Winters Barns Rustic Canterbury Summer Wedding with Austin & Kelly

After second shooting and assisting at a number of weddings for other photographers around Kent and Sussex, I felt ready to do my own weddings. I decided to run a competition to drum up some interest and offer one couple free photography, and heavy discounts to the 4 other couples. Austin and Kelly sadly didn't win, but they did get a big discount on their wedding photography as a runner up.

Situated just off of the historic Stone Street near Canterbury, Winters Barns has a real rustic feel to it and is perfect for those wanting a bit of a barn type feel to their wedding - a bit of a trend at the moment! I'll admit I'm a big fan of venues like this as they have so much character, and there were lots of opportunities for photos around the venue of the couple and their guests.

I arrived for Kelly's bridal preparations in the morning, where she and her bridesmaids (and her daughter) were busy getting ready in the dedicated bridal suite. Kelly looked stunning in her long flowing strapless dress, and soon it was time to head to the ceremony which was being held outdoors in an area flanked by a wooden archway and part of an old stable block which served as the 'structure' to marry under.

Austin and Kelly's daughter led the way as the flowergirl before the bridesmaids and finally Kelly and her father. One of Austin's best men even offered some final words of advice and a hand on his shoulder as Kelly made her way down the aisle. After the ceremony the couple walked out to a barrage of confetti before a receiving line next to the wooden archway. There were a few group photos in the enclosed grounds under the shady of a tree before everyone made their way into the main barn for the wedding breakfast.

Hanging lanterns, fairy lights and hops adorned the wooden beams while the tables had been set out in a clean style as Austin and Kelly made their way in to the applause of their guests. The speeches were great fun as always, with one of the best men topping it all off with a live musical number on his guitar! As the sun was starting to get a bit lower I took the couple around the venue and grounds for some romantic photos of the two of them, including in front of the famous wooden doors and around the orchards.

Back inside the party was just beginning, with Austin and Kelly cutting the cake and making their way onto the dancefloor for their first dance before the DJ invited everyone else to join them. The photobooth was also in full swing and it wasn't long before everyone was having a great time! Just before I left I invited the couple back outside for a few creative night time photos under the wooden archway, which was beautifully lit up white fairy lights - a fitting end to a great day.

If you're planning your own wedding at Winters Barns, or anywhere in the southeast or beyond, head over to my wedding photography page for more details, or get in touch to check my availability for your date.