Bassmead Manor Barns - Wedding of Rob & Claire

Wedding Photography from Bassmead Manor Barns near St Neots –

In Early Spring 2015 Rob & Claire’s amazing wedding finally came to life. This wedding had everything just right, from the bridal prep, wedding ceremony in Rickety Barn to the seamless transitions of guest from drinks reception to wedding breakfast in Bassmead’s Main Barn. I’d first met Claire & Rob at a wedding fair almost 2 years before they booked me. It had taken that because they couldn’t decide on the right venue. Enter Bassmead Manor Barns and all was good in their lives, they loved the venue, people and character from the moment they set eyes on this extra special wedding venue.

I photograph at many weddings in many different locations but I’d have to say in my humble opinion that Bassmead have the formula just right. The place oozes that stylish vintage country feel that it so popular at the moment.

More than that Claire enjoyed her own 2 storey bridal suite, which worked perfectly by being located in the heart of the complex but keeping her hidden from view.

The groomsmen and many family members had stayed overnight in Apple Tree cottage, so I could easily find and photography Rob his brother and parent later in the morning whilst they clipped on button holes and made plans for the morning.

Above all else though it is Rickety Barn which will blow the socks off anyone who enters. There is a calm, nostalgic and awe inspiring feeling once inside, it provides the backdrop to the what many brides dreams are made of. I’d also just like to say that my photo’s in Rickety Barn aren’t wonky its actually the building and beams!

This blog hopefully captures the essence of the venue and the bigger part that Claire & Rob played in their perfect and fabulously emotional wedding ceremony and wedding day.

“We didn’t think our day could be any more magical but laughing and crying our way through these photos showed that it really could.

Thank you so much for capturing the story of our wonderful day just perfectly and for bringing our day back to life, allowing us and our families to enjoy forever.

 Best Wishes, Love From

 Claire and Rob”

Bridal preparations in the bridal suite (see pic of building above)- Claire and her mum spent the morning relaxing with hair and make up artists as they looked forward to their day ahead.

The light in the room was wonderful and I chose to photograph a collection images for Black & White post-production and later for their wedding album.

Bassmead Manor’s Main Barn – Immaculately prepared for the wedding breakfast, complete with flowers from Larkspur Floral Design

Whilst the ladies prepared I took a walk to photograph some of the areas of the venue that you’ll find throughout this blog.

Groom – Rob and his brother also his Best man had stayed in Appletree cottage next to the main barns. I took the opportunity to shoot candid photos of them meeting their parents and pinning the button holes as well as few directed shots (Well mums do like to see their sons looking smart)

Window lit Bridal Portraits – Having already spent time with Claire in the bridal suite I was 100% certain about how I wanted to shoot the images you see below once Claire had finished getting ready.

In my mind there is a certain symbology using the transition to colour when Claire was ready from the earlier  black and white. I believe using colour and the same great window light this time best reveals Claire’s carefully prepared natural look.

The Wedding Ceremony in Rickety Barn – Amazing thats all I’m saying…

Time to relax and laugh – Drinks and canapés being served in the main bar area.

The courtyard area is perfect place for family group photographs, as well as being sheltered and full of character guests looked on whilst enjoying a drink.

Following around 20 minutes of family photographs we spent some of the remaining time together ahead of their wedding breakfast.

I opted to shoot a series of images which captured the country feel of Bassmead Manor whilst introducing some careful direction to bring out the best from the Bride and Groom.

Wedding Breakfast – Food at Bassmead Manor Barns is provided courtesy of Galloping Gourmet and my word is it fantastic!

Later guests gathered outside, grabbed a beer or 2 (great beer coolers btw!). The kids ran off their newfound energy and everyone enjoyed catching up on a warm spring evening.

Whilst the band setup and sound checked Claire, Rob and myself headed off for a bit quiet time as the sun began to get lower in the sky.

Bassmead has some obvious and less areas to create photographs, and so I chose another area to create a final collection for the wedding album. This time though, a more romantic and relaxed feel was what I was looking for and the setting sun meant I could could shoot contra jour and back lit. We headed to the front of the barns and used the trees and long approach road which lead to Bassmead from the main road.

First Dance, Live Band and Street style BBQ!

My day complete, the shots in the bag so to speak. Time for a quick hot dog before I left Claire & Rob to enjoy the rest of their wedding night.

If you are thinking of getting married and would like to know more about how I could capture your own wedding day, please do get in touch.