Katie and Tom’s story in The Post Barn, Newbury
T’was a few weeks before Christmas last year, and I headed to Katie and Tom’s wedding in The Post Barn in Newbury. I’ve known Katie for 6 or so years now, from when I photographed her brother and sister-in-law’s wedding. And I have been told from good authority that ever since that day she’s always wanted me to photograph her own wedding, when she got married.
And over half a decade later, the day finally came! In March 2020, Tom rushed out to buy Katie a ring on the last night before lockdown hit. It was an arm-through-the-closing-door moment! But he managed to get there just before the jewellers closed for God-knows how many months.
And so it was that with Katie covered in mud, and with Tom still in his dirty work clothes, he knelt on the kitchen floor in front of their four year old daughter. And asked Katie to be his wife. Who said a pandemic couldn’t be romantic?!
And I’m so glad he did! Because Katie and Tom’s wedding in The Post Barn was the perfect way to end my year as a Newbury wedding photographer. The perfect blend of stunning sophistication, heart-melting romance, and fun festive whimsy!
Bridal prep in The Post Barn
The Post Barn in Newbury is a dream venue for a wedding photographer. Because it has stunning natural light, a photogenic set-up and the ease of having everything in one place. It all seems to have been designed with beautiful wedding photography in mind.
The venue has a huge room decorated purely for your bridal prep. And so as the bride, you’ve got the perfect space for you and your bridesmaids to get ready. The huge windows make it wonderfully bright and airy. And a perfect place to relax and have fun while you’re getting ready. Plus there’s loads of makeup/hair stations too, so everyone can get ready at the same time.
The main event space in The Post Barn
The jewel in the crown of The Post Barn has to be the main space where you’ll have your ceremony and reception.
With exposed wooden beams and a high ceiling, it has the rustic feel of a barn. But they’ve balanced this rustic aesthetic with lots of elegant modern touches. Making it both welcoming and contemporary at the same time.
And it’s a wedding photographer’s dream! It has high windows on all sides and the two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows behind the altar. And this means the ceremony room is absolutely flooded with natural light. So having the altar in front of these windows gives you perfect natural lighting for your ceremony. Even in winter!
The ceremony room doubles as a reception area for dinner as well, with the head table in front of the huge window where the altar was. Perfect for an easy, relaxed wedding day because everything’s all in one place.
Elegant wedding styling inspiration from The Post Barn, Newbury
Katie’s stunning dress from The Bridal Dress Company in Newbury was a real head-turner. The A-line, shoulderless dress, with lace applique and a plunging V neckline made her look (there’s no other way to say this!) like a princess.
The sophisticated elegance of her dress was complimented by the contemporary structured bouquets of white roses and eucalyptus. And the floristry had the extra personal touch of being supplied by the oh-so-talented bridesmaid, Rebecca Walker from Wild Flower Studios in Newbury.
But perhaps my favourite detail was the beautiful (and delicious!) three-tiered cake from Cakey Bakey. With a shimmering gold tier sandwiched between two pure white ones, it blended so well with the elegant styling of the wedding.
It’s Christmaaaaaas!!!
As it was just a couple of weeks before Christmas, The Post Barn had added lots of Christmassy touches that brought the venue to life. The Christmas trees outside the barn made for gorgeously festive group shots. And later in the evening, with the fairy lights on the Christmas trees twinkling in the darkness, the fire pits crackling with dancing flames, and a wintery chill nipping at our faces, there was something truly magical in the air.
And I absolutely loved all the whimsical Christmas details included in the styling, as well. With candy cane favours on the tables, and a little plate of sprouts next to the cake. There were so many handmade additions Katie added to the styling that gave the wedding that wonderful element of festive magic.
Are you looking for a Newbury wedding photographer?
I always love weddings like this. Having a close relationship with the couple, and getting to tell the story of their amazing day is one of the things I love most about my job. Because whether it’s a barn, a Tipi in the woods, or just a ceremony from your own home, every wedding had a story to tell. And I’d love to be the one to tell your story for you.
If you love my work and want me by your side on your wedding day, I’d be delighted to hear from you. Please get in touch today to check my availability.
