Fonthill Estate, Deer Barn, Wiltshire Barn Venue

How we met.

Kat and Rob were were one of the first to message me when I re-opened my books at the end of January. I had exchanged a few messages (and memes) with Kat over Facebook and after sharing a love of the programme, Schitt's Creek, Kat agreed to meet with me to discuss the plans for their day. Sipping peppermint tea, I nervously awaited their arrival at a little café in Dorchester. I always have lots of trepidations when meeting new couples. I never know who I am going to meet; are they relaxed and easy going, or do they have lots of demands and expectations, do I meet their needs, and will we get along. Thankfully, as soon as I met the couple I instantly knew I wanted to shoot their wedding. We had such a laugh, and it felt like meeting friends for a coffee.

I rushed back home to send the contract in the hopes they would book me. And, they did!

A week before the wedding Kat, amazingly, sent across a detailed PDF with every step of the wedding, including photos of the most important guests, the layout of the venue, song choices, food absolutely everything. She had even sent step by step directions on how to get to the venue with photographic steps too- I could see why Rob was marrying her. We met for the final meeting before the day to run through the final details, and my excitement grew. I just knew it was going to be an amazing day.

On the day, the drive

I left my home nice and early and drove to Fonthill Estate to orientate myself and capture the venue before all the guests arrived. I turned into the grounds and drove through the impressive archways along a narrow road surrounded by green grass. I turned across a little white bridge, and once through the trees I could see across the whole lake. I came across a little gate with 'please keep the gate closed to keep the sheep in' with the quaintest little drawing of a sheep. I followed the road around parallel to the lake and up the hill towards the barn.

Deer Park Barn is a sweet little barn that sat proudly in the grounds of the estate. Seating just 32 people inside, it was the perfect venue for a more intimate wedding. The little gravel court yard had been set up for the ceremony; benches in rows leading towards a wooden archway donned with flowers. Milk Urns were poised with wildflowers and little details captured the personality of the couple. Across the grounds were garden games ready to be played by unexpecting guests.

The preparation

After gathering the photos I needed, I headed to the near by pub, The Lamb, to meet with Kat and document the morning's preparation. Upon arrival, Kat was having her hair curled by the lovely, Bev, from Hair and Make up by Little B. The large room was busy with excited emotions, makeup and mothers and conversations varied from children, food and tv programmes. A beautiful spread of gluten free snacks, provided by Indulge Catering, laid out like a masterpiece. Shockingly, none of Kat's bridal party and the stylist had heard of Schitt's Creek; so, there was only one thing for it. Kat grabbed the remote and popped on 'The Wedding' Episode- which if you haven't watched any of the other episodes, is actually, quite weird!

During the few hours I was there, and watching Schitt's Creek of course, I flitted between Kat and Rob and the guests getting ready. Rob decided that he wanted to hand write his vows, so I joined him to photograph this moment before he hurried to the Estate to meet the guests.

I quickly joined Kat as she was stepping into her gown and suggested we did a first look with her father, who was sat outside enjoying a cold brew. With his eyes closed, Kat calmly walked towards him with the bouquet in her hand. Her father beamed at her, just as you would imagine a father looking at his little princess. As they embrace, Kat popped on the boutonniere, whilst her Father's smile shone widely.

The ceremony

After the first look with Kat's Father, I quickly headed to my car to race to the venue to photograph the guest arrival and final preparations. I always say the confetti shot is one of my favourite moments; however, this is definitely one of them too. Such a mix of emotions fill the air, Rob's siblings running around doing final checks, Rob, nervously awaiting Kat's arrival and the odd Dad joke here and there from the fathers.

The ceremony. was perfect, and the officiant even stepped aside for the first kiss! The confetti shot and welcome drinks quickly followed and it was a lovely sight to see everyone chatting, mingling and have a good time in the sunshine. After coffee and cake, speeches were had and everyone enjoyed drinks at the Grey Den bar nestled beside the barn.

Yummy cones of chip and fish, and mini burgers were provided by Indulge Catering which suited nicely into the relaxed theme the couple had organised. We then headed off for some quick couples photographs. Now, Kat was extremely organised and had chosen 2 beautiful locations for photographs, but as I was staring at the map a few days before, I could see the lake had a pontoon. Thankfully, I had messaged the Estate prior to the day and requested permission to go down there. Kat hopped into the van and drove us to the first of the 2 locations, the bridge and the Arch ways. We then headed to the 3rd location, the lake. As the sun was setting the most incredible golden glow beamed through the trees creating a warming haze, this is where we captured some of my favourite photos.

We headed back up the Estate to be joined with the Ice Queen Van serving ice creams to all the guests. Kat and Rob were up for a laugh so both jumped in to have a go at making their own Mr Whippy- which apparently, is much harder than it looks!

As the sun started to set, my time with Kat and Rob was coming to an end. I have to say I did not want to leave and I was very nearly swayed with the suggestion of sleeping in the Van for the night so I could join the festivities. With the duo singing away, the fire pits lit, I grabbed a Kinder Bueno Ice Cream and made my way back to the car.

This was honestly a wedding I will never forget, not because of its beautiful setting, that it was my first booking this year, but because Kat and Rob made it so blooming special.

Thanks K &R for letting me be a part of such a special day, and one that will be in my heart forever!