Summer Wedding at Gate Street Barn, Surrey

From the moment I arrived at Gate Street Barn, I knew Will and Konoya’s day was going to be something truly special. The August sunshine was pouring over the Surrey countryside, the barn looked absolutely beautiful, and there was this calm, happy buzz in the air that only wedding mornings have.

When I walked into the bridal suite, Konoya was putting the finishing touches to her look surrounded by her bridesmaids. There was laughter, music, a touch of nervous excitement and of course, the most incredible henna designs on her hands, intricate and full of meaning. The room was full of colour, warmth, and so much love.

Outside, guests were gathering at the bar, chatting over drinks and soaking up the sunshine. Everywhere you looked there were gorgeous personal touches the couple had created — little details that told their story and made the whole space feel like them. Before long, everyone began to make their way into the barn to take their seats for the ceremony.

The ceremony itself was such a beautiful mix of cultures and traditions. You could feel the respect and love that both families had for one another. It wasn’t just about blending customs, it was about celebrating them. The highlight was Will and Konoya exchanging their personal vows. It was calm, emotional, and completely unique.

After the ceremony, guests spilled out into the courtyard at Gate Street Barn for drinks and canapés from Mandira’s Kitchen, which went down a treat! While everyone mingled, I gathered the couple and their loved ones for some relaxed group photos. Plenty of laughter, hugs, and a few happy tears.

Once we’d ticked off the group shots, I stole Will and Konoya away for a few quiet moments together. A chance to breathe and soak up the magic of the day. We wandered through the beautiful gardens at Gate Street Barn, finding little nooks to sit and dance among the flowers. We even visited the amazing veg garden and greenhouse and just as we were finishing up, a few deer appeared in the distance, as if to give their own blessing to the day.

I can’t share this wedding without mentioning the cars. Will and his brothers have a passion that runs deep, beyond family and friendship, and that’s cars. They brought along their beautiful vintage collection for the day, and of course, we had to capture some portraits with them.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you might recognise the gorgeous vintage Land Rover Defender that made an appearance, the very same one I used for my Christmas mini sessions a few years ago! It was such a lovely surprise to be reunited with it and to see it playing a part in Will and Konoya’s story. The cars added such a personal touch to the day and made for some of my favourite shots, a perfect mix of elegance, nostalgia, and personality.

We headed back to rejoin everyone for the heart-warming speeches and the most incredible sharing menu from Mandira’s Kitchen. The food was vibrant, full of flavour, and encouraged conversation and connection, exactly what Will and Konoya wanted. Every table was full of laughter, passing dishes and stories.

After the meal, everyone spilled outside again for a cocktail hour on the lawn. The sun was still shining, drinks were flowing, and the cows in the neighbouring field looked on curiously at all the fun. It was the perfect summer’s evening vibe.

Before the evening kicked off, Will and Konoya had a quick outfit change into stunning matching traditional outfits. We took the chance to sneak away for a few more portraits during golden hour. The light was soft and golden, wrapping around them as they laughed and twirled together. Those moments felt extra special; you could see how much they were enjoying just being together.

The evening carried on with cake-cutting and their first dance, which was such a beautiful, heartfelt moment. Their song was performed live by Konoya’s sister and a few close friends, and as the evening sun streamed through the barn windows, it lit them up in the most magical way.

Just when everyone thought the formalities were over, there were a few final speeches. The perfect mix of humour and emotion, leaving everyone laughing and wiping away tears in equal measure.

As I packed up my gear and said my goodbyes, I left the barn with a full heart. I always say I have the best job in the world, but days like this really remind me why. Will and Konoya’s wedding was full of warmth, culture, laughter, and love. You could feel it radiating from every single person there. It was an absolute joy to photograph, and one I’ll remember for a long time.

If you’re planning your dream wedding and are still on the hunt for the perfect wedding photographer to capture the day, get in touch now and we can chat through your plans!