Gloucestershire Barn Wedding

https://thebarnatupcote.co.uk/

If I was asked what kind of venue I'd like for my own wedding day, then The Barn at Upcote would definitely be high up there on the list. Such a beautiful setting in the Gloucestershire countryside, with Cotswold stone buildings, a fantastic mix of traditional architecture and contemporary design, a sweet little bridal cottage to get ready in, beautiful gardens, amazingly friendly and welcoming staff and altogether one of the most relaxed vibes I've ever experiences when photographing a wedding.

This place just ticks all the boxes and so it's such a joy when I get asked to photograph a wedding here.

This venue also highlights and supports something I am always on board with, which is sustainability! I found a great article recently showing ways you can plan your wedding sustainably and in an eco-friendly way. Some ideas in here would look AMAZING at The Barn at Upcote. Click the link below to have a read:
https://www.77diamonds.com/sustainable-weddings
 

Ian & Liss  29th July 2019

Ian and Melissa booked me for their wedding day at The Barn at Upcote in July 2019. 

As anyone who knows me is aware, part of what I adore about my work is getting to know my couples. So when Ian asked me if we could go to Dorset for their engagement shoot at Lulworth Cove, where Ian proposed, I jumped at the chance to spend a gorgeous sunny Sunday with these two lovely people. From the word go, we clicked really well and it was like walking with two good friends across the beaches and up to the cliff edge where Liss said yes! I even almost had a little swim in the sea after decided to get some creative shots on the rocks down in a little cove, underestimating how big the waves would be!

Such a fun day...finished off with fish, chips and ice cream, if it couldn't get any better :)

(see a few of the engagement photos below).

The Wedding...
 

I was told with complete sincerity by Melissa that, if it rained, she wasn't coming! (I'm still not sure whether she was actually joking or not...) So it was with relief that we woke up to a cloudless summer sky on the morning of their big day.

The bride got ready in the gorgeous little cottage at the side of the main ceremony barn, while Ian and his children waited outside and finished off their preparations in the drinks reception barn. The sun continued to shine on their guests as the barn slowly filled up and by the time Liss started her walk into the ceremony, Ian looked the proudest and happiest man in the county! I loved how he had his mini best man Will (his son) peeking around his side as Liss walked towards them.

Watching these two say their vows was such a wonderful experience. Getting to know the two of them in the year running up to their wedding; learning how they met, visiting one of their most favourite places with them...it all led up to this moment and I was so pleased I could share it with them and their friends and families.

It turns out a toy bubble machine makes for the BEST bubble/confetti photos ever by the way, in case you were wondering...special thanks to Rosie and Alice for helping with this! I remember one of them (I think it was Alice but forgive me if I'm wrong ladies!) running behind me during the exit shots holding the bubble machine over my shoulder, chucking huge bubbles towards the bride and groom across the camera lens. Such fun!

The Reception...
 

The reception was just as amazing as the day itself, full of laughter and colour. Ian wrote a gorgeous, funny and heartwarming poem about his life with Liss, and had bought a lifesize cardboard cut out of Channing Tatum as a surprise for her, joking that he had won her over from her first love. Liss had secretly booked some singing waiters for the wedding breakfast, completely unknown to Ian and most of the guests. When one of them threw a plate of cutlery on the floor and then preceded to belt out one of Ian's favourite songs from Les Miserables, his face was an absolute picture! The singers were incredible, getting everyone singing and clapping along (and in some cases dancing on the chairs...there's always a drunk uncle haha!) The show ended in a huge conga line around the venue, complete with Channing Tatum cardboard cut out.

It did rain a bit, but Liss stayed so it was all OK! We took a walk out for some post-rain dusk photographs which are some of my favourites from the whole day :) Then back into the barns for lots of dancing and some of the yummiest pizza I have ever had. 

Thanks for having me along for the ride guys! I loved every minute of your wedding journey and I'm so glad I got to be there with you. Much love!

To enquire about booking me for your wedding, please get in touch by clicking here.

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Venue - https://thebarnatupcote.co.uk/ (shout out to Rosie, Alice and Hannah for always being so wonderful to me)