Come with us to a styled shoot: Stokes Farm Barn

Earlier this year, in May, we gathered in a smaller-than-usual team for a styled shoot that felt more like a quietly perfect wedding day than a typical multi‑supplier showcase. The brief came from Imogen, our makeup artist and concept lead, who wanted the story to be about the couple and the venue first - simple, elegant, and thoughtfully composed. What followed was a day of timeless photos, and an atmosphere that let the romance do the talking. Read on to see our behind the scenes photos and videos, hear all about the gorgeous team, and to see the final photos that blew our minds when they landed in our inbox!! This is your ultimate relaxed, barn wedding vibe inspiration.

A venue that needs little embellishment

We chose Stokes Farm Barn as our setting, a rustic yet refined barn venue in Berkshire. Its set up makes it a place where couples can flow from getting ready to ceremony to celebration without moving around, and with a very personal feel, it was the perfect canvas for Imogen’s approach.

Because of the beauty of the venue, our shoot leaned into what was already there, rather than layering in lots of different setups or props. This let the wedding dresses move freely, the bouquet work shine, and the couple’s connection become the focal point.

A clear concept, one strong look, two dresses

The bride started in a soft, romantic gown with sweeping sleeves and a gentle, flowing silk chiffon skirt - captured beautifully in the intimate indoor portrait and in the open green spaces outside. Later, she changes into a more fitted, sleek dress, giving the story a second chapter: still elegant, but with a modern, minimalist silhouette that complements the relaxed countryside setting. The two gowns in the shoot are both by British designer Sassi Holford, which adds a quietly luxurious through‑line to the story. Whilst they offer varying styles, together they showcase the range Sassi Holford is known for: impeccable cut, elegant lines, and wearable couture crafted in England.

The dream team

Here’s the talented group that brought the vision to life:

• MUA & concept: @imogensandymua

  Imogen brought both the creative direction and the polished, natural makeup that reads beautifully in photos. She’s a Berkshire‑based professional specialising in bridal and photoshoot makeup, so leading a shoot like this sits perfectly within her expertise.

• Dress: @yourstorybridal

  We chose two beautiful Sassi Holford dresses for this shoot. The simplicity of both of them works so well with the beautiful backdrop, and they make the perfect blank canvas for the work of the other suppliers to shine, as well as making a dramatic impact with the striking cuts, silhouettes and fabrics.

• Venue: @stokesfarmbarn

  A family‑run venue that supports couples with exclusive use, and everything from ceremony to catering handled in house.

• Photographer: @hannah.amy.photography

  Hannah’s photographic style is authentic and romantic - exactly what this shoot needed. Her portfolio emphasises emotional storytelling, capturing real moments more than staged setups.

• Flowers: @micklemsfarmflowers

  Florals from a local smallholding, grown and curated in Berkshire. This gave the bouquet and arrangements a handcrafted, seasonal feel that echoed the venue’s countryside setting.

• Hair: @bridalbyreiah

  Soft, romantic hair looks that balanced the wedding dresses - neatly styled for indoors, free and flowing outdoors, exactly what the imagery needed as the bride moved through the venue and fields.

• Rings: @fableandfabledjewellery

  A bespoke jewellery maker based in Berkshire, Emily’s work focuses on one‑of‑a‑kind commissions, which felt perfect for the custom and intimate tone of this shoot.

• Models:

  @elfaycoleman as the bride, and @michael_lewis97 as her partner. Their chemistry and ease in front of the camera made everyone’s lives so easy!

Bringing this day together felt like such a pleasure, and working with such an incredibly talented team o ladies always fill my cup and makes me so proud to work in this fantastic female led industry. We all had so much fun together too, take a look at our behind-the-scenes pictures and videos.

When the model looks so beautiful as a 'bride' the 'groom' sheds a tear!

This day at Stokes Farm Barn was a quiet, perfect marriage of venue, couple, and creative purpose and felt like one of our most successful (and enjoyable!) shoots to date.