The Barn at Faenol Fawr - Kate & Rich | North Wales Wedding Photographer

April took me back to one of my favourite local venues, the brilliant Faenol Fawr. I shoot here a lot, and every time it reminds me why I love it. Set in the quiet countryside of Bodelwyddan, the venue mixes character, gardens, historic stonework and a layout that just works for a wedding day. And on this particular day for Kate and Rich, we were handed perfect spring conditions—blue skies, fresh air and that kind of light that makes everything look clean and bright.

From the moment I arrived it felt like it was going to be a great one. These two are so easy-going, the whole wedding party was up for a laugh, and the venue looked incredible. It was an amazing wedding to be part of from start to finish.

Wedding Prep

The morning was already buzzing when I walked in. Lots of emotion, interaction and natural moments between Kate, the girls and the family. Hair and makeup were underway with Anna Baxter and Leanne Liepins, with Lauren Hassall looking after some of the bridesmaids. The dress from Brides of Chester looked unreal hanging up, and the room décor from D&D Occasions really set the tone for the day.

Kate’s mum and daughter helped with a few final adjustments before we moved into the big dress reveal with all the girls together. The room erupted as expected. The reveal with her mum and dad followed—one of those genuine moments that always lands well in photographs.

Gents Prep

Over with the lads, spirits were high. Some relaxed solo shots, some group portraits, and then we sorted buttonholes with the suits from Trefor Jones Ltd. Straightforward, quick and exactly the kind of start the guys wanted before heading into the ceremony.

Ceremony

The ceremony at Faenol Fawr always feels intimate, and this one had such a good atmosphere. One of the best parts was watching Rich's reaction as Kate walked in—definitely one of those moments that sticks with you. The entrance was smooth, the vows were delivered perfectly, rings went on without any drama, and then the first kiss set everyone off smiling.

After signing the register—with witnesses and a separate moment with the kids—we wrapped up with a brilliant exit back down the aisle and out into the bright Spring afternoon.

Confetti & Main Group Shot

Outside, guests formed a long confetti tunnel across the courtyard. The light was spot on, and Kate and Rich powered through with big grins. Straight after that we pulled everyone together for the main group shot—nice and easy with the space available at the venue.

Drinks Reception

The room décor inside looked amazing thanks to D&D Occasions, so I grabbed some detail shots before the guests came through. Dave the Sax brought the atmosphere up a level instantly, filling the courtyard and bar area with music while everyone mingled and enjoyed the sunshine.

I took Kate and Rich out for a quick couples shoot, around 10 minutes, making full use of the gardens, lawn and front of the hall. Spring colours and blue skies really did the work for us. Group photos followed once we were back with the guests.

Wedding Breakfast & Speeches

The wedding breakfast room looked great with flowers by Reebee’s Florist, and I caught a few detail shots of the rings once everyone had sat down. Speeches were up first, which I always enjoy—good mix of emotion and comedy and plenty of material for candid reactions.

Halfway through, the energy of the room flipped completely when the Singing Waiters made their entrance. Nobody saw it coming. One moment the room was quiet and focused, the next everyone was on their feet shouting, clapping and laughing. It was one of those brilliant surprises that shifts the whole atmosphere and gives you a batch of completely different, high-energy photos. The guests loved it, and it set the tone perfectly for the rest of the afternoon.

Free Time & Early Evening

After the meal we finished off any remaining group photos while the guests enjoyed some downtime. With the light starting to soften, I took Kate and Rich out again for a short evening shoot. Ten minutes was all we needed—sunset tones, soft shadows, and that clean April light that makes everything pop.

Evening Do

The evening kicked off with cake cutting, with Beryl Roberts providing the cake. The room was set perfectly with lighting from Third Avenue Events, and the dancefloor really came alive once Mike Alan took over for the night. The photobooth from Party Cliks also kept guests entertained.

Kate and Rich’s first dance rounded everything off perfectly before the party really got going.

A stunning Spring wedding at one of my favourite venues, with two brilliant people at the centre of it all. The weather couldn’t have been better, the atmosphere was spot on, and it was a real pleasure to capture the whole thing. North Wales Wedding Photographer

As a North Wales Wedding Photographer I'm fortunate to work with some incredible wedding suppliers. Here's a list of all of those who featured to create Kate & Rich's special day. Suppliers

Venue: Faenol Fawr

Video: Woodpecker Films

Makeup: Anna Baxter

Hair: Leanne Liepins & Lauren Hassall

Décor: D&D Occasions

Flowers: Reebee’s Florist Denbigh

Dress: Brides of Chester

Suits: Trefor Jones Ltd

Cake: Beryl Roberts

DJ/Band: Mike Alan

Lights: Third Avenue

Photo Booth: Party Cliks

Sax: Dave the Sax