It was a spring wedding at The Ashes Barns as I headed into the Peak District to be Amanda & Mike’s wedding photographer. I was looking forward to the day ahead surrounded by familiar faces including Hannah and Darren, whose wedding I had shot a few years ago.
The exclusive use, Ashes Barns is always a pleasure to work at as is it’s sister venue Pendrell Hall. The Ashes Barns is set in fifty acres of rolling Staffordshire countryside.
I met up with the wedding party at the charming Rose Cottages in Endon Village, ideally located only a stones throw from The Ashes Barns. There was a real buzz of excitement as I arrived for bridal prep with Amanda and her Bridal party really looking forward to the day ahead. I then had a chance to pop next door to check how Mike and his groomsmen were getting on. Ready and prepared Mike and the guys walked the short distance from the cottage up the driveway to The Ashes Barns with time to stop and admire the famous Highland cattle 🙂 Amanda and the Bridal party made their final preparations at the Old Dairy before crossing the stone courtyard into the West Barn.
The rustic West Barn, a 17th Century, Grade II barn was a lovely setting for a very special ceremony including a reading by their daughter, Amber. After the ceremony guests gathered in the stone courtyard to congratulate Amanda and Mike with a drinks reception, Ice creams and Confetti throwing.
Leaving the guests for a while, Amanda, Mike, Amber and myself had time to explore the beautiful grounds around the pond and formal lawns for their photographs. It was then time for Amanda and Mike to make their way to the East Barn to greet their guests. Everyone enjoyed the Wedding Breakfast and entertaining speeches.
As evening approached Amanda and Mike had a chance to have more photos taken with the backdrop of the Grade I listed Manor house and Staffordshire countryside before heading back into the East Barn for cake cutting and first dance. Everyone then enjoyed celebrating with Amanda and Mike as they danced the night away.
