Historic Wakefield Barn Bridal Portraits

The Historic Wakefield Barn dates back to the 1930’s, today it is surrounded by a neighborhood and golf course. As somewhat of a Raleigh native, my aunt played in the barn back in the 1970’s, when it was surrounded by fields and farms. It was always a fixture in the skyline when driving to Wake Forest. Earlier this year when I found it was being restored and turned into a wedding venue, I was excited about the future prospects of shooting weddings there. My first wedding will be in December and I knew I needed to start getting better acquainted with the wedding venue. To better do that I decided to plan a styled bridal portrait shoot.

Panorama of the Historic Wakefield barn in Raleigh NC

panorama shot of an interior Wakefield Barn Bridal Portraits

exterior shot of The Historic Wakefield Barn

wide image of the Historic Wakefield Barn wedding venue in Raleigh NC

Wakefield Barn Bridal Portraits Styled Shoot

I had the opportunity last week to shoot a styled bridal portrait session at the newly restored barn. Having seen the barn in its pre-finished phases, seeing the full restoration was a sheer delight. The word that would best describe The Wakefield Barn is “awe.” When you ascend the stairs you are instantly taken aback by how large and beautiful the venue is. The goal of this styled shoot was to show off the venue and its lighting. The chandeliers line the entire ceiling in two rows. They wash the venue in a warm golden light. The white walls and architecture make for a beautiful backdrop for portraits.

Southern Oak Events

I can’t fail to sing the praises of Southern Oak Events. Jessica, Blake, and Steph were all great to work with. Steph helped us on the day of the shoot and Wakefield Barn bridal portraits would not have been a success without her.

interior image of a Wakefield Barn Bridal Portraits

bride smiling as she stands on the stairs of the Wakefield Barn

portrait of a bride holding a purple and blue flower bouquet

S.R. Artistry – Hair and Makeup

This was my first time working with Sarah. We had been trying to set up a collaboration for several months now. When I started planning this styled shoot I know she was my goto person. Thankfully she was available. Sarah wanted to keep her hair loose and romantic, but secure enough to last throughout the shoot. For the model’s makeup, she wanted to make her eyes as radiant as they are in real life. She made Christina’s eyes shine in each Wakefield Barn bridal portraits. You can see more of her work and follow Sarah on Instagram.

black and white image of a makeup artist putting makeup on a bridal model

black and white image of a woman helping a bride put a necklace on

black and white image of the hair stylist adjusting the brides hair

bride closing her eyes to show her purple makeup

Homemade-Bride Vintage Rentals

My favorite boutique rental company in the Triangle area! Their rental choices are truly one of a kind. Any event, wedding, or shoot I get to work with them is always a great time. Kelly told me that when she was picking out the design for The Wakefield Barn, she wanted color but not overpower the beauty of the white walls and woodwork. We picked the blush bench to add elegance and gold and white accents to bring it together. Adding candlelight and florals from North Raleigh Florist helped to compliment the lace blue gown worn by the Christina.

Wakefield Barn Bridal Portraits of a woman on a pink chair and candles beside her

a woman posing for her Wakefield Barn Bridal Portraits while sitting on a pink couch

bride laying down on a pink couch with a table and candles beside her

bride smiling as she is sitting on a couch inside of the Wakefield barn

Confectionate Cakes

I have been working with Confectionate Cakes since I started to shoot weddings back in 2006. The owner, Laura, is always great to collaborate with. She went with a Victorian cake inspiration. She based the blue off the gown and then added the lace detail.

bride standing beside the cake table at the Historic Wakefield Barn

North Raleigh Florist

The staff at North Raleigh Florist are some of my favorite people to work within the area. Always coming up with unique designs and fun to work with. For the shoot, they designed a tall floral vase, a bouquet, and a small centerpiece. Each piece was beautifully crafted with delphinium, thistle, roses, mini and full calla lilies, ranunculus, and greenery. The thistles really tied the florals and the wedding gown together.

tall floral vase of purple and white flowers and a cake

close up image of the bridal bouquet with the bride holding them

bride standing near a tall floral vase outside of the Historic Wakefield Barn

Gilded Bridal

With only two years in business, Susan has established her store as a must among Raleigh brides. With her unique styles and relaxed business style, she offers a fresh approach to bridal gowns. It is always a pleasure to be able to use one of Gilded Bridal’s gowns. Susan took time out of her schedule to help me choose a gown for the Wakefield Barn bridal portraits. I love watching her work to match the perfect dress for the bride or model.

Adagio

The gown designer is Claire La Faye, out of Portland, Oregan. This design is named “Adagio,” which was very fitting. When our model Christina but on the gown, she said it is so light and relaxing. she was able to walk, sit and move with great ease in the gown. I love blue in a wedding gown. For the Wakefield Barn bridal portraits, I wanted a gown that had a vintage feel that would go with the atmosphere of the barn. The other detail that sealed the deal for this dress was the sleaves. With the color, details, and sleaves, this gown helped to put the portraits over the top.

bride leaning against a wooden railing with her flowers at her feet.

bride looking up at the ceiling of the Wakefield Barn

bride smiling for her Wakefield Barn Bridal Portraits

bride posing for a Wakefield Barn Bridal Portraits with flowers in her hands

closeup image of the brides a hands and the sleeves of her gown

brides hand holding the bridal bouquet while she wears a blue dress

General Information About The Wakefield Barn

The venue accommodates 250 seated guest and 350 guests for a cocktail style reception.
Exclusive catering is provided by Mulino Italian Kitchen and Bar. They offer a farm fresh culinary experience and can tailor a menu to suit a buffet or plated dinner.
Southern Oak Events manages the property. From my experience with them, they are always reliable and punctual with emails, replies, and meetings.