Elegant Summer Wedding at Brookfield Barn
May 9, 2025
There are weddings that stay with you for the light, the laughter, or the sheer effort it takes to dodge a downpour. And then there are weddings that quietly etch themselves into your memory because every little detail was so unmistakably them. Holly and Kieran’s Elegant Summer Wedding at Brookfield Barn Sussex had all of that, and more—quirks, class, cigars, and crisps.
Although my editing style has definitely evolved since their day, this wedding remains one I still want to talk about. Not just because of the venue (which is genuinely brilliant), or the storytelling moments I had the privilege of capturing, but because it perfectly reflects what it means to photograph people as they really are. And at Tom Keenan Photography, that’s what I do.
Why Brookfield Barn Is a Dream Wedding Venue
Brookfield Barn is one of those rare venues that manages to be purpose-built for weddings while still feeling entirely unique and soulful. There’s a real art to designing a space that flows effortlessly on a practical level while also holding a sense of warmth, charm, and story—and Brookfield Barn absolutely nails it. It doesn’t feel like one of those overly polished wedding factories, where you’re slotted into a strict timetable and shuffled along conveyor-belt style. Instead, it feels like a considered, characterful space made to celebrate people and connection. And it’s big!
Set in West Sussex, Brookfield Barn is tucked away amongst peaceful greenery, giving it a sense of seclusion and calm that couples often long for. Mature woodland, a tranquil lake, and an on-site golf course all add to the venue’s sense of serenity and versatility. You’ve got all the benefits of a rustic setting—the birdsong, the breeze, the big skies—but with all the comfort, access, and luxury of a modern venue. It really does offer the best of both worlds, especially with being able to sleep overnight there.
It’s worth noting too for this Elegant Summer Wedding at Brookfield Barn that while it feels like you’re in the middle of the countryside (in the best way), it’s actually very easy to reach. For guests travelling from London or further afield, the journey isn’t complicated. And for the wedding party, everything you need is right there—so you can settle in and be fully present, without having to dash between locations or worry about logistics.
What Sets Brookfield Barn Apart
There are plenty of barn venues out there—but for this Elegant Summer Wedding at Brookfield Barn it’s unique in some very tangible ways:
- Indoor & Outdoor Ceremony Options – Brookfield shines in its flexibility. The lakeside ceremony space is beautifully tucked away, but if the weather turns, the indoor setting—with its natural light and views—is just as lovely.
- On-Site Accommodation – With around ten stylish bedrooms, it’s perfect for keeping loved ones close. You can get ready on site or simply enjoy the ease of staying over the night before.
- Purpose-Built Barn – The barn balances modern elegance with rustic charm—oak beams, wooden floors, panoramic windows, and adjustable lighting make it a welcoming, versatile space.
- Golf Course Access – Whether you’re into golf or not, a buggy ride for couple portraits is a fun perk—and a great way to explore the grounds without exhausting yourself.
- Calm, Capable Staff – When the weather turned on Holly and Kieran’s day, the team smoothly transitioned the ceremony indoors—then back outside again when the skies cleared. The couple didn’t need to lift a finger. Just ensure good communication with your planner and photographer to keep timings on track.
Designed for Visual Storytelling
As a professional photographer, I always look at venues thinking about the story of the day—how the day will unfold visually, how the light moves through the space, and how easy it is to document genuine moments without intrusion. Brookfield Barn is, in that sense, a bit of a dream. There’s a clear and natural flow to the layout: from ceremony, to drinks, to dinner, to dancing. It allows for seamless transitions throughout the day, meaning I can move quietly and capture real moments as they happen, without stopping the flow of events or dragging you away from your guests unnecessarily.
The proximity of each space at this Elegant Summer Wedding at Brookfield Barn is also spot on—each close enough to feel connected, yet distinct enough to give the day a sense of movement and shape. From a storytelling point of view, that’s gold dust. It means your gallery will feel dynamic, not repetitive. Guests don’t get disoriented or tired walking between events, and I can work intuitively within the environment to create a collection of photographs that are rich in variety and full of atmosphere.
So whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a larger gathering with friends and family from all over, Brookfield Barn offers the kind of flexibility, comfort and thoughtful design that lets the day breathe. It’s a venue that supports you—not one you have to work around. And when you’re pouring so much into a day that only happens once, that really matters.
The Weather and How to Roll with it
Holly and Kieran’s Elegant Summer Wedding at Brookfield Barn took place in mid-July—that sweet spot in the British calendar when you hope for blue skies and sun-warmed shoulders. But, true to form, the UK weather had other ideas. One moment: sharp morning showers. The next: blazing sun. Then more clouds, more rain, and just enough drama to keep everyone guessing. It didn’t snow, though—small mercies.
For many venues, that kind of unpredictability would cause a bit of a wobble. But not at Brookfield Barn. The team remained completely unflustered.
The ceremony was set for the lake—chairs being arranged, petals scattered, everything ready. Then came the rain. Nothing wild, but enough to force a decision. And rather than hesitate, the team pivoted. Within minutes, everything was calmly moved inside. Not just chairs—everything: decor, sound system, signage. All done quietly, without involving the couple or disturbing their morning.
The indoor space is stunning in its own right, with floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views. But just as the final touches went in… the skies cleared. The team—again without fuss—moved everything back outside. The couple? Still relaxed, still unaware.
That’s the mark of a great venue: one that shields you from the stress while making sure your day still unfolds beautifully.
In the end, Holly and Kieran got their lakeside ceremony. Warm light, the shimmer of water behind them, and guests smiling in the sun. It felt effortless—but only because of the thoughtful work behind the scenes.
As a photographer, moments like this are what elevate a story. The way a venue responds under pressure shapes the whole energy of the day. Brookfield Barn didn’t just have a Plan B—they executed it gracefully, and that made all the difference.
Arrival in a Pink Cadillac Convertible
Holly didn’t just arrive at her Elegant Summer Wedding at Brookfield Barn—she made an entrance. Holly leant joyfully into something as bold as her personality: a pastel pink Cadillac convertible. It was one of those epic wedding moments that manages to be both a visual showstopper and a complete reflection of someone’s character. When she pulled into the tree-lined driveway of Brookfield Barn, roof down, smile wide, and surrounded by soft summer light, the whole atmosphere shifted. Her bridesmaids tearfully welcomed her with shouts and waves: it was fun, unfussy, and brilliantly her.
There’s something so refreshing about that kind of decision. It’s not about extravagance for its own sake—it’s about creating a moment that feels personal. Holly didn’t turn up in the Cadillac to tick a box on a Pinterest board. She arrived in it because it made her feel like herself. And when a wedding starts with that kind of energy, you know the rest of the day is going to follow suit.
As a photographer, that kind of detail makes a huge difference. Not just visually—although yes, the contrast of soft pink against Brookfield Barn’s greenery and timber tones looked incredible—but emotionally, too. The image of her stepping out of that car, full of excitement and anticipation, was a real anchor point for the narrative of the day.
What’s particularly interesting is how Holly and Kieran handled the logistics of the morning. The bridal prep location was about 40 minutes from the venue. Now, I’m always happy to travel when it makes sense—but on this occasion, they made a decision I think a lot of couples could benefit from hearing: they chose to skip the prep coverage and have me arrive at Brookfield Barn, ready to photograph from the ceremony onwards. And honestly, it was such a smart move.
A Considered, Story-Led Approach to Coverage
There’s often pressure to capture everything—to be there from hair and makeup to sparklers and taxis. And while I totally understand the desire to hold onto every detail, sometimes the most powerful photography doesn’t come from trying to do it all. It comes from being truly present for the right parts of the day. For Holly and Kieran, that meant starting the story where their guests arrived, where the tension and joy began to build together. That’s where I stepped in—and it felt intentional, calm, and far more aligned with the pace they wanted.
The reality is, trying to squeeze in a 40-minute drive between two locations—especially in unpredictable weather and rural West Sussex traffic—can throw the whole rhythm of a morning. If I’d travelled for prep, we might have risked missing the arrival, or lost the momentum of the ceremony build-up. Instead, I was able to ground myself in the venue, scout the light and spaces, coordinate with my second shooter, and start the day with focus. It’s those subtle logistical decisions that protect the flow and artistry of wedding photography. Less rushing, more rhythm. And the story benefits for it.
Dedicated Focus Comes With Luxury
One of the reasons this flexible approach was possible is because I don’t overbook myself. I don’t do back-to-back weddings or double weekends. When I photograph a wedding, it’s my sole professional focus. Holly and Kieran weren’t one of three couples on my calendar that weekend—they were the couple. That’s the quiet luxury I offer. Fewer commitments, deeper creative investment.
It also meant my second shooter and I travelled down the day before and stayed locally, which was a very deliberate choice. We weren’t battling traffic on the morning, or arriving flustered. We were rested, familiar with the venue layout, and able to step into the day with the kind of calm energy couples really appreciate. And that’s not just a nicety—it affects the quality of the work. It means I can be fully immersed from the first shot to the last dance, with zero compromise on care or stamina.
I know the word luxury gets thrown around a lot in this industry, but for me, it’s less about expensive things and more about intentional service. It’s about saying no to overstretching, so I can say yes to you. That’s what Holly and Kieran received—and I’d argue it’s what made their coverage so rich, even though we technically ‘missed’ the prep.
A Golf Buggy, Clouds, and Space to Breathe
Because we weren’t clock-watching or trying to make up time lost to morning traffic, we were able to use that margin later in the day—and it paid off brilliantly. After the ceremony and reception drinks, the couple and I jumped into one of Brookfield Barn’s golf buggies for a little escapade through the grounds. There’s something quite freeing about shooting portraits this way. The couple could rest their feet, have a laugh, take a breather from the crowd—and we were able to explore areas of the venue you wouldn’t get to on foot in heels or tight suit trousers.
The rain held off and clouds came over to cover the sun—making the light super even and easy. The buggy shoot gave us quiet pockets of privacy and playful energy, balanced with editorial compositions and real connection. No forced smiles. No production line posing. Just the two of them, relaxed, present, and still buzzing from the ceremony. And all of it captured in a way that reflected them.
In many ways, that session felt like the payoff of every smart decision they’d made that day—from simplifying the morning logistics, to trusting me to lead the rhythm of the shoot, to choosing a venue that let us roam a bit. It was luxury in its truest form: freedom, beauty, and presence. And that’s what stays with you.
Documentary Meets Editorial: My Signature Style
When people ask how I photograph weddings, I don’t offer a checklist—I describe an approach. I work in a way that blends two distinct but deeply complementary styles: editorial portraiture and documentary storytelling. One is composed, thoughtful, and elegant. The other is instinctive, emotional, and raw. When done well, the two don’t clash—they elevate each other.
That means your wedding gallery won’t be a set of stiff poses or endless repeats of the same shot. You won’t be asked to fake a laugh or “hold that kiss” like it’s a theatre production. Instead, I quietly observe, listen, and lead where needed. The result? A gallery full of real, honest moments—captured with the kind of composition, lighting, and polish that wouldn’t feel out of place in a magazine.
This Elegant Summer Wedding at Brookfield Barn with Holly and Kieran was a perfect example of how both sides of my style play a part. From a documentary perspective, it was overflowing: laughter during the buggy ride, tears in the speeches, the kind of micro-moments between two people that speak volumes—hands finding each other during the vows, shared glances across the table, a reassuring touch on the back of a chair. These are the moments that happen once, and then are gone. Blink and you’ll miss them. Unless someone’s watching carefully.
But alongside that, we had time and space to create original portraits. Not staged or stylised—but authentic and timeless. These weren’t images of people playing dress-up; they were photographs of two people completely themselves. Portraits like these tell you just as much as the documentary shots—because they’re not about copying a style, they’re about honouring a moment. They are timeless without feeling staged. Fashion-inspired, without losing the soul.
Why I Shoot with Both Digital and Film
A big part of my visual language also comes from how I shoot. I use both digital and 35mm film on a wedding day. Most of the coverage is captured digitally—it’s quick, it handles changing light with ease, and allows me to shoot fast-paced events like confetti, dancing, and speeches without interruption. But when the light is right, and the moment calls for something quieter, I bring out my film camera.
There’s something magical about film. It doesn’t scream for attention—but the subtlety is its strength. The grain, the softness, the way it renders colours with a kind of gentle restraint… It feels like it already has one foot in history. On digital, a photograph can feel immediate. On film, it feels exciting because you don’t know what it looks like until the scans show up.
Film forces us to slow down. It leads us to be in the moment, rather than overthink things. This feeling blends into my digital work too. It’s not about being posey—it’s about being present. And that, ultimately, is what defines my style: presence.
Evening, Pyjamas, and a Bag of Crisps
As the light dipped and the speeches drew to a close, the mood shifted in the way it often does at great weddings. Not into chaos—but into comfort. The high notes of formality faded gently into something more grounded. It was all laughter in corners, jackets draped over chairs, and the golden glow of evening wrapping around the barn like a soft blanket.
And then—one of my favourite transitions of the whole day—Holly reappeared in her pyjamas.
Guests were outside, cigars in hand, music floating through the warm air. The first dance happened under the open sky, not in the usual formalised spotlight, but surrounded by friends, fairy lights, and the soft blur of twilight.
And then there were crisps.
During our initial consultation, Holly had said—half joking, half serious—that her dream wedding night would involve crisps and pyjamas. She mentioned it in passing, laughing as she did. But I remembered. When the music mellowed and the evening had taken on that soft, slow hum, amidst drinking her cup of tea I handed them to her.
Man, she was so happy! Not because it was extravagant—but because it was her. I just listened to what was important to her and really, that’s what all of this is about. Weddings aren’t about perfection. They’re about care. About noticing the little things. Remembering a bag of crisps, timing a photo to a passing look, pausing when the light is perfect. That’s where the story lives. And that’s what I show up to photograph.
Why I Still Talk About Brookfield Barn
I’ve photographed many weddings since Holly and Kieran’s, and my style has continued to evolve—refined editing, new techniques, deeper creative confidence. But I still come back to this one. Not because it was flashy. Not because it was perfect. But because it was honestly THEM.
There’s a warmth to it that I keep referencing. It had soul, humour and intimacy.
That’s the kind of wedding I live for—not the loudest, but the most felt. I believe photography should preserve the spirit of a day, not just document the details. This wedding did that in spades, and it’s why I’ll keep showing it to future couples as an example of what truly matters.
Looking for a Wedding Photographer at Brookfield Barn?
If you’re planning a wedding at Brookfield Barn and are looking for a photographer who knows the venue, respects its pace, and can bring out both the elegance and emotion of your day—I’d love to chat.
Whether your vision leans towards editorial-style portraits, laidback documentary coverage, or a mix of both, I bring over a decade of experience. I have a quiet confidence and genuine care to every celebration I document. I don’t rush in and tick boxes—I arrive early, stay late, and move with the rhythm of your day. I’m there to notice the moments you didn’t see, as well as to honour the ones you’ll never forget.
Brookfield Barn is a truly special place—one that shines in both sunshine and showers. I know its rhythms, I know its light, and I know how to make the most of its spaces. If you’re getting married there and want your story captured with warmth, artistry and truth, I’d love to be part of it.
Let’s start the conversation. Get in touch and tell me what you’re dreaming of—I’d be honoured to help you remember it all, beautifully.
