Heni from Heni Fourie Photography is on the blog today to share his thoughts on winter weddings. “I have been lucky enough to photograph weddings at Lillibrooke Manor in all four seasons, with each bringing a unique quality to creating a beautiful wedding backdrop. Summer is often the obvious choice for most couples, but I have captured so many beautiful weddings at the height of winter”. Here are three reasons why I just adore those wintery barn weddings.
The Beautiful Light
Contrary to what many may believe, winter light can create the most beautiful photographs. Have you ever heard of the magic hour? In the summer it is that hour just before sunset when the sun is hanging low, creating beautiful buttery light that is extremely flattering. Well in the winter that hour lasts much longer and creates for beautiful photo opportunities. The only thing to consider is the shorter winter days, but plan your ceremony early and allow at least an hour for photographs sometime before three in the afternoon, and you will be fine.
The Details
You have just as much creative licence with a winter wedding, if not more. Your wedding can be formal and elegant with lanterns and candles, or rustic and informal with log fires burning into the night. You can create a cosy atmosphere with lighting and soft furnishings, or light up the barn with a sky of fairy lights. The space at Lillibrooke Manor is ideal for creating magical indoor experiences with no less than three barns to your disposal.
There is so much choice when it comes to flowers for capturing the beautiful winter tones reflected in nature. You can use anything from berries to feathers, thistle and pinecones. I have seen some truly remarkable bouquets and centrepieces at the many winter weddings I’ve photographed.
Knowing What To Expect
When planning a winter wedding you prepare for the worst weather as opposed to hoping for sunshine on a summer’s day and then getting rained on from start to finish. What I am saying is that when you know it is going to be cold and wet, then you will not only be prepared but pleasantly surprised when you wake up to clear blue skies and the soft winter’s sun on your wedding day – rather than feeling disappointed when it rains all over your festival style summer wedding.
There are endless ideas when it comes to creating winter wedding experiences. Everything from wedding dresses to sought after wedding barns, flower arrangements and wedding cakes can be designed to create a magical wedding moment that will leave your guests talking about it for years to come.
Christmas weddings in particular are magical, and the days just before or between Christmas and New Year often see usually far-flung family members already spending time together, so why not consider choosing one of those days to make it a truly memorable festive season for everyone!
Connect with Heni here:
www.instagram.com/henifouriephotography
www.facebook.com/HeniFouriePhotography
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