A Love Story That Started Over Coffee and Fuel
Kelly and Mike's story began at Kelly's work, a Costa based at a local garage, where Mike became a regular, calling in for fuel back in December 2020.
It took a little while for things to move forward. In October 2023, Mike gave Kelly his number, officially so she could bring him back some tobacco if she ever went away, though it turned out to be the start of something else entirely. It wasn't until February 2024 that Kelly sent that first text, and from there, the rest is history.
Their first proper date was at The Aztec Hotel and Spa in Bristol, where Mike had the room decorated before Kelly arrived, flowers, chocolate, wine, candles, snacks and fruit, a properly romantic start.
An Engagement on the Beach in Morocco
Kelly and Mike got engaged in August 2025, on the beach in Morocco.
A Relaxed Twilight Wedding at The Great Tythe Barn
Kelly and Mike knew The Great Tythe Barn was right for them the moment they stepped inside. Their day had no particular theme, just a relaxed, chilled feel throughout, with a dusty pink and white colour palette running through the styling.
Choosing a twilight wedding gave their day a completely different rhythm to a typical full day celebration, a shorter, celebrant led ceremony followed by an evening that moved straight into food, speeches and dancing as the light faded outside.
Arriving at The Great Tythe Barn, the barn itself was the first thing to catch my eye, and I already knew I wanted photographs by those doors. Stepping inside only added to that, the space opened out beautifully, with sliding doors at the back, a few steps down into the main barn, and a lovely airy feel helped along by fairy lights and big love letters up on the balcony above where the couple would stand.
Exploring further, I found the outdoor ceremony field, and gardens that were far bigger than the drive up or the front of the barn ever suggested. I also passed Tythe House on the grounds, with a beautiful door I'd have loved to use for photographs, sadly time didn't allow on this occasion, and a lower garden strung with more fairy lights.
Portraits were taken around the grounds, making full use of the barn's exterior doors, before heading back out later for nighttime portraits under the outdoor wooden ceremony structure, backlighting Kelly and Mike to create some striking silhouettes.
It rained while everyone was getting ready, but stayed dry for the rest of the day. Kelly understandably didn't want to risk the rain affecting her hair, so with an indoor backup a little limited on space, we made the most of every dry moment outside instead. Group photographs were taken by a small roundabout with a tree just outside the barn, quick and easy to reach straight after confetti, which the whole group threw as Kelly and Mike stepped out through the barn doors.
The evening brought live music from a singer who was also the DJ and saxophonist, a lovely touch that added something a little different to the celebrations.
Natural, Documentary Wedding Photography at The Great Tythe Barn
Supplier Team
Photographer: Photoomey Photography
Venue: The Great Tythe Barn
Entertainment: Jodie Yang Cooper (Live Singer & DJ)
Saxaphonist: Lucy Harvey
About The Great Tythe Barn
The Great Tythe Barn sits within the Cotswolds countryside, offering a beautifully restored barn interior alongside extensive grounds, an outdoor ceremony field, gardens, fairy lit pathways and Tythe House, giving couples plenty of choice across the venue for their day.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at The Great Tythe Barn
As a Cotswolds wedding photographer, The Great Tythe Barn is one of those venues that keeps giving the more you explore it, fairy lights, love letters, sweeping gardens and beautiful architectural details throughout. It's a wonderful setting for natural, documentary style photography, and I'd love the chance to return again soon.
My Advice for Couples Getting Married at The Great Tythe Barn
If you're considering a twilight wedding, it's such a lovely idea, but build in plenty of buffer time, especially outside of high summer. With a celebrant led ceremony finishing at six and it getting dark by around seven, there was very little room to fit group photographs, bridal party and groom's party photos and couple portraits in before the room reveal. A little extra breathing space between your ceremony and your reception makes a huge difference.
The Great Tythe Barn's coordinator, Rhi, was brilliant throughout, and just like at other venues, if a coordinator's included, make the most of them.
Kelly and Mike had a content creator on their day, which was lovely to see in action. If it's something you're considering too, it's well worth asking your photographer first, whether it's something they can offer themselves, or someone they'd recommend, rather than sourcing an external content creator separately. When everyone already knows how the other works, the day flows far more smoothly for everyone involved.
Planning Your Own Great Tythe Barn Wedding?
If you're planning a wedding at The Great Tythe Barn and you're looking for a relaxed, candid Cotswolds wedding photographer with a natural, documentary approach, I'd love to hear all about your plans.
My style is bright, colourful and vibrant, focused on capturing genuine moments and real emotions rather than hours of posing, so your gallery feels exactly like your wedding day did.
Whether you're marrying at The Great Tythe Barn or somewhere else across the Cotswolds, I'd love to help tell your story.
Ready to chat about your wedding?
Check my availability and let's start planning your day.
