Chilli Barn in Late Summer Rain — Helen & Adam’s Wedding Gallery
On the edge of Chevin forest Chilli Barn – Helen & Adam’s wedding was so memorable. Even from the first photo I took, a sweet moment – The couple’s rescue dog with a floral collar. A smiling lady from the wedding venue (everyone loves nice dogs) — in a yellow raincoat helped tie a makeshift muzzle, just for safety — as he looked straight at the camera.
I’m never disappointed to see rain – well, this is Yorkshire at it’s best. Helen and Adam were fab. Just before the evening reception, there was a break in the rain. The three of us crossed over the road and ventured into Chevin Forest, for a quick couple portrait session. The rain on the grass and trees makes the endless shades of green glow – look towards the end of this Chilli Barn gallery to see those moments.
Sometimes I see that the rain keeps everyone closer together – so the photos are happier and tell the real story so well. Thank you so much Helen & Adam — for letting me tell your story in photos.
Their dog, cared for and calm, brought warmth to the entrance at the Chilli Barn.
A Chilli Barn Wedding in Otley — Rain, Warmth & Real Moments
Through raindrops on the window, smiles shine,
a father’s pride and a bride’s quiet joy.
The journey to the Chilli Barn began with laughter and love, despite the storm outside.
a father’s love in one simple gesture.
Umbrellas and laughter — nothing could dim the moment she arrived at the Chilli Barn.
joy carried her through to the doorway.
A Chilli Barn wedding always brings colour, even in the soft Yorkshire rain.
The Chilli Barn’s warmth glowed as bridesmaids gathered and the dog peeked in.
anticipation sparkles between old friends.
A quiet moment before vows, set against the rustic charm of the Chilli Barn.
waiting for love’s story to unfold.
Family love filled the Chilli Barn — every generation gathered to celebrate Helen & Adam.
a playful start to the ceremony.
At the Chilli Barn, even the family dog played a role in this heartfelt aisle moment.
A Joyful Ceremony at Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa
From my spot near the aisle, I watched as the first bridesmaid arrived — holding their much-loved dog, who was gently stroked as they walked together. Three more bridesmaids followed, while the groom, best man, and father stood quietly, waiting for that first glimpse of the bride.
She appeared in a slim dress with delicate ruffles of netting below the waist, smiling as she walked arm in arm with her dad. I loved capturing the way he beamed before taking his seat, and how the couple, hand in hand, began their vows while their calm, smartly dressed dog looked around the room.
There were two beautiful readings, rings exchanged, and so many smiles filling the air. When the first kiss came, it was followed by a loving hug — one of those fleeting, heartfelt moments I feel lucky to witness and preserve in photographs.
a smile captured forever.
A timeless black-and-white frame — documentary wedding photography at the Chilli Barn.
a joyful entrance into the light.
In Otley near Leeds, the Chilli Barn glowed with laughter as the bridal party walked in.
love enters the room with every step.
The Chilli Barn fell quiet as the groom and his family turned to see her arrival.
a smile shared with every guest.
With her father at her side, Helen’s smile filled the Chilli Barn aisle.
a promise forming before the vows.
Halfway down the aisle, her gaze found Adam waiting at the Chilli Barn.
another smile carries her forward.
A proud father stepped aside, leaving love to take centre stage in Otley.
words unspoken, love understood.
Their ceremony began in quiet focus, hand in hand beneath the fairy lights.
watching vows unfold.
Even their dog seemed to sense the weight of this moment at the Chilli Barn.
love shared with every heartbeat.
Helen couldn’t resist checking on their dog, a guest of honour at the Chilli Barn.
vows shaping a lifetime ahead.
Vows spoken with honesty and love — a hallmark of Chilli Barn wedding photography.
the room aglow with promise.
From the back of the Chilli Barn, fairy lights framed this timeless black-and-white moment.
joy unpolished and true.
A lighthearted moment reminded everyone that even ceremonies brim with laughter.
waiting proudly in the first row.
Even from the front row, their rescue dog drew smiles from Helen and Adam at the Chilli Barn.
a quiet bond shared in the aisle.
Even the father of the bride couldn’t resist pausing to comfort their loyal dog at the Chilli Barn.
his smile rests in quiet trust.
Helen’s happiness lit the room as she listened to the registrar — Adam caught in a softer, quieter moment.
a vow wrapped in lightness.
Sometimes the most honest vows come with laughter — Helen beaming mid-ceremony at the Chilli Barn.
his smile followed with ease.
Adam turned toward their guests with a grin as Helen’s laughter filled the ceremony space.
their promises woven into place.
From the back of the ceremony room, their vows glowed against the warm fairy-lit room.
hearts open in quiet rhythm.
Helen and Adam leaned into every word of their first reading, the Chilli Barn hushed around them.
patient and still in the aisle.
Their rescue dog sat proud and calm, as though he too was part of the vows at the Chilli Barn.
a timeless frame of promise.
The reading carried softly through the Chilli Barn, framed in light and shadow from the back row.
their smiles full of warmth.
Helen and Adam clapped with their guests as the first reading closed — a joyful pause in the ceremony.
a joyful moment sealed in smiles.
The joy on their faces said everything words couldn’t.
they share their happiness with the room.
Every seat held someone important to them.
Helen’s smile softens the moment.
A smile shared before the vows continued.
a timeless gesture of love.
A timeless gesture, forever remembered.
loyal witness to their vows.
Quiet loyalty at the Chilli Barn ceremony.
a delicate gesture with deep meaning.
The smallest details carry the biggest emotions.
greeted with cheers from loved ones.
A cheer rose from the room in that instant.
a moment of closeness they’ll never forget.
The kind of embrace that lingers.
joy radiating through the Chilli Barn.
The Chilli Barn filled with love and laughter.
their loyal dog joining in the moment.
A true Otley wedding moment — heartfelt and real.
Signing the Register & A Confetti-Filled Walk Through
With the registrar’s guidance, Helen and Adam signed their marriage schedule — a quiet, lovely scene framed by a vase overflowing with green and white flowers, fairy lights glowing softly behind them. Their witnesses stepped forward to join in for the official moments, followed by a few warm, candid portraits: the couple together, proud fathers at their side, smiling bridesmaids close by, and even their rescue dog making a charming appearance.
Then came one of my favourite parts of the day — the confetti walk. Instead of heading outdoors, Helen and Adam walked hand in hand back down the ceremony room aisle, their guests lining the way. Petals flew, laughter filled the air, and the space lit up with joy. When they reached the end of the aisle, Helen turned back with a radiant smile and raised her champagne glass in a toast to her girlfriends, while Adam followed with a playful toast to his best man — a perfect, unscripted ending to the ceremony.
Helen’s smile meets her mum’s through the flowers.
A fleeting smile passed across the room.
they lean over to check the register.
Documentary moments full of quiet detail.
Helen’s gaze steady by his side.
A pen stroke that made history for them both.
signing as an official witness.
Every friend played their part that day.
her bouquet resting gently on the table.
A playful moment beneath the Chilli Barn glow.
surrounded by warmth and light.
The kiss seemed to brighten the whole room.
Helen’s laughter follows in reply.
Happiness echoed between them.
the fairy lights glowing.
A frame filled with people who mattered most.
laughter rising as they pose.
Togetherness defined their Chilli Barn wedding.
smiles all around the couple.
Every face held the glow of joy.
A relaxed pause before the celebrations continue.
A simple moment of chatter, captured as naturally as it unfolded.
A frame full of warmth and belonging.
Two fathers stand proudly, framing the joy of their children’s day.
Eyes fixed only on the two they adore.
Even in the posed portraits, their dog’s gaze never leaves them.
All eyes on family, full of love.
Sam’s frame shows the little guardian taking it all in.
Even their dog can’t resist watching closely.
Their love draws attention from every angle — even the loyal hound.
A quiet moment of care in the day.
Between formalities, affection is shared where it’s most natural.
Their dog reaches out to family with ease.
A playful hello, bridging generations under the Chilli Barn’s glow.
Smiles rise with the weight of meaning.
A simple handover, yet filled with lifetime significance.
Together they step into the next chapter.
A joyful walk, family and friends showering them in celebration.
Her laughter carries brighter than the rain.
Black and white, yet alive with the chaos of happiness.
Upstairs to the Loft & Warm Welcomes
We headed upstairs into the Chilli Barn loft — pausing halfway for a few relaxed couple portraits. A little laughter, a quick glance between them, and then a few more frames once we reached the top.
The rain kept us inside, but it never felt like a compromise. From the upper balcony, Helen and Adam greeted friends and family as they passed — all smiles, hugs, and glasses of champagne in hand.
I moved quietly through the space, capturing candid moments as guests mingled and the room filled with warmth. Downstairs, the wedding breakfast tables were beautifully set, soft daylight pouring through the windows — the perfect setting for natural family group shots and honest, storytelling frames.
Wellies, Umbrellas & a White Horse
Adam helped his new wife into her wellies — a moment full of smiles and gentle teamwork. Guests gathered around, holding umbrellas high to keep themselves (and the couple) dry.
Out in the field, Helen lifted her dress clear of the wet grass while her beautiful white horse turned to look straight at her. She pulled it close, posing as if the horse knew exactly what was going on. A little rain wasn’t going to stop her — and this was a moment she’d been determined to have.
Later, a quick dash through the drizzle brought everyone back inside. Umbrellas folded away, guests mingled and chatted while Adam received a thoughtful gift from his mum. I took a few quiet detail shots — the cake, fresh bread and butter, and a softly glowing candle — just before the wedding breakfast toasts began.
The Wedding Breakfast & Speeches
Helen and Adam entered the marquee with big smiles, taking their seats at a round table — just like all their guests.
The speeches began with the father of the bride, bringing plenty of laughter and warm smiles. Adam’s words were short, sweet, and full of heart, followed by the best man’s light-hearted tales that had everyone laughing before raising their glasses in a joyful toast to the couple.
I caught the small details too — the card table, the seating plan, and a fresh salad platter being served. After the mains, Helen and Adam looked first to me, then to each other, with the full marquee and all their guests in the background — a quiet, connected moment framed by the gentle hum of celebration.
From there, the story lived in the in-betweens: guests chatting, hands clinking champagne flutes, and their dog gazing straight at my camera as if to say, “Don’t forget me!” Dessert came in the form of a much-loved cheesecake, shared and savoured by everyone.
Wedding Breakfast & Beyond — Candid Connections and Rainy Moments
Helen moved between tables, crouching down to chat with friends — her laughter easy and genuine. Adam sat nearby, sharing quiet conversations with his own circle. I captured both candid and gently posed moments — real, unscripted stories unfolding all around.
People drifted in and out of the marquee, some braving the drizzle, others pausing outside for fresh air. When everyone gathered for the big group photo, smiles shone bright beneath a grey sky. Just as we finished, umbrellas popped open and light rain began to fall — but the laughter stayed. I caught that moment too: umbrellas raised, joy and togetherness untouched by the weather.
A few intimate portraits followed, taken on the stone steps and along the pathway, the barn buildings forming a rustic backdrop. Umbrellas open, rain falling softly — these frames felt raw and honest. No gloss, no staging, just life as it truly was.
Through the gate and back inside we went — for now, at least. (A little teaser: there’s more to come later…)
Relaxed Conversations and Quiet Joy
Back inside just after quarter past five, guests mingled and began to settle in. I caught Helen chatting warmly with two friends at the bar — her dress flowing gently, their dog calmly nestled at the edge of the fabric. Nearby, Adam relaxed with his friends, enjoying a quiet drink.
As more evening guests arrived, the atmosphere softened further. The candid photos came easily now — no posing, just real moments unfolding naturally. The laughter, the pauses, the in-betweens — all the small, human things that make wedding stories feel complete.
It never feels like work on days like this.
Cutting the Cake — Laughter, Love, and Genuine Fun
I always keep things relaxed and candid during the cake cutting — no stiff poses or awkward moments. Helen and Adam took their time, smiling and laughing together as they sliced through the cake, perfectly in tune with their easy-going personalities. Guests gathered close behind them, soaking in the joy of the moment.
Then came the playful cupcake surprise — Helen gently pushed one into Adam’s mouth, sparking a lighthearted chase as he tried to return the favour. Laughter echoed around the room, filling every corner with warmth. These spontaneous, unplanned moments are exactly why I love documentary wedding photography.
And finally, a quiet, tender scene: Adam’s mum hugging their rescue dog, eyes full of love — a beautiful reminder of family in all its forms.
Braving the Rain — A Walk in Otley Chevin’s Forest
Helen and Adam had planned to wander through Otley Chevin forest — a place close to their hearts and one they often explore with their rescue dog. When the rain began, they hesitated for a moment, unsure if it was still a good idea. I gently encouraged them to stick with the plan, knowing the light and atmosphere could turn the weather into something truly special.
We headed out anyway, umbrellas in hand, the forest alive with sound and soft colour. I focused on capturing them as they are — no posing, no direction, just quiet connection and easy laughter beneath the trees. The rain added a gentle magic, turning their couple portraits into something intimate, real, and beautifully imperfect.
First Dance Magic — Twinkling Lights and Joyful Moves
As the lights dimmed and the fairy lights twinkled softly overhead, Helen and Adam stepped onto the dance floor for their first dance. Surrounded by smiling guests, their joy was infectious — soon others joined in, filling the room with laughter and motion.
Helen shared a tender dance with her dad while Adam watched, beaming with pride. Then, back together again, they danced with pure happiness — closing the day on a warm, joyful note.
As the music faded and the lights softened, I took my final frames — quiet, glowing moments that felt like the perfect ending to a day filled with love.
Closing Thoughts
Helen & Adam’s Chilli Barn wedding was a beautiful reminder that rain can’t wash away joy. From heartfelt vows to muddy-pawed cuddles with their rescue dog, every moment carried warmth, laughter, and love.
If you love the rustic charm of Chilli Barn, you might enjoy exploring more Chevin weddings captured around this beautiful Otley setting. You can also browse my Yorkshire wedding portfolio for more local stories, or return to my Leeds wedding photographer homepage to discover my natural, documentary approach.
Chilli Barn — Otley, West Yorkshire
Lovingly converted in 2014, Chilli Barn is a rustic wedding venue set on the edge of Otley Chevin, just a short drive from Leeds. With stone walls, timber beams, twinkling lights, and sweeping countryside views, it offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxed celebration.
Documented here by Leeds wedding photographer Tim Christian Jones, Helen & Adam’s day shows the magic of Chilli Barn wedding photography — proof that even a rainy day can shine.
