Foxtail Barns // Rachel & Alan

Foxtail Barns in Staffordshire is a stunning wedding venue and the chosen location for Rachel & Alan.

Describe your wedding in three words

Amazing, fun, dancing

Why you chose the date of wedding (did it have any meaning?)

We wanted a Friday/Saturday in 2022 and it was one of the last remaining dates at Foxtail Barns.

Anything about how you met/proposal story

Alan proposed on a walk in Cumbria during the lockdown Christmas period in 2020. He caught me completely off-guard, if I’d have had an inkling, I’d have put some make-up on and washed my hair for the occasion! It was a lovely private moment, very us.

Your inspiration/style/aspirations for the day

We just wanted a big celebration of our love with all of our family and friends, which is exactly what it was.

Memorable/emotional/funny moment on the day

Memorable – one of my oldest school friend’s delivery of our chosen reading (Love Is Friendship Set On Fire by Laura Hendricks) during our ceremony. She was amazing.
Funny – when the florist thought one of the bridesmaids was the bride before we were in our dresses, and wished her an amazing day!

How did you discover me and why you chose me to photograph the day

We found you on Instagram by chance. We loved your relaxed and natural photo style and after our pre-booking video call where you were so warm and friendly, we knew you would put us at ease on the day.

Wedding song?

Aisle song – ‘Feels Like This’ by Maisie Peters First dance – ‘You Make It Real’ by James Morrison

Any advice for couples planning their wedding?

Have a practice of your first dance, even if it’s just a little shuffle and twirl around your living room – we didn’t do this and we were all over the place at the beginning of ours!

Are you going on a honeymoon?

We went on mini-moon to Tenerife straight after the wedding (it was our first holiday destination together back in 2016) and have booked to go to New York in May, we can’t wait.

Anything else….

Thanks again for being so lovely and easy-going on the day and for providing us with such beautiful photo memories to last a lifetime x

FOXTAIL BARNS
Everything at Foxtail Barns has been designed with the perfect wedding day in mind. A long drive curves past acres of woodland, manicured gardens and winding pathways. The venue itself is made up of two distinct areas. A red brick ceremony space with oak beams and huge glass windows lining one wall and then a more modern and contemporary barn with an industrial feel which is perfect for the evening party!

Romantic wedding ceremonies at Foxtail Barns

Foxtail Barns is a purpose built, all in one wedding venue. Couples can get ready on site, have their ceremony and go straight into the wedding reception, all without leaving the venue or having to do any travelling.

There’s a private dressing room within the Barn itself and Wedding Pods just a short walk away. Both are great for morning preparations. The Pods are part of the Tawny Hotel, a luxurious hotel. Foxtail Barns sits within the hotel’s 70 acres of grounds meaning there is plenty of nearby accommodation for wedding guests. I stayed at the Tawny Hotel myself recently and it was an incredible experience. I highly recommend it! It’s the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, or wedding night accommodation.

Back at Foxtail Barns, ceremonies take place inside the romantic red brick Orangery. It’s a beautiful space with a glass ceiling and huge glass windows offering views out to the Walled Garden. You get the best of both worlds, the feeling of an outdoor ceremony without the worries of rain changing your plans!

Walled garden weddings

I adore the outside areas at Foxtail Barns. Original 18th century red brick walls surround lush grassy areas. Lots of couples make great use of the gardens and set up lawn games and activities which of course make for fantastic photo opportunities, there’s always something going on. I often find myself hanging around a group of guests playing Giant Jenga, just waiting for the moment that the tower topples!

The Walled Gardens make a lovely backdrop to wedding portraits but couples also get the chance to head outside into the estate where there are endless places to take some fab pictures. Just a short walk from the Barns you’ll find small stone bridges, quirky archways, five (!!) lakes and all kinds of other nooks and crannies. I don’t think I’ll ever get bored taking pictures there!

REVIEW
“We stumbled across Jess’ Instagram profile when searching for a photographer to capture our autumn wedding at Foxtail Barns. We loved the natural, unposed, relaxed style of Jess’ photos.
We’d already had calls with two other photographers before we met Jess, but as soon as we’d hung up from our first video call with her (and as two people very awkward behind a camera), we knew she was going to be the one to put us at ease on the day.
The weather was hit-and-miss on our wedding day, but it honestly didn’t matter at all. Jess took us off for our outdoor portraits straight after the ceremony whilst it was dry and we’re so glad we did as she managed to get some beautiful shots before the late afternoon rain set in. Then she left us to mingle with our guests and enjoy the day whilst discreetly capturing special moments, so talented!
We were so happy with the full set – beautiful photo memories to last a lifetime, thank you Jess… Rachel & Alan xxx”