Grab an iced coffee and settle in as today I’m sharing Toby and Josh’s heatwave wedding at the Barn at Brookend Green Farm. What with planning my own wedding and relocating half way up the country, I haven’t got round to blogging some of my favourite 2023 weddings! I’m super excited to dig in to some, starting with this lovely day.
The Barn at Brookend Green Farm wedding venue
The Barn at Brookend Green Farm is a hidden gem of a wedding venue on the borders of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. It boasts an 18th-century tythe barn, a charming hay barn, and a peaceful lake. Talk about versatility! You can exchange vows in the barn, opt for an al fresco ceremony by the lake, or throw in a stretch tent for your wedding breakfast.
Laidback wedding ceremony in the hay barn
Despite the original lakeside ceremony plan, the hay barn became our cool haven. Having different location options at a venue is invaluable, especially when it comes to weather! The barn exuded a laidback, welcoming vibe, and the religious festival ceremony was super touching and personal.
Post the ‘I do’s’ and confetti, an iced coffee truck awaited guests outside – a first for me, and a brilliant idea on a scorching day. Lawn games, hay bale seating, acoustic tunes – it was all about chill vibes for the rest of the afternoon.
A Rustic wedding breakfast in the tythe barn
The Barn at Brookend Green is a super beautiful venue if you’re looking for a rustic dream. The tythe barn was adorned with fairy lights, disco ball and a long L shaped table for the wedding reception.
Toby and Josh kept the tables modern and simple with sage runners and natural florals to compliment the rustic feel of the farm. They’d made so much, including the place settings, seating plan and table numbers.
Barn at Brookend Green wedding portraits at sunset
The heat was so intense we did quick group shots in the shade, and saved wedding portraits until the sun started to set behind the tythe barn. We took a relaxed stroll down to the lake, which I think we all could have dived into by this point! After, we quickly managed to catch a stunning golden hour on the other side of the barn.
Speeches after dark on the lawn
As temperatures soared, the wedding party brought their chairs outside for speeches – a genius move I’d never witnessed before. Everyone grabbed a dessert and then gathered around the main doors to listen to the speeches. Timings had shifted a lot, and before I knew it, the sun had gone down and I was shooting the final speeches in the dark. When you’re not too wedded to a strict plan, you allow the magic to unfold naturally. Because, let’s face it, stuff doesn’t always go according to the script. The unexpected moments often turn out to be the most memorable and delightful surprises. The speeches outside are some of the favourites I’ve ever captured and they’ll certainly stick in my mind as something special.
As speeches ended, the band was all set to bring the party vibes and get everyone going on the dancefloor. To everyone’s surprise, Toby got up with the band and sang the first dance, before joining Josh on the dancefloor. The barn doors were left open allowing in the cool summer evening and guests danced the night away, took polaroids and nibbled on the cheese boards Toby & Josh had done themselves.
Over the course of their wedding planning, I really feel like I got to know Toby and Josh, so this wedding was really special. With the day having a few last minute changes, it’ll definitely go down as one of my most unique and touching.
Barn at Brookend Green wedding photographer
If this feels like the perfect rustic day and you’re looking for a Barn at Brookend Green wedding photographer, get in touch. I’d love to go back!
