The Hawke Barn Wedding Photography - Samantha & Mike

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19 Sept

Written By JustJames Media

Samantha and Mike dance together on the grass at The Hawke Barn, laughing as the golden evening light shines around them. Samantha’s dress flows behind her while Mike twirls her, creating a joyful and romantic sunset moment.

What a fabulous day we had celebrating Samantha and Mike at The Hawke Barn.

There’s just something about a Hawke Barn wedding that always feels special, even with the odd burst of rain, the whole day just had this lovely flow to it. Great music, great energy, and a gin and rum bar that kept things lively from start to finish.

It also felt like a bit of a milestone for me. Seeing Holly from Floral Art Devon again brought me straight back to the very first wedding I ever shot. And getting to work with Molly from Be My Guest Bridal for the first time was a real treat. She’s brilliant at what she does, and I’m already looking forward to the next one.

A Weather Dance That Worked Out

Samantha stands with her bridesmaids and flower girl outside The Hawke Barn, all holding bouquets of white flowers and greenery. The bridal party shares laughter in soft neutral dresses, with sunlight highlighting the rustic stone backdrop.

Mike shares a playful moment at The Hawke Barn as friends kiss his cheeks, making him laugh in mock surprise. Dressed in a grey suit with a green tie, he is surrounded by groomsmen in dark suits with the countryside landscape in the background.

We had a few near-misses with the rain, but it never managed to spoil the day. Everyone took it in their stride, and when the skies cleared, the light was gorgeous for portraits. Sometimes that mix of sun and showers gives you the best atmosphere, and this was definitely one of those days.

Moments You Could Really Feel

Samantha and Mike share their first kiss as a married couple at The Hawke Barn, standing beneath a wooden triangle arch decorated with white flowers and pampas grass, with guests seated and rolling countryside in the background.

Samantha and Mike walk hand in hand through a shower of confetti at The Hawke Barn, smiling at each other as guests cheer on both sides. Samantha holds her bouquet while Mike beams in his grey suit, creating a joyful just-married moment.

The ceremony had this beautiful honesty to it… nothing over the top, just the kind of emotion that comes from two people who really mean what they’re saying. I noticed little things throughout: a teary smile that caught just before the vows, a deep breath as they faced each other, and a hand squeeze that said more than words ever could. These are the kinds of moments I love most - quiet, real, and impossible to stage.

The Drinks That Got Things Going

Samantha and Mike share a laugh behind the bar at The Hawke Barn, playfully shaking a cocktail together. Surrounded by colorful bottles, bunting, and warm lights, the moment captures their fun, relaxed personalities during the celebration.

The gin and rum bar definitely helped kick the party into gear, and it didn’t take long before people were up chatting, laughing, and making the most of it. It gave the afternoon a bit of a buzz, the kind that gets people talking to new faces and heading back for just one more top-up. It’s always fun to see how something as simple as a drinks station can turn into one of the highlights of the day.

A Soundtrack of ABBA, Beatles, and Big Smiles

Samantha and Mike pose by a rustic stone doorway covered in greenery at The Hawke Barn. Samantha holds her bouquet in her flowing gown while Mike stands beside her in a grey suit, creating a timeless and classic wedding portrait.

Samantha and Mike share a kiss at The Hawke Barn during golden hour, embraced closely with soft sunlight glowing behind them. Her lace gown and his grey suit are bathed in warm light, capturing an intimate and timeless wedding portrait.

Music really shaped the vibe of the day, from laid-back moments to full-on dance floor energy. There were some proper classics playing, and by the time the ABBA hits came on, there wasn’t a guest left standing still. I found myself humming along behind the camera more than once.

A Personal Touch in the Speeches

Samantha and Mike enjoy their first dance at The Hawke Barn, embraced on the stone floor as guests surround them, smiling and capturing the moment. The rustic barn walls and warm lighting frame this intimate and celebratory scene.

I’ve heard a lot of wedding speeches over the years, but when Mike gave me a little shoutout in his, I won’t lie… it meant a lot. It's those kinds of gestures that remind me how personal this job is. I'm always there to capture other people’s stories, so when I’m included in a tiny part of it, it really sticks.

Conclusion:

Samantha and Mike’s wedding at The Hawke Barn had everything I love about a countryside celebration - emotion, laughter, and a proper knees-up by the end of the night.

Thank you both for the warm welcome and for letting me be part of such a brilliant day.