Kelston Roundhill Barn Wedding Photographer
There’s something slightly surreal about photographing your friends’ wedding. You’re half in “doing your job” mode, half in “how did we get here?” mode, trying not to get too emotional while also knowing these are your people. Lave & Fi’s wedding was exactly that for me. Very special, a little bit chaotic, and completely full of love.
Honestly, my friends will always be my favourite people to photograph. They’re the least self-conscious, the most up for it, and usually the first ones on the dancefloor and the last ones to leave. Lave & Fi fall firmly into that category. Silly, warm, wildly fun humans, and a wedding that absolutely lived up to expectations.
Their story starts at Soundwave Festival in Croatia, which already tells you a lot. Music, sunshine, a bit of chaos, probably not a lot of sleep. Fast forward a few years, a stint living in Melbourne, and then back to the UK where Lave decided to propose at Boomtown Festival… wearing nothing but a thong. In a huge crowd. During Damien Marley’s set. Which is either the most chaotic or the most perfect proposal of all time depending on your perspective (I’m leaning towards perfect).
They chose Kelston Roundhill Barn for the wedding. Set up on a hill with views stretching out across the Bath countryside. It’s one of those places that feels completely open, a bit wild, and very unfussy. No stiffness, no over-curation, just a beautiful space that lets people relax into it. Exactly the right choice for them.
The ceremony was one of those that actually makes you stop and listen. Friends reading poetry, others performing songs, vows that landed properly (not a dry eye situation), and one of their closest friends, Steph, officiating. It felt personal in the best way. Not overly polished, just honest and full of meaning.
Afterwards, everyone made the short hike up the nearby hill, which is where the views really hit. Big skies, rolling countryside, that slightly breathless feeling from the climb. We gathered everyone together for a huge group photo, and just as I was about to take it, they all started singing “happy birthday” at me. Completely unexpected, slightly embarrassing, very them.
The rest of the day unfolded exactly how you’d hope. Pizzas coming out from Big Chrissy Chef, small plates being passed around, beer flowing from Copper Beech Brewery, people drifting between conversations and the dancefloor without much structure at all. Lave’s uncle casually doing a magic performance at one point (as you do), adding another layer to the already slightly surreal atmosphere.
Music was, unsurprisingly, a big part of it. Bigfoot Brass Band brought the energy early, and then a rotation of DJ sets from friends kept things going well into the night. And when I say into the night, I mean it properly didn’t stop. The kind of party where you go to bed for a few hours, wake up, unzip your tent, and it’s still happening.
I left at 8am. They were still dancing.
As a documentary wedding photographer, this is exactly the kind of day I feel most at home in. Nothing overly structured, nothing forced, just real moments happening one after the other. People laughing, hugging, dancing, occasionally losing track of time completely.
Lave & Fi built their wedding around the people they love. Getting friends and family involved, keeping it laid back, focusing on good food, good music, and an incredible setting. No unnecessary extras, just the stuff that actually matters.
A very good day, for two very good people.
