Bury Court Barn Wedding - Laura & Andy

Laura & Andy were married at The Barn at Bury Court in late May. Their wonderful day featured a beautiful Jenny Packham dress, a super polite pageboy and flower girl of exceptional cuteness, bags of colour thanks to some simply outstanding floristry, and an impromptu speech from Laura’s brother. In short it was a goodie.

As a wedding photojournalist specialising in documentary photography, many of my clients come to me and talk about having a very relaxed approach to their photography and the day in general. Understandably, given the magnitude and meaning of a wedding, sometimes, come the day itself, this relaxed mindset has evaporated a bit. That was verifiably not the case with Laura & Andy. These guys are chill with a capital C. They talked the talk and walked the walk.

Laura got ready at Bury Court Barn, with Andy arriving (mostly) suited, booted and ready to go. I joined up with them at the Barn shortly before the ceremony got under way. Some people are just easy to photograph and Laura is one of them. Her smile is true and honest and she simply radiated joy all day. Not to mention that she cut an incredible figure in her stunningly bejewelled Jenny Packham dress. Due to the English weather being, err, English, the ceremony happened inside the barn. Laura & Andy wrote their own vows which were witty and heartfelt with just the right dose of humour.

Following the ceremony the weather had cleared a bit so it was out into the courtyard, and Bury Court Barn’s wonderful garden, for drinks and canapés before sitting down to a barbecue-style wedding breakfast. As a stand-up comedian, Andy was better prepared than most for his wedding speech. As expected it was a singularly strong showing. Laura’s younger brother also spoke and despite being of tender years, he basically brought the house down. I wish I’d had such confidence at that age!

It was such a pleasure to work once again with Hannah Berry Flowers. Rarely have I shot such a colourful wedding. From Laura’s incredible bouquet, filled with relaxed garden Roses, Peonies, Dahlias and Ranunculus, to the table centres and aisle-ends, the entire day was a resplendent riot of colour.

Laura & Andy are, by their own admission, ‘nerdy plane spotters’. This came up when we stepped away in the evening for a few pictures and, as a former wannabe pilot myself, I found myself in good company! You’d never guess from the portraits that this effortlessly cool couple were actually telling me that their favourite aircraft is the Airbus A380!

After portraits it was back inside for dancing and casino games, or alternatively spilling out onto the terrace with a large drink. Before their first dance, Andy grabbed his guitar and sang to his new wife. I’ve seen such things motivated by showoff bravado, but when it’s heartfelt, you know how to perform, and you’re comfortable in front of the mic, then it can be pretty damn special. And so it was; needless to say.

My thanks to Laura & Andy for having me and organising a beaut of a wedding day, to Eleanor at Bury Court for running a smooth ship with a light touch, and to the English weather for eventually playing ball! I can’t wait to get back to Bury Court Barn again soon.

*If you’re looking for supplier details, head down to the bottom of the post.

Fancy checking out another barn wedding? Try Anna & Al’s magnificent barn wedding at Longbourn. Prefer something completely different? How about Venetia & George’s sumptuous bonfire night wedding.

Bury Court Barn Wedding: Suppliers

• Venue: The Barn at Bury Court
• Dress: Jenny Packham
• Floristry: Hannah Berry Flowers
• Catering: Jacaranda Catering
• Hair & Makeup: Olivia Mills