Yesterday I joined NIna & Paul at Shustoke Farm Barns in Warwickshire, for their pre-wedding practice photography and for a nosey around this Cripps Kitchen venue.
The dramatic red brick, 18th-Century Barns are just east of Coleshill and about 20 minutes from the centres of Birmingham and Coventry.
They’ve only recently been beautifully restored, and serve as a fab new wedding venue that’s pretty much already booked out year round!
The high-ceilinged, oak-beamed North Threshing Barn is the main space for ceremonies and meals
Outside in the Fold Courtyard are 5 ancient olive trees and an open cow byre shed with a monster outside barbecue!
And here are Nina & Paul, rocking our first practice shoot location on the steps!
It was lovely to meet these two properly. Although originally Leeds-based, and sharing some mutual pals of mine, they now live over in toasty Perth, Australia.
Last weekend, they landed back in the UK a week ahead of their big day this Sunday.
I do like that they’re quite silly
😉
I love finding interesting colours and textures to shoot in front of, like this peely tealy door.
Then we took a little scout around the front of the barns, which lead to various crop fields
A bit of fun in the wheat!
There was also a fun little derelict shed that had a few spots of night light.
Essentially, these ‘pre-wed’ shoots are about scouting new venues to find spots for portraits on the big day and showing my upcoming couples how it feels to be papped!
Usually it’s a bit strange for them, but if they can relax into it, and have a bit of fun, the images end up looking fab.
Nina & Paul are great – lots of fun, clearly in love, and don’t take life too seriously – so I’m really looking forward to joining in the fun & games of the big day on Sunday!
