The Venue
The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm should probably be on everyones list as a venue to consider. It mixes a beautiful cottage like inn with beautiful manicured grounds and natural settings with a comfortable reception space that is neither too rustic nor too stuffy and formal. As Goldilocks would say, "This one is just right".
My Takeaway
I mentioned before but I really like this place. I think the charming Inn sets a beautiful scene and expectations of what is to come.
Depending on the day and timing of your event, the sun can cause some troubles. But if you do your scouting (photographers) or you are open to embracing what is available to you (brides) then there is plenty of spaces to play and get beautiful photographs. For me, on this day, the bride surprised me (its actually encouraged to let me know what inspires you or gets you excited) with a request for a photo in a specific spot (the fountain). Because the sun was a little harsh that day I couldn't shoot that immediately, so I put it in my pocket and we grabbed it between groups when there was a little cloud cover. For me, this is one advantage of scouting a venue prior to the wedding ...I can flow with surprises and adjust as needed instead of derailing everything. I know what I want to get and how to accomplish it, take the brief detour, and then hop back to the ideas I already had. Easy breezy beautiful.
The owner of the Inn was EXTREMELY nice and helpful during my scouting visit and seemed to understand that it was for the betterment of everyone. Couldn't have been nicer.
There is BEAUTIFUL light and decor in the bridal suite. Every place you put the bride has interesting light and is a beautiful backdrop.
One day someone will want to do an end of the night 'trash the dress' type of shoot (my fingers are crossed). If so, I hope its here because they have a lovely pool and it would be the perfect spot to do it!
They do have some 'farm' animals that you can incorporate into phots...safely and respectfully of course. But if that's not your style...it can easily be avoided and not feel like you are 'wasting' what the venue has to offer. There is SO much more.
My Favorite Parts
I love the English cottage feel to the Inn. That aesthetic and level of landscaping is right up my alley. Some formal options and then some natural. I also really loved the slightly over grown plantings around the house. Very charming.
One of my favorite shots is of the bride and her mother's reflection in the bridal suite mirror. I love the pocket of light on their faces :)
And again, I couldn't be more appreciative of the owners and the eagerness to help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
http://www.softfocusevents.com/
Philadelphia Wedding Photographer
