Silchester Farm Wedding Photographer – A ceremony caught in the rain
05.07.2025
Following a legal ceremony at Marylebone Town Hall, Sarah & Huw celebrated their wedding at Silchester Farm. Their day featured a Vivienne Westwood gown, a celebrant-led ceremony caught in the rain, bold pink florals and a fleeting spell of golden hour magic.
SIGNING THE PAPERS AT MARYLEBONE TOWN HALL
I first met Sarah & Huw the week before their big wedding, capturing their legal ceremony at Marylebone Town Hall. Having the legal signing ahead of their main celebration meant they could later celebrate officially being married, but also have the celebrant-led ceremony they wanted.
They still made a beautiful occasion of it, with an intimate ceremony followed by drinks and lunch with their immediate families – such a lovely excuse for an extra moment together ahead of the big day. For me, it was so nice to spend that time with them beforehand, and arriving at Silchester felt like picking up the story right where we’d left off-
Silchester Farm wedding photographer - Relaxed morning preparations
Set on the Hampshire/Berkshire border, Silchester Farm is known for its beautifully restored barns, open courtyards and far reaching countryside views. It’s a true hidden gem for couples dreaming of a wedding that feels like their own private rural retreat.
With both Sarah and Huw getting ready on site, the morning unfolded in a wonderfully relaxed way, allowing plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere. Sarah wore the iconic Vivienne Westwood ‘Nova Grace’ gown, paired with a half overskirt, veil and Manolo Blahnik heels. Their colour scheme echoed their Marylebone Town Hall florals, with bursts of bright pink and orange woven throughout – bringing a beautiful sense of colour and vibrancy into the barn spaces.
A Celebrant Led Ceremony - Personal, Flexible & Seamlessly Adaptable
The ceremony began outdoors, led by the wonderful celebrant Sarah Clark. Bride Sarah walked down the aisle with her Mum on one arm and Dad on the other to the most original choice of music – Dos Oruguitas (Two Caterpillars) from Disney’s Encanto. Played live on acoustic guitar, it was incredibly moving, as well as perfectly suited to the couple and setting.
One of the real benefits of a celebrant ceremony is how personal it can be. Sarah Clark had clearly spent time getting to know them both and the ceremony felt entirely their own. It was thoughtful, relaxed and full of meaningful touches you simply don’t get in a standard script. Another advantage of a celebrant-led ceremony is flexibility! When the heavens opened and the rain began to fall, Sarah made the quick call to move everyone indoors (already set up just in case). What followed was such a fun, spontaneous moment – guests grabbed umbrellas and armfuls of ceremony florals, as they made a dash for the barn. Within minutes everyone was inside, flowers included and the ceremony picked up right where it left off.
It’s often the unplanned moments that create the most wonderful wedding memories. Sarah & Huw got to experience the beauty of both an outdoor and indoor ceremony. The best of both worlds and an even greater variety of photographs to treasure afterwards.
silchester farm wedding photographer - THE RECEPTION & Couples portraits
By the time confetti came around, the rain had eased and we were back outside making the most of Silchester’s beautiful countryside surroundings. We moved through group photos against the stunning rural backdrops the venue offers before guests headed inside for the wedding breakfast.
I always like to carve out a little time for couples portraits at the end of the drinks reception, so we slipped away while guests were being called to take their seats. This means the couple don’t miss out on too much of the reception and can stay fully present with friends and family. My approach for couples photos is always super relaxed – lots of walking, chatting and gently guided moments rather than anything overly posed. It keeps everything feeling natural as we wander through the beautiful rural backdrops the venue has to offer.
the wedding breakfast & an unexpected golden hour glow!
The ‘Cow Shed’ barn looked beautiful – long tables set beneath the timber beams and pink florals running through the styling, candlelight warming the rustic textures of the space. It struck that perfect balance Silchester does so well – relaxed but atmospheric.
After some beautiful speeches, I spent the second half of the wedding breakfast keeping a close watch on the sky, looking for a brief pocket of golden light. As soon as it appeared, I grabbed Sarah & Huw and we slipped out to the back field. The light only lasted a few minutes, but it was beautiful and gave us some of the most stunning portraits of the entire day. I always tell my couples: if I say “go” then run. Golden hour doesn’t wait!!
silchester farm wedding photographer - The Party & dancefloor
The evening finished with the most incredible party. Silchester’s barn spaces really come alive at night – packed dancefloors, amazing energy and such a fun atmosphere to photograph. I love incorporating the venue’s fairy and festoon lights into my flash photography, which adds even more fun and movement into to the party images. For me, the dancefloor is always one of the most fun parts of the day and I love to stick around and capture the chaos!
suppliers
Sarah & Huw, it was an absolute privilege to capture both your celebrations and to get to know you.
Thank you so much for having me.
SUPPLIERS
Venue @silchesterfarm
Photographer @lucydarbyphotography
Videographer @danielbrucefilms
Second Photograoher @ashleighgregoryphotog
Celebrant @sarahclarkecelebrates
Florist @stemswilder
Dress @viviennewestwood
Veil @alexandragrecco
Bridesmaid dresses @jennyyoonyc
Shoes @manoloblahnik
Hair @emmalouisebridalhair
MUA @bridesbykery
Cake @bloomandcrumb
Rings @queensmith_official
Evening band: Alpha
If you’re looking for a Silchester Farm wedding photographer, or you love the feel of these images and would like to enquire about your own wedding, please get in touch via my contact form.
