My Final Wedding of 2024: Elaina & Max at The Granary at Fawsley
An Autumn Wedding at The Granary at Fawsley
As November came to a close, I finished my wedding season with one last celebration at The Granary at Fawsley. I’d photographed plenty of weddings at this Northamptonshire venue, and going back always felt like a treat.
A Funny Little Coincidence
Before the wedding, there was a funny little twist. Elaina and Max met Chloe and Gregg, a couple whose wedding I’d photographed at the same venue just a few months earlier, at The Granary at Fawsley’s open day. Somewhere in the conversation, both couples worked out they’d booked the same photographer.
A Lovely Couple, Rainy Weather, and a Creative Plan
About a month before the wedding, we had a Zoom call to go through their timeline and have a general chin wag. Within minutes, I could tell they were kind, warm and really easy to talk to.
When the day came, the weather threw everything at us. Rain, wind, then more rain. Nobody seemed bothered. I’d seen the forecast, so I’d already planned some creative indoor portraits and sheltered spots for the group photos. I’d photographed several weddings at The Granary at Fawsley, so I knew where to go when the weather turned.
Bridal Prep: Calm Before the Celebration
Elaina’s bridal prep was refreshingly calm. No chaos, just smiles. She wanted to keep this part of the day simple, so I stayed later into the evening instead. Before long she was in her dress for a first look with her dad. You could see how proud he was. One of those moments that’s a joy to photograph.
The Grain Store: A Ceremony Full of Emotion
The ceremony had plenty of laughing and a few happy tears. Their son, Harrison, stole the show as ring bearer, strutting down the aisle with his tiny suitcase.
With the weather not on our side, the usual outdoor confetti throw moved inside. Guests threw confetti as Elaina and Max walked back down the aisle instead. It worked brilliantly, and I’d happily do it that way again.
The Barn: The Heart of the Celebration
The Granary’s barn was the centre of everything for the rest of the day. Drinks reception, speeches, evening party, all of it, and it was warm and full of laughing throughout.
Despite the rain, we managed a few portraits outside and did the group photos in the barn. Guests were happily working through the drinks and canapés, and there were plenty of giggles.
A Lovely Surprise
Here’s a nice little story from the day. During the wedding breakfast, I was chatting to Charlotte, The Granary’s wedding planner. I mentioned how much I enjoy photographing weddings there and asked, fairly casually, if I could be added to their recommended suppliers list.
Her response? “You already are!”
I wasn’t expecting that. Charlotte even pulled up the website to show me, and there I was, listed as a recommended supplier, and had been for over a year without me realising. I was grinning for the rest of the night.
Evening Portraits, a Bathtub and a Sofa
As evening fell, the rain and wind kept going, but Elaina and Max were up for some creative portraits. I’d planned a few quick ones outside, so we could be quick about it. They’re some of my favourites from the day.
Elaina also asked for a photo in The Granary’s famous bathtub, and Max joined in with his best man. Quirky, personal, and a big hit in their gallery.
They’d also set up a sofa with props and music for quick guest photos. Every single guest had a go, and the results are brilliant.
Dance Floor Chaos
After the cake cutting and first dance, Elaina and Max hit the dance floor, and their guests weren’t far behind. If you know me, you’ll know I love photographing a dance floor, and this one didn’t disappoint. Big moves, daft moves and a lot of laughing.
A Huge Thank You
Elaina and Max, thank you for having me. It was a joy to photograph, and all your little personal touches made it feel completely like you.
And to the team at The Granary at Fawsley, thank you for keeping everything running so smoothly. It was always a pleasure working there.
Looking for a Northamptonshire Venue?
If you’re still searching for a Northamptonshire wedding venue, have a look at my guide. And if your day ends up anything like this one, with weather to match, don’t worry. A bit of rain never stopped a good wedding.
Planning Your Wedding?
If you want someone who’ll get the real moments and still have a laugh with your guests, I’d love to hear about your plans. Tell me what you’ve got so far.
