Shustoke Barn Wedding with Big Laughs, Golden Hour portraits & Dancefloor Chaos: Clare & James
If you’re after a wedding venue in Warwickshire with bags of character, Shustoke Barn is well worth a look. Red brick, countryside all around, and plenty of light. Clare and James’ wedding there had a bit of everything: sunshine, happy tears, some very competitive wedding games and one of the best champagne sprays I’ve photographed so far.
So if you’re planning a relaxed wedding with your favourite people and want natural, candid photos of the whole day, read on.
A Warwickshire Wedding at Shustoke Barn
Shustoke Barn sits out in the Warwickshire countryside, with old brick walls, vaulted ceilings, fairy lights and sunny courtyards. For a photographer, that means natural light, lots of texture and a good few backdrops without going far.
I knew from my chat with Clare and James a few weeks before that this was going to be a fun, laid back one. They didn’t want to spend hours away from their guests posing. They just wanted to enjoy the day and have it photographed as it happened. Music to my ears.
Familiar Faces and Pre Wedding Excitement
I first met Clare at a wedding at Dodmoor House, where she was a bridesmaid, so it was a lovely surprise when she got in touch about her own wedding. Photographing people I’ve already met always makes the day feel easier. It’s less meeting the photographer, more catching up.
On the morning, I got to Shustoke Barn early to have a wander and think about where I might take them for wedding portraits. James arrived soon after, looking sharp in his suit, quickly followed by a coach full of guests in very good spirits.
When Clare arrived with her bridal party, the excitement went up a notch. She looked fantastic, and the grin on her face said she was more than ready.
A Ceremony Full of Emotion
The ceremony had laughter, happy tears and everything in between. James’ reaction when he saw Clare walking down the aisle was priceless. I stayed tucked out of the way and photographed it all as it happened.
After the “I dos,” we headed outside for confetti. The smiles, the movement, the colour, it’s a favourite part of the day for a reason. Clare and James couldn’t stop grinning as their guests showered them in petals.
Relaxed Portraits and Personal Touches
I loved how Clare and James styled the venue. They’d collected the vases for their flowers themselves, which made it feel really personal. After the confetti, we slipped back into the ceremony room, empty by then and full of soft light, for a few relaxed portraits in front of the flowers. It showed off the space and all their hard work, and they were back with their guests in no time.
The weather was spot on, sunny and warm. During the drinks reception, guests got stuck into a few wedding games, and the competition was fierce. Kids and grown ups alike gave it everything, which made for some brilliant photos.
Speeches and Golden Hour
Everyone headed inside for the wedding breakfast and speeches. Heartfelt words, belly laughs, and not a dry eye (or an empty wine glass) in sight.
Later, as the sun began to dip, we nipped out for golden hour. It’s one of my favourite times of day for portraits, soft, warm light, and Clare and James laughed their way through every frame. A few minutes, then back to the party.
Evening Dancing and a Champagne Shower
Back inside, the evening guests had arrived and were queueing up for hugs with the newlyweds. The dance floor got going straight after the cake cutting and first dance, and it was bouncing until the end.
To round off the night, Clare and James did a champagne spray, something I now offer all my couples. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it makes for some of the liveliest photos of the day. They nailed it.
Final Thoughts
A huge thank you to Clare and James for having me, and for trusting me to do it your way: relaxed, natural and totally you. And to the team at Shustoke Barn, thank you for keeping the day running so smoothly.
Planning a Wedding at Shustoke Barn?
If you’re getting married at Shustoke Barn and like the idea of relaxed, documentary style photos with all the emotion and in between moments, get in touch. I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
