Wedding Photography in the Warwickshire countryside

Shustoke Barn is a gorgeous wedding venue and I had the pleasure of attending recently for Kerry and Ian's Summer wedding. Let me take you through my time at their wedding reception, sharing some special moments from the bridal preps to the speeches. This was coverage for my half-day wedding package - tailored especially for smaller weddings, so it was an intimate but beautiful day.

Bridal Preps at Shustoke Barn

My day started off at Kerry's house, where she was happily getting ready alongside her lovely bridesmaids. The atmosphere was light-hearted and full of joy, absolutely stress-free! The air was filled with the scent of beautiful flowers and perhaps even a hint of champagne. Once everyone was all dolled up, we stepped out into the garden for some fun photos. The girls looked stunning in their wedding day outfits! After capturing these moments, we made our way to the breathtaking Shustoke Barn wedding venue.

Once I arrived, I explored the stunning 18th-century building. The barn, with its charming red-brick facade set around a private courtyard, was an absolute delight to behold! I seized this tranquil moment to snap a few photos before the wedding guests started to trickle in.

Today's wedding is a close-knit affair, with around 40 guests expected. This intimate setting promises not just a chance to capture some beautiful photographs, but also plenty of opportunities to connect with the attendees on a personal level as a wedding photographer.

As we were inching closer to the wedding ceremony, I managed to find our dashing groom and his band of merry groomsmen. I stole a few moments with them just as Kerry, our beautiful bride, pulled into the car park. The barn doors were promptly closed to keep our leading lady's grand entrance a surprise for Ian!

We squeezed in a few final shots against the charmingly rustic barn doors before the bride and her party were all set to make their way down the aisle!

The Ceremony at Shustoke Barn

I quickly slipped into the ceremony room, positioning myself next to our eager groom to capture the precious moment of Kerry being escorted down the aisle by her son. I must say, a barn wedding truly has that 'wow' factor - the natural light filtering through, the high ceilings, the wooden beams, and rustic details all combine to create a breathtaking backdrop.

As civil wedding ceremonies go, today's was succinct yet incredibly heartwarming. And once the bride and groom sealed their vows with their first kiss as a married couple, the guests happily gathered around to capture this joyous moment on their own cameras! I must admit, I enjoy capturing these meta-moments - snapping photos of others taking photos. It's like a delightful echo of happiness!

The Drinks Reception at Shustoke Barn

We then spilled out into the courtyard, which is simply enchanting if you haven't seen it yet. It's adorned with warm fire pits, ample seating, and striking olive trees that add a touch of nature's elegance. It's like being whisked away to a tranquil Italian courtyard, except it's right here in Coleshill!

I orchestrated a line of guests in preparation for the confetti shot before allowing everyone to grab a drink and congratulate the happy couple. I then popped into the venue to position myself looking over the courtyard for a group shot.

There was an amazing wedding magician called Close-Up Chris which is always great for a wedding photographer.

As the magician worked his magic, I stole the wedding party for some portraits before returning to the courtyard where the magician had a special set of tricks reserved for the bride and groom. He certainly had the wow factor and gave the wedding guests something to enjoy before the wedding breakfast.

Upon returning to the barn, I was delighted to see how quickly and beautifully the Shustoke staff had transformed it for the wedding meal. The whole space hummed with elegance, and I couldn't resist capturing the charming little details on each table.

Group Shots at Shustoke Barn

We ventured to the front of the venue, choosing the charming main barn as the perfect backdrop for our wedding photography. The Cypress trees surrounding the barn exuded such an Italian ambience that I half-expected to turn around and find a thin, crispy pizza and the Colosseum waiting for me!

While capturing group shots and intimate portraits of the newlyweds, I always take a moment to gauge the atmosphere. I understand that not everyone is keen on posing for endless photos. Even though I guide everyone through the process with ease, I believe it's sometimes best to keep this part short and sweet. After all, what could be better than taking a little break for some bubbly and canapés? It gives the newlyweds a chance to unwind and mingle with their guests, creating more natural and candid moments for me to capture.

Speeches at Shustoke Barn

Before the heartfelt speeches began, guests happily savoured their freshly prepared meals. Shustoke is a sibling venue to the renowned Cripps Wedding family venues, and they're famous for serving wedding day meals that would impress even royalty! In the meantime, I slipped away to the cosy bar area to review the beautiful moments I'd captured so far and give my batteries a little recharge. I was lucky enough to be provided food and it was indeed amazing. The weather continued to be on our side (no mean feat when you're a wedding photographer in the UK!) so popped next to the olive trees to eat in style!

Ian and Kerry's big day concluded for me with the speeches. The red brick barn played host as Ian, Kerry, their loved ones and closest friends laughed (and cried) together. Speeches at weddings are just like a box of chocolates - always full of surprises! From blushing tales about the groom to playful ribbing of the bride, I'm there, camera in hand, ready to capture every unforgettable moment and expression!

As I bid my farewells, the versatile barn began its magical transformation, gearing up for the evening reception. Tables and chairs were shuffled aside to make room for the dance floor and that all-important first dance. Truly, it's such a great space to throw an unforgettable evening party!

Conclusion

As a wedding photographer, there are many wedding venues that I look forward to returning to, and Shustoke Barn is certainly one of those. Not only is it a stunning location for capturing beautiful photographs, but also a haven to celebrate love and joy with your loved ones. I'm honoured to have been a part of Ian and Kerry's special day, and I wish them all the happiness in the world as they begin their new journey together. So if you're planning your own barn wedding, definitely consider Shustoke Barn - you won't be disappointed! And if you're looking for a wedding photographer who can capture all the love, laughter and magic of your big day, I'd love to be a part of it.

Got questions? Please get in touch!

Venue info:

Shustoke Barn Wedding Venue
Located: Coleshill Road, Shustoke, Coleshill B46 2BL
Cripps & Co.

About Jordan Fox

Searching for wedding photographers in the West Midlands? Fantastic! I'm Jordan Fox, and I've spent over a decade capturing beautiful, light-filled memories that couples can cherish forever. A committed fan of The Office, and an even more devoted aficionado of McDonald's fries, I bring a sense of fun and joy to my work. I'd be thrilled to help make your special day unforgettable! If you're planning on walking down the aisle at Shustoke Barn, get in touch today to talk the latest wedding trends.
Want a photographer for other venues? See my portfolio here

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