It was bright and cloudy on the day I was invited to do wedding photography at Shustoke Barn for Jamie and Jessica. A perfect spring morning, given that the Spring Equinox had passed but a few days before.
The Granary at Dovecote Farm is an authentic Grade II listed 14th century cottage, just outside of Shustoke. There I met Jessica and her bridesmaids as they prepared for the big day and enjoyed a bubbly breakfast of orange juice and prosecco. The upper rooms provided the perfect place to photograph the bride and bridesmaid dresses as they hung from the dark timber beams in the centre of the room. Exposed timber and bare brick added to the cosy and rustic atmosphere, illuminated by plenty of daylight. It was the ideal setup for capturing all the details.
Shustoke Barn is remarkable in that it can be transformed into any room for any occasion by the simple rearranging of furniture and a change of lighting. With gothic-style arched doorways, an elevated timber ceiling and flagstone floor, the Barn is both elegant and refreshingly contemporary. It is a place for making vows, enjoying meals, sharing toasts and owning those disco dance floor moves. It’s part of what makes doing wedding photography at Shustoke Barn so exciting.
Jessica looked stunning as she walked down the aisle to meet her husband to be in a gown adorned with delicate floral details, whilst Jamie looked handsome in a navy suit and grey waistcoat. The two were all smiles as they made their wedding vows and exchanged rings surrounded by family and friends.
Having been a Shustoke Barn wedding photographer before, I was excited to rediscover the venue’s numerous outdoor photography locations – something Shustoke is in no short supply of. It’s always a pleasure to show lovely couples like Jamie and Jessica around the place and find the best spots for their Shustoke Barn wedding photography. Open fields, red brick walkways, lush woodlands and secluded woodlands all offer wonderful backdrops. One of my favourite photos is of the newlyweds, arm in arm, beneath the Dovecote. Wherever you are at Shustoke, it’s easy to lose yourself in the historical authenticity.
Jamie and Jessica’s wedding reception had a delightful springtime theme. Golden daffodils, pink and purple hyacinths, and small succulents made up the table centrepieces, whilst each table was named after an apple variety – Pink Lady, Red Delicious and Braeburn among them. I even spotted some tiny hessian rabbits hiding amongst the flowers! The colourful lighting tones added warmth and vibrancy to the Barn. As the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed their wedding breakfast, I took the opportunity to photography the wedding cake: three-tiers accented with gold leaf and spring florals.
When night finally drew in, the barn was transformed once again for the evening celebrations. Shustoke is renowned for its outrageously good food, particularly their homemade pizzas cooked over open flames. With a live band and a photo booth to keep everyone entertained, I snuck Jamie and Jessica away for a second couple session – something I love to do outside, weather permitting! One of my favourite locations for doing Shustoke Barn wedding photography is the courtyard. The ancient olive trees provided a perfectly romantic backdrop for one last evening shoot.
Thank you to Jamie and Jessica for inviting me to photograph your day. It was a pleasure, and I thoroughly enjoyed taking wedding photography at Shustoke Barn again. Wishing you both all the very best and every happiness for the future! Cheers!
