MILLING BARN WINTER WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
I absolutely loved photographing Bryony and Matt’s wedding back in November at the exclusive Milling Barn in Hertfordshire.
Do you dream of having a winter wedding? Nearly 75% of weddings take place between the months of May and October, but winter weddings are becoming increasingly popular as more and more couples choose to tie the knot during the colder months of the year. Bryony’s glamorous job, travelling the world as part of Formula 1, meant a summer wedding was going to be a difficult fit. A winter wedding with its cosy atmosphere, romantic ambience, and stunning winter landscapes, made perfect sense. Bryony, Matt and the team at Milling Barn planned it to perfection. The wedding fairies came along overnight and dusted the landscape in snow to give a finishing touch.
Matt and his groomsmen stayed at the Cromwell Hotel in Stevenage the night before the big day. As they wanted shots of them getting ready, my second shooter for the day, Simon, started the day there, while I met the ladies at Milling Barn for the bridal prep. Simon is also a licensed drone pilot, and his overhead shots of Milling Barn in the snow and throughout the day really added an extra dimension to the coverage.
Bryony and Matt held their ceremony in the Oak Barn, which was decorated with twinkly fairy lights and a huge hanging floral display above the aisle. It was the ideal setting for this laid-back couple’s special day. The barn features exposed brick walls, original oak beams, and high ceilings that create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for an intimate and elegant wedding ceremony. It may have been cold and snowy outside, but the inside was nice and toasty. No shivering guests were spotted through my lens. Bryony’s parents are professional opera singers and the signing of the register was accompanied by their voices filling the barn with some famous tunes. That took the ceremony up another notch. Not something you get to experience every day. Very classy. After the nuptials, guests enjoyed drinks in the Dairy Barn, before then moving on to the Milling Barn for the meal. Yes, there are enough barns here to keep Worzel Gummidge and Aunt Sally entertained for years! In between cocktail hour and the meal we found around 40 minutes for the group shots plus some couple time around the grounds, trying to make good use of the snowy landscape. Yes, it was cold! But Bryony, Matt and the bridesmaids quite enjoyed it. In fact, I think more wedding guests complain about standing out under the baking sun than in the cold. With that in mind, I always take group shots as quickly as possible. Having 30 can really eat into your day and become a Buzz Killington (Family Guy!)
The food, by the way, was outstanding. Created, cooked and served at Milling Barn by their in-house caterers, The Chopping Block, catering for up to 150 guests to such a high standard is no mean feat. Evening entertainment was from Rare Groove Party Band, they keep the dance floor filled from the first to the very last song. Highly recommended.
I loved being a part of Bryony & Matt’s wedding day at Milling Barn and would love to return. So please get in touch for a quote if you’re planning your own wedding at Milling Barn. If it is at short notice or in the winter there may even be a bit of a deal for you.
MILLING BARN WEDDING VENUE IN HERTFORDSHIRE
Situated in Hertfordshire, UK, Milling Barn is a stunning wedding venue that offers a unique and enchanting experience for couples looking to tie the knot. The venue boasts a rustic barn, beautiful gardens, and a picturesque backdrop, making it an ideal setting for a romantic and memorable wedding ceremony. One of the standout features of Milling Barn is the attention to detail that has gone into creating a unique and magical experience for couples on their special day. Check when they are having an Open Day to pencil in a visit. I don’t think it’s a venue you can just drop into. The open day I attended had plenty of staff on hand, and wedding packs with prices, some special deals and all the info could be taken away and poured over later. The venue was decorated just as it was for Bryony and Matt’s wedding, giving you an exact idea of what your wedding will look like. A range of bespoke wedding packages can be tailored to suit individual preferences and budgets, and the dedicated team of wedding planners work closely with couples to ensure that every aspect of the wedding is tailored to their specific needs. At Bryony and Matt’s wedding, I barely remember seeing the staff, which means they are good, the day flowed effortlessly.
Milling Barn also offers a range of accommodation options for guests who wish to stay overnight. The venue has six luxurious guest rooms, each of which has been beautifully decorated to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment. The rooms are spacious and airy, with high ceilings and large windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Not like the Premier Inn I stayed at the night before, but I love Premier Inn, it’s cheap and clean! If having a winter wedding at Milling Barn, it may be an idea to book a hotel as close to the venue as possible. I had the scariest drive home of my life after the wedding. While the night was being partied away we had some quite heavy snowfall. The country lanes were so bad, my rear-wheel drive car was slipping and sliding all over the place. At one stage I was stuck and considered sleeping in the car. As it turns out a lot of drivers on the M25 did. After sliding along the motorway at 20mph in a hair-raising drive I managed to accidentally find the previous night’s Premier Inn. It was the best sight of the year, the fact that the rooms were £60 when I would have paid £200 was a bonus. I had been 10 minutes away from parking at a petrol station for the night. So yeah, maybe book that room early, and close to the venue!
WINTER WEDDINGS
Winter weddings are becoming increasingly popular as more and more couples choose to tie the knot during the colder months of the year. With its cosy atmosphere, romantic ambience, and stunning winter landscapes, winter is the perfect season for couples who want to create a magical and unforgettable wedding experience.
One of the main advantages of a winter wedding is the availability of venues and vendors. Unlike the summer months, when wedding venues and vendors can be booked up months in advance, winter weddings tend to have more availability, making it easier for couples to find their dream venue and suppliers.
Winter weddings also offer a unique opportunity to create a truly magical and romantic atmosphere. With twinkling fairy lights, cosy blankets, and roaring log fires, winter weddings can create a warm and intimate setting that is perfect for celebrating love and romance. The colder weather also provides the perfect excuse to indulge in comforting and hearty food, such as roast dinners, hot soups, and mulled wine, which can add to the cosy and welcoming atmosphere.
One of the most popular features of winter weddings is the stunning winter landscapes that provide a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs. From snow-capped mountains and frost-covered fields to winter forests and frozen lakes, winter offers a range of picturesque settings that can create stunning and unique wedding photographs.
When it comes to wedding attire, winter weddings offer the opportunity to indulge in luxurious fabrics and accessories. From cosy faux-fur wraps and velvet jackets to sparkling accessories and winter-inspired floral arrangements, winter weddings offer a range of options for couples who want to create a stunning and unique wedding look.
While winter weddings offer many advantages, there are also some challenges to consider. The colder weather can pose some logistical challenges, such as transportation and accommodation for guests, and outdoor ceremonies may not be possible in some locations. However, with careful planning and preparation, these challenges can be overcome to create a magical and unforgettable wedding experience.
Overall, winter weddings offer a unique and enchanting wedding experience that is perfect for couples who want to create a warm and romantic atmosphere. With its stunning landscapes, cosy ambience, and unique wedding attire options, winter weddings are the perfect choice for couples who want to celebrate their love in a truly magical way.
AMAZING SUPPLIERS:
Videographer: www.jacktojack.com
Hair & Make Up: www.jenniferlucymua.co.uk
Flowers: www.theflowerschoolstabans.co.uk
Entertainment: www.raregroovepartyband.com
Catering: www.choppingblock.co.uk
