January 18, 2017

Wedding Photographers Staffordshire – Best of 2016

2016 saw Barry James Photography in it’s 28th year, and with the year bringing us another 35 wonderful stories to be part of, it truly was a fantastic year to be a wedding photographer!

From the start of the year at The Moat House, to concluding the year again at the same venue, the year took us throughout the country both at familiar venues but also brand new venues to us. The adventure really did continue in 2016!

Here’s a look at some of our highlights from a year photographing weddings in Staffordshire and the Midlands.

First wedding of the new season for us and what better place to start than where we left off the year before – The Moat House Acton Trussell – never disappointing.

“We were extremely lucky to have both Les of Barry James and Stuart of Stuart James to photograph our wedding in January. They provided a very knowledgeable and professional service but at the same time were fun and informal which put everyone at ease – the result is beautiful photos. Thank you so much guys.”

To say “you’re welcome” Amy and Dan doesn’t come close! Fabulous wedding to start the year!

Deborah + Ian’s February wedding was our first visit of the new season to the fabulous Hawkesyard Estate. As winter decides to give way to spring the grounds were already looking wonderful and made for beautiful portraits for this well suited couple.

The start of April saw us with back-to-back weddings again at The Moat House, starting with Lyndsey + Daniels’ wedding.
There could have been no better time to start our main wedding season than springtime at the beautiful Moat House in Staffordshire, full of new life, with daffodils in full bloom, as it was today for Lyndsey and Dan, who celebrated their wedding here today surrounded by their family and friends. I absolutely loved being a part of this happy Disney themed occasion…

The second of our weekend weddings at The Moat House came with Rebecca + David’s wedding. Their wedding ceremony was at a place very special to themselves and their families, the imposing white church of St.Leonards in Bilston.

“Lots of people have been telling us how wonderful they are! We think they are absolutely fantastic!
Thanks again for all of you and your sons hard work on the day and for bringing the story together.”

May saw us return to one of our favourite venues, Oak Farm in Cannock for the much awaited wedding of Leanne & Gareth, today would be as much a party and celebration as a marriage.

The start of June was a first time visit to Pendrell Hall for the wedding of Julie & Ian. It’s not unusual for me to see people that I have met and photographed, what was unusual is that this was the second time I had “shot” the groom – I did his first wedding quite a few years ago! – must have made an impression.

A few days after Julie + Ian’s wedding it was back to Rugeley to Mandi + Chris’ wedding.
I first met Mandi on a visit to Fine Flowers studio in Rugeley and thought what a lovely smile she had. It certainly showed today as she married Chris at one of my favourite churches St Augustines in Rugeley.

The first visit of the season for us to the very versatile venue that is Calderfields came for the wedding of Mandy and Daniel. Torrential rain greeted the bride’s arrival, thought we might need to call on Noah and the Ark! Thankfully the clouds moved away during the ceremony – normal service resumed!

Just like buses, you wait for one then two come along. Second visit in as many weeks to Calderfields Golf & Country Club, this time for the wedding of Carly & David.

Following our double visit to Calderfields, it was to another local venue for the midweek wedding of Jordan + Chris.
There’s something about a midweek wedding, everybody from the guests to the caterers seem so much more relaxed, as it was for today’s wedding of Jordan and Chris at a church that means so much to me personally, St Marks Great Wyrley. It was then on to another all time favourite – The Moat House at Acton Trussell for the couple’s reception.

July started with a visit to another of our favourite venues, Packington Moor in Lichfield for Jo + Pete’s wedding.

We have photographed weddings Holy Angels at Hoar Cross but this was to be our first wedding at the beautiful adjacent building – Hoar Cross Hall for the wedding of Kimberley and Spencer, who love horses so much they did not have a horse and carriage they had TWO and impeccable they were too from Marsden Carriages.

“Thank you both so much for the photographs they are stunning, thank you for a great job 🙂 x “

The week after being at the new venue (to us at least!) of Hoar Cross, it was back on familiar territory for the wonderful wedding of Sarajane and Mark at The Chase Golf Club.

It seems fitting to conclude ‘Part One’ of the look back at 2016 where we started at The Moat House for Zara + Mitch’s wedding.
After meeting with Zara and her mom, and listening to all of the plans for this wedding and celebration it was wonderful to arrive at The Moat House and see all of the plans coming together – today was definitely going to be a fabulous wedding day.

So today saw us back to one of our most favourite venues – The Moat House Acton Trussell for the wedding of Zara and Mitch. Stephen was going to be with me for the beginning of the day up to ceremony and then for evening return…….the girls had a great time with him leading up to the ceremony, and his evening photos were absolutely fabulous…..thanks again Ste.