Sandhole Oak Barn Wedding Photography | Emma and Mark
Emma and Mark
Sandhole Oak Barn Wedding Photography
Sandhole Lodge and Gardens
I was really looking forward to Emma and Mark’s big day at Sandhole Oak Barn. Admittedly it has been a venue I’ve wanted to shoot at for some time, so when Emma and Mark booked I couldn’t wait for their special day.
Situated in the pastures of rural Cheshire, Sandhole Oak Barn provides the perfect location for couples wanting to host their nupitals to a backdrop of English countryside splendour.
Being only a stones throw from Congleton for guests to stay near, this bespoke oaken wedding barn is ideally situated with hotels nearby for guests to stay near. It also has some of the best views overlooking Cheshire’s countryside. You may also be familiar with the venue as it also featured on ‘Don’t Tell the Bride’!
Absolutely Flawless Hair and Make Up
I met up with the Emma and her bridal party in the morning who were all raring to go! the champagne was out and we everyone was in great spirit! The forecast was to rain all day, however this wouldn’t dampen anyones spirits this morning.
The great thing about Sandhole Oak Barn is that the layout is all practically under one roof with the accommodation being situated so close to the ceremony hall which is handy for wet weather days like today!
I met up with the wonderful Leanne and Emma from Absolutely Flawless Hair and Make Up who worked their magic on the bridal party in the morning. Sandhole Oak Barn has a lovely bridal preparation room which works really well for photographs. Emma then switched from gown to wedding dress ready make her entrance and walk the aisle in the rustic oak barn.
Rustic venue styling by Precious Things Event Styling
Into the ceremony room and Mark was looking slightly nervous. The barn had been beautifully dressed by the team at Precious Things Event Styling who had lined the rows of chiavari chairs with foliage and candles.
The guests had arrived and so Mark stood at the top of the aisle awaiting his bride to be. It was lovely to see Emma make her entrance through the barn door and into the aisle alongside her dad holding her bouquet in one hand and her father’s hand in the other. There were tears all around as Emma approached Mark at the top of the lodge, both having to wipe away their tears away from their eyes. Guests phones were out as photographs were snapped for instagram and facebook accounts ready to document the story of their day.
The nuptials for the day were performed in front of a a set of MR & MRS light up letters as Emma and Mark exchanged rings and vows. The service itself had a great balance of emotion and humour with all eyes on the married couple as the service concluded with the newlyweds kissing at the top of the aisle. Once the ceremony had ended our newly wedded couple were then congratulated by their closest family and friends in the gardens of Sandhole Oak Barn.
Relaxed, unposed photography
As a wedding venue, Sandhole Oak Barn stands out when it comes to photographic opportunities. The amount of room and space in the gardens outside a photographer to capture some relaxed, natural moments between newly married couples.
The venue overlooks a stunning lake which provided a special backdrop as I photographed Emma and Mark together. As I photograph couples I try to let things naturally play out in front of the camera and so, when my newlyweds are relaxed it’s this pure emotion which I try to capture. It’s raw moments like these which make a wedding day for me.
Top Table Catering; a lush, varied menu of delightful food
It was a lovely, intimate ceremony followed with a hand-in-hand processional where both newlyweds were covered in confetti! It was then out to the entrance where we took a couple of photographs with guests before exploring the gardens and lake. The fantastic team at Top Table events and catering looked after us and catered to the needs of the wedding party throughout the day, delivering a varied menu of lush canapés fresh from the kitchen to guests during the afternoon.
We were soon on to the speeches where Mark’s best man recalled some amazing anecdotes of stag do antics leaving Mark with his head planted firmly in is hands, much to the amusement of everybody at the top table. We were then on to the dance floor for the newlyweds to perform their first dance before everyone partied into the night to the tunes provided by the awesome Love Music Events,
Night-Lit Lake Photograph
Before leaving we headed outside for a night lit flash exposure photograph, lighting up Emma and Mark from behind. Here we ventured to the oak decking overlooking the lake and I placed my flash kit directly behind Emma and Mark to light them up!
I had a brilliant time photographing Emma and Mark’s wedding here at Sandhole Oak Barn. If you like my style of photography and are currently looking for a wedding photographer, please feel free to drop me a message.
Sandhole Oak Barn weddings photographed by Stephen McGowan. If you are getting married and looking for a natural wedding photographer then please get in touch to discuss more.
Supplier List
Dress: Alison Burgess Couture Dress by: Stella York
Make Up: Absolutely Flawless
Suits: Best Man - Stockport
Venue Dressing: Precious Things Events
Flowers: Precious Things Events
Cake: Buzzy Bee Bakery
Ceremony: Your Ceremony
Catering: Top Table
Videographer: Satin Pictures
Weddings at Sandhole Oak Barn
Sandhole Oak Barn is a rustic, light and airy wedding venue with a layout all under one roof, allowing the day to flow effortlessly from ceremony to wedding breakfast. This exclusive, idyllic wedding lodge boasts extensive views across the lake and the rolling Cheshire countryside. You can also enjoy a romantic outdoor wedding next to the lake under the Clock Tower.
Winter weddings are intimate affairs where you can experience the warmth of the mellow oak beams elegantly lit by the wrought iron chandeliers. Watch the sun set over the lake whilst enjoying your wedding breakfast, with the reassuring convenience of having your entire wedding under one roof.
ARE YOU GETTING MARRIED?
If you or someone close to you are getting married and want to have a chat regarding your day, why not drop me a message to chat about your wedding
Photography Information
Photographs were taken using a Canon 5D Mkiii camera, a Canon 6D camera and a selection of lenses (mainly the 24mm-70mm series ii 2.8L, 70-200 F4.0, a wide angle lens 17mm-40mm F4.0) and two Canon 600EX-RT flashes to maintain consistant exposure in light and dark conditions and also for night time flash photography for images with contrast. A Canon 100mm F2.8 macro lens was used for close up details for the wedding photography.