Grittenham Barn Wedding - Dhanesha & Rowan
Driving along the meandering country lane to Grittenham Barn Wedding venue, I wondered what feast for the eyes awaited me. Having just photographed Dhanesha and Rowans Sangeet in North London (which was rich in colour) I knew I would be photographing something a little different today …. and I wasn’t disappointed!
The Barn and marquee were decked with crimson and cream flowing paper lanterns. Sat majestically in the centre of an arc of wedding guest chairs, was a beautiful ceremonial rose covered arbour or “mandap”, made by the Rowan, the groom. Inside the marquee, white leather sofas offered a place for guests to relax and soak in the atmosphere and bistro tables and chairs were scattered outside in the glorious sunshine.
As I entered the cottage, where the bridal party were having their final touches made to hair and makeup, I sensed an air of excitement and anticipation building as the group eagerly waited to catch their first glimpse of Dhanesha. And wow was it worth the wait! Dhanesha took our breath away as she stepped out in a stunning red lace wedding gown …. a photographers dream to be able to catch such striking imagery.
It was here that I took one of my all-time favourite wedding shots! I was able to capture six of the bridesmaids huddled together in front of a dressing table mirror, applying lipstick and powder, as they prepared to lead their bride to her groom.
After photos of the girls with Danesha and her father, I sped off to discreetly position myself by Rowan where we both waited for Dhanesha to walk down the aisle. Rowan and I chatted quietly whilst waiting. He cut a fine figure in a striking blue suit and appeared calm but I could see he was anxious to see Dhanesha. It was a beautiful ceremony that mixed traditional Western vows with Indian customs. What I and everyone else saw was that it all had meaning and was very personal to them.
My favourite images of the wedding were down at the lake of Grittenham Barn. I felt that I captured the real mood of the day as Dhanesha and Rowan stood embraced in each other’s arms, stealing a few quiet moments together and embracing the romance of the day.
The day finished with dancing in the 17th century barn to a superb Spanish band, Los Amigos, where guests danced late into the night.
Thank you Dhanesha and Rowan for allowing me to be part of your special day. You were both so willing and accommodating when it came to the photographs which resulted in so many wonderful images depicting this amazing wedding. Serena and I wish you all the very best for the future and look forward to the opportunity of capturing more important events in your life.
Dhanesha & Rowan also have their own website which shows all of the photos that I took from this day and from the very special Sangeet a few days before the wedding day.
