Buddy in a suit. One of the biggest confetti lines I’ve photographed in ages. An absolute banging sunset and a dance floor that just did not empty. Izzy and Joe’s East Yorkshire barn wedding was full of laughs from start to finish.
It felt bloody good to be back at Riverlands, one of my favourite local venues. I’m a recommended photography supplier there, and days like this are exactly why I love going back. Loads happening, good people getting stuck in and plenty for me to photograph.
And yes, there were pizzas. I’d been waiting a whole year for another slice. More on that in a minute.
Getting ready, with the good stuff in the details
Izzy wore an off-the-shoulder dress by KYHA Bride, with a veil from Elite Bridal UK and shoes from Steve Madden. The blue heels are one of those little details I’m glad made it into the photographs.
Chrys Chapman looked after her makeup, with hair by Alice Hare Hairdressing. There were plenty of laughs while everyone got ready, and I photographed the people around Izzy as well as the finishing touches.
Her earrings came from Beaverbrooks, which also supplied Joe’s wedding ring. Izzy’s ring was from Goldsmiths. Joe’s suit and shoes were by Charles Tyrwhitt: a navy jacket, light trousers and a proper big grin in the photographs with his groomsmen.
Buddy had a very important job
The ceremony took place inside the brick barn, with flowers by The Orange Grove in Hessle. White flowers, the old brickwork and everyone gathered around the fireplace made a lovely setting for this part of the day.
But we need to talk about Buddy. Ring bearer, suited up and looking ridiculously cute. He joined Izzy and Joe for the walk back down the aisle too, which is one of my favourite photographs from their ceremony.
If you’re including your dog in your barn wedding, tell your photographer beforehand so they can look out for those moments. Buddy wasn’t just a quick portrait on the side; he was right there in the middle of it. Quite right too.
A confetti line that meant business
Outside, we had one of the biggest confetti lines I’ve seen in a long time. Guests either side, Izzy and Joe walking through the middle and confetti absolutely everywhere. Such a good part of the day to photograph.
This is why I like leaving space for the reactions as well as the big entrance. There’s the confetti photograph itself, then the laughing afterwards, guests catching up and Buddy getting some more attention. Those bits belong in the gallery too.
We also made time for portraits around the barns and gates. The black timber, brick walls and green vintage car gave us a few different backdrops, while keeping the photographs tied to the place where they were celebrating.
Good food. And the pizza I’d waited a year for.
Blue’s Catering supplied the catering, and Cakes by Leni made the wedding cake. There were canapés, people chatting with a drink, speeches in the timber barn and the cake cutting beside the wooden barrel. Plenty of moments between the formal bits.
Then there were the pizzas from Riverlands. Banging. I’d genuinely been waiting a whole year to get my hands on another slice, so I was very happy to see those come out. 😂
For me, the food and the people enjoying it are part of the story. A wedding gallery should have room for everyone having a good time, whether they’re in the middle of a speech or getting stuck into something delicious.
Then that sunset turned up
We ended up with an absolute belter of a sunset. The fields had that warm evening light, and I took Izzy and Joe out for some more photographs before we headed back to the party.
These are some of my favourites from the day: a wander together, Izzy looking back at Joe and a little twirl in the crops. The light did a lot of the work. They just got on with enjoying themselves.
If you’re planning a barn wedding and want sunset photographs, keep a little flexibility in your timings. We can’t order that light in advance, but if it turns up, it’s worth being ready to nip outside. Izzy and Joe’s photographs are a pretty good argument for it.
A dance floor that never really stopped
And then, the party. Amplifi had the dance floor absolutely packed from the first dance right through to the end. I don’t think there was a point all night when people weren’t dancing. Including me!
There’s so much energy in these photographs. People singing, arms in the air and everyone properly getting on it. Exactly the sort of evening where I keep finding another moment to photograph.
Izzy and Joe, thanks again for having me along. Buddy, the confetti, that sunset, the pizza and what a dance floor. What a day it was! Photographs by me, Dan at Dandrew Photography.
If you’d like a closer look at the setting, my Riverlands Wedding Barn guide brings together more photographs and real wedding stories from the venue.
A few useful questions
Where was Izzy and Joe’s barn wedding?
They celebrated at Riverlands in East Yorkshire. You can find more photographs and information in my Riverlands venue guide.
Did their dog take part in the ceremony?
Yes! Buddy was their ring bearer and wore a little suit. He also joined Izzy and Joe as they walked back down the aisle. Check arrangements with your own venue and the person conducting your ceremony if you’d like your dog involved.
Can we have sunset photographs at our barn wedding?
If the weather and light play along, absolutely. Keep a little flexibility in the evening so we can step outside when the light is good, then head back to your guests. Sunset isn’t something I can promise, but we can make the most of it when it happens.
Can you photograph the party as well as the portraits?
Definitely. The dance floor is part of your day too. Have a look at Izzy and Joe’s party photographs and my coverage options for the practical details.
Planning a barn wedding of your own?
If you want photographs of the laughs, your people and whatever happens on the dance floor, tell me what you’ve got planned. I’d love to hear it.
Tell me about your day →