A wedding rooted in family
Anna and Tom had their wedding in Barrowden, Rutland. They had a traditional wedding ceremony at St Peter’s church – and a relaxed marquee reception at their family farm, which is on top of a hill looking out over the farmland and historic Harringworth viaduct. It was every inch the summer solstice wedding – a moment to pause, enjoy the scenery and warm weather, and revel in their efforts coming together.
And then there was everything else I loved. Vintage countryside transport, finest outfits paired with practical trainers, and so much spontaneity and surprise.
When I asked Anna and Tom what mattered most about their wedding day, their answer was instant and emphatic: “family.” And oh, was their day about family! Between their children, Herbert and Grace, by their sides during the ceremony, everyone playing their part to bring a homespun feel to the day, and hosting the day at their family farm, this was a family occasion in every way.
Before I share the photos, I’d love to say “THANK YOU!” to Vicky at Paisley Flowers for recommending me to Anna and Tom. Her beautiful meadow aisle for Michaela and Miles’ farm wedding in Marston Trussell brought us together and I’m so glad it did. Thank you also to Anna and Tom’s friends and family, who advised them to invest in capturing their day above everything else. Wise people, those ones!
“Thank you so so much! We love the photos! Can’t wait to get them printed!”
Anna & Tom
One morning, two stories
While Anna had her hair and makeup done, the house and garden were alive with activity. It was all hands on deck finishing buttonholes, kids being kids, decorating the marquee, delivering rings, instructions flying…. You could feel the love and excitement in the air.
After getting ready with his groomsmen, Tom did what many a wise groom has done before him and headed to The Exeter Arms in Barrowden for a pre-ceremony pint. Because sometimes, one needs a little something to oil the throat before belting out Jerusalem!
When tradition meets authenticity
It’s always a joy to capture the excitement and sea of beautiful outfits as guests arrive at church. And something I’ve been loving lately is the rise of trainers at countryside weddings. Which makes so much sense when you’re in the middle of a field for most of the day. It speaks of comfort over convention, and I’m very here for it!
The transport was delightfully rural, too. A something-blue Morgan for Anna and her dad, a countryside people carrier for the bridesmaids, and a tractor and trailer for the newlyweds’ church exit. So fun!
The ceremony at St Peter’s church in Barrowden was everything you’d imagine a church wedding to be. Excitement as everyone greets each other, the air of anticipation once everyone’s seated, serious sacred moments, lighthearted laughter, quiet relief during the register signing, and jubilation at the end.
And then there were all the things you wouldn’t imagine!
… Like a surprise rendition of All You Need is Love. Anna and Tom’s children’s very clear ideas about what happens at a wedding – swinging on the altar rail, walking all over Anna’s beautiful train, and turning Tom into a peek-a-boo game. They didn’t follow anyone else’s script – they wrote their own, and the ceremony was better for it. Then there was the pitchfork guard of honour who got so caught up in conversation that they had to scramble into place as Anna and Tom appeared in the doorway. One of those perfectly imperfect moments that brought the biggest smiles – and unique pictures!
Family photos but make them real-life
After the ceremony, while guests made their way to the reception sedately by car, we went on what felt like a pilgrimage across the farm. I wish I could show you the convoy of Anna and Tom with their children in a tractor and trailer, me and Andrew (the videographer) in a vintage Landrover, and the dogs bringing up the rear in a gator – as we slowly made our way through the fields. It was bumpy – very bumpy – but so great! It felt deeply nostalgic. Capturing a wedding is a fast-paced affair, so this was a beautiful moment of just being present and enjoying the journey.
We stopped off mid-way to take some photos of Anna and Tom with their children. Herbert and Grace clutched packets of crisps like talismans – because some things are too important to put down for photos! #sponsoredbyquavers Their three dogs, wearing adorable peach floral collars, joined us, too. Between a couple nervous about the camera, two wriggly children, and three working dogs who just wanted to run, roll (on Anna’s train), and jump… it was gloriously chaotic real life. Exactly what I love to capture.
Rain is a gift
As we arrived back at the farm for the reception, it started to rain. But it was a cool blessing after the heat, so instead of rushing for cover, everyone welcomed the rain and stayed outside. An unexpected gift from the sky!
The marquee was positioned on top of a hill with stunning views across the farm and Harringworth viaduct. Anna and Tom thoughtfully added haybale seating and garden games – coconut shy, bowling, giant Jenga – creating natural gathering spaces where people could relax or play. It was a truly beautiful scene to soak up.
Details that tell the deeper story
The sailcloth tent was styled beautifully and felt relaxed but special. I loved the contrast of wooden tables and chairs with whimsical bud vases filled with country garden flowers. But my favourite thing was the hand-painted illustrations and calligraphy that brought so much personal meaning to the little details like the table plan. Or maybe it was the jars of honey made by Anna and Tom’s bees just half a mile away. You don’t get more local than that!
Golden hour magic
After dinner, we ventured off for some romantic couple portraits. This is my favourite part of a wedding day to take couple portraits because speeches aren’t looming, there’s less time pressure, and you can just enjoy time together in nature as the sun begins to set.
During our planning conversations, Anna mentioned that she loves movement in photos, so we went for a walk down the lane and danced in a field! These post-dinner portrait sessions don’t need to be long – this one was just five minutes – but when you’re this relaxed and present, five minutes is more than enough to capture some beautifully relaxed and romantic photos.
Serene sunset meets rocking dancefloor
The long summer evening drew guests back outside to the haybales and garden games. It was such a contrast to the harsh sun and vivid blue sky (and rain!) from earlier in the day. Just the thing for long chats and soaking up the pretty sunset scenery.
And then there was the band. Oh my goodness, the band! In all my years of photographing weddings, I’ve never encountered such energy from a band. And it was no performance; they looked like they were having the time of their lives. Far more than music, they created an experience that had everyone floored – including the drummer, playing on his back, in the middle of the dancefloor!
Are you planning a wedding in Barrowden?
If you’re planning a wedding at a private home or your family farm, and would love a relaxed photographer to capture it exactly as it unfolds with all the wonderful surprises along the way – I’d love to hear from you. Or, if it’s still early days, you might enjoy this page all about at-home weddings.
The creative team
Photography
Photos by me, Sarah Vivienne – hi!
Dreaming of pictures like these? Make yourselves at home and have a good look around.
