Ah-Lai & Tim | Summer Milling Barn Wedding

The lovely Ah-Lai and Tim first contacted me at the beginning of 2015 looking for a wedding photographer for their Summer Milling Barn Wedding. We got to know each other a little better on their pre-wedding shoot in London last year, and then a little more before their big day arrived. Ah-Lai and Tim live locally to me so it was  lovely to catch up with them over coffee and gin to plan their big day!

Ah-Lai and Tim’s wedding fell in a particularly busy week for me – the May half term and bank holiday week is always busy for weddings, but they definitely had the best weather of all the weddings I captured that week this year! The sun was shining all day, and we were even treated to a stunning sunset in the evening… but more on that later!

I made my way to the lovely Milling Barn in Throcking in the morning and Ah-Lai was already busy getting ready with her bridesmaids. She was so excited to be getting married to Tim, but also a little nervous about the day coming together. I remember feeling the same on my wedding day!

Getting ready

I captured some lovely shots of Ah-Lai getting ready, whilst my good friend Fiona caught up with Tim and his ushers and best woman Phyllis at the couples home in Welwyn Garden City. Soon enough it was time to make our way to the Dairy Barn for the ceremony. It was so emotional as Ah-Lai made her way down the aisle, and as the couple exchanged rings. There were some lovely readings from family members, including one in Chinese from Ah-Lai’s mum.

Following a fantastic confetti throw, and some group shots, I snuck the couple off for a quick session of portraits, before they made their entrance into the main barn for the wedding breakfast. I loved the touches of red in the decorations around the venue, from the Chinese lanterns hanging around the venue, to the place names and balloons. It was a lovely addition to the day, really bringing two cultures together, as red is lucky in Chinese culture.

Chinese Tea Ceremony

After dinner, Tim and Ah-Lai changed into their traditional Chinese outfits for the evening, and after a short Chinese Tea ceremony, the couple cut their cake and had their first dance as a married couple.

Just before I headed home, we popped outside for some fabulous sunset shots, which are some of my favourites from the day!

I had such a lovely time at Milling Barn with Ah-Lai and Tim! If you’re getting married at Milling Barn I would love to hear from you, so please drop me a line!