Plough and Barn at Leigh | Katie & Neil: A Day of Fun and Laughter

The Plough and Barn at Leigh, what a wedding! From the very beginning of the day, right through until we ended up at The Plough , the atmosphere was absolutely buzzing with fun, laughter, and an infectious sense of joy. Katie and Neil, along with their entire group of friends and family, had me in stitches the whole day. Honestly, I couldn’t stop smiling! These were my type of people—fun, cheeky, expressive, and playful. Every moment felt so genuine, and by the end of this Plough and Barn at Leigh wedding, my cheeks were aching from all the laughter.

The Groom Prep: A Rare but Delightful Experience

One of the things that made this wedding particularly special was the groom’s preparation photos. As a wedding photographer, I often photograph the bridal preparations—almost always without fail—and I love it. However, there’s something extra special about capturing the groom’s side of things. It’s a rarer experience, so when it happens, it feels like a lucky treat.

The groom’s prep is so different from the bride’s. There’s a beautiful sense of camaraderie among the groomsmen. The jokes, the playful banter, the tight bonds of friendship, the handshakes, and the occasional bromantic moments—it’s all real and it feels fantastic to capture. This group of guys, including Neil, really made the experience. You could tell they were all long-time friends, and the energy in the room was just electric. There was no shortage of laughter or silly moments, and it was refreshing to witness. That’s what makes weddings so special—the people, the connections, and the stories that unfold throughout the day.

The Bride’s Morning at The Coulsdon Manor Hotel

I also had the chance to spend time with Katie at The Coulsdon Manor Hotel, where she was getting ready. The atmosphere here was much calmer and serene compared to the lively energy of the groom’s prep, but it was just as beautiful in its own way. I had a wonderful time with Katie and her bridal party. The flower girls, full of energy and excitement, kept me on my toes, relentlessly chasing me for photos. They seemed to see me as their personal photo replacement for all their phone selfies, but I didn’t mind at all. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it added an extra layer of joy to the morning.

The light in the room was absolutely gorgeous. It was perfect for those intimate bridal portraits of Katie, and I was able to capture some beautiful moments of her interacting with her mum. Those shots are always so special—capturing the love between mother and daughter on a wedding day is always a highlight.

The Ceremony at Sacred Heart Church

After the morning preparations, we made our way to Sacred Heart Church for the ceremony. There was a slight change of plans as Katie and Neil’s original vicar had to be replaced at the last minute due to illness. However, the replacement vicar was wonderful, and the ceremony went ahead without a hitch. It’s always amazing to witness the vows, the emotions, and the little moments that make each wedding unique. Katie and Neil’s ceremony was full of love and warmth, and you could feel the connection between them.

As we stepped outside after the ceremony, the weather was kind to us, holding off the rain just long enough for some confetti shots and group photos. I always love this part of the day—the pure joy on everyone’s faces as they celebrate the couple’s new beginning.

The Plough and Barn at Leigh: A Rustic Charm

After the ceremony, we made our way to the reception at the Plough and Barn at Leigh. This venue is always a favourite of mine. There’s something about barn weddings that just speaks to me—the rustic charm, the twinkling fairy lights, and the cosy, intimate feel. Even though I’ve photographed at least 30 weddings here, it never loses its charm. The venue always has this welcoming atmosphere, and it felt like the perfect backdrop for Katie and Neil’s day.

Katie looked absolutely stunning, elegant and timeless, while Neil and the groomsmen were their usual playful selves, bringing lots of fun and energy to the evening. The reception was full of laughter, heartfelt speeches, and plenty of dancing. It was sweet, emotional, and real. That’s the beauty of a wedding day—it’s full of raw, authentic moments that reflect the personalities of the couple and their loved ones. Katie and Neil’s wedding was a perfect example of this.

The Perfect Fit

If you’re reading this and think that this sounds like your type of wedding—full of fun, laughter, love, and genuine moments—then don’t hesitate to get in touch! From the playful groomsmen to the elegant bride and the relaxed vibe of the Plough and Barn at Leigh, everything about Katie and Neil’s day felt right, and it felt like the perfect fit for me as a photographer. If you’re looking for a photographer who’s all about capturing the real moments and the fun, then I’d love to be a part of your special day too!