Foxtail Barns Wedding Photography
Barn + Gardens Wedding Venue
I’m lucky enough to get to photograph at Foxtail Barns quite often. It forms part of my regular rotation of wedding venues in Staffordshire. Its huge expansive gardens help my photography to stay creative each time I visit. The best part about it though; the venue refers me as one of their recommended suppliers and it’s only 30 minutes from my home in Stoke-on-Trent. Every wedding is an absolute joy to photograph at Foxtail.
Planning your special day at Foxtail Barns?
Foxtail Barns is such a beautiful place which I have photographed so many times. I love returning time and time again so why not drop me message and find out a little more?
Behind the Scenes at Foxtail Barns
Through the magic of a 360 camera, I’m able to capture behind-the-scenes content on my wedding days to show my current and future couples exactly what it would like for them to have me along at their Foxtail Barns wedding day
All of these videos and more are captured in the most subtle way making sure to not disrupt the wedding day at all. I feel the connection between a couple and their photographer is a really important factor hence why I wanted to show this part of my work as well. I’m not like every wedding photographer and showing you these behind-the-scenes videos from Foxtail Barns hopefully helps me to reinforce that statement.
@adamlowndesphotography I just want your wedding day to be what you want to do not what youve seen other people do so whatever it is do it and ill love photographing it. Captured at this Foxtail Barns wedding day, Consall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. #foxtailbarns #thetawney #StaffordshireWedding #StokeonTrent #Weddingbarn #WeddingPhotography #WeddingBTS #BehindTheScenes #Insta360x4 #UKWeddingPhotographer #WeddingIdeas ♬ original sound - 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 Lowndes - Photography
@adamlowndesphotography A small run of great wedding photography portraits at Nicola & Jon’s wedding day. Captured at this Foxtail Barns wedding day, Consall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. #foxtailbarns #thetawney #StaffordshireWedding #StokeonTrent #Weddingbarn #WeddingPhotography #WeddingBTS #BehindTheScenes #Insta360x4 #UKWeddingPhotographer #WeddingIdeas ♬ original sound - 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 Lowndes - Photography
@adamlowndesphotography Alwyas trying to be in the right place when photographing a wedding ceremony. Photographed at this Foxtail Barns wedding day, Consall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. #foxtailbarns #thetawney #StaffordshireWedding #StokeonTrent #Weddingbarn #WeddingPhotography #WeddingBTS #BehindTheScenes #Insta360x4 #UKWeddingPhotographer #WeddingIdeas #weddingceremony ♬ original sound - 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 Lowndes - Photography
If you are still looking at wedding photographers’ websites and have come to Adam’s website, look no further, you’ve found your photographer!
From our initial meeting with Adam right the way through to our wedding he was approachable, helpful and always happy to offer advice when we weren’t sure about things.We initially met over Zoom and after spending 2 hours chatting we knew he was the best person for the job. Closer to the wedding he came over to our house and we discussed the photos we wanted and the logistics of the day
We couldn’t be more pleased with our photographs, they completely encapsulated the joy of the day.
Nicola & Jon
Foxtail Barns, 2024
1 Man & His Consall Hall Gardens Dream
Foxtail Barns has an albeit small history so far but the surrounding gardens it has been built within tell a tale of determination surrounding the creation of beauty where there was once blight.
Back in the 1960s, Mr William Podmore OBE had a dream for his family homestead, Consall Hall. His parents, William Senior and Alberta who’d brought him to the Staffordshire Moorlands as a newborn in 1918 had started what would go on to become Mr Podmore’s life mission. To convert this disused medieval colliery which sat around his family estate into a beautiful ecological masterpiece.
The Churnet Valley area was home to many a disused colliery back in the day due to the rich resource-filled ground. The Consall Hall Estate backed 3 huge old pit banks. Mr Podmore’s mother and father spent many a year developing the landscape and managed to convert a huge section whilst leaving most of it hidden by a tree line. It was only when Mr Podmore took over the restoration project that the landscape really started to shift at Consall Hall.
Having studied landscape photography at University Mr Podmore was keen to create a garden which naturally framed photographs as you walked through this fantasia of the English countryside. With 6 lakes, several follies, a packhorse bridge, a tower, a romantic ‘ruin’ and 2 fossil trees this is unlike no other. Fossil trees, for example, were only known through fossils until in 1930 they were grown in China. Upon hearing this Mr Podmore brought one over and whilst cultivating it within his garden also grew another from a cutting. It really is a magical place and almost like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory of Gardens.
Once the garden reached a certain point Mr Podmore began to open it up to charity functions before it was then made accessible for the public to enjoy for 2 days a week.
Unfortunately, Mr Podmore passed away in March 2018. Knowing the importance of the natural landscape and having deep pride for the area the Gardens have now been taken on by two local families who’ve joined forces to carry on Mr Podmore’s legacy. Ben & Sarah Reeves of Ashes Barns (Ensarb Estates Ltd) are working alongside Scott-Moncrieff of Basford Hall to responsibly renovate the area and bring amongst other things, Foxtail Barns, a new premier wedding barn venue to Staffordshire.
As well as opening a purpose-built wedding venue within the Walled Gardens of Consall Hall they’re also extending and transforming The Lady Park Garden folly at the south end of the gardens into a luxury spa facility with treatment rooms and a plunge pool. On top of this, the main Hall will be converted into a bar and restaurant which will be open to the public.
A Wedding Day at Foxtail Barns
Sitting within the already incredibly popular Ensarb Estates group of family-run privately owned wedding venues Foxtail is for sure turning out to be a hit ever since it opened its doors. Its sister venues, Ashes Barns, Mill Barns and Pendrell Hall all run every wedding day with care and love for their brides and/or grooms taking notice of their wants, loves and ideas to bring them the greatest of wedding days. So with this in mind there’s no question whether Foxtail Barns will continue to be a hit, it just will.
Being purpose-built with the wealth and experience of three existing wedding venues behind them allows this rustic barn in Wetley Rocks to be the most perfect fit for any wedding day. It is compromised of a few carefully designed unique spaces for your day to unfold within.
Foxtail offers a private space for the morning of your wedding complete with mirrors and all the amenities to relax whilst being pampered on the morning of your wedding day.
The ceremony space features red brick which ties in with the surrounding walled garden whilst also bringing the outside in with a beam-supported glass ceiling and large glass windows along the side. Faux foliage climbs the walls throughout really bringing a garden vibe.
The big Dutch party barn brings a whole new vibe to your day with a focus on stylish industrial features which bring a modern edge to your wedding decor. As always these stylings are neutral and non-invasive for couples looking to add their own spark to their wedding decor planning or those looking to bring in an external wedding day decorator or florist.
A private courtyard adjoins all of your spaces together to really keep the atmosphere flowing through your drinks reception and into your evening under a beautiful Staffordshire sky. A nearby pool on the end of the Dutch Barn brings tranquillity to your wedding day whilst those looking for a bit of time out can explore the walled garden right alongside your courtyard.
As with all of their sister venues, Foxtail Barns will boast a no corkage fee. This means you’re welcome to bring along the perfect accompaniment to your day to be served during your drinks reception, your wedding breakfast and your toast following the wedding speeches. A fully stocked bar will then serve your guests for the remainder of the day.
Continuing the theme of using tried and tested methods Foxtail uses their usual incredible catering partner, Jenkinsons Caterers to deliver incredible wedding food for your wedding day breakfast. Prices start from £39.75 for a three-course meal per person. Their tasting experiences are always a great occasion. You’ll be invited to wine and dine whilst choosing your wedding menu. Following this, you’re free to get as creative as you like with your menu or simply leave it to the professionals.
With onsite accommodation always being a priority to Ensarb, Foxtail Barns will boast something completely different from Foxtail Barns’ sister venues. Guests will be invited to stay overnight in lodges responsibly nestled amongst the beautiful woodland overlooking one of the 6 lakes. Brides and/or grooms will be able to stay within the Wedding Night Lodge. The 20 Woodland Lodges are exclusively available to your wedding guests with a range of sleeping arrangements to accommodate couples and families with small children. As part of the Exclusive Use Promise Foxtail Barns offers your guests an invite to book a stay amongst the woodland and they’ll have special access to do so via an individual code linked to your wedding day.
As part of the proposal to open up the magnificent 70-acre gardens to the public, there is also a public offering for accommodation called The Tawny Hotel. You’re welcome to fill this extra accommodation but the public will be allowed to book also for an unforgettable stay in tree houses, shepherd’s huts and boathouses.
Once your wedding day is over you can explore the beautiful local culture and landscape. I strongly recommend a visit to Hetty’s Tea Shop also in Churnet Valley for a spot of lovely lunch by the canalside. Or if you really feel a need to explore the local history then you can ride the Churnet Valley Railway.
Photographing Amongst a 70 Acre AONB
As was Mr Podmore’s dream all those years ago the layout of Consall Hall Gardens is purposefully designed to appease his landscape photography dreams so when it comes to wedding photography at Foxtail Barns you can guarantee you’ll get stunning photographs to remember your big day by.
Coupled with this incredible 70-acre AONB you also have a purpose-built rustic wedding barn venue within Foxtail which is very much designed with the photographer in mind.
The ceremony space is one I personally love to photograph within. With light pouring in through the beam-supported glass ceiling you can guarantee a beautifully bright and airy wedding ceremony photograph collection. An abundance of light always means I can focus completely on all of the moments which are unfolding before me.
I always love my photographs to show a contrast of backdrops throughout space to show the development of the story within your photographs. The uniquely designed spaces at Foxtail really do echo my love for this and as we wander through them you’ll see a great contrast of backdrops of photographs.
The party barn’s large LED circular chandeliers are one of my main excitements for shooting weddings at Foxtail Barns. I love to get super creative with these within the backs of your speeches and first dance photographs. making them a really stunning backdrop to remember such a special moment.
What else can I say, being a Foxtail Barns wedding photographer is at the top of my most looked forward to events of the coming years. With Foxtail opening its doors in Summer 2021 you won’t be able to contain my excitement enough.
Meet Adam Lowndes
A Foxtail Barns Recommended Wedding photographer
No matter your race, colour, creed, or sexuality, you are everything to me. I wouldn’t live this incredible photography dream job without you. I can’t help but be your absolute wedding hero.
My couples are usually super down to earth and are planning a relaxed fun wedding day surrounded by all those people they love. I love a party! So when it comes to weddings I can’t help but get wrapped up in the magic of your day. Getting so stuck in with your wedding allows me to translate so much more feeling into my photographs. At some point, you’ll want a few awesome photographs of the two of you. These photographs will take minutes and not hours so we can get straight back to the party. Oh and those family formal portraits, don’t worry about them, they’ll be zero hassle.
With my super extraverted personality I’ll be one of the most excited guests from the moment I arrive. It won’t take your wedding party long to assume we are lifelong friends.