Every now and then, I get to photograph a wedding that’s packed with unique moments, heartfelt touches, and unforgettable energy. Carmen & Andrew’s wedding on 12th July 2024 at Over Barn, Gloucestershire was one of those special days. From a beautiful church ceremony to fun-filled courtyard singing and rustic couple photos, this day had it all!

A Warm Welsh Welcome

As soon as I arrived, I felt right at home. Carmen’s strong Welsh roots, with her dad hailing from Llanelli, made for a familiar and welcoming atmosphere. Surrounded by plenty of Welshies, it felt like a little piece of Wales in Gloucestershire!

The day began with a lovely ceremony in the beautiful Mitcheldean Church, set in the heart of a charming village. The service included plenty of hymns, giving everyone a chance to show off their singing voices and add a heartfelt, communal feel to the ceremony. The confetti shot as the couple exited the church grounds was one of full of energy with guests lining the church path to shower Carmen and Andrew in petals.

Courtyard Magic at Over Barn

The reception at Over Barn blended rustic charm with unforgettable moments. The venue’s barn doors, farm machinery, and countryside views made it a dream location for photography, and Carmen and Andrew’s humour and energy brought it to life.

One standout moment was during the pre-dinner courtyard entertainment, featuring the talented George Simpson, who serenaded guests with “Somebody to Love.” The groomsmen joined in with their impromptu barbershop quartet-style performance, while Carmen and Andrew shared a romantic dance in the center of the courtyard. It was one of those moments that felt straight out of a RomCom!

Speeches Full of Surprises

The speeches were a highlight of the day, filled with laughter and surprises. The bridesmaids had a little trick up their sleeves, pulling out masks of Andrew’s face that they’d used on the hen do—causing a few extra laughs during the speeches.

The best man’s speech ended with a personal twist, as he picked up a guitar and sang a song dedicated to Andrew. It was funny, heartfelt, and had everyone clapping along. Moments like these really make a wedding stand out.

Capturing Rustic Charm

Despite the busy wedding day schedule, Carmen and Andrew made time for some couple photos around the Over Barn grounds. The rustic setting, with its weathered barn doors and old farming machinery, made for the perfect backdrop. Even with all the excitement of the day, the couple stayed relaxed and natural in front of the camera, creating beautiful and timeless images, some of my favourites!

A Few Highlights from Carmen & Andrew’s Day

• The Venue: The stunning Over Barn in Gloucestershire near the Forest of Dean, with its rustic charm and beautiful countryside views.

• Welsh Roots: Carmen’s strong connection to Wales brought a familiar and warm atmosphere to the celebration.

• Courtyard Serenade: George Simpson’s courtyard performance of “Somebody to Love,” featuring groomsmen singing and the couple dancing.

• Fun Speeches: The bridesmaids’ Andrew masks and the best man’s guitar performance.

• Rustic Couple Photos: Beautiful images captured around the Over Barn grounds, including the big barn doors and old school farming machinery.

A Lovely Review from Carmen & Andrew

“From a couple that are very awkward when having photos taken, we can't recommend Bob highly enough. He put our nerves at ease to achieve photos that we love! He even managed to separate, my now husband from his sunglasses, which is normally a difficult task. All of our requests were fully met and during the day of the wedding it didn't feel like we were being dragged from pillar to post having photos done, yet the several hundred photos shared were truly fantastic. If you are looking for a laid back but professional photographer then Bob is your man!”

Get in Touch

Carmen & Andrew’s wedding at Over Barn was an incredible day filled with laughter, love, and memorable moments. It was a true pleasure to capture their story in such a stunning setting.

If you’re planning a Forest of Dean wedding or a Gloucestershire countryside celebration, I’d love to help you capture your special day. Get in touch today to chat about your wedding photography!