Lains Barn, Oxfordshire - Lily & Curtis
Lily and Curtis had the most amazing day filled with love and a LOT of laughter, it was one of the most enjoyable weddings I have done this year.
From the moment I met up with Lily and the bridal party in the morning, to the incredible dancing that lasted late into the evening, every moment was an absolute joy to capture.
From the moment that Lily contacted me it was clear that they were a couple keen to get their venue and vendors booked and move onto the enjoying the day. So much of a wedding can be in the build up, finding the right suppliers and the perfect venue as well as making the day something to remember - and boy did they do a fantastic job!
I met Lily in the morning as she began her preparations with her closest family and friends and they’d all enjoyed an overnight stay at the nearby Manor Farm Courtyard Cottages, where the hair, makeup, suits and dresses all were applied and worn. During the morning I was joined by one of the videographers, Laura, and we quickly found a little spot that might just make for a nice opportunity. In the orchards at the back of the cottages, we’d noticed a greenhouse that looks rustic and cute and we decided, if we could clean it up a little, it’d make a great spot for the bride to stand in for some photos - so we did just that, and not only cleared some of the items from the greenhouse, but also swept the floor and had a reshuffle!
A quick word on the videography team - Lukas and Laura; they are honestly two of the most amazing people who not only produce stunning work, but are an absolute dream to work alongside too. I’ve been fortunate to capture several days with them over the years and it’s always such a highlight for me. Anyway, back to the story of the day…
Lily and the bridesmaids were really enjoying the morning, and to be honest, it set the tone for the day - so much laughter and non-stop smiling just makes everything so easy - and when Lily headed up to get into her dress, it was clear that, not only was she blowing everyone away as she walked to meet her bridesmaids and parents - but she was about to take Curtis’ breath away when she arrived for the ceremony. After a few hugs are portraits with her family, we suggested the greenhouse idea and Lily was all over it! She mentioned that she’d seen it and thought the same as us, so once we’d mentioned it was as clean as it could be, we ran in for some photos.
On the other side of the morning was Curtis and the boys, who were getting ready at the nearby Doubletree by Hilton with my second photographer for the day, Smaranda, capturing all of the details, as well as some funny moments too. But they had a venue to get over to and guests to start greeting - so they soon made their way to Lains Barn to await the bride’s arrival.
Lains Barn is stunning, it’s a rustic and charm-filled space with generous room for a large ceremony and wedding breakfast, a wonderful courtyard begging for great weather, garden games, cocktails and live music. Near the venue you also have some fantastic views over the North Wessex Downs and when the sun hits it right, as it did for our day, you get to capture some gorgeous sunset shots.
Once the guests had taken their seats, it was time for the main event - Lily walked up the aisle with her father and looked stunning, Curtis was speechless! The ceremony was beautifully handled and it gave space for some more laughter and smiles. Once the register was signed it was party time and on leaving the main barn to a huge line of confetti-throwing guests, the drinks were in full-flow.
Capturing the guests was great fun, and with a mix of couples as families, there were plenty of distractions to stop the little ones from getting restless.With the sun high in the sky and a great forecast for the rest of the day, we decided to leave the couple portraits until after the wedding breakfast, so everyone headed inside and took their seats for some of the most entertaining speeches I’ve heard - highlights included songs from the stag-do and one of the Best Men falling backwards off his chair before delivering his speech, there were plenty of shout-outs and even those at the back of the room were given a mention.
As the wedding breakfast ended and the room was being turned around, we took the couple off for some portraits at the top of the property and then into the cornfields as the sun began to set and it was fantastic. Lily and Curtis were happy for us to take out time and get everything we needed, happy to walk and dance in the fields as we captured them together and in those moments they truly looked so happy and wrapped up in each other - exactly what you hope to see in the time you get together with these photos.
On returning to the party, drinks were going down well, guests were really enjoying themselves and there was about to be a dancefloor filled and thoroughly enjoyed. Lily and Curtis kicked things off with the first dance and were soon followed by their guests and giving us no room to escape! Not that we would have wanted to at all - the dancing was fantastic and almost everyone was on their feet.
For a moment Lily left the dancefloor, but on her return she was even more eager to step things up as she can Curtis enjoyed a dance-off with family and I have to say - Lily has some impressive footwork going on! I didn’t want to leave at all; there’s some weddings like this that you just want to stay until the end, but with another wedding the next day, I was forced to say my goodbyes and leave them to it, but it was such an amazing day.
Congratulations Lily & Curtis!
Dress - What Alice Wore | Suit - Moss Bros | Makeup Artist - Sophie Duffy | Florist - Ann Laing Flowers | Second Photographer - Smaranda Lula | Videographers - Lukas and Laura | Daytime Music - Ben Hood | Evening Entertainment - Jumpstart | Bridal Preparation - Manor Farm Courtyard Cottages | Wedding Venue - Lains Barn, Oxfordshire