When you are writing about a wet weather wedding you’re tempted to lapse into clichés like ‘the rain failed to dampen spirits’ or ‘the bride and groom smiled through the rain’ but at Sam and Luke’s vintage styled wedding at Taplin’s Place near Hartley Wintney in Hampshire I am pleased to say that genuinely was the case. Having half an hour of rain, neatly showering the ceremony, could have ruined lesser weddings but Sam and Luke and their wonderful guests didn’t let it bother them a bit. The wedding umbrellas were out in force of course and fortunately the rain stopped at the end of the outdoor ceremony so all was well.

Sam did an incredible job of styling the wedding. You could see her creative touch everywhere, both on the lawn behind Taplin’s Farm House and the marquee, which was a riot of colour, vintage details and fun touches everywhere. There were some refreshing bold choices for colours which looked fantastic. I always love photographing weddings where it’s clear the bride and groom have made so much effort to make things their own. There’s nothing wrong of course with handing the wedding styling arrangements over to the professionals but I think that weddings like Sam and Luke’ celebrations are so much more memorable for everyone who attended.

The bride and groom were great to be around. From my point of view they had a great time and it shows in the photographs. Fun fact: today was only the second wedding in my twenty year career as a photographer where the groom dispensed with a tie. That set the scene for a relaxed and laid back afternoon that everyone is going to remember for many years.

My thanks go to the bride and groom of course (who should be sunning themselves in Sorrento by now) and also the families and friends who were so great to work with.

Luke the groom and Barry (from the venue) work out the final details.

Daisy’s Ice Cream Van was very popular – what a terrific idea for a wedding.