A Wedding at the Waterside Country Barn, Taunton Somerset
From a candid wedding photographer
Building the connection before the big day
The greatest wedding pictures are achieved by having a relaxed couple - and a relaxed photographer! Every shoot always begins with a completely unknown couple and in order to capture your day at its best, we need to establish a good rapport fairly rapidly. For that reason I do not book ANY clients before we’ve met for an initial chat. After many great shoots, I have found this to be an invaluable part of the process, as connecting with the couple (and vice vera) is vital in order that the final set of images are relaxed, natural and unique to you. So when I initially met with Vicky and Guy we instantly clicked. I am not sure what it was specifically. Whether it was their creative eye, their understanding of the value of photography and everlasting memories, the fact that Guy was a keen photographer or the wedding moodboard and full on brand they had created for their day! They had a brief of what they wanted, but also allowed me to have full creative freedom and trusted my process. One thing they were very sure about was that they did not want couple photos. Guy explained that he did not smile upon demand and would feel too awkward. Challenge accepted!
Venue visit
I met with Vicky, Guy and the children at the venue to have a look around and just reconnect before the day. I felt this was even more important so that the children could get to know me and feel comfortable around me too. The Waterside Country Barn and Mill is a stunning barn venue set aside a beautiful lake with 2 resident swans, a tractor, and a charming pergola that overlooks the lake- there is even a little row boat. Lauren the coordinator was also on hand with a smiley face which instantly made me feel relaxed, so I was very excited for what was in store.
The morning
Last year gave us some of the hottest and brightest weather conditions; however, on the day of Guy and Vicky's wedding it was over cast with a slight breeze in the air. It was actually the perfect conditions for photography! No one sweaty or squinting, and even flattering light throughout; so I was not disappointed. When I arrived Lauren, the coordinator, was busy polishing the floor of the barn whilst Vicky was being pampered in the blue room. There was the most exquisite breakfast spread of pastries, blueberries and strawberries laid out on the table, alongside glasses of Bucks Fizz. The family were gathered around reading the personalised wedding newspaper, children playing on the floor, the dress hung delicately in the window and there was an air of calm but some nerves sprinkled around. I do love being around for the morning preparation. It feels so intimate, seeing a part of the day that many people do not get to witness and experience. There is something so special about it. The quiet hugs, the adorning glances, the silent tears. I would say it is the calm before the storm, yet calm or storm are not quite the right word, more anticipation towards the rollercoaster ride of life.
Whilst everyone was getting ready, Vicky explained that a bike of hornets had made their home at one of the onsite cabins where they were staying the night. Thankfully, Lauren was able to have them removed before the day- but I am sure this must be good luck?
Vicky looked absolutely stunning and after a few candid photos of her getting ready, I headed down to capture the wedding guests arriving and settling on their seats. In the background Vicky's Flautist group played classical notes to entertain the chosen family and friends while Guy was looking nervous, anxiously awaiting his bride. Yet despite being run with emotion he continually checked in to make sure I was Ok!
The Waterside Country Barn is a stunning venue for an out door wedding. Not only do you have the impressive lake, but there is so much space to move around and capture all the angles. Vicky did joke after the wedding that she half expected me to row past on the little row boat mid ceremony- which I have to admit did temporarily cross my mind!
The Bride and Groom had a special surprise up their sleeve for after the ceremony... They were going to release some white pigeons! It is well known that white doves symbolise love, peace and eternity but why pigeons? Well, apparently white doves do not have good homing instincts and aren't the strongest fliers, so not many make it back! Not really romantic, is it? Apparently, pigeons have much stronger homing and flying skills, so it is much kinder and a higher chance of them all making it home. Now, this did terrify me as I HAD to nail this shot! Guy and Vicky were so relaxed and just said capture what you can. But I just knew I had to get this!! And WOW!! I was so pleased when I checked the back of my camera and saw this shot, I was jumping around showing the bar staff and anyone that would look- but I didn't want Vicky and Guy to see it as I wanted it to be a nice surprise for them when they looked in their gallery.
Funnily, Vicky had neglected to tell her flautist group that the birds were going to be released... so as you can imagine they were very shocked when suddenly several white birds appeared flying over their head as they were playing, for what they thought was Guy and Vicky's grand exit.. They managed to keep their cool and carry on though so well done team!
After some celebratory drinks, canapés and lots of hugs and congratulations Vicky went to join her Flautist group and played a few songs. Guy snapped away on his camera and it was nice to feel like I had a second shooter there. The children (and adults) enjoyed the large garden games and miniature golf and guests enjoyed the outdoor furniture from On the Throne, while chatting and reading the wedding newspaper. Shortly before the speeches I managed to convince the happy couple to take 5 minutes out to walk around the lake to have some time to themselves and to capture some natural photos. Using a mixture of just chatting away to the couple and giving a few little prompts, we were able to get some relaxed photographs. I even caught Guy smiling so I counted that as a huge win!
The speeches were filled with love and laughter which included special shout outs to their children, family and friends, and I am pretty sure I had a shout out too!
The evening followed with more games, fire pits and smores, Pizza by Paparvero (and oh my word I still dream of the pumpkin puree pizza today!) I had so much fun walking around and talking to the guests and helping them to feel relaxed that they were all happy to come up to me and ask for photos to be taken. Included a bunch of their friends one wanted to test out the gallop prompt which ended up with the most hilarious action shot!

When the night was done, I popped my camera away, enjoyed some delicious pizza and drink before driving home in my little van. When I delivered the photos I received this little email:
'wow wow wow!!!!
[We] wanted to send you a quick message to let you know how beautifully you've caught the day. Can't quite believe it'.
Thank you, to you both for some wonderful memories- and a friendship too!
The Vendors
Photographer: Kelly Tawse Photography
Venue: The Waterside Country Barn
Hair: Debbie Lousie (Somerset Bridal Stylist)
Makeup: Hannah Jenkins Bridal
Flutes: Flutopia
Pizza: Papavaro Pizza
Band: Wild Nights Duo
Furniture Hire: On your Throne
Golf hire: Ace Mini Golf
Photo Booth: The Somerset Photobooth co
Pigeons- John Chidgey
The Vendors
Photographer: Kelly Tawse Photography
Venue: The Waterside Country Barn
Hair: Debbie Lousie (Somerset Bridal Stylist)
Makeup Hannah Stuckley
Flutes: Flutopia
Pizza: Papavaro Pizza
Band: Wild Nights Duo
Furniture Hire: On your Thrown
Golf hire: Ace Mini Golf
Photo Booth: Somerset Photoboot co
Pigeons- John Chidgey
