I was so excited when Lucy booked me to be her wedding photographer for her Barns & Yard wedding in Worcestershire. I’d photographed Lucy and her young daughter at multiple times before and it was so lovely to capture this next big chapter for them. I love how through being a wedding photographer you can form such long lasting relationships which span so many periods in a person’s life.
This was my very last wedding I did before I went off on maternity leave, and it was such a wonderful wedding to finish the 2023 wedding season on.
Bridal Prep
I usually start my wedding coverage for a full day package two hours before ceremony at wedding prep. This gives me a good amount of time to document the busy goings on and also photograph as it’s being styled and any key details the couple have which they’d like to remember – an heirloom, a wedding dress, the bouquet.
It was clear from the moment I arrived that Lucy had put her heart and soul into planning every aspect of her special day. Her attention to detail was remarkable, and it was evident from the moment I arrived at the venue. She’d even made us wedding photographers as care package filled with all our favourite snacks which was so, so lovely.
We then moved onto capturing some lovely mother daughter moments with Lucy’s Mum, and her daughter before I headed over to Mike and got his groomsmen portraits in the front courtyard.
Ceremony
The Barns & Yard wedding venue was the perfect canvas for Lucy’s vision. It effortlessly combined the modern and rustic elements, setting the stage for a romantic and elegant celebration. The ceremony space was nothing short of breathtaking, adorned with rustic charm and beautiful green and white florals. The highlight, however, was the picturesque lake in the venue’s grounds, adding an enchanting touch to the overall setting.
As she did a father of the bride reveal and then a reveal with her bridesmaids, it was such an emotional moment and it was wonderful that she’d booked my extra content creation package so it was captured on film too.
Family Portraits
I always suggest my couples have their wedding family portraits right after confetti as everyone is together at that point anyway so it’s easier to grab the people you need and speed through them. We found a beautiful spot overlooking the lake and had all family portraits photographed there before the happy couple and their family went to enjoy cocktail hour. I love finishing group portraits off with wedding party photos because that’s when I pop some upbeat songs on my little speaker and we have a great time dancing along to it to get those fun, candid photos.
Couple Portraits
Couple portraits, and my approach to it is a huge part of why couple’s book me. A lot of my couples aren’t used to being in front of the camera, or feel a bit awkward ‘posing’. So I like to make couple portraits a real experience for the couple, giving them a break away from their day to just be themselves and enjoy some quality time together. We talk about how they’re finding their day, what amazing memories they’re making, whilst we walk around the venue. When I see somewhere that looks great in good light, I’ll ask the couple to head in that direction and get some lovely, natural wedding photos of them walking hand in hand before I ask them to cuddle up close and just love on each other. It’s so wonderful holding space for them to connect. And if they’re not sure what to do, I’ll offer a prompt here or there but the most important thing is, they always look so happy and in love when the finished couple portraits are sent to them.
Speeches
Speeches are one of my top parts of the wedding day. I know a lot of people dread them, but when the speeches that are made come from the heart and share the couple’s story – they’re really the most emotional and wonderful part. I always like to be on my toes here so I can get lots of natural wedding photos with real emotion from guests and the top table.
I find the key to speeches, is having a list of key things you want to talk about so you stay on track, and keeping it to about 5 minutes works well. The more personality and emotion you can put into a speech, the better the reactions and the better the wedding photos!
Final Thoughts
This October wedding at Barns & Yard in Worcestershire was an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart. The combination of a meticulously planned day, a thoughtful and caring bride, and a beautiful venue created an enchanting atmosphere. It marked the perfect ending to my wedding photography journey in 2023 as I prepared to embark on the incredible adventure of motherhood (again!). It is moments like these that remind me of the profound significance of capturing love, joy, and connection in people’s lives. Lucy and her partner’s wedding was a reminder of the beauty and magic that exists in every love story, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.
Barns & Yard Wedding Photographer
Have you just booked your wedding at Barns & Yard in Worcestershire? I’d love to photograph your wedding day! Head over to my contact page to check my availability or ask any questions. Interested in packages? Find those on my info page or if you want to see more of my work you can look through more of my portfolio.
Suppliers
Dress – Nicole Milano supplied by The bridal house leamington spa
Suits – Cox of Malvern @cox_of_malvern
Make Up – Gracie Campbell @gracieglamsxo
Hair – Abbie Allard @abbieallardhd
Venue Stylist – @bloomandbridestyling
Cellist during Ceremony – Jay Èmme @cosmicgirlie
Musician – Steven Edwards @s_edwards_music
Band – The Hey Yah’s @theheyyahs
