When you get a call from a couple saying their planned wedding is in Oakham Castle then back to a field at Hill Farm House for a festival style reception, then the answer is always going to be “YES, I’m in”. Relaxed and breaking with tradition. Happy , happy, happy!
Lisa and Rob planned a great wedding, so anyone planning a festival wedding, this one is for you. Chilled relaxed and most of all so much fun! They know how to throw a party!
I arrived (on what was one of the rainiest days ever) at Hill Farm House and immediately got soaked, thought “Yep ,this is a wellies kind of day”. The venue was a field in the Northamptonshire countryside with a Red double decker, London bus, parked out the front. So far so good. Glad I came prepared, You never know what the British weather will throw at you.
All the guests piled on the bus parked at the Entrance to Hill Farm house, shook the rain from the umbrellas and settled down with the groom for a ride over to Oakham Castle for the wedding ceremony. I must admit at this point it really did feel like we were getting ready for a festival. The excitement (and maybe a few nerves from the groom) was bubbling away. Great opportunity to get some photos of the guests, that the bride would be able to see after the wedding. Lisa wasn’t seeing anyone until the wedding ceremony at Oakham Castle, so we needed a fair few.
Once we arrived in Oakham, we made our way through the town, to the castle. If you have not been to Oakham castle it is filled with hundreds of horseshoes that adorn the walls. Unique building! All we needed was the bride and wow did Lisa look wonderful.
As Lisa made her entrance into the ceremony, her Vintage designed dress was being kicked out with every step to reveal the most amazing fuchsia pink underskirt. Oh, this wedding is quirky, just enough quirky to make it their own. This was one rock and roll bride. This is going to be an epic wedding.
Chilled, and as cool as a cucumber the wedding ceremony was concluded. The new Mr and Mrs were totally official…YES!!
ONWARDS! Intrepid travellers, the reception beckons.
Back on the bus the party was in full swing, their friends and family were wonderful. Helping each other into wellies, finding raincoats and digging out their brollies. Nothing like a bit of preparation. Then we arrive at The Hill Farm House. When you see a bride dig out her wellies and hang off the back off a bus for a photo you know you are going to get on like a house on fire. My kind of girl. Then the rain stopped.
Just like that, the Party started.
Hill Farm House had helped Lisa and Rob set out their stretch marquee, fully equipped with Bar, street food stall, wooden cutlery, vintage rugs on the floor, arm chairs and the most amazing chilled out atmosphere. Food was delicious, drinks were flowing, and Foo Fighters was on for the first dance. From a wedding photographers’ point of view, this was a prefect venue for a relaxed, alternative wedding. I could concentrate on documenting the day as it happened the wedding party could concentrate on the celebrations! Super fun and they were able to party long into the night while I went home and slept like log! 