The Green, Cornwall was the most stunning backdrop for Jess and Ben’s ‘Rustic with a hint of Glitz’ Wedding.
After overcoming SO many hurdles in their wedding plans, Jess and Ben celebrated a wonderful day where they laughed right through from the minute I got there until the moment I left. Nothing could dampen their spirits; not the change of date multiple times through lockdowns, their original photographer going into liquidation, the evening entertainment pulling out, or the videographer getting covid the day before the wedding. If anything, these guys are the most perfect example of how to embrace all of the hiccoughs that wedding planning throws at you and to use it to your advantage. Not only that but I truly believe that for Jess and Ben, the most important part of their day was about their marriage, the two of them confirming their love and vows and becoming an official family with their daughter Ayda. Just the most perfect outlook to any wedding day.
The Green Cornwall is my actual favourite venue in the world! Mr Jenkins and I tied the knot there just over 8 years ago. I always ponder on whether to share this information with my prospective couples or not; and now I am writing this, I’m finding it hard to put into words why I shouldn’t! I have always been an over sharer and I don’t suppose now is the time to change that! I fell in love with the venue all those years ago and I fell in love with it all over again when I went back to photograph this wedding, the first time I had returned since my nuptials all those years ago.
During our pre-wedding chat, I had already started to get the feel for Jess and Ben’s day. Ben had a strong tribe of groomsmen and Jess had even more Bridesmaids and Flower Girls. This couple are definitely people persons! Their daughter was Jess’s Maid of Honour and the flower girls were all children of Jess’s bridesmaids, including her sister’s.
The atmosphere in The House was already that of a party when I arrived in the morning. As each bridesmaid took it in turns for their hair and make up to be done, the rest danced, laughed and even (and way before midday) took shots of Baby Guinness! The bridal party’s blush pink dresses were gorgeous, all matching and classically long but also very sparkly. As for the Flower girls, well, I have never seen a cuter picture!
One of the most important parts that Jess asked me to set aside was time for her to have some 1:1 prep time with her daughter. Just the two of them in a room, getting Ayda ready and having a moment together before the madness of the day unfurled. This was so special. Ayda’s expression was priceless and watching Jess help Ayda into her dress was actually quite emotional.
Jess walked down the stairs to her waiting bridesmaids to do a dress reveal, flowed by bringing in her dad to see her in her dress for the first time. She then enjoyed some informal portraits of her with her bridesmaids outside The House, which in itself was party (amongst trying to stop the flower girls from diving into the muddy puddles!).
Ben gathered his groomsmen and had some informal photos taken, albeit one or the other of them always being at the bar or in the loo, and then it was time for the ceremony. The morning goes so quickly at a wedding. The relationship that Jess and her dad have was so clear to see. That moment of him walking her down the aisle was so emotional for both of them, and the entire wedding party. Ben looked at his wife to be in awe as she slowly made her way towards him. The ceremony was short and sweet, again, putting their marriage and vows at the forefront of their day.
And then the party really started! The reception was lively, the formal group portraits were busily crazy, but not in a bad way; there were just so many people involved, and then there was the dreamy couple shots. I worked this wedding with Byron, a videographer from Powerhouse Videos and he mostly took the lead on the shots. It was really refreshing to have a few different poses or positions to shoot from which was someone else’s ideas and the images of Jess and Ben are just wonderful. Including, of course, the Really Rustic Barn as a backdrop which is a reason in itself to get married at The Green! This was followed by the wedding breakfast and a series of speeches that had every person present in stitches!
Dan Brazier kept the guests well and truly entertained while the venue prepared for the evening party and party they did! Jess & Ben slow danced to a beautiful heartfelt song followed by the DJ throwing in Gala – Freed From Desire, which filled the floor with dancers adorned in glow sticks, within seconds!
I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason and without some of the bad luck that this wonderful couple had, I would not have had the pleasure of meeting them and the privilege of photographing their wedding day. And just before I left, on this Autumnal, October weekend, just as if it was planned, someone, not that far away from the venue set off a most impressive fireworks display as if it was planned for the couple. It was the icing on the cake for a very, very special day!
