As a photographer I often get asked 'What are my favourite wedding venues?' My bookings take me all over the UK so it's hard to pick favourites however I do have a soft spot for The Mill Barns, Alverly.
I have been lucky enough to capture many beautiful weddings at The Mill Barns and in this blog I will share some of my favourite images from morning prep all the way to the first dance & sparklers!
Setting a standard...
"The Mill Barns Wedding Venue sets the standard for barn wedding venues in the UK. This iconic waterfront venue offers couples exclusive-use of three magnificent oak framed wedding barns, luxury onsite accommodation, eight acres of mature landscaped gardens, mesmerising water features and a unique walkway taking in three stunning outdoor terraces."
THE MILL BARNS
Morning Prep
My Platinum package coverage starts from 2 hours before your wedding ceremony meaning I can capture morning prep. At The Mill Barns the action starts downstairs in their beautiful wedding prep room.
Lauren had her best friends with her as she had the finishing touches to her hair and make-up
Lauren, her Dad and her bridesmaids ready to walk that aisle!
Ceremony Room
Waiting at the aisle for his Bride, Rebecca - Gareth with his Groomsmen wait patiently chatting with guests already seated and ready and waiting for Rebecca's arrival.
The beautiful ceremony room, so light! A photographers dream!
Here comes the Bride!
A few tears...
Dave waiting for his Bride, the beautiful Lauren.
Beautiful beams...
The Mill Barns truly is one of the most beautiful venues.
The kiss...
Lauren & David, their first kiss as man and wife.
Winter ceremony
Fiona & Dan chose November to marry at The Mill Barns. With a beautiful rustic decor theme.
A venue for any time of the year...
Fiona & Dan's first kiss as man & wife.
Balcony shots...
The Mill Barns's ceremony room has an upstairs balcony which I like to use during the ceremony to get more beautiful room shots.
I used my 70-200mm lens to capture these images from the balcony for Rebecca & Gareth.
That first kiss for Rebecca & Gareth.
After a ceremony I like to capture guests chatting as they wait to cheer the new Mr & Mrs down the aisle. I also capture the signing of the register.
Confetti time!
Depending on the Bride and Groom's preference (or the weather) guests are encouraged to throw confetti as the couple walk down the aisle - or outside on the terrace.
Once the couple have had chance to grab a drink and a few canape's I start to take the couple's group shots. I like to use the reception area for the main group shot moving to the terrace to take the smaller group photographs - the terrace is ideal for guests to mingle as the group photographs are being taken without me having to shout too loud!
On the terrace...
Wedding breakfast room...
After the drinks reception on the terrace the guests are welcomed into the wedding breakfast room to wait for the Bride and Groom to be announced.
I got a lovely shot of Rebecca & Gareth as they took five minutes to view the breakfast room before their guests were welcomed in.
A blank canvas...
Fiona & Dan's rustic countryside decor really did look fantastic on their day. The Mill Barns has the perfect decor to be able to make your own stamp with your wedding decor.
Welcoming the new Mr & Mrs...
Time for the speeches...
The wedding breakfast room is beautifully light and airy making the job of the photographer like a dream when capturing the wedding speeches.
The wedding breakfast...
Lauren & David chose to make the wedding breakfast a 'carve your own' roast! Complete with pinny & chefs hats for their guests.
Newly-wed images...
Dependant on the time of year I like to capture the newly-wed images either just before the wedding breakfast or just after - I like to take no more than 20-30 minutes so that my couples are not taken away from their guests for too long.
Lauren & David
The grounds...
The grounds of The Mill Barns venue are beautiful and ideal for getting lots of different newly-wed images
Picture perfect...
Winter weddings...
Fiona & Dan's Winter wedding in November. The Mill Barns was a perfect backdrop to my newly-wed shots for Fiona & Dan.
We took advantage of the winter sunshine to capture some beautiful shots for Fiona & Dan
Gareth & Rebecca had beautiful Spring sunshine on the day of their wedding at The Mill Barns.
Spring Sunshine...
The Mill Barns looking fabulous in the Spring sunshine as a backdrop to Rebecca & Gareth's big day.
The most beautiful light in the afternoon of Rebecca & Gareth's wedding day.
Spoilt for choice - everywhere you turn there is the perfect photograph opportunity.
The Mill Barns making my job easy - it really is a fabulous venue to take newly-wed images!
Afternoon, early evening...
After the wedding breakfast and speeches its time for the Bride and Groom to mingle with their guests and enjoy the calm before the storm, that is their evening reception!
Time to relax...
David taking a few mins to celebrate with his friends with the traditional huge cigar!
As afternoon turns to evening guests enjoying the fun with a photobooth or relaxing and chatting in the reception area. The wedding breakfast room is being transformed into the evening reception room.
The evening reception...
The Mill Barns evening reception room is absolutly perfect! Look at that disco ball!
Cutting the cake...
Once your evening guests arrive it's time to cut the cake!
The First Dance...
Once that cake is cut it's time for the Bride and Groom to take to the floor for their first dance!
Lauren & David showing us how it's done!
That kiss!
I bet that you look good on the dance floor!
Rebecca & Gareth taking to the floor for their first dance.
Perfect stage...
The Mill Barns dance floor, lighting and fabulous DJ set up really makes for great photographs!
Fiona & Dan making the perfect shot to the backdrop of the Mr & Mrs letters on the balcony.
Party Time!
As the first dance comes to an end the bride and groom welcome their guests onto the dancefloor to get the party started!
Sparklers...
Fiona & Dan took a break from the dancing for sparkler shots!
Night time portraits...
Lauren & David taking a few minutes away from the party to get some last couple shots with the fabulous Mill Barns as the backdrop. The lighting at night really is spectacular!
Using off camera flash we captured this 'halo' shot.
So that was my blog all about The Mill Barns! Take a look at their website HERE
Thank you to my couples for choosing me to capture their special day(s)!
If you'd like to see if I have your date available please contact me HERE
Sam xxx