“Incredible photographer, amazing service, super professional and so much fun to have around! Goes above and beyond, catches every angle and both me and my new wife couldn’t recommend him enough!! Thank you David!”

I was so excited when Rachel and Antonio got in touch with me to photograph their wedding at Rivervale Barn. I first met them at Kayley and Callum’s Coltsford Mill wedding the year before. Antonio was the best best man - really friendly, helpful and making sure everything went smoothly for his friend - he’s a top guy. I’d also seen them quite a few times that year as thanks to Kayley and Callum (who it was also really great to see again - now with child) as I must have photographed the weddings of their entire group of friends, so by the time of the big day felt I knew them really well. As each of their friends weddings had been so so good in different ways, I was feeling the pressure to make sure I did as good a job for all of them!

Scorching outdoor ceremony in the spinney

Antonio is Portugese and the Algarve heat was definitely a welcome guest at their wedding. The ceremony was to be held outdoors in the jaw droppingly beautiful spinney, a ceremony space headed by a triangular shaped wooden structure and sat within the idyllic gardens and woodlands of Rivervale. The trees hanging over kept the guests cool while Rachel and Antonio tied the knot and made for the most magical light conditions to photograph in. I honestly felt like I was photographing a destination wedding in Portugal.

After they headed back up the aisle as the new ‘Mr and Mrs’ we headed through the private courtyard area as friends and family threw confetti, and back into the shade for drinks and canapés around the lake taking in the sights of the stunning gardens.

After the most amazing food, the hilarious speeches took place in a huge beamed space with high ceilings and a balcony. Like the rest of this venue it was a dream to photograph in with loads of space and natural light coming in through the windows running up the side of the room.

Portraits at Rivervale barn

I don’t really like the word ‘portrait’ to be honest as it makes me think of doing loads of formal posey photo’s which isn’t my style. I love to just give you 10-20 minutes together. Rivervale is perfect for this. Earlier in the day while we were around the water we snuck into the woods behind the lake where there is a cool little red bridge, but as it had been such a hot day in the evening Antonio and Rachel chased the sunset at the front of the barn and back while their guests carried on drinking around a waterfall in the courtyard… The calm before the storm.

Sunset first dance

I normally like to set up some lights for a first dance but unbelievably the sun set right through the barn door which lit the first dance perfectly. This was such a unique moment for their wedding and I knew this was the only way to capture it. I had such a great time with these two, and as I said I can’t wait to be back at Rivervale Barn.

Creative and story telling wedding photography

I absolutely loved being a Rivervale barn wedding photographer, so if you’re looking to get married at this unique, family owned venue then I’d love to hear from you.

While it was an absolute scorcher this time, it’s definitely the kind of venue that is perfect whatever the weather and there was so much I didn’t get to discover this time like the beautiful exposed wood indoor ceremony room and the fields opposite the front door. Anyway, for now, if you’re still reading…Thanks for reading!

Get in touch

Rivervale Barn, Mill Lane,

Yateley,

Hampshire,

GU46 7SS

01252 413232

@rivervalebarnweddings