"A collaborative project staging a wedding. A team of creative businesses showcasing their work to inspire couples."
—styled shoot
I can't wait to share this shoot with you all. Abbey Barn in Norfolk is run by Unique Norfolk Venues. Having seen photos of it and knowing it was a new venue, I was keen to do a shoot there. So I gathered a team of awesome creatives and we set about planning a beautiful shoot to show what this venue and we, have to offer.
As photographer I really wanted to showcase the farmhouse and show how amazing it looks for prep photos. I work at a lot of different venues and the prep space varies widely.
As soon as I saw the farmhouse at Abbey Barn, bright and airy with huge sash windows. Lots of space, no clutter and decorated in warm and calming colours, I knew how I wanted to photograph our couple in there.
Aimee from Blissful Bride was the stylist and she created a mood board and colour scheme after viewing the venue with me. We originally was thinking of ice blue and silver but with the barn being raw brick, stone and wood, Aimee wanted to bring in the toffee and pink tones and wood to coincide with the barn.
Created by Lucy over at In The Details.
Toffee nude on white, bold and lowercase lettering.
Including a save the date card, RSVP, invitation and menu cards.
This stone floor in the living room was perfect backdrop for the flatlay photos.
There is a designated prep space next door to the farmhouse. This is a beautiful well spaced out and well lit area to work in for the hair and make up artists. Having this space keeps the bridal suite clear and tidy for the getting ready photos.
Hair and make up done by Louisa Sarah UK.
We gave the cake pride of place in the entrance of the barn. Styled beautifully by Blissful Bride and repurposing the flowers created by The Gypsy Shed this really is a showstopper. Imagine your guests arriving and being greeted by this. I guarantee everyone would be taking photos and being wowed.
Pearl arched signage made by In The Details and this beautiful 3 tier cake made by Anny Rose Cake design.
Being ready early on your wedding morning means there is relaxed time for portraits. The landing in the farm house has a huge sash window flooding it with natural light.
Beautiful detailing on the shoes from Harriet Wilde and a large bouncy bouquet by The Gypsy Shed.
Dress by Gaia Bridal from The Bottom Drawer Bridal. The detachable sleeves are stunning and delicate and the pearl details follows through to the decor in the barn.
Our couple opted to get ready together. I love it when couples get ready together.
It makes beautiful and intimate photos that are still romantic.
Wedding traditions can be opted in and out of as you wish. So if you find being separated stressful then don't do it. Don't feel the pressure to follow a tradition when you don't feel it's right for you.
The barn and ceremony area was dressed and created by Blissful Bride using tall jars with floating candles, jute rugs and a wooden arch, dressed with drapes.
The wooden beams of the barn were draped by Epic Event Norfolk and florals from The gypsy Shed.
Champaign towers have been a huge trend in 2023 so we opted for a cocktail tower as we have seen this slowly appearing more the last few months and look to be big in 2024.
Pink Ginn fizz anyone?
This was set up outside in a little corner of the courtyard which is has a brick wall corner. It made this space really intimate and secluded and looked great in the photos.
We did a confetti throw right in front of the farm house and it just looked so beautiful.
We did some portraits in the farmhouse. If your wedding day was wet this is a beautiful space to use with the large windows, low window sills and plush seating.
Sweetheart tables are more popular now and I think they are beautifully intimate.
It settles the seating plan which is often a headache for many couples especially when it comes to who goes on the top table. My advice is, just don't have one.
Sweetheart table planned and styled by Blissful Bride with The Gypsy Shed florals.
Menus and decor signage by In The Details.
Wedding Content Creator
Alisha joined us on the shoot to provide some behind the scenes content. She is covering weddings for couples who value raw film clips and BTS of their day.
Find her Instagram handle at the bottom of the page and contact her for more information.
I hope this shoot has given you some inspiration for your own wedding planning.
The supplier list is below with their Instagram handles -
please come and find us and follow our work:
Venue - Abbey Barn @abbeybarn @uniquenorfolkevents
Photography - Shell O'Toole (me) @shell_otoole_photography
Styling & decor - Blissful Bride @the.blissful.bride
Florals - The Gypsy Shed @thegypsyshed
Wedding Content Creator - Content by Alisha @contentbyalisha
HMUA - Louise Sarah UK @louisasarah.uk
Stationary - In The Details @in_the_details
Cake - Anny Rose Cakes @annyrosecakedesign
Fabric installation - Epic Events Norfolk @epic.events.norfolk
Shoes - Harriet Wilde @harrietwildeshoes
Dress - The Bottom Drawer Bridal @thebottomdrawerbridal @gaiabridal
Real model couple - Natalie and Jakob @modelcouple_thepaynes
