The New Forest, WOW!
I've never been there before and it was an absolute delight to visit this beautiful part of England. It's a very breathtaking place with all the nature and stuff, I couldn't help but want to be there for longer than I was! I stayed in the village of Lyndhurst which, to my pleasure (and dreams), has it's very own Ferrari dealership. Who knew?! The wedding itself took place at The New Forest in Weddings In The Wood and the spot is a gorgeous space to get wed.
The day started in Lyndhurst where I met the bride and groom early on, these two did things a lot differently. They were together already! I liked this approach, much efficient. I mean, they had been waiting for this day to happen for over 3 years because the 'rona decided to mess up plans year on year. But they did it, finally! The day was set to be a blast. Ross took us to the venue and we met the owners who were very accommodating. I mean, the mention of thunderstorms and safety plans did make me worry ever so slightly but all was good. The couple decided not to have the ceremony in the woods itself due to the amount of rain that had landed over the past week and the impending storm. They called it and called it right as you will find out.
Guests started to arrive and here's where they did things differently again. We took the posed photos with guests as they arrived! So everyone managed to get their own photo with Ross and Faith before it rained, whoops sorry, I mean before they got married. This was a super idea, everyone got to meet and greet when they arrived looking super-fresh. Dope planning! As the guests arrived they were provided with nourishment which came in the form of a dish served locally (well, from here). We all got chance to grab a pasty!! OK, Cornwall is a little further afield than Hampshire but Cornish pasties were provided and man they were excellent. Beer, Cider (Cyder) and soft drinks were lined up ready to drink too. What a start.
We moved over to the decked area where an introduction and plans for the day were laid out as Faith and Ross took time to greet everyone and say thanks for coming. This is when everyone realised there was a pirate, umm, soldier, err, medieval bloke who turned out to be my good friend Dave from Histrionics. He was the MC for the day! Ahh I love that lad and so did everybody else. He took care of making sure everyone knew where to go, and when providing so much entertainment throughout the day. You always need someone like that at a wedding, for real. Some people thought he might even be the guy doing the ceremony, which turned out to be Ross' good friend from overseas!
The ceremony took place within the barn, seating curved around the main fireplace where sun cast through the windows onto the couple as they said their vows and promises. We had two readings, one from each of the mothers and both encouraging a tear or two from the guests. Here's where it got very interesting. When Faith's mother gave her reading she delivered a poem in Cornish (Kernowek) during which the most almighty thunderstorm broke loose giving what can only be classed as a blessing from nature. Who even books that kind of legendary special effects on a wedding day? Kudos x1,000!! Ross and Faith exchanged rings, had a big kiss and then they were married.
We left the barn to gather outside and everyone gave cuddles, kisses and congratulations to the newly married couple. We then headed back round to the decked area and inside the barn you could grab Cornish Cream Tea (Tea and Scones for those up North). Now, I'm not grassing on anyone but, you can tell who had done this before. And I had many conversations about the 'correct' way to put the jam/cream on. One is the Devon way, the other Cornish so each to their own! In the opening where the decking was speeches were given from both Fathers and a nice speech from Ross too. It was great to hear some lovely stories and kind words about the happy couple. We got rained on a little, but nobody gave up. We stayed the course and the rain stayed up there!
Once speeches were done (barring the grooms-party speeches which were planned for later on) there was a Ceilidh from Murphy's Lore which was pure fire. I was not disappointed. The energy, the elation, the absolute staunch can-do attitude was beyond what I had seen before. So much hype, and lots of spirit in the barn brought to life with the best caller Noeleen who got them moving good! Part of the way through the big dance they started to serve more food. There was a BBQ and a Fish and Chips van too, amazing. Ross and Faith you did it right, there's something incredibly wrong if your guests go hungry at a wedding. To be fair I think I had a weekend's worth of calories in that one day but surely everyone burned them off during the Ceilidh anyway so, no stress! I did 23k steps so that's fine.
From the Ceilidh we got chance to take some posed group shots, and to take a short walk in the woods before the light was lost beyond the treeline. We got some keepers for real, and it didn't take long for us to get a good set of shots to celebrate the day. Once we got back everyone headed over to the firepit where the Grooms-party were lined up to give Ross a good roasting, I mean, umm, to celebrate the love and life of Ross through great stories recounted for all to hear. Oh, what fun! I love that bit. Ross did well, he came out pretty squeaky-clean to be honest. The light was dropping fast and so was the temperature so the night-do began. The band were set up and ready to rock and they DID! The first dance happened, the cheese cake was cut and we all gorged on the fabulous array of tasty cheesiness followed by a proper good dance-off in the barn. Who knew how much energy you get from cheese and crackers? Or was it the beer? Or the the Big Seven Gin? Who knows, but all I know is that for 10 solid hours I got to spend the best time with the best people whilst capturing some moments and memories for the best couple.
Thank you so much for having me there to capture the day for you Ross & Faith. It means so much you asking me to be such a part of your amazing wedding. I hope that you cherish these photos for years to come. The 16 hours drive round trip was oh so worth it! Big love to you both.
Scott Akoz
07707701260
studio@scottakoz.com
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