Barley Wood Wedding Photographer

Barley Wood Wedding

North Somerset

I was thrilled when Hannah and Tom asked me to be their Barley Wood wedding photographer. I had previous been a bridesmaid at this beautiful venue and knew that the setting was going to be stunning. I was excited when the couple told me they hoped to have their wedding ceremony in the south facing summer house, which has panoramic views over the Mendip Hills.

The venue itself needs little decoration, having been lovingly restored by the YMCA after they purchased it in 2015. With restored original windows and breathtaking rural surroundings, I knew this wedding was going to look gorgeous.

Like so many of my clients, Hannah and Tom wanted a relaxed, informal day and although the photographs were really important to them, they didn’t want to spend all day posing in front of the camera.

My relaxed, documentary approach and my love for beautiful, nature-inspired portraits suited exactly what they were looking for, and so it was a wedding photography match made in heaven!

The Wedding Day

The rain quickly eased and once the register had been signed, guests were able to head back outside for the confetti toss before walking back to the house where the reception drinks and canapes were served.

The sun continued to shine during the drinks reception, so the bride, groom and I took a stroll through the gardens for some beautiful newly-wed portraits

The wedding breakfast was served in the Grand Hall upstairs and was beautifully decorated within its wood paneled walls. Guests clapped and cheered as the new Mrs and Mrs were announced into the hall and once the three course wedding breakfast had been devoured, and the speeches had been delivered, the newly-weds cut their wedding cake before heading outside to enjoy the last of the sunshine.

The band set-up whilst guests spilled out onto the terrace to enjoy a drink or two before the first dance commenced and the party started!

Before heading off, I asked Tom and Hannah if they’d like a night portrait in front of the beautiful house. I was able to set my exposure to get some blue light in the sky and the house was lit up with tungsten lights through its pretty windows. I lit the couple using an off-camera flash and a second one behind to create rim light. Then I asked the groom to dance with his new wife. The final images are beautiful and such a lovely way to end a wedding photo album.

Tying the knot at Barley Wood

Barley Wood is a stunning venue which was originally built in 1801 for social philanthropist Hannah Moore, who lived there with her four unmarried sisters. It originally included a Rose Garden, Walled Garden, potting sheds and greenhouses, which have now been sold off separately, but remain open to the public. There is also Barley Wood Nursery set in the former grounds of the house.

The venue is practically located, being only 13 miles south-west of Bristol city centre, 3 miles from Bristol airport and only half a mile from the A38 with excellent access to the southwest of England.

The Grade 2 listed, eighteenth century house was recently restored after it was purchased by the YMCA Dulverton group’s social enterprise. It has several owners including Henry Herbert Wills, the wealthy director of the Imperial Tobacco Company. It was also a drug and alcohol treatment centre for a time, before being sold to its current owners.

These days the house is used to hold events to raise money for the charitable objectives of the YMCA.

The venue has space for up to 100 day guests and can have 175 guests for evening receptions. It has stunning views over the North Somerset countryside and boasts nine double bedrooms with free-standing roll top baths and two large function rooms.

Becky Weir – Barley Wood Wedding Photographer