The Ashes Barn - Leek Wedding Photographer

Set in the Staffordshire countryside near the village of Endon, The Ashes Barn is a beautiful rural wedding venue surrounded by open countryside, with a lovely courtyard that becomes the heart of the wedding when the weather allows. Steph and Steve's late spring wedding was exactly that kind of day. Warm, sunny and wonderfully relaxed, with guests enjoying the outdoors, catching up with each other and simply making the most of the day.

I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding alongside my good friend Deb from Stott Weddings, capturing everything from the preparations through to the speeches.

One of the things I particularly enjoy about weddings is watching how people interact when they're not thinking about the camera. I'm much more of a people observer than someone who wants to direct every moment, so a relaxed wedding where guests can wander, chat and enjoy themselves is right up my street.

And the courtyard at The Ashes Barn is perfect for that.

With the sun shining, guests were able to spend plenty of time outside and there were games for both the children and adults. There was a lovely, informal feel to the whole day, with people moving between the courtyard, the barn and the surrounding grounds.

Of course, you can't have a wedding at The Ashes without mentioning the Highland cows. They are such a big part of the character of The Ashes Barn and were a definite hit with the guests. They also make for a rather lovely addition to the wedding photographs!

Then there was Dotty the ice cream van.

I'm not sure there are many things that say summer wedding quite like an ice cream van turning up in the courtyard. And hands up if you're a hundreds and thousands person? Personally, I think you can't beat a chocolate flake, but the rainbow sprinkles certainly bring a whole lot of colour to the photographs!

There were plenty of genuine moments throughout the day, from the laughter and conversations between guests to the quieter moments between Steph and Steve. Nothing felt overly staged and that suited the atmosphere of their wedding perfectly.

I stayed through the speeches before leaving the happy couple and their guests to enjoy the rest of the evening. I'm sure the celebrations continued long after I left, but by then I had already captured plenty of memories from what had been a brilliant day at The Ashes Barn.

Although I was working alongside Deb as a second photographer for Steph and Steve, I really enjoyed photographing this wedding and spending another day at The Ashes Barn. It is one of those venues where there is plenty to photograph without having to manufacture moments, which is exactly how I like it.

Are you still looking for your perfect Ashes Barn wedding photographer and prefer a more relaxed style? If you are and you totally get my vibe, then do get in touch as I’d love to know your wedding plans!

Planning your wedding at The Ashes Barn?

If you're planning a wedding at The Ashes Barn or elsewhere around Leek and Staffordshire, I'd love to hear what you're planning.

My approach is relaxed and unobtrusive, with plenty of space for you to enjoy your day while I photograph the people, moments and little details that make it yours.

If that sounds like the kind of wedding photography you're looking for, get in touch and tell me a little about your plans.