The Most Colourful Summer Wedding Day at The Barn at Upcote

29/07/2020

Introduction

Colour makes me happy, and this wedding at The Barn at Upcote was probably the most colourful wedding day that I’ve done this summer! The couple booked me for ten hours, which covered the bride and groom both getting ready until after the first dance in the evening.

The Barn at Upcote is a beautiful wedding venue in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside. It boasts Cotswold stone buildings, a sweet little bridal cottage to get ready in, beautiful gardens and welcoming staff. And altogether one of the most relaxed vibes I’ve ever experienced 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.

wedding venue the barn at upcote main entrance

The lovely couple and their Engagement Session

As anyone who knows me is aware, part of what I adore about my work is getting to know my couples. So when the groom asked me if we could go to Dorset for their engagement session at Lulworth Cove, where he’d proposed, I jumped at the chance. It was like walking with two good friends across the beaches and up to the cliff edge where the bride had said yes! I even almost had a little swim whilst getting some creative shots in a little cove. I definitely underestimated 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!

The weather had to be perfect…

I was told with complete sincerity by the bride 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 details for this wedding were beautiful. The bride’s bouquet popped colour and matched their welcome sign perfectly.

The Bridal Cottage

The bride got ready in the gorgeous little cottage at the side of the main ceremony barn.

This is a great space for photos with gorgeous light coming through the bedroom window. I love these photographs of the bride by the window.

bride sat by window in bridal cottage at the barn at upcote

The Groom’s Arrival

Meanwhile, the groom and his children waited outside and finished off their preparations in the reception barn. The groom was a little nervous but his sone helped him to put his tie and cufflinks on the right way around! The bride had given her husband-to-be a lovely card which he read before their ceremony. I love capturing these natural moments.

groom reading card from bride as his son looks over his shoulder

The Ceremony

The sun continued to shine on their guests as the barn slowly filled up and by the time the bride started her walk into the ceremony, the groom looked the proudest and happiest man in the country! He had his mini best man (his son) peeking around his side as she walked towards them.

Watching these two say their vows was such a wonderful experience. I had gotten to know the two of them so well in the year running up to their wedding. It all led up to this moment and I was so pleased I could share it with them and their friends and families.

Bubbles: A Great Alternative to Confetti

A toy bubble machine makes for the BEST bubble/confetti photos ever by the way, in case you were wondering. Special thanks to the venue staff for helping with this! I remember one of them running behind me during the exit shots holding the bubble machine over my shoulder. It sent huge bubbles towards the bride and groom across the camera lens which gave a great effect. Such fun!

bride and groom walk towards the camera as guests blow bubbles at them on their wedding day at the abrn at upcote

Reception Drinks & Magic

The Barn at Upcote has lots of break out spaces for guests to enjoy a drink, relax by the bar or enjoy the great outdoors. The couple had booked a magician during this time whch was great fun to photograph.

Speeches & Singing Waiters

The speeches were full of laughter and colour. The groom wrote a gorgeous, funny and heartwarming poem about his life with his new wife. He had even bought a life size cardboard cut out of Channing Tatum as a surprise for her, joking that he had won her over from her first love. The bride had secretly booked some singing waiters for the wedding breakfast which were super fun! When one of them threw a plate of cutlery on the floor and then preceded to belt out one of Ian’s favourite songs, his face was an absolute picture! The singers were incredible, getting everyone singing and clapping along (and in some cases dancing on the chairs)! The show ended in a huge conga line around the venue, complete with Channing Tatum cardboard cut out.

singing waiters during a wedding breakfast at the barn at upcote

Gorgeous Couple Portraits

It did rain a little, but the bride 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.

bride on the grooms back both laughing during couple photo session on their weding day at the barn at upcote

Onto The Dancefloor!

Then it was 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!

Are you looking for a fun and storytelling wedding photographer?

If you’d like to chat with us about your wedding photography please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you! In the meantime, you’ll find more information on our wedding photography services here and you can see our pricing and collections here.

To view our wedding portfolio click here.

See more of The Barn at Upcote on their website here.

Kate portrait Still Light Photography director and photographer

Hey there, I'm Kate

I totally understand how important it is to feel comfortable with the person behind the camera on your wedding day, so you can learn more about me and my team on our ABOUT page.

Here's a few quick facts for you to start with...

BA (HONS) IN FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

12 YEARS PHOTOGRAPHING WEDDINGS

LIVES WITH 4 RESCUE CATS

LOVES TO TRAVEL THE WORLD

SIDELINE IN EQUESTRIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

COUNTRY MUSIC FAN GIRL