HOT TOPIC: The great outdoors This issue, we asked the region’s experts for their advice on planning an outdoor wedding SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN Karen Boyle at Andy Boyle Photography (www.andyboylephotography.com) says: Summer is here bringing with it the chance to have your wedding ceremony outdoors. Beautiful gardens or natural woodland, fresh air, sunshine and the birds serenading you as you take your vows. Perfect! From springtime until autumn, many venues offer the option of celebrating outdoors. But, this is Britain, so always have a plan B, as no one wants a wet wedding dress and soggy guests. Most venues keep a keen eye on the skies right up until the last moment in case you have to opt for indoors. Don’t be disappointed if plan B has to come into action though, as your photographer will get you outdoors at some point for some amazing, creative shots – rain is an artistic feature. For woodland weddings, with no indoor option your guests will be grateful for clear brollies, and maybe a rug for their legs. These make great photos as we see them behind you while you make your promises to each other. Although you and your guests will be wishing for the brightest sunshine for your wedding day, believe it or not, it poses quite a challenge for your photographer as it creates harsh light and shadows, which we have to work hard to minimise. The other thing we really can’t control is the wind, it has a wonderful habit of blowing your veil and your fabulous hairstyle across your face at just the wrong moment! Photoshop is not a miracle worker, and to be honest these natural moments are the true reflection of your day, just like the laughter and the tears. Enough of the negatives (photographic pun intended), the atmosphere for your outdoor ceremony is magical. Everyone feels more relaxed and that makes brilliant photos; shots of you both surrounded by nature and beautiful light are just wonderful. Your outdoor feeling doesn’t have to be confined to the daylight either, with lighting carefully placed outdoors the most amazing effects can be created as day turns to night. KEEP YOUR COOL Clare Deary from Cake On The Lake (www.cakeonthelake.com) says: Wedding cakes are fragile as one of the main ingredients is butter, which doesn’t go well with heat. So, if you’re planning a summer wedding there are a few things you need to consider. Summer heat can’t be controlled, but you can control how you manage it. If you have your heart set on a rustic, naked style bake, the best course of action is to have it brought out after the ceremony. Having it sit out for hours in the heat isn’t ideal unless you want a melting mess. Ideally when choosing your cake I’d advise a ganache covering as coco solids are better at withstanding heat. Also, fondant icing has stabilising ingredients and doesn’t need refrigeration, so it’s better equipped to withstand soaring summer temperatures than buttercream. I’d also recommend pale, neutral colours or whites and ivories with minimal decoration as these can be heavy on the cake. Wherever possible your big-day bake needs to be in an air-conditioned room. If you’re getting married in a marquee or tent opt for a darker roof, rather than open or clear, which will attract direct sunlight. www.andyboylephotography.com 52
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=