Michelle and Chris had the most stunning winter Rivervale Barn wedding in Hampshire, that was gorgeous, fun and so incredibly emotional.

This wedding was a roller coaster of emotion. Watching Michelle’s Dad break up on seeing her for the first time in her dress, and hearing Chris’ emotional heartfelt speech, certainly got me going! There wasn’t a dry eye in the house all day! I photograph so many fab weddings, but I think this is up there with the very best. From the incredibly beautiful venue dressed with the most exquisite details, to a couple who are simply amazing! Check out Michelle and Chris’ story below.

First names: Michelle (Shelly) & Chris
Ages: Both 29
Wedding date: 16th December 2016
Venue: Rivervale Barn, Yateley

How did you guys meet, tell me all?
It all started when Shelly joined Chris’s bootcamp and decided to get fit in August 2011. We went to the same school but did not have much to do with each other at that time. So when Shelly started as Chris’s client we were aware that there was an instant connection and attraction between us that we never had at school (might be something to do with not having braces and teenage spots anymore!). The relationship developed over a matter of weeks and eventually Shelly made the first move on Chris!!! We had a secret relationship for a few weeks but eventually told our families when they had guessed what was going on anyway!!! Shelly told her mum that she would marry Chris only a few weeks into the relationship….and here we are today getting married, 5 years later.

How did you get engaged, is there a cool story?
Chris popped the question while we were away with friends in Prague on 21st November 2015.

Chris planned a surprise trip away for Shelly’s birthday and got down on one knee on the last night of the holiday, in the centre square of Prague.

Shelly’s mum had put any thoughts of proposals out of her mind and told her that Chris had said he would not be proposing until 2016, after a good friends wedding, so Shelly was completely surprised. We were with one of Chris’s best men who was told the plan 5 minutes before it happened and took some amazing pictures of the moment. Chris planned the most perfect trip and surprised Shelly with the ring of her dreams and the proposal she had been longing for, for many months. It was truly the best weekend!

What made you choose your wedding venue, did you look at many?
Shelly had her heart set on a inter wedding as she loves the cold dark nights and candles. We both liked the idea of a barn style wedding but wanted to have separate rooms for the ceremony and reception, instead of everything being in the same room. We spent many days researching barns and booked some viewings. We had viewed 3 other venues and even booked a date at Shelly’s favourite venue for December 2016 prior to viewing Rivervale Barn.

Chris insisted that we still went to view Rivervale Barn, which was our last viewing of the day (and the venue that he had chosen). To Shelly’s surprise we both knew as soon as we pulled up in the car that this was the place we would get married. A beautiful barn in a stunning setting with pently of space for all our friends and family. Rivervale Barn makes a very spectacular first impression and we were equally as delighted when we went inside. As soon as we walked into the venue we immediately asked if they had any dates available for December 2016 and we were delighted when they said yes, otherwise we may have put the wedding back a year to get married at Rivervale Barn. We cancelled our previous booking and booked Rivervale Barn there and then as we knew this would be a magical venue for our winter wonderland wedding.

What was the inspiration/theme of your wedding?
We wanted to get married in Winter, as Shelly loves Winter and Christmas and wanted a Christmas tree at the wedding. The venue has a 20 foot Christmas tree and Shelly was sure to ask the owners to pick an extra good one for the year of 2016!

What is your first song and why?
James Arthur: Say you won’t let go. We both love this song and the words remind us of our relationship!

What would be your number one tip to other couples planning their wedding?
Enjoy the planning process and the lead up to your wedding. Set a budget, then completely ignore it and smash through it!

Check out Michelle and Chris’ Rivervale Barn wedding below.

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