Ashridge Great Barn Wedding Photography – Jess & Holly
Ashridge Great Barn wedding photography is perfect for couples who love the outdoors and want a relaxed, personal celebration in Devon. Jess & Holly planned a forest wedding with two meaningful ceremonies, woodland locations, live music, and a strong focus on family and connection.
As a Devon and Somerset wedding photographer, I photograph weddings in a natural and unobtrusive way. From start to finish, this wedding was a joy to document.
A Relaxed Morning & A Thoughtful First Look
The morning began quietly and calmly. Jess and Holly got ready together in one of the venue’s on-site accommodations. The atmosphere felt relaxed and unrushed. It was more like close friends spending time together than a traditional wedding morning.
Later, they separated to get dressed. This allowed them to plan a first look. Before the ceremony, they shared this moment privately with close family. Although it briefly rained, it did not stop them. Instead, it added to the emotion of the moment.
The Legal Ceremony at the Magic Circle
The legal ceremony took place at 11am in the Magic Circle. This is a large open space set within the woodland at Ashridge Great Barn. Although it feels private, the scale of the circle is impressive. From above, you can really see how spacious it is.
The open layout allowed guests to spread out comfortably. At the same time, the ceremony still felt intimate and calm. As a result, it was the perfect setting for a meaningful legal ceremony.
After the ceremony, we took family group photos nearby. We then went for a relaxed walk around the grounds.
Wedding Portraits Photography Around Ashridge Great Barn
Ashridge Great Barn offers fantastic opportunities for wedding portraits. The surrounding woodland, open areas, and natural light provide plenty of variety. Because everything is close by, there is no need to travel elsewhere.
We kept the portraits relaxed and natural. We used quiet paths and tucked-away corners around the venue. Jess & Holly felt completely at ease. This allowed us to capture genuine moments rather than anything staged.
This part of the day is always one of my favourites. It gives couples time to slow down and enjoy being together. As a result, the photographs feel timeless and honest.
A Woodland Celebration in the Forest Glade
The second ceremony brought everyone together. All family and friends gathered in the Forest Glade, a beautiful woodland clearing full of atmosphere.
Jess and Holly entered from two separate forest paths. These paths met at the altar. Both were walked down the aisle by their parents, including mums and dads. The ceremony was led by a close friend, which made it feel very personal. In addition, live music and a warming of the rings added meaning to the moment.
These ceremonies are always my favourite. They feel honest, relaxed, and centred on the couple.
Confetti, Pick-Up Trucks & Evening Celebrations
After the ceremony came confetti. In fact, there was so much that Jess & Holly planned two rounds. The first took place in the Forest Glade. The second followed at the Magic Circle during drinks, nibbles, and speeches.
This was also the perfect time for portraits with their dog. Their dog joined them for around 30 minutes. Keeping it short worked really well. It meant the photos stayed relaxed and fun. The confetti, laughter, and their dog together made this part of the day feel full of personality.
Later, Jess and Holly were driven in the back of a pick-up truck. They sat on hay bales and smiled the whole way. It perfectly matched the relaxed feel of the day.
In the evening, live music started the celebrations. This was followed by a ceilidh band. As a result, the dance floor stayed full and the energy stayed high.
A Day Full of Heart
Jess & Holly’s wedding was truly special. This was not only because of the setting. It was also because of the people and the thought behind every moment. The love surrounding them was clear throughout the day.
I genuinely feel like I made friends for life with these two wonderful humans.
If you are planning a relaxed outdoor wedding, Ashridge Great Barn is a brilliant choice. It is ideal for couples who want something personal, natural, and surrounded by woodland.
Wedding Suppliers
A brilliant team of suppliers helped bring this day together:
- Venue: Ashridge Great Barn
- Videography: Sam (Pixaplace Weddings)
- Hair: Cindy Beddard Bridal Hair
- Bouquets & Buttonholes: Dried Designs (Gemma)
- Cake: Blossom & Bee Bakehouse (Heidi)
- Bar: Gert Lush Event Bars
- Catering: Paul Reah
- Band: Talking 10 (Rock Cover Band)
- Jazz Band: The Moon Jazz Club, Crediton
- Ceilidh Band: Red Shed
