In Mid-July, I had the privilege of photographing a stunning wedding at Upton Barn and Walled Garden in Devon. This award-winning venue is a photographer’s dream, with its picturesque landscape and thoughtfully designed spaces. There is so much to love about this venue, so let’s get right to it…
The Venue: Upton Barn and Walled Garden
Upton Barn and Walled Garden is truly a gem in the heart of Devon. The venue is nestled within the rolling hills, offering breathtaking views of the Blackdown Hills, which provide a perfect backdrop for wedding photography. The Walled Garden, with its lavender-lined aisle and handcrafted glazed oak arbour, set the stage for the outdoor ceremony. It’s easy to see why this place is so highly regarded across the South West. It’s a wedding photographer’s dream come true.
One of the standout features of Upton Barn is its carefully designed prep areas. Both the bride and groom had dedicated spaces to get ready, and these rooms were just perfect for photography. The bridal prep area was in a building called “The Paddock”. This is a natural light-filled building, with large windows offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Every corner of the room was photo-worthy, providing countless opportunities to capture those special moments before the ceremony. The groom’s prep area was equally impressive, offering a relaxed yet stylish setting that made for some fantastic shots.
These spaces are perfect for couples who want to start their wedding day in a spa-like atmosphere. With glamourous stations for hair and makeup, comfortable sofas, and a few glasses of fizz, it was a relaxing start to the day for the bridal party. The views from the Paddock were simply stunning, giving the whole experience a serene and secluded feel, despite being just minutes away from the main venue.
The Gear: Precision and Power to make my photos stand out
For this wedding, I relied on two Sony A7IV cameras, which have become my go-to choice for weddings. The A7IV’s full-frame sensor and incredible autofocus system ensure that I never miss a moment, even in fast-paced environments like weddings. To cover a range of shots, I used a Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for wide-angle shots and a Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 V2 lens for more detailed and intimate moments. For those close-up, emotive portraits, I brought out my Sony 85mm f/1.4 lens, which delivered beautifully crisp and shallow depth-of-field images.
Lighting was key in this setting, and I used a combination of Godox V1 speedlights on the cameras, which worked in sync with two Godox AD200s and a powerful Godox AD600 Pro. The AD600 Pro, in particular, was a lifesaver during the bride and groom shots, adding just the right amount of fill light to enhance the natural beauty of the couple and their surroundings.
I wasn’t alone on this shoot; my son, William, joined me as a second photographer. He was a tremendous help, especially during the groom prep shots, and was instrumental in holding the lighting equipment during the bride and groom session. I’d also like to give a shout-out to Owen, the videographer for the day. We worked together seamlessly, and I’m hoping our paths cross again on another project.
The Day: From Sunshine to Showers
The day itself was a blend of sunshine and showers—a typical British summer wedding! The outdoor ceremony started under a clear sky, with the couple exchanging vows in the Walled Garden. However, as the ceremony progressed, the heavens decided to open, and we had to move indoors to finish the ceremony. Fortunately, Upton Barn is well-equipped for such events, and the transition from outdoors to indoors was smooth and seamless. I was able to capture both settings, giving the wedding gallery a unique mix of outdoor and indoor ceremony shots.
The reception was held in the Stable Barn, a spacious and beautifully decorated room that can accommodate up to 150 guests. The room has a charming, rustic feel, but with a few tweaks to the lighting, I was able to achieve the light and airy style that my clients love. The Stable Barn also boasts large windows that overlook the paddocks, adding a touch of the Devon countryside to the indoor space.
Formal Shots: The Walled Garden as a Backdrop
When it came time for the formal shots, we headed back to the Walled Garden. With its neatly trimmed hedges and vibrant blooms, it provided the perfect backdrop for these photos. I used the Godox AD600 Pro to add just the right amount of fill light, which helped to highlight the natural colours of the garden and the couple’s attire. The result was a series of stunning images that captured the essence of the day- elegant, romantic, and timeless.
One of the highlights of the day was taking the bride and groom off for their portraits around the grounds. Upton Barn’s extensive grounds offer a variety of settings for photos, but the area around the lake was particularly special. The calm water and lush greenery created a peaceful and intimate atmosphere, perfect for capturing those tender moments between the couple. The 85mm f/1.4 lens was particularly useful here, allowing me to create beautifully soft backgrounds that made the couple stand out even more.
Wrapping Up: Cake Cutting and First Dance
As the day turned into evening, we moved indoors for the cake cutting and first dance. The couple had chosen a travel-themed wedding cake, which was displayed near the entrance to the main building. The lighting in the room was warm and inviting, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. For the first dance, the couple chose a romantic song that had everyone on the dance floor swaying along. The Godox AD200s and V1 speedlights helped me capture the action without being intrusive, ensuring that I could get those candid shots that really tell the story of the day.
In conclusion, photographing this wedding at Upton Barn and Walled Garden was a truly enjoyable experience. The venue’s beautiful setting, combined with the thoughtful design of its spaces, made it an ideal location for wedding photography. The couple, their families, and the entire wedding party were a joy to work with, and I’m thrilled with the results. I look forward to returning to Upton Barn in the future – this is a venue that offers endless possibilities for capturing the magic of a wedding day.
So, to all future brides out there, if you’re looking for a wedding venue that combines natural beauty with carefully curated spaces, Upton Barn should be high on your list. And if you need someone to capture your special day, I’d love to be part of it!
