Whether you’re in time for the competition or not, I encourage you to scroll on to discover the incredible big day of my 2023 prize winners, Sophie and Ross. Marrying at breathtaking Nottinghamshire barn wedding venue, Hazel Gap Barn, their celebrations provide inspiration aplenty from the picture-perfect setting and decor to some super fun entertainment.
As a West-Midlands-based wedding photographer,Sophie and Ross’ wedding was my first time shooting at Hazel Gap Barn, and it more than lived up to my expectations. Part of the esteemed Cripps & Co barn wedding venue group, the beautifully renovated red brick building sits proudly on the Welbeck Estate. Surrounded by green leafy gardens and rolling countryside, as far as the eye can see, it really is a dream rustic wedding venue (take a look at my drone shots to fully appreciate its position and beauty).
Inside, it’s equally impressive, with the striking ceremony barn, adjoining bar, and reception hall boasting spellbinding beams and trusses, all set around a quaint central courtyard. It was, therefore, little surprise that this spectacular venue won the hearts of Sophie and Ross, who snapped it up for their big day, which took place on 28th May 2024.
Midlands Wedding Photography Competition Winners
The couple were thrilled to have won my wedding photography competition, and it meant they could put the money allocated for the photography towards upgrading their honeymoon. Sophie and Ross share a love of travelling, spending their first holiday together in Egypt and getting engaged at Volkan On The Rocks, a romantic cliff-edge restaurant in Santorini. A nod to their passion for travel was incorporated into the wedding details (look out for the globe-inspired cake!), and it was great to know that my competition prize helped make their first holiday as husband and wife all the more special.
On the morning of the wedding, the bride and groom parties were getting ready at different locations, so I split my time between getting ready shots with the bridal party and the groom’s sports car arrival at the venue. The day started a little grey with a few spots of rain but got brighter as the celebrations went on, allowing us to make the most of the varied photography backdrops inside and out.
The couple exchanged vows surrounded by 50+ guests in an emotional ceremony, complete with a surprise recorded voice message by Sophie that played out as she walked down the aisle. And this wasn’t the only surprise she’d planned as a singing waiter stunned guests by bursting into song in the reception hall after dessert was served, prompting everyone to get up and join in. This sums Sophie up to a tee – she was so thoughtful about how she could make the day really special, from the details to the entertainment, which also included a mini golf course and a live band.
Later in the day, we could head out into the grounds for some couple shots of Sophie and Ross in the gardens, group smoke bomb pictures on the driveway, and some epic golden hour shots at sunset. Due to the light, we only had a five-to-ten-minute window to get those shots, but they turned out amazing and are some of my favourite images of their day.
The grand ceremony barn provided the backdrop for the evening party with its rustic timber beams, and trusses lit up by reams of atmospheric fairy lights and the venue’s medieval-style chandeliers.
All in all, Sophie and Ross’s wedding had such a lovely vibe. It was a perfect blend of relaxed and upbeat, and the couple fully immersed themselves in the celebrations, which always makes for an epic wedding.
Shooting at this beautiful Nottinghamshire wedding venue was amazing, with Hazel Gap Barn living up to Cripps & Co’s glowing reputation both in terms of the setting and service. I hope to return to capture more weddings here soon!
I’m a West-Midlands-based wedding photographer who shoots weddings in Birmingham, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Hertfordshire, as well as venues throughout the UK and overseas. If you’d be interested in hiring me for your wedding, simply head over to my Contact page and drop me a message, and I’ll be back in touch ASAP!
I like to ask my couples for some top wedding planning tips to pass on to readers of my blog, so here’s Sophie’s pearls of wisdom:
Venue: Hazel Gap Barn
Dress: Stella York from Champagne Lace Bridal
Hair: Amy Davidson Hair
Makeup: Thea Elizabeth MUA
Suits: Cavani At Coneys
Florist: Daisy Works
Cake: Red Robin Cakery
Bridesmaid Dresses: La Closet De Chanel
Transport: Regency Wedding
Mini Golf: Partee Events
Photo Booth: Dream Weddings & Events
Singing Waiter: Silver Service Singers
Love Letters: Ben Matthews DJ
Live Music: Tom Rollins Music
Videographer: Sam & Louise Photography