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Cowboys in Kent: a Relaxed Wedding at The Great Barn, Rolvenden

Bonding over a shared love of an obscure band, Inglorious, Rae and Henry’s relationship blossomed to a stunning surprise proposal, and then to a wedding at The Great Barn in Rolvenden, Kent, where they were keen to find a natural wedding photographer.

festoon lit barn wedding in Rolvenden, Kent captured by natural wedding photographer Dale Weeks

Introducing: The Great Barn in Rolvenden

Rae and Henry knew from the outset that they wanted an alternative wedding that was personal to them, inspired by their love of wine! Rae told me, “We knew we wanted a venue where we could bring our own rather than having to stick with a venue’s wine list. We found The Great Barn in Rolvenden and as soon as we walked in, we knew it was the place for us. It was an 18th Century blank canvas, importantly with a stage big enough to fit the band. We had to have guitars somewhere in the decor for Henry, cowboy boots were a must and the odd sloth here and there finished off the eclectic mix!”

relaxed and natural wedding party at The Great Barn in Rolvenden, Kent captured by natural wedding photographer Dale Weeks

Natural Wedding Photographer

Having been recommended by a colleague at The Bell in Ticehurst, Rae said she instantly fell in love with my relaxed wedding photography style, telling me, “I loved how you so wonderfully captured the little moments of the day that might have otherwise been missed. You made the whole process so easy, and on the day, you captured so many wonderful moments. You were everywhere and nowhere all at once.”

cowboy boot wearing bride as a tribute to her late father at The Great Barn in Rolvenden, Kent captured by natural wedding photographer Dale Weeks

Cowboy Boots and Sloths

Rae’s Dad sadly passed away suddenly in 2018, so she wore his cowboy boots under her dress so he could still walk her down the aisle. Their vows were personal, and they had sloths everywhere, from the place names to banners behind top table, to the incredible cake topper. The couple roped in friends and family to help out in many ways – Henry and his boss made the bar signage, and Henry’s mum made the cake. The band Henry usually plays in, Brenthouse Band, were amazing, with Henry joining them for a few songs, keeping the dancefloor full all night. Rae and Henry clearly enjoyed the most magical, wonderful, personal alternative wedding day!

a sloth topped cake for an alternative wedding at The Great Barn in Rolvenden, Kent captured by natural wedding photographer Dale Weeks

Just Call Me a Ninja Wedding Photographer

Reflecting on their day, Rae told me how important it was to find a natural wedding photographer, “Some of my favourite pictures of the day are of our friends and family during candid moments, all laughing and smiling – you even got a great shot of Henry getting pelted with the dried petal confetti! You just blended in, disappearing in the crowds, and shadows, so that no one even knew you were there.” If you too would like to hire a ninja to blend into the background on your wedding day, take a look at the rest of my portfolio here and then get in touch if you like what you see.