Becky and Brad’s summer wedding at The Barn at Willerby had a bit of everything. If you’re planning your day here and looking for a relaxed wedding photographer, this is a good place to start.
There was an emotional first look with Becky’s dad, a light-filled ceremony, confetti in the sunshine, incredible food, a bouncy castle, a rodeo bull, a packed dance floor and one of those mega East Yorkshire sunsets that turns up at exactly the right moment.
I’ve photographed at The Barn at Willerby before, so it was such a pleasure to be back. It’s a venue that works perfectly for the way I photograph weddings: natural moments, genuine reactions and plenty of space for everyone to relax and have a proper good time.
A Rustic Barn Wedding Venue Near Hull
The Barn at Willerby is a rustic-modern wedding venue on Willerby Hill, just outside Hull in East Yorkshire and close to Beverley. The old brickwork and timber exterior give it plenty of character, while the bright interiors, large windows and modern gardens keep the whole place feeling fresh.
Everything is in one place. Couples can get ready on site, marry in the Orchard View Ceremony Room, enjoy drinks in the gardens, move through to the barn for their wedding breakfast and stay for the evening party. There’s also on-site accommodation, including two pods and two boutique rooms, which is very handy once the band has finished and nobody wants to go far.
From a photography point of view, the venue gives you loads of variety without needing to disappear for ages. The courtyard, fountain, rustic barn walls, orchard, gardens and fields all offer different backdrops, and the open countryside is perfect when the evening light starts to drop.
A Relaxed Wedding Morning at The Barn at Willerby
Becky’s morning was calm, bright and full of those little moments that are always worth photographing. Her dress from Chloe Jane Bridalwear hung in the window while everyone got ready around her, with Paige Lauren Bridal Hair creating her polished waves and Ellie Burdall MUA finishing her makeup.
The soft green and white flowers from Golden Hour Florals Studio suited the venue beautifully, from Becky’s bouquet to the floral ceremony installation. Her elegant one-shoulder dress looked incredible and, with her Hugh Rice Jewellers rings and pointed ivory heels, every detail felt considered without looking overdone.
One of my favourite parts of the morning was Becky’s first look with her dad. His face when he saw her said everything, and their hug immediately afterwards was one of those honest, emotional moments that doesn’t need any direction from me.
A Light-Filled Ceremony in the Orchard View Room
The Orchard View Ceremony Room looked brilliant. The venue’s team had styled the aisle with white lanterns, soft greenery and a statement triangular backdrop covered in white flowers. The room’s big windows and contemporary chandeliers brought in loads of natural light while the exposed brick kept that recognisable barn feel.
Alastair Devine led the ceremony, balancing the emotion with plenty of laughter. Brad was waiting with his groomsmen in deep plum dinner jackets before Becky walked into the room with her dad and the flower girls.
After the vows and rings, Becky and Brad sealed it with a kiss before heading straight outside into a wall of confetti. It was the perfect start to the celebrations and exactly the sort of joyful, slightly chaotic moment I love capturing.
Garden Drinks, Confetti and Plenty of Space to Celebrate
The gardens at The Barn at Willerby are made for a summer drinks reception. Guests could spread out beneath the covered terrace and around the lawn while the children had loads of room to play. The courtyard and orchard gave us a few quick spots for group photographs and relaxed portraits without taking Becky and Brad away from their guests for long.
We used the fountain, the shaded trees and the barn’s textured exterior for their first set of couple portraits. Nothing stiff or over-posed—just a short wander, a few prompts and plenty of room for them to be themselves.
That’s one of the biggest advantages of choosing a photographer who already knows the venue. I know where the light falls at different points in the day and where we can get a completely different look in just a few minutes.
A Wedding Breakfast by Annika’s Apron
The wedding breakfast space was styled by The Barn at Willerby with fairy lights, soft draping, white flowers and sage-green details. The floral triangle from the ceremony was repurposed behind the top table, bringing the whole look together.
Annika’s Apron served the food, beginning with colourful canapés before bringing out generous sharing platters filled with grilled meat, vegetables and salads. It suited the atmosphere perfectly: beautifully presented, relaxed and designed for everyone at the table to get stuck in.
Then came the speeches. There were big laughs, brilliant reactions and a framed photo making an appearance that had the whole top table entertained. These are always some of my favourite parts of a wedding because almost everything happens naturally—you just need to be ready for it.
A Bouncy Castle and Rodeo Bull at a Wedding? Absolutely.
Becky and Brad had already packed plenty into the day, but J Bouncetastic took the afternoon to another level with a white wedding bouncy castle and a rodeo bull.
The bouncy castle was a massive hit with the children—and quite a few adults—while the rodeo bull brought out everyone’s competitive side. Brad climbed on in his waistcoat, guests queued for their turn and one very happy flower girl looked completely at home in the saddle.
Entertainment like this is great for photographs because it gives people something to do and instantly creates real reactions. Nobody needs to be told to laugh when their friend is trying to stay on a mechanical bull.
Golden-Hour Wedding Photos at The Barn at Willerby
Towards the end of the evening, the light completely changed and we were treated to a mega sunset over the fields. Becky and Brad stepped outside with the children for a few family photographs before we took a short walk along the fence line.
The Barn at Willerby is particularly good for golden-hour portraits because the fields are only a few steps from the party. We could make the most of the warm backlight, long grass and open sky, then have the couple back with their guests within minutes.
Those sunset photographs ended up being some of my favourites from the day. They feel warm, quiet and completely different from the energy of the ceremony and dance floor—an ideal little pause before the evening properly kicked off.
A Live Band and a Full Dance Floor
Back inside, Becky and Brad cut their cake and shared their first dance before Turn Up The Sun took over. A live band always changes the atmosphere in the room, and these lot had the dance floor moving straight away.
Between the band, the rodeo bull, the children dancing and a bouquet toss in the garden, there was something happening everywhere. That’s exactly what made the day so much fun to photograph. It never felt like a schedule of wedding traditions; it felt like Becky and Brad had created a day that was completely theirs.
The Barn at Willerby Wedding Photography
Becky and Brad’s wedding was full of personality from beginning to end. The emotional bits were genuinely emotional, the party was properly fun and the sunset delivered in a big way.
The Barn at Willerby is a fantastic choice for couples who want the character of an East Yorkshire barn wedding without losing the light, comfort and flexibility of a modern venue. The ceremony room photographs beautifully, the gardens give guests room to relax and there are plenty of portrait locations without spending ages away from the celebration.
Becky and Brad, thank you for asking me to capture it all. It was an absolute pleasure to be back at The Barn at Willerby.
If you’re planning your own wedding here and are looking for relaxed wedding photography at The Barn at Willerby that captures the real moments naturally, get in touch. I’d love to hear what you’ve got planned.
