Weddings in Coleshill
Laura & James' Shustoke Barn Wedding
Each and every wedding tells a unique story, James and Laura’s day was one filled with heartfelt emotion, and complete joy from beginning to end. The couples wedding was held at the beautiful wedding venue Shustoke Barn in Coleshill on a surprisingly sunny spring day, Laura & James’ wedding was a picture-perfect celebration of love, friendship, and family. What was originally forecast as a cloudy, overcast day quickly transformed into one bathed in warm spring light almost as if the season had held off just for their special wedding day, we did have a few chilly moments when the sun hid behind the clouds.
Nestled in the Warwickshire countryside, Shustoke Barn is an incredible venue with rustic red brick walls, soaring oak beams, and plenty of character. Its peaceful grounds and thoughtfully designed spaces made it an absolute dream for photography, providing both sweeping views and quiet corners perfect for capturing those intimate moments that mean so much to my couples.
A Calm Start
The day’s photography began at Laura’s family home, her parents’ house filled with bridesmaids, and family in every room getting ready and building the excitement for the day. This part is always one of my favorite parts of a wedding, the calm and sometimes excited chaos before the day truly gets started When I arrived, Laura was surrounded by her bridesmaids and family, with the scent of hairspray in the air, soft music playing in the background, and a few butterflies fluttering around in her stomach. And I quickly spotted the amazing glass mugs everyone had with their names on and their role on filled with tea, and then refilled!
Laura was feeling a little nervous, as many brides do, but there was also an unmistakable glow of happiness and anticipation of her pending vows. From the outset, she had made it clear that she wanted her photos to be as natural and in-the-moment as possible nothing over posed, just real emotion, real laughter, and genuine moments, my speciality. That kind of brief always makes my heart sing as a photographer, because it allows the day to unfold organically, with space for authentic memories to be captured, and many unseen photos too.
We chatted a little about the plan for the day ahead, while her bridesmaids helped with the finishing touches, dresses hanging in the windows, bouquets arriving, and makeup brushes sweeping over cheeks. These are the quiet yet deeply meaningful moments that make up the soul of a wedding day.
From the outset, she made it clear that she wanted the photography to be as natural and unobtrusive as possible. The couple’s vision was to have the day documented authentically capturing those real, unscripted moments that tell the true story of a wedding day and moments they might miss. This is my preferred style, a full natural documentary styling. I find it allows emotions, personalities, and relationships to shine through in a genuine and heartfelt way.
Meanwhile, at the barn...
After spending some time capturing those early moments with Laura, I made my way over to Shustoke Barn to meet up with James and his groomsmen. The contrast in energy was brilliant, still fairly calm, but filled with light-hearted banter and excitement with a beer in hand.
James made an entrance worthy of the occasion, arriving in a sleek blue McLaren with his best man. The two of them were already outside, welcoming guests and enjoying the buzz as friends and family arrived. I couldn’t resist taking a few candid shots of them by the car and then quickly gathered the groomsmen for a few relaxed portraits outside the barn. The weather was just perfect by this point bright but not beaming sunlight, ideal for capturing those crisp pre-ceremony moments.
The Bride Arrival
Laura arrived in an absolute classic beautifully restored vintage car, sitting beside her father, both of them glowing with pride and emotion. There’s something timeless about a bride arriving in a classic car; it’s like stepping into a moment suspended in time. I managed to capture a few frames of Laura in the back seat, the light catching the lace of her dress, before her father stepped out and helped her down, the two sharing a quiet smile before walking toward the ceremony space.
The Ceremony
The ceremony itself took place inside Shustoke Barn’s stunning central hall, with its tall, vaulted ceilings and rustic charm. As guests took their seats, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. James stood at the front, composed and smiling, but with that unmistakable flicker of nerves and excitement that every groom feels in the moments before he sees his bride.
And then, Laura entered. The way James looked at her as she walked down the aisle said it all. It was a moment filled with pure connection, the kind that gives you goosebumps even if you’ve witnessed hundreds of weddings before.
The ceremony was beautiful, simple, sincere, and full of emotion. Vows were exchanged, tears were wiped away, and when they were finally pronounced husband and wife, the entire room erupted in joy.
Confetti, Laughter, and Portraits
After the ceremony, guests spilled out into the courtyard where baskets of confetti awaited. Laura and James emerged to a shower of petals and cheers. Walking hand in hand through a sea of colour and celebration. It’s always one of the most joyful parts of the day, and this was no exception everyone’s faces lit up, and the air was buzzing with happiness.
We followed the confetti with a few relaxed group photos in the courtyard. Making sure to include family and friends in a way that felt natural and easy. Once those were wrapped up, I whisked the couple away for some portraits around the venue.
Shustoke Barn has so many charming areas, rustic archways, warm brick walls, and fields just beyond the barn. We wandered around the grounds, taking our time and letting Laura and James enjoy a quiet moment together amid the whirlwind of the day. The spring light was soft and golden, casting the perfect glow for their couple photos. These are often some of the most meaningful images, not just because of the scenery, but because they reflect a couple really soaking in the moment.
Speeches from the Heart
As guests sat down for the wedding breakfast, Laura’s father stood to give a short but incredibly touching speech. There was laughter, a few tears, and a lot of proud smiles. His words reflected not only his love for Laura but his admiration for James and the joy he felt seeing his daughter so happy.
Later in the evening, James and his best man took the floor. Both speeches were heartfelt and full of good humor, beautifully balanced, touching on memories, love, and the friendships that supported them both over the years. It was clear from every word and every glance that this was a wedding surrounded by deep bonds and genuine connections.
Cake Cutting, and First Dance
As the sun began to dip and the golden hour cast its magic, we sneaked away for a few more portraits. These quieter evening moments are always some of my favorites when the day slows down just enough for the couple to take a breath and reflect. The light was perfect, and the photos we captured during that time glowed with warmth and intimacy.
Back inside, it was time for the cake cutting as always a fun and lighthearted moment. The cake was beautiful and simple, and the couple shared smiles and laughter as they made the first slice.
Then came the first dance, set to “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story—a song that was not only playful and sweet but felt perfectly matched to their personalities and their relationship. As the melody filled the barn, Laura and James swayed together, completely in the moment, surrounded by the people who love them most.
A Dance Floor to Remember
Once the music kicked in properly, the dance floor filled up fast and stayed full for the rest of the night! From kids twirling in their party shoes to grandparents pulling off moves that had everyone cheering, the atmosphere was electric.
One of the best parts of this wedding was how everyone joined in the celebration. There was no standing on the sidelines, just joy, movement, and music flowing through the barn until late into the evening. I’m not sure if James actually left the dance floor from the moment the DJ started.
A Wedding to Remember
Looking back on James and Laura’s wedding, what stands out most is the feeling of the day. It wasn’t just beautiful to look at though it absolutely was, it was warm, joyful, and full of heart. Every part of it felt true to them as a couple. From the natural, candid photos Laura dreamed of to the laughter-filled dance floor, their day was a true celebration of love and life.
As a photographer, it’s always a privilege to be trusted with capturing a couple’s most cherished moments. With James and Laura, that privilege felt even more special because of the way they embraced the day, stayed present with each other, and surrounded themselves with so much love.
Congratulations to this wonderful couple and here’s to a lifetime full of laughter, adventure, and Toy Story soundtracks.
