Rackleys Wedding Photography | New luxury barn sure to be a hit with Buckinghamshire couples
I first met Miranda and David in June 2021; they’d just decided to get married and a family member had recommended me for their wedding photography. They were getting married at a new venue in Buckinghamshire, called Rackleys Chiltern Hills. Strangely, I’d had my first inquiry for Rackleys wedding photography literally the week before they made contact.
The venue itself is a 300-year-old converted barn in Cadmore End, close to Marlow and Stokenchurch in Buckinghamshire. It opened in early 2021 and in August, I had the privilege of making my Rackleys wedding photography debut for Miranda and David’s wedding.
Rackleys barn sits on a seven-acre plot overlooking the Buckinghamshire countryside. Immediately behind the barn, there’s a pretty, well-stocked garden, safely enclosed by a wooden fence. In August, the land beyond the fence is a sea of wild flowers, perfect for creating some beautiful Rackleys wedding photography.
Flowers and chandeliers | Buckinghamshire wedding photographer
One of the things I really appreciate about Rackleys is that it has a spacious, purpose-built room for getting ready, and thank goodness it has because at one point in Miranda’s bridal prep, there were 13 of us in the room.
Usually at this stage, I’d show you photos of the wedding party getting ready, and I did take photos of the bridal prep as part of my Rackleys wedding photography, but they’re filled with children so I’m only able to share a few detail shots instead.
A beautiful church ceremony
A lot of couples will choose to host their entire wedding at Rackleys. For Miranda and David, the beautiful church of St Peter and St Paul in Stokenchurch has special meaning so Rackleys wasn’t a consideration for their ceremony.
I loved the church too. Just look at that exquisite stained-glass window (in the background) and the gothic chancel arch with its chevron stonework – the natural light inside the church was so beautiful.
Unfortunately, whilst I was admiring the architecture and the light, I had a mishap with one of my cameras – it fell off my bag onto that rather lovely stone floor.
That’s the reality of weddings but also why you always need to have backup equipment. Which I have.
After the ceremony at St Peter and St Paul’s, we headed back to the barn for the rest of the celebrations, and some Rackleys wedding photography.
By the time we got through the family photos, it was about 3.30pm.
It wasn’t a hot day but the sun was virtually overhead still so this slightly shaded area under the trees was a good option for a few portraits.
From the wider shot, you can hopefully get a sense of how pretty the grounds are at Rackleys; the fence behind Miranda and David marks the end of the garden and the beginning of the flower meadow.
A wedding breakfast with a view
Of all the reasons I’d like to do more Rackleys wedding photography, this window (with that view) is probably number one – it really is a ‘picture window’.
Obviously, I don’t just want to photograph the window – I can see four or five different portraits that would be ‘very nice’ in front of the window. I took this particular photo (above) during the best man’s toast.
Sunset around the grounds | Rackleys wedding photography
The sunset opportunities for Rackleys wedding photography are immense, I almost want to do an engagement shoot at the venue just to explore them all now.
For two of the sunset-portraits you can see below, we walked into the wild flower meadow at the back of the gardens. I think in both shots, you can see how beautifully the sunlight falls on the meadow and hills in the background.
The third portrait was taken at the fountain next to what I think might be vines – I’m not sure – but I do think it would be a really cool idea if they added some led lights to these trailing branches for night time photography.
Barn dance
Well not quite a barn dance.
You know the saying ‘dance like no one’s watching’? Well, I’m not sure that anyone was…
Other than me, doing my Buckinghamshire wedding photographer thing.
A lot of people were outside and at the bar so they probably missed the announcement.
I’d be surprised if Miranda and David were particularly bothered about not having an audience – possibly relieved.
I suppose if I had any criticism of Rackleys it would that you can’t make it dark – if it’s not dark outside, it’s not dark inside either.
Romantic indoor portraits | Rackleys wedding photographer
When I originally met Miranda at the venue to come up with ideas for their Rackleys wedding photography in August, I think the galleried landing appealed to us both.
I was keen to use the warm ambient table lights in some portraits and see how we could use the chandeliers and the fairy lights, in the main part of the barn, to create an interesting bokeh for some balcony portraits.
The galleried landing is an intimate hideout, with comfortable furnishings and warm inviting lamplight. Here are three of the portraits I created in the gallery.
Miranda and David chose an eight-hour Rackleys wedding photography package with photography covering bridal prep to first dance. Because it was a mid-summer wedding, we knew it wasn’t going to get dark until a couple of hours after the first dance so we didn’t plan any night photography.
That’s something I’d definitely like to explore, if my next Rackleys wedding photography engagement permits it. I think there are lots of night-time opportunities to get creative at Rackleys and I look forward to getting back there to try some out.
If you’re planning a Buckinghamshire wedding in the middle of summer and you’d like to include some night photos in your album, you’ll probably need to add one or two extra hours to your Rackleys wedding photography package unless you’re getting married later in the day.
Rackleys Chiltern Hills is a wonderful wedding venue with lots to offer for both your celebrations and your wedding photography. You can find more information about weddings at Rackleys, here https://rackleys.co.uk/
Rackleys Chiltern Hills
Marlow Road
Cadmore End
Buckinghamshire
HP14 3PP
01494 412 515
If you’re looking for a Buckinghamshire wedding photographer and you’d like to know more about my wedding packages visit my wedding photography pricing page
You can see more examples of my work here as a Buckinghamshire wedding photographer.