This mid May Berkshire wedding took place at Herons Farm under clear blue skies and glorious spring sunshine. With wisteria in full bloom along the courtyard wall and the venue’s signature Gallops providing the perfect backdrop for photos, it was a day made for celebrating outdoors from start to finish.
Getting Ready
As always I started with the bride’s details. Her dress hung on the wardrobe, and close ups of her flowers, jewellery and shoes. I find that this is a great way for the bridal party to get used to me being in the room. It helps them relax and that gives me the best photos.
The bride got ready with her four bridesmaids and her mum in the Willow Room, tucked upstairs in the farmhouse at Herons Farm.
Katy Djokic did the hair and makeup beautifully, and the morning was full of the usual mix of nerves, laughter and last minute touches.
Groom prep
In between times, I was able to photograph the groom with his groomsmen as they were also getting ready at Herons Farm. Some chilled shots of them putting on ties and having a beer. Followed by some groom portraits and group photos all together.
Back to Bridal Prep
Then it was back upstairs to Willow for the final touches and portraits.
Before seeing the registrars, the bride shared a first look with her dad at the bottom of the farmhouse stairs.
The Ceremony
At 2:15pm, the couple said their vows on the lawn under the pavilion. With wisteria in full bloom along the courtyard wall creating a beautiful natural backdrop and florals by Emma Curtis adding the finishing touch. Her dad walked her up the aisle to join her waiting groom in front of family and friends.
Confetti & the Drinks Reception
We did the confetti by the front of the house. The two hour drinks reception gave everyone plenty of time for group photos and canapés and drinks in the sunshine.
Couple Photos
For their couple portraits, we drove down to the Gallops, a unique feature of Herons Farm. And it’s my favourite spot to shoot at this venue. Set in a valley of fields lined with wooden fences, lush long grass and cow parsley. The Gallops truly are an incredible spot for your couple photos.
We also jumped out of the vehicle to get some photos on the way back up to the farm.
The Wedding Breakfast
The Main Barn looked lovely with it’s fairy lights strung between the beams.Each of the round tables were decorated with a photo of the couple and flowers in jam jars.
With guests already in the barn, the couple made their big entrance to great applause. And immediately cut their wedding cake, before sitting for the speeches.
There were emotional speeches from the groom and best man, which brought tears and laughter.
The Evening Party
As the venue team turned the barn around for the evening, guests spilled out onto the courtyard and lawn to enjoy the last of the sunshine. Meanwhile I took the couple back down to the Gallops for a few golden hour and sunset photos. Fortunately I was very kindly helped by one of the bridesmaids who acted as lighting assistant.
Then it was back into the Main Barn for the first dance and the party. With the band, Talk of the Town, setting the tone for the night. Their singer got right in among the dancers with his microphone, getting everyone singing and dancing along.
Finally the last picture of the night was the couple under the pavilion.
If Herons Farm’s mix of rustic charm and countryside views like the Gallops has caught your eye, get in touch to find out more about wedding photography at this beautiful Berkshire venue.
Please take a look at my Herons Farm Wedding Photography Page
Hair & make up by https://www.weddinghairstylingandmakeup.co.uk/
Flowers by https://www.emmacurtis.co.uk/
Band Talk of the Town
