Kristen and Chase’s wedding day was a beautiful balance of restraint and emotion—fresh, elegant, and deeply heartfelt, with artistry woven through every moment. Set at the Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm, the celebration felt grounded and intentional, full of soft romance rather than spectacle, and guided by a team who understood how to let meaningful moments breathe.

Barley Sheaf is one of those places that stays with you. I’ve been photographing weddings here for over a decade, and it remains one of my absolute favorite venues. While it was bittersweet to see longtime owners Deena and Mark step away this past year, working with the new ownership felt seamless and reassuring. The same level of care, warmth, and attention carried through—something I experienced firsthand while working with Jessica. Kristen and Chase were held so thoughtfully throughout the day, and that sense of care was felt everywhere.

From delicate paper goods to romantic garden florals, a lace gown that felt timeless and feminine, and music written and performed by friends, this day was full of quiet beauty and creative expression.

Clean Lines, Soft Light, and Sentiment

Kristen got ready at a nearby Airbnb with a clean, modern aesthetic—light-filled rooms, neutral tones, and an effortless calm that set the tone for the morning. Her details were intentionally simple and understated, allowing the craftsmanship of her Suzanne Neville lace gown to shine. The invitation, designed by Sweet Paper, mirrored the aesthetic of the day perfectly—refined, timeless, and simply elegant.

Before seeing Chase, Kristen shared a first look with her attendants, grounding the morning in connection and gratitude. She gifted each of them a framed photograph from a meaningful shared moment—a quiet pause to say thank you, and to honor the people who brought her to this day before stepping into what came next.

Lyrics Before the Vows

Kristen and Chase chose to share their first look privately, away from the pace of the day. We photographed it from a distance, allowing the moment to remain entirely theirs.

Kristen, a singer-songwriter, had written a song for Chase and took a quiet moment to read him the lyrics before the ceremony. It was intimate and emotional, a private exchange rooted in creativity and feeling. That sense of artistry—music, words, and emotion used with care—carried through the entire day and felt deeply reflective of who they are.

A Garden Ceremony Filled with Song

Their ceremony took place in a field at Barley Sheaf Farm, framed by two mature trees and a beautiful floral arch designed by Sebesta Design. The palette—white, ivory, and layered greens—felt like an extension of the landscape itself, romantic without ever feeling styled.

As Kristen walked down the aisle, her friends—many of them singers and performers—sang live, creating a ceremony moment rooted in music, reverence, and genuine emotion.

Old-World Romance at Barley Sheaf

After the ceremony, we moved into portraits across the estate, letting the grounds and the late afternoon light naturally guide our flow. We shot among layers of greenery, stone paths, and mature trees, using the Barley Sheaf Farm’s beautiful landscape as a consistent, calming backdrop throughout the portraits. The bridesmaids’ light sage green dresses echoed the surrounding foliage, adding softness and visual continuity to the images. We moved through family and wedding party portraits and captured a handful of early moments with Kristen and Chase, knowing we would return later in the evening for a dedicated sunset portrait session. When couples choose to see each other for the first time at the ceremony, this approach creates a natural rhythm—portraits that unfold across the day, each with its own energy.

Cocktail hour was held in front of the Inn, my first time seeing this location utilized for cocktail hour, gathered around the fountain rather than tucked behind the property. It’s one of my favorite ways to experience Barley Sheaf—you truly feel transported, as though you’ve arrived at a European estate. Guests mingled with the Inn as their backdrop, champagne flowing from a mobile champagne truck, the afternoon unfolding slowly and beautifully.

Romantic Abundance and Artistic Energy

The reception unfolded inside the barn at The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm, feeling like a natural extension of the estate itself—elegant, welcoming, and deeply romantic. Designed by Sebesta Design, the floral installations felt woven into the architecture of the space: arrangements climbed the barn beams, greenery spilling over the wood farm tables, and florals appeared to grow organically throughout the room. Every floral choice echoed the day’s palette of white, ivory, and layered greens, reinforcing the garden-forward aesthetic that carried from the ceremony into the evening.

Music and performance continued to play a meaningful role throughout the reception. Friends took the stage to sing, weaving artistry and emotion into the evening alongside heartfelt toasts that spoke to Kristen and Chase’s connection. As the night progressed, the dance floor filled quickly, energy building naturally as guests celebrated with joy, movement, and ease well into the night.

Graceful abundance defined Kristen and Chase’s wedding day—an effortless blend of romance, artistry, and heartfelt connection. Surrounded by music, florals, and the timeless beauty of Barley Sheaf Farm, their celebration felt deeply personal and beautifully lived-in. It was a joy to document a day rooted in intention, creativity, and love.

From the legacy of Barley Sheaf Farm to the creative talent of their friends, from handwritten lyrics to candlelit tables, every part of the day felt deeply considered and deeply felt. It was an honor to document a celebration that trusted softness, creativity, and emotional truth—and to do so in a place that continues to feel like home (love you Barley!).

Vendors

Venue: The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm 

Planner + Coordinator: Something Blu Weddings + Events 

Florist: Sebesta Design

Paper Goods: Sweet Paper

Dress Maker: Suzanne Neville from En Blanc

Band/DJ: Cutting Edge Entertainment 

Videographer: Draped in White