Cicely & Nathan
A classic autumn barn wedding in the heart of Staffordshire’s National Forest, with every flower made by the bride’s mum.
- Venue
- Hanbury Wedding Barn
- Location
- Hanbury, Staffordshire
- Season
- Autumn
- Flowers
- The bride’s mum
A classic barn wedding in the National Forest
Hanbury Wedding Barn is one of those venues that makes my job a pleasure. It sits in the National Forest, just outside Burton upon Trent in East Staffordshire: a group of beautifully restored red-brick barns with exposed oak beams, a lake, landscaped gardens and open fields all around. Cicely and Nathan’s wedding there was a genuinely lovely day to photograph.
What I loved most was how classic it all felt. Ivory and peach, sage green bridesmaids, navy suits, cross-back chairs and candlelight. Nothing was fighting for attention, and that gave the whole day a timeless look that will still feel right in thirty years.
Then there were the flowers. Every bouquet, buttonhole and centrepiece, the aisle arrangements and the big floral hoop behind the signing table were all made by Cicely’s mum. Peach garden roses, blush astilbe, gypsophila and eucalyptus, all through the venue. It’s a huge amount of work, and it showed in every corner of the day.
Getting ready
Hanbury’s bridal preparation suite is bright and roomy, with big mirrors and plenty of natural light, so the morning felt relaxed for everyone. Cicely and her bridesmaids got ready in matching blush pyjamas while Nathan and his groomsmen got sorted around the courtyard. Then came one of my favourite moments of the whole day: Cicely’s dad seeing her in her dress for the first time.
Mum’s flowers, everywhere
Before guests arrive I always take a quiet walk around the venue. Hanbury’s ceremony barn is beautiful when it’s empty: oak trusses overhead, skylights pouring soft light down the aisle and pale stone underfoot. With Cicely’s mum’s peach and coral flowers in place, it looked fantastic. In the wedding breakfast room, tables were set with gold-beaded chargers, little “love is sweet” favour jars and more of mum’s roses.
Saying it
Cicely walked in on her dad’s arm to a full barn. The light in that room is soft and even, so I could hang back and let the ceremony unfold without getting in anyone’s way. Nathan didn’t stop grinning. After signing the register under the floral hoop, they walked out into the red-brick courtyard and straight into a wall of confetti.
Portraits around the grounds
Hanbury gives you a lot to work with for portraits: brick archways, sunlit barn walls, the deck by the lake, and a big old oak out in the field that was just turning for autumn. We kept it relaxed, with a few short walks and lots of chatting, so they had plenty of time back with their guests.
Cake, dancing and sparklers
After the wedding breakfast came the cake, a first dance under the disco lights and sparklers out in the courtyard. As the light dropped, the courtyard and lodges lit up, and blue hour at Hanbury is something special.
Getting married at Hanbury Wedding Barn?
A few things worth knowing, and some photos to consider when you’re planning your day at Hanbury.
Visit Hanbury Wedding Barn- Where it is
- Parsons Brake Farm, Hanbury, near Burton upon Trent, East Staffordshire (DE13 8TN), in the National Forest. Around half an hour from Lichfield.
- The spaces
- A restored 18th-century red-brick barn with exposed oak beams for ceremonies, a separate wedding breakfast room, a courtyard, landscaped gardens, a lake with a raised deck, and a bridal preparation suite.
- Guest numbers
- Up to around 200 guests. Check the latest with the venue, as layouts and numbers can change.
- Good to know
- It’s exclusive use, with indoor and outdoor ceremony options. Ask the venue about their confetti rules before you buy any.
Photos worth planning for at Hanbury Wedding Barn
The ceremony barn
The skylights keep the aisle bright even on a grey day, so your walk in and first kiss look lovely whatever the weather. Have your celebrant step aside for the kiss so nothing blocks the view.
Brick walls and archways
There are lots of warm, textured spots right by the barns. Perfect if you want a few relaxed portraits without walking far from your guests.
The deck by the lake
A great place for photos with your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Pop it on your group list so nobody wanders off before we get there.
The field and the oak
Worth ten minutes later in the afternoon when the light softens. If you can, leave a gap in your timeline after the meal.
The courtyard at dusk
When the festoon lights come on, nip outside for five minutes. It’s one of the prettiest photos you’ll get all day.
The people who made the day
- Venue
- Hanbury Wedding Barn
- Flowers
- The bride’s mum
- Photography
- Rob, RE7 Photography
Planning your own wedding?
Tell me your date, your venue and a little about your plans, and I’ll let you know if I’m free.
No pressure. No obligation. Just a friendly conversation.