly benefits of the venue. From the biomass boiler providing heating, to the harvested rain water and solar panels.
A vintage Defender steals the limelight
Vicky & Pete were lucky to be offered a fabulous vintage military defender as transport for the day. Normally safely housed in its owners’ garage, it doesn’t often get out on the road. Vicky was driven by her brother, from her parent’s nearby home to the Earth Trust, which was a fabulous sight to see.
Who says a wedding car need to be a posh chauffeured driven affair! I know I prefer something with a bit of character.
Pete also arrived in a vehicle of the 4 wheeled variety. Although as a very keen cyclist, guests wouldn’t have been surprised to hear if he had chosen a bike for himself!
Classic decor & stunning flowers
The couple kept the styling simple, elegant and classic in line with the venue. They used a number of statement exquisite floral arrangements, including an outstanding floral arch following the ceiling beam. Florist Juliet, of Babylon flowers created the masterpieces. The positioning of the floral arch meant it framed Vicky & Pete for their vows but also the tables within the barn for the reception. Seen here, Pete’s brother and best man Andy offers a sense of scale to the grand arch arrangement.
A big part of Vicky and Pete’s lives are their animals which currently includes their two dogs and Vicky’s horse. They couldn’t join in on the day itself but a suitable tribute, including a nod to a few who are no longer with us, were the table names. The laser cut names worked brilliantly with the floral table centre arrangements, and photos on the table told the story of who each table namesake is or was.
Delicious Food & Favours
Caterers Fingers and Forks made sure there was no chance of guests being left hungry thanks to a fabulous feast laid out by. Their tag line is ‘Tempting, memorable and affordable luxury’. From my perspective they delivered on that promise. The day started with eye catching finger food after the ceremony, and then progressed to a stunning three course wedding breakfast. I can confirm the main course was particularly tasty. How to keep your wedding photography happy 101, feed them delicious food!
Continuing the theme of good food, guests were treated with favours in the form of locally made artisan chocolates from Tutu Delicious. Add in the trio of wedding cakes and there were many a very satisfied wedding guest. And what better than a walk up the clumps to work off a bit of the fantastic wedding breakfast afterwards.
I honestly loved Vicky and Pete’s wedding. They say it is the guests that make a wedding day and that was so true here. The love and laughter was infectious. Children playing boules in the courtyard, and then dungeons and dragons on the haybales was just fabulous to watch.
As a photographer I love a wedding that I depart from smiling, not just from capturing beautiful memories but also from having memorable discussions with guests, and I certainly left smiling on this July day. It was also so much fun to return a few weeks later to see Vicky, Pete, their dogs Izzy and Rosy and horse Blondie for a cherish the dress shoot that had a distinct Pride and Prejudice feel.
Are you getting married at the Earth Trust?
I would love to be considered by you to document your wedding day at the Fison barn. Please visit my wedding information page as I would love to know more about you and your day.
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