As I’ve mentioned before, being a Bedfordshire wedding photographer means that I get to shoot at a lot of stunning local venues that I love. However, every now and again I get the opportunity to venture into other counties and explore a host of truly special wedding locations that I can’t stop thinking about for days afterwards. After Sheena and Dan’s magical June wedding, I can confirm that Buckinghamshire’s Notley Tythe Barn has secured its place on that list!

The unique barn itself dates back to the 12th century and was lovingly restored in the 1990’s by owners who ensured that the barn retained its charm and sense of history. Beam-lined and hung with greenery and fairy lights, the barn leads directly to the gardens, re-designed by Steven Hendry (a Chelsea Gold Medal winning landscape architect)

and looking out over Chiltern Hills. The rolling lawns are a great place for your cocktail and canapé reception and provide a scenic backdrop for portrait shots, whilst the extended garden area is great for kids to run around and let off some steam. A permanent marquee is home to a spacious dancefloor while the whitewashed hall transforms into a cosy fairy lit grotto for your wedding breakfast, offering an intimate and elegant ambiance for your first meal as a married couple. As if all of that wasn’t enough, Notley Tythe Barn offers a full hosting service, meaning that everything from music to drinks is taken care of – a must for couples that want to be fully immersed in their day and not distracted by the little details!

When I first arrived at Buckinghamshire’s Notley Tythe Barn on the morning of Sheena and Dan’s wedding, I was stunned by the amount of care that had gone into the restoration of this gorgeous venue, allowing the original features to shine through. As I captured Sheena’s bridal prep, I couldn’t help but be impressed by her impeccable venue taste. This taste clearly extended into her bridal look as Sheena donned a beautiful lace-sleeved ballgown, with a jewelled belt adding just a touch of sparkle and a simple veil and updo combo completing the look to perfection. 

Sheena and Dan said their “I Do’s” in the main barn, with the oversized windows flooding the space with natural light. Dan selected a classic blue suit, coordinating beautifully with the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and he looked every bit the handsome groom as he watched Sheena make her grand entrance to many smiles and happy tears from guests. As well as capturing the emotions of the couple during the ceremony, I like to capture a few candid shots of special guests who are totally enthralled by the ceremony. These shots can be really powerful and convey wonderfully deep emotions in just a single photograph. After exchanging vows and rings, Sheena and Dan were pronounced husband and wife to thunderous applause. 

As I mentioned earlier, Notley Tythe Barn boasts a wealth of outdoor space with expansive gardens making the perfect spot for a drink and a giggle with friends and family after your ceremony. Sheena and Dan made the most of this space with a bouncy castle, enjoyed by kids, adults and giddy wedding photographers alike! Only a quick bounce for me though, because drinks receptions are a prime time as a documentary wedding photographer to blend into the background and capture some sneaky shots of the bride and groom sharing a laugh, a hug and a smile with their loved ones. 

Following epic speeches and top-notch catering by the venue team, we were lucky that nature gifted Sheen and Dan the most gorgeous golden hour and sunset, with the Buckinghamshire landscape surrounding the venue showing this off beautifully. I was able to capture some truly gorgeous images of Sheena & Dan enjoying their first walk as Mr and Mrs, and their joy at finally being husband and wife. It’s hugely important to me that my couples are as relaxed and comfortable as possible in front of the camera so of course there were a few rubbish jokes, lots of laughter (maybe the jokes weren’t so rubbish after all?) and some light direction to help Sheena and Dan get the absolute best shots for their gallery.

After the portrait session, with only some dancefloor shots left to capture, I released Sheena and Dan to party into the night and make precious memories surrounded by all their favourite people. This is the point where I get the most joy as a wedding photographer. Everyone is so over posing for the camera and all everyone wants to do is have the best time with the happy couple. As you can imagine, this makes for some joyful and hilarious shots of people living their best lives and it’s a real privilege to capture so much happiness and love from so many people at once. 

Sheena and Dan: a huge congratulations on your gorgeous wedding! You both looked absolutely amazing and I couldn’t be happier with your gallery which tells the story of a magical day filled with love and laughter. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day as your Notley Tythe Barn wedding photographer, and best wishes for everything that the future has in store for you as Mr and Mrs Flaherty.

If you could like me to capture the story of your magical day, click here to have a look at my wedding photography packages.