Hanbury Barns is one of those wedding venues that always delivers. This wasn’t my first time photographing a wedding here (check out some of my other Hanbury Barns weddings), but every celebration feels unique. Neesha and Sid’s wedding was no exception. Neesha and Sid’s big day was a perfect blend of elegance, personal touches, and plenty of fun—oh, and let’s not forget the classy black and white theme. Spoiler alert: it was all Neesha’s idea (sorry, Sid, but we know who the creative force is in this relationship!).
A Stylish Start to the Day
The day began in the prep room, where Neesha and her bridesmaids were getting ready. The atmosphere was lively, with laughter and music filling the room as the girls had their hair and makeup done. Neesha’s bridesmaids looked fantastic in their black satin dresses, perfectly complementing the black and white theme.
Meanwhile, Sid and his groomsmen were getting ready in one of Hanbury’s contemporary pods. Sid’s outfit was a standout—a black tuxedo with a subtle sparkle woven into the fabric, catching the light just right. The black velvet lapels and matching waistcoat added a touch of sophistication, while the sleek black trousers completed the look. He definitely nailed the groom style.
A Ceremony Full of Personal Touches
The ceremony was a highlight of the day. Neesha and Sid chose an unplugged ceremony, asking their guests to put away their phones and be fully present. It was a great decision—instead of a sea of screens, the couple saw the smiling, emotional faces of their loved ones.
The first row of seats held a thoughtful tribute to absent family members, with portrait photos placed as a reminder that they were there in spirit. Neesha walked down the aisle with her dad to the sound of Judith Ude, a harpist who sang as she played. It was a beautiful moment that set the tone for the rest of the day.
One of the standout moments was the sand ritual. Neesha and Sid poured sand from separate vessels into a single one, symbolizing the blending of their lives. It was a unique and meaningful touch that added depth to the ceremony.
Drinks, Confetti, and Relaxed Portraits
After the ceremony, it was time for drinks and canapés. The guests showered the newlyweds with cheers and handfuls of confetti as they celebrated the first moments of Neesha and Sid’s married life.
Before sitting down for the wedding breakfast, I took the couple for some relaxed portrait photos in Hanbury’s gardens. The natural light and beautiful surroundings made for some great shots.
A Wedding Breakfast with a Twist
The wedding breakfast was lively, thanks to a surprise performance by the singing waiters. What started as a normal meal quickly turned into a hilarious spectacle when one of the waiters began speaking in a very questionable French accent. As a Frenchman myself, I can confirm it was… creative, to say the least! The trio burst into song, entertaining the guests and adding a fun twist to the meal.
Let the Party Begin!
The evening kicked off with Neesha and her father taking to the dance floor for a heartfelt father-daughter dance. Then it was time for the newlyweds’ first dance—a moment Sid had no idea was coming until the music started! Neesha had chosen the song the night before, and it was the perfect choice for their first dance as husband and wife.
We were also lucky enough to catch a stunning sunset that evening. Knowing the best spot at Hanbury Barns for sunset shots, I offered Neesha and Sid a quick 5-minute break after their first dance to capture the golden hour. True to my word, we were in and out in just 5 minutes—the timestamps on my photos don’t lie! The results were worth it, with the warm, golden light creating a beautiful backdrop for their portraits.
From there, the party was in full swing, with guests hitting the dance floor and celebrating late into the night. It was a day filled with great moments, laughter, and personal touches—a true reflection of Neesha and Sid’s personalities and their journey together.
