Opulent barn inspiration perfect for a holiday wedding

A crackling fire, spiced gingerbread, swanky attire adorned in (faux) furs & shearling blankets – that’s what imagine of when we see this opulent barn wedding inspiration fit for a holiday affair.

Photographer Kerry Ann Duffy wanted to show off how a rustic wedding venue set in the countryside could be just as formal & elegant as a chateau or ballroom wedding, and we certainly agree! With help from a talented group of UK wedding vendors and the team at The House Meadow, Kerry brings you a glimmering view of how upscale a barn wedding can truly be.

Setting the tone first with fashion, our bride & groom models don sophisticated & chic black-tie attire – an all too often looked over wardrobe choice for a countryside fete. We then ooh and ahh over rich velvet textiles & drapery, silk charmeuse ribbons, chandeliers and festive florals in opulent greens, violets & pinks.

Then there’s the cake, oh the cake! As detailed and colorful as the wedding florals themselves, the epically tall tiered wedding cake absolutely wows.

From Kerry Ann Duffy Photography

Our ‘Opulent Barn’ shoot was born from the idea that a rustic venue can still be elegant and decadent. With a rich colour palette and sumptuous textures, we created a warm, luxurious and romantic feel.

Barns regularly feature boho and festival style weddings but we wanted to explore the concept of elegance and glamour combined with the laid back feel of a countryside barn. By juxtaposing the velvet and wood, the beaded high-end gowns with the ancient beams and putting some Bond-inspired glamour into the Meadow, we were excited to create something to inspire couples to try something a little different.

Our initial colour palette was first inspired by the interiors of the Dandelyan Bar at The Mondrian (now rebranded and redecorated as Lyaness at Sea Containers) and from there we went richer and deeper to bring more warmth and depth to give a timeless and classic feel. Our gorgeous models fitted the theme perfectly and we chose to have two so that we could play with the idea of evening glamour and a more paired back natural look coupled with the expensive gowns.