Lucy & Dan | Forest of Dean Wedding Photography
Forest of Dean Garden Wedding Photography for Lucy and Dan
Lucy and Dan chose to celebrate their wedding in the most personal way possible, with a celebrant-led ceremony in the back garden of Dan’s parents’ home in Parkend within the beautiful Forest of Dean. With a large marquee, close family and friends, and a setting full of meaning to them, the whole day felt relaxed, welcoming and genuinely heartfelt.
A Warm Welcome in Parkend
My day began at the home of Nick and Debbie, Dan’s parents, who welcomed me just as warmly as they had done when I first visited them months earlier for our wedding photography meeting. Both dressed in green, they immediately set the tone for a relaxed and friendly day. As soon as I saw Dan with his groomsmen and groomswoman, the camera came straight out and we began with some informal photographs together before the ceremony preparations really got underway.
I then headed across the road to the accommodation where Lucy was getting ready with her bridesmaids. The atmosphere was calm and excited in equal measure, with plenty of natural moments unfolding while everyone finished getting ready. Photographs continued right up until it was time for them to make their way over the road to the garden ceremony.
A Celebrant Wedding in the Garden
Back at the house, guests were still gathered near the rear doors, so I helped encourage everyone down towards the marquee to take their seats before the ceremony began. Once everyone was settled, Lucy and her bridesmaids appeared at the top of the wooden garden steps leading down towards the marquee.
One by one, the bridesmaids made their way down first before Lucy followed behind them. She walked through the marquee past family and friends before reaching Dan and the celebrant waiting at the end of the aisle. The ceremony itself was personal and emotional, with vows and rings exchanged alongside beautiful readings from Dan’s mum and Lucy’s sister.
Portraits on the Village Green
After the ceremony, Lucy and Dan headed over to the village green alongside their bridesmaids, groomsmen and groomswoman for portraits. We spent time capturing a mixture of group photographs, individual portraits and more relaxed moments between everyone together. And on two occasions, Lucy nearly took a football to the face due to me having found a football en-route and somehow subconsciously deciding that she was unknowingly playing headers and volleys, with one subline pass, and a volleyed cross, headed her way. Luckily for everyone, she parried the cross with her hands and the volleyed cross narrowly missed her. Note to self: Never again.
Once the wedding party headed back, I stayed behind with Lucy and Dan to create some quieter portraits of the two of them alone. The setting worked perfectly and gave them a chance to pause together away from the pace of the celebrations for a little while.
A Wedding Full of Personality
Back at the marquee, guests spent time socialising while a few family photographs were taken in the corner of the garden. One of the most memorable moments of the afternoon came when someone suggested a “rush” photograph. Lucy and Dan sat on a bench while guests randomly rushed into frame to create spontaneous group photographs, ensuring everyone ended up in at least one picture with the couple. It quickly turned into one of the funniest parts of the day and everyone threw themselves into it.
As my three hours came to an end, it was time for me to head home, taking the scenic route back through the Forest of Dean. Having once lived there myself, with family roots in the area stretching back generations, it felt like a fitting end to a wedding day that had been so personal and connected to place.
A Relaxed Wedding Surrounded by Family
Lucy and Dan’s wedding proved that you do not need a traditional venue to create an unforgettable day. Surrounded by the people closest to them in a setting filled with meaning, they created a wedding that felt warm, joyful and completely authentic from beginning to end.
Planning your own Forest of Dean wedding? Or are you further afield in Cornwall, Devon or the South West?
If you’re looking for relaxed, natural photography that captures the real moments as they unfold, I’d love to hear more about your plans. Get in touch HERE and let’s chat about how we can create something just as special for you.
