Bride and groom kissing amid wedding guests confetti at Stretton Manor Barn for a black tie wedding

Helen & Josh’s Stretton Manor Barn Wedding | Real Wedding | Stretton Manor Barn Wedding Photography

Newlyweds kissing surrounded by confetti and guests at Stretton Manor Barn for a black tie wedding

Helen & Josh chose Stretton Manor Barn in Chesterfield in Derbyshire for their New Years Eve inspired wedding. In their own words below, our bride and groom talk in great detail about their spectacular wedding day. I would grab a coffee and maybe some biscuits, this is a beautiful read!

Did you visit or view any other barn wedding venues before choosing Stretton Manor Barn, and what was it about this stunning Derbyshire wedding venue that made it the perfect setting for your wedding day? 

We booked to see Stretton Manor Barn as our first venue, Josh had been checking it out online and joked after he had proposed to me that he had ‘already found our wedding venue’ before he had even asked me to marry him!

I had a long list of places to visit but we narrowed it down to Stretton Manor Barn and Hazel Gap barn. As soon as we pulled up, we both fell in love and felt so welcomed. It honestly felt like a family member was showing us around! We knew before going to see the other venue that this was the one for us!

Smiling bride and groom embracing outdoors at Stetton Manor Barn in Chesterfield Derbyshire
A bride and groom stand facing each other outdoors, smiling. The bride wears an off-the-shoulder white gown and holds a bouquet of white flowers. The groom wears a black tuxedo with a buttonhole. It is daytime with greenery in the background at Stetton Manor Barn in Chesterfield Derbyshire by Bethany Maeve Photography

I’d love to hear the story of your engagement – who proposed, where did it happen, and how did the moment unfold?

We had a holiday to Mexico booked, I had hoped that Josh would propose on this holiday but had no idea when or where! Just had all my fingers crossed that it would happen.

On our first morning we woke up super early from the time difference and decided to take a walk down to the beach just in time for the sunrise. Josh took this as his opportunity so ran back into the room, grabbed the ring and proposed to me as the sun was coming up, just us two on the beach. It was beautiful. He managed to get it on video, here’s me thinking it was a timed photo!! We then got to enjoy the whole trip in our little engagement bubble!

Closeup of couple's hands wearing wedding rings at Stretton Manor Barn in Chesterfield Derbyshire by Bethany Maeve Photography
Black and white photo of a couple’s hands resting on each other, both wearing wedding rings, with the woman’s hand featuring polished nails and an engagement ring, symbolising marriage or engagement at Stretton Manor Barn in Chesterfield Derbyshire by Bethany Maeve Photography

Did you have a particular wedding style or vision in mind for your celebration at Stretton Manor Barn, and how did you bring that atmosphere to life throughout your wedding day

We knew we wanted a big party, nothing too formal but at the same time with all the usual wedding traditions. I wanted everything to be very simple as Stretton Manor Barn is beautiful stand alone!

Modern farmhouse surrounded by green countryside fields at Stretton Manor Barn for a black tie wedding
Rustic indoor wedding ceremony setup with floral arch
Modern farmhouse with large gravel driveway and fields at Stretton Manor Barn for a black tie wedding
Rustic indoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs
Rustic indoor wedding ceremony setup with floral decor
Stretton Manor Barn black tie wedding


When we booked a NYE wedding we said wouldn’t it be funny if we get NYE props and make it a proper party. So we did exactly that, just for the evening do! We did the new years count down. What a way to start 2026!

Please tell me about finding your dream wedding dress. how long did the search take, and what was it about that perfect dress that made you realise it was ‘the one’

My friends and family couldn’t believe this but I only went to one shop, and came home with a dress that day! I don’t think I expected it either but I fell in love with a huge princess style dress, with a long train on from Wed 2 Be.

I could not stop smiling when I put it on and my mum and sister said ‘we know what you are like, if you come back it wont be here’. So I decided just to go for it and get it, even though I had only tried a couple on. I loved it and as soon as I tried it on knew I wanted it!

What meaningful details or personal touches made your wedding day feel uniquely yours, and how did these reflect your story as a couple

I am quite creative, so everything was hand printed by myself or designed by me, then luckily one of my bridesmaids works at a print company so she helped me with the bigger bits like the table plan and welcome signs.

A white plate holds a folded serviette tied with a black ribbon, a menu card, and a place card labelled "Bride." Cutlery is arranged neatly beside the plate on a wooden table at Stretton Manor Barn by Bethany Maeve Photography
A wedding reception hall with wooden tables and chairs, decorated with lights on the ceiling. A large seating plan on an easel is in the foreground, adorned with small white flowers at the base t Stretton Manor Barn by Bethany Maeve Photography


We hand made and tied bows for all the name tags, also with the help of a circuit machine me and my sister created a bespoke mirror, just for some fun photo opportunities.

Stretton Manor Barn black tie wedding

Looking back on your wedding day at Stretton Manor Barn, which moments stand out as the most unforgettable, and which memories will you treasure forever?

We will treasure the day as a whole forever but a stand out moment for me was the singing waiters. To be able to surprise Josh with them made my year, we had said all year it was too much and we didn’t need them. Little did he know I had booked them without him knowing. Only my sister knew and I felt the electricity in the room when everyone got out of their seats to sing and dance along. We felt so much love in the room that day, and I will cherish that forever!

A man stands on a chair with a microphone, leading a lively group of people who are clapping and cheering at a festive indoor event under warm lights and a rustic light fitting. Bethany Maeve Photography
A woman with red hair, wearing a grey dress and apron, sings into a microphone whilst walking between seated guests at an indoor event with brick walls. People watch her and smile. Bethany Maeve Photography
A man in black attire speaks into a microphone at a wedding reception in a rustic, warmly lit venue with stone walls. Guests seated at wooden tables are smiling and engaged, surrounded by candles and festive decor. Bethany Maeve Photography
A group of people dressed in formal attire stand in a line with arms round each other, lifting their legs in a kick line at a lively indoor celebration with drinks and laughter. Bethany Maeve Photography

What advice would you give to newly engaged couples planning their own wedding day, especially when choosing a venue and creating a celebration that feels personal to them?

I would say for Stretton Manor Barn, that less is more. I was so worried I hadn’t got enough flowers, or bits and bobs and actually no one cares on the day. The venue is beautiful without anything at all anyways. Also, we really tried to make it about myself and Josh, no one else. We weren’t afraid to say no and made sure our day was exactly how we wanted it.

Do you have a favourite wedding photograph from the day? Tell me why this photo means so much to you and the memories it captures

We can’t choose just one!! We loved them all so much, you captured the day so perfectly. You made two incredibly awkward/camera shy people really at ease, we were so shocked how lovely the photos came out! Cannot thank you enough. We really love the bridesmaid and groomsmen group shots all together and then our couple portrait’s.

“Beth was amazing from first chatting, to booking, the run up to our wedding then on the wedding day! Start to finish just perfect!
Helped two very awkward people feel super at ease, getting everyone into position so quickly and just generally lovely to be around! We are so lucky we found you on Instagram, I can’t imagine anyone else capturing our special day!
You made everyone smile! Thank you so much!”

A bride and groom stand on a country road, smiling and embracing. The bride wears an off-the-shoulder gown with floral details and a veil, while the groom wears a suit with a bow tie and buttonhole. Petals are scattered on the road. Bethany Maeve Photography
Newlywed couple posing with white rose bouquet
Newlyweds kissing surrounded by confetti and guests at Stretton Manor Barn for a black tie wedding
Bride walking down aisle with her father
Groom placing wedding ring on bride's finger
Bride and groom sitting at decorated wedding table
Bride and groom walking down countryside road
Bride and groom celebrating after wedding ceremony
A bride in a white dress and veil walks hand in hand with a groom in a black suit along a gravel path outside a rustic building, surrounded by greenery and dried flowers. Bethany Maeve Photography
A bride and groom stand facing each other outdoors, smiling. The bride wears an off-the-shoulder white gown and holds a bouquet of white flowers. The groom wears a black tuxedo with a buttonhole. It is daytime with greenery in the background at Stetton Manor Barn in Chesterfield Derbyshire by Bethany Maeve Photography
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a dark suit walk down a rural path lined with bare hedges, holding hands, with flower petals scattered on the ground around them. Bethany Maeve Photography
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a black tuxedo walk hand in hand down a rural road lined with hedges, with scattered white petals on the ground and the sun setting behind them. Bethany Maeve Photography
A wedding party poses indoors against a stone wall. The bride stands in the centre in a white gown, surrounded by bridesmaids in black dresses and groomsmen in black tuxedos. Everyone is smiling and holding bouquets. Bethany Maeve Photography

Do you have any feedback from your experience with Bethany Maeve Photography

Only you are incredible, so lovely and warm to be around. All of our friends and family said how amazing you are, you felt like part of our day not just there taking photos. You captured everything so perfectly without us even noticing you were there half of the time!

Helen & Josh’s wedding suppliers

We’d also love to say a huge thank you to all of our suppliers, the amazing staff at Stretton Manor Barn. We’re beyond grateful for the memories which we will cherish forever.

  • Wedding Venue – Stretton Manor Barn Chesterfield Derbyshire https://strettonmanorbarn.co.uk/ 
  • Wedding Photography – Bethany Maeve Photography https://bethanymaeve.co.uk
  • Wedding Dress – Wed2Be
  • Wedding Flowers – Courtney at Marymarys_flowers on Instagram 
  • Wedding Cake – Laura at Lauras_cakestagram on Instagram
  • Bridal Make Up – Laurajessicamakeup on Instagram
  • Bridal Hair – Hairbynatashamilroy_bridal on Instagram

Helen & Josh’s wedding photographs

Below are a selection of wedding photographs from Helen and Josh’s wedding day at Stretton Manor Barn. These are just a small selection from the gallery; it was an absolute pleasure to capture their wonderful day!

Stretton Manor Barn wedding photographer
A bride in a white dress and veil laughs whilst standing on a rural road, as the groom in a black tuxedo hugs her from behind. The couple look happy, with scattered flower petals on the ground. Bethany Maeve Photography
Stretton Manor Barn wedding venue entrance sign
Modern farmhouse surrounded by green countryside fields at Stretton Manor Barn for a black tie wedding
Cozy wedding venue with Christmas decorations
Rustic indoor wedding ceremony setup with floral arch
Bridesmaids reacting to bride in wedding dress
Mother admiring bride before wedding ceremony
Emotional father seeing bride before wedding
Bride walking down aisle with her father
Bride and groom standing during wedding ceremony
Bride and groom exchanging vows at indoor wedding ceremony
Groom placing wedding ring on bride's finger
Smiling bride during wedding ceremony indoors
Elderly couple seated at wedding ceremony
Stretton Manor Barn black tie wedding
Bride and groom sitting at decorated wedding table
Bride and groom celebrating after wedding ceremony
Stretton Manor Barn black tie wedding
Newlyweds kiss amid confetti and smiling guests at Stretton Manor Barn for a black tie wedding
Bride and groom kissing amid wedding guests confetti at Stretton Manor Barn for a black tie wedding
Bride and groom kiss surrounded by wedding guests at Stretton Manor Barn for a black tie wedding
Bride and groom posing on country road
Newlywed couple posing with white rose bouquet
Smiling bride and groom embracing outdoors at Stetton Manor Barn in Chesterfield Derbyshire
Stretton Manor Barn black tie wedding
Man giving wedding speech to smiling guests
Groom giving speech to smiling bride at wedding reception
A bride and groom walk down the aisle together in a rustic indoor venue, surrounded by seated guests who are standing and clapping. The couple smile and hold hands beneath a decorated archway. The photo is in black and white. Bethany Maeve Photography
A bride in a white dress and veil walks hand in hand with a groom in a black suit along a gravel path outside a rustic building, surrounded by greenery and dried flowers. Bethany Maeve Photography
A bride and groom walk outside, smiling and holding hands, as guests throw confetti in celebration. The bride holds a bouquet and wears an off-shoulder gown; the groom is in a dark suit and bow tie. Bethany Maeve Photography
A bride and groom stand on a country lane, kissing. The bride wears a white dress and holds a bouquet, while the groom wears a black suit. White petals are scattered on the road around them. Bare trees line the scene. Bethany Maeve Photography
A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a country lane, the bride in a white dress and veil, the groom in a black suit, surrounded by greenery and scattered white petals on the path. Bethany Maeve Photography
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a black tuxedo enter a room hand in hand, smiling and celebrating, walking through a stone archway onto a wooden floor. Bethany Maeve Photography
A bride and groom stand together smiling in a stone doorway, with the bride embracing the groom from behind. Both are dressed formally, and the scene has a joyful, celebratory atmosphere. Bethany Maeve Photography
A heart-shaped white iced cake with "Mr & Mrs Edwards" written in black icing, placed on a wooden surface. Bethany Maeve Photography
A woman in formal attire wipes tears from her face whilst seated among other people in suits at what appears to be an emotional event, possibly a wedding or ceremony. The image is in black and white. Bethany Maeve Photography
A bride in a white dress and veil holds a bouquet while standing beside the groom in a black suit on a country lane, surrounded by hedges, with flower petals scattered on the path. Bethany Maeve Photography
A group of people sit at a candlelit table, smiling and laughing during a formal event. The focus is on a woman in a red and black dress with her hands clasped, appearing joyful. Bethany Maeve Photography
Newlywed couple celebrating with sparklers
Newlyweds kissing surrounded by sparklers at night
A bride and groom share a kiss while holding sparklers, surrounded by cheering guests who also hold sparklers, celebrating at night. The bride wears a white dress; the groom is in a black suit. Bethany Maeve Photography
Bethany Maeve

Bethany Maeve is a Derbyshire based wedding photographer who has been capturing love stories across the UK since 2018. Specialising in natural, candid photography, Beth documents the authentic emotions and in-between moments that make each celebration unique. When she's not behind the camera happy-crying at ceremonies, you'll find her travelling to stunning venues from Sheffield Manor Lodge to the Welsh countryside, turning wedding days into timeless memories. Beth believes in being more than just a photographer—she's the friend who'll laugh with you, chase the perfect light, and ensure your story is told exactly as it unfolds.

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