Extended honeymoon period as venue hosts 100th wedding

A wedding venue created from a former antiques centre is enjoying an extended honeymoon period and is celebrating hosting its 100th wedding.

Just 18 months after welcoming its first couple down the aisle, Blackbrook Barns has now helped 100 couples tie the knot, cementing its reputation as a venue that is proving a perfect match for brides and grooms from across the Midlands.

Blackbrook Barns, located within beautifully landscaped grounds just off the A38 between Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield, reached the major milestone when it  welcomed newlyweds Tor and Craig Jeavons for their wedding celebrations.

The achievement marks another chapter in the success story of the family-run business, which was transformed by local entrepreneurs Kevin Sharkey and Peter James following their acquisition of the site in January 2022.

The pair initially redeveloped the former Blackbrook Antiques site into eight retail units for independent businesses, with tenants moving in during January 2024.

Following planning approval in April 2024, they embarked on a £450,000 investment programme to create a dedicated wedding venue, including the demolition of an old metal farm shed and the construction of a contemporary barn-style wedding breakfast suite with capacity for 120 guests, alongside a new commercial kitchen.

The high-class venue began trading in April 2025 and hosted 45 weddings in its first year. Today, the business employs five full-time and 25 part-time staff, with Kevin's wife Lisa and Peter's wife Rebecca both playing key roles in the day-to-day operation of the venue.

Kevin said: "Reaching our 100th wedding is a fantastic milestone and one we're incredibly proud of. Seeing so many couples begin the next chapter of their lives at Blackbrook Barns has made all the hard work worthwhile.

"When Peter and I bought the site we could see its potential but transforming it into a thriving wedding venue has exceeded our expectations. We seem to have struck the right chord with couples looking for a venue that's both stylish and personal.”

Peter said: "A lot of hard work has gone into creating Blackbrook Barns. From securing planning consent and investing in the new facilities to building an experienced events team, we've focused on creating a venue that offers something special for couples across the Midlands.

"Hosting our 100th wedding is a significant achievement, particularly in such a relatively short period of time. It's a testament to the dedication of Rebecca, Lisa and our team and the reputation the venue has quickly established."

From left - Kevin and Lisa Sharkey (co-owners), Craig and Tor Jeavons (bride and groom), Rebecca James (co-owner), Gary Kaas (venue manager)