Lapstone Barn Wedding Photography

Laura and Sean’s summer wedding at Lapstone Barn

The honey-toned stone of Lapstone Barn and the sweeping backdrop of the gently undulating Cotswold Hills is a perfect setting for a wedding and it was an absolute privilege to be invited by Laura and Sean to photograph their big day at this beautiful 18th century stone barn in the Cotswolds.

I’m a great believer that the best wedding photography at Lapstone Barn starts with good communication and as I got to know Laura and Sean I had no doubt that their wedding day was going to be relaxed, informal, and filled with joy. From the moment I walked into the Hayloft, Lapstone’s ‘getting ready suite’, a hum of happiness filled the room, matched only by the golden sunshine that fell through the windows, bathing the whole space in a shimmer of gentle Cotswold light, I knew that we were going to have an amazing day.

Our virtual meet ups had already told me that this Cotswold wedding was going to be a relaxed affair. Lovely people at a delightful venue, celebrating something very special indeed, but nothing had prepared me for just how relaxed it was to be. There were none of the often seen last minute nerves and no desperate dash to buy a wedding day must have, again witnessed all too often. Laura and Sean’s day started well and just got better and I was lucky enough to be part of it!

Of course, these successes aren’t down to chance. I have to say that Lapstone Barn was a perfect pairing for this laid back couple and the incredible attention to detail the Lapstone Team has invested in the venue creates the authenticity of the barn and its surroundings, even down to the practical placement of a sturdy hook on which to safely hang the bride’s gown was more than some venues may provide.

Laura and Sean had opted for the unconventional, including everyone getting ready together, which just added to the fun. As Laura, Sean, the bridesmaids and the groomsmen joked with each other I was able to capture some fabulous candid images that will make them smile now and cherish for ever.

Ceremonies at Lapstone are held in the barn itself. The simplicity of its ancient stonework and natural light creates a beautiful blank canvas that couples can dress up to the nines, or keep things simple but elegant with a string or two of fairy lights and a few strategically placed flowers which turns this simple but stunning space into something really special.

Back in the Hayloft, decisions were being made. Laura had still to decide on who would escort her down the aisle, in the end she opted for both mum and dad, which thrilled both parents. As everyone made their way down stairs, I glanced round and spotted the bride’s bouquet: “Laura”, I called, she turned her happy, smiling face to me. “Forgotten your flowers”, she giggled uproariously, thanked me as I handed her beautiful eucalyptus laden bouquet over the balustrade and went on her way to marry the man she was going to spend the rest of her life with.

The ceremony was probably one of the shortest I’ve ever photographed, but what it may have  lacked in time was more than made up for in the tender looks and almost whispered words as Laura and Sean started the next chapter of their lives. After the ‘I wills’ were said, followed by a somewhat shy kiss, Laura and Sean turned to face their family and friends, grinned and walked holding hands to be given a glass of chilled Champagne and then into Lapstone Barn’s pretty walled garden to enjoy conversation and canapés.

The afternoon was everything it could be. The sun shone, the food was delicious and conversations were peppered with laughter and smiles. I continued to make candid photographs with just a handful of group shots as relaxed was the order of the day.

As the afternoon ebbed away, it became clear that a couple of the guests were not going to make it. The silver lining to this particular cloud was that I was invited to join guests at the wedding breakfast, which was absolutely delicious and very much appreciated by yours truly!

As the sun slipped towards the horizon, I left Laura, Sean and their lovely family and friends to enjoy the rest of the day together, such a special day and undoubtedly one of the loveliest weddings I’ve ever photographed. I wish this amazing couple a wonderful married life together and thank them for inviting me to be part of their wedding day adventure.