When it comes to weddings, nothing compares to the charm and personal touch of a gorgeous DIY garden wedding. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing a stunning celebration that combined the natural beauty of a family garden with the classic elegance of a marquee. This wedding was not just a visual feast but a day filled with love, joy, and vibrant colours—an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, including me as a photographer.

Why Choose a DIY Garden Wedding?

DIY weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. A DIY garden wedding allows you to personalise every aspect of your special day, from the decor to the menu. The family garden isn’t just a venue; it’s a space filled with memories, making the event even more intimate and meaningful. A garden setting offers the perfect blend of nature and nostalgia, providing a beautiful backdrop for your celebration.

The Marquee: A Timeless and Elegant Addition

One of the standout features of this wedding was the elegant marquee. Unlike other outdoor structures, a marquee adds a touch of sophistication to the event. Its spacious and adaptable design creates a comfortable environment that’s perfect for both the ceremony and the reception. Whether you’re hosting a summer garden wedding or an autumn gathering, a marquee provides a versatile and stylish backdrop that’s sure to impress your guests.

Colorful and Fun: A Day to Remember

This particular wedding was a riot of color and fun, which made it an absolute joy to photograph. From the vibrant flowers to the quirky DIY decor, every detail was bursting with personality. The couple’s playful spirit was evident in every aspect of the day, from the bright, mismatched bridesmaid dresses to the DIY photo booth that kept guests entertained throughout the evening.

As a wedding photographer, capturing these unique and candid moments is what I live for. The couple’s decision to incorporate so much color into their wedding made for some truly spectacular photos. The marquee, adorned with fairy lights and bunting, looked magical as the sun set, creating a perfect backdrop for evening portraits.

Tips for Planning Your Own DIY Garden Wedding

Planning a DIY garden wedding can be a lot of work, but with some careful planning, it’s entirely possible to create a day that’s both beautiful and stress-free. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

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Hannah and Joe’s wedding at The Roman Lakes in Marple was a wedding photographer’s dream!

The Roman Lakes in Marple provided the perfect backdrop for their wedding. With its picturesque surroundings and tranquil atmosphere at the heart of Marple in Cheshire. Hannah and Joe were able to create a truly personalised and intimate event by planning their own DIY wedding. They worked closely with Tipi Unique and the staff at the Roman Lakes, Marple to create an unforgettable wedding day.

Hannah & Joe’s DIY Tipi wedding at The Roman Lakes, Marple

Tipi Unique was the perfect choice to provide the Tipi for Hannah and Joe’s wedding. They provided a gorgeous and unique tipi that was perfect for their outdoor wedding on a hot summer’s day. The team at Tipi Unique helped the couple to create a beautiful and unique setting for their special day, ensuring that every detail was perfect.

The couple’s hard work and attention to detail paid off, as the wedding was a huge success. Hannah’s eye for details clearly shows and with Joe being a craftsman he was able to hand make all the incredible pieces used for the day.  All the guests had such an amazing time. With many commenting on how beautiful and unique the setting was. They particularly enjoyed the fun and relaxed atmosphere. A touch of chaos/fun was added by the use of Enola Gaye smoke bombs and smoke grenades. Which also added a playful and interactive element to the day. Even if a few of the guests struggled to understand how they use them – HAHA.

Evening party by The Roman Lakes in Marple

As the evening drew to a close, all the guests danced to the wedding band late into the night, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Hannah and Joe’s wedding at The Roman Lakes in Marple was a truly magical event that they and their guests will remember for years to come. The couple’s hard work and attention to detail paid off, as the wedding was a huge success, and everyone had an amazing time. The day ended with a sweaty dancefloor packed full of loved ones and friends. They day couldn’t have been more perfect!

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My hour or so spent driving north was nothing compared to Tom’s parents who flew in from Australia for their boy’s big day! They had spent many family holidays in Clitheroe and Tom had such fond memories of the area he couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere else. Luckily Rose agreed – she fell in love with the Inn at Whitewell as soon as she set eyes on it – and they planned a super relaxed wedding in the countryside. 

Weddings at The Inn at Whitewell

The Inn at Whitewell is the perfect spot for a wedding – or to enjoy an ale or two following a hike! Surrounded by picture perfect countryside and with views stretching for miles I can see why it was such a hit with Rose and Tom. 

Originally built as a manor house back in the 1300s it became an Inn around the 1700s and is now a hugely popular pub, hotel and wedding venue. I love how they’ve combined the rustic charm of the country pub with the wedding marquee, a blank canvas for couples meaning they can really put their own stamp on it. Tom and Rose, with the help of The Countryside Florist, had filled the marquee with cream florals and dark green foliage, it looked so good. 

Following their church wedding ceremony Tom, Rose and their guests made their way over to the Inn’s gardens, as the newly weds happily chatted away to their family and friends I captured all the smiles and laughter. I love these moments at a wedding reception, there’s always hugs, giggles and lots of fizz and beer which keeps everyone happy! 

Wedding photography in the Forest of Bowland

Whilst I’m primarily a documentary wedding photographer I do love stealing my couples away for a few moments during their wedding reception. It’s a great chance for them to enjoy some time together away from the crowd and that’s when I capture some beautiful portraits for them. Tom and Rose jumped into their wedding van (yes, really!) and we all drove up into the hills. We really wanted to make the most of the incredible fells and breathtaking scenery and soon found the perfect, secluded spot. Luckily the three of us are all big fans of walking and exploring the countryside but I kept in mind that Rose was in her (stunning!) Laure de Sagazan wedding dress and heels so didn’t want to have too big a trek! These two are so laid back and down to earth, they were just over the moon to be married and to be out enjoying the surroundings of the Inn at Whitewell, I think we could’ve spent hours out there but we had a party to get back to! 

Back at the Inn at Whitewell it was time to crack on with the celebrations. Tom and Rose had planned an evening do with a difference. There were some confused faces when guests were handed headphones but soon everyone donned a pair and got themselves ready for a silent disco! If you’ve not had chance to experience one of these then where have you been?! Everyone wears a set of headphones and picks from a number of different channels, each set to a different playlist. You could be bopping along to the Spice Girls while next to you your Auntie Barbara is rocking out to Queen! It makes for great photos – and yes, I got my own set of headphones of course! 

Tom and Rose had the fun filled, super chilled day they had been planning and I loved every minute. I can’t wait until I head back to the Inn at Whitewell for another wedding and in the meantime I’ll be taking my wife up there for some good food, excellent ale and a wander around the Forest! 

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Even the Beast from the East couldn’t stop these two Acid Brass badasses getting married! Winter was in full swing ‘to say the least’ at Stirk House for the winter wedding of Jo and Phil.

It’s not just the freezing weather that gives me goose bumps when thinking about Jo and Phil’s day. Knowing that many of their family and friends travelled far and wide through some of the toughest weather conditions the Northwest has seen in donkey’s years – doesn’t half give me goose bumps too. The love for Jo and Phil was truly in the air at Stirk House that day.

Perhaps I’m being a bit soppy. Perhaps it’s because it’s got me thinking back to my near death experience. On the way to Stirk House The Beast from the East nearly got the better of me as my car and I slid, spinning 360 degrees down a country lane. That pesky black ice!!! Fear not, I soldered on an arrived, to instantly be put at ease by the welcoming staff. One of the staff members is a bit of a legend in the wedding hospitality world. Some lucky couples will have the opportunity to have Dave ensure your day runs smoothly. He’s a true gent who works his socks off to make sure you have a smashing time.

Winter Wedding

The beauty about Stirk House is that even on a harsh winter’s day, the light in the ceremony room and the bridal suite is simply stunning. Sure it can be a little disappointing to have bad weather on your wedding day. If you do a little research and choose a great venue, the weather definitely can’t put a dampener on such a special occasion. Jo and Phil sure didn’t let the winter weather effect them. Usually I whisk couples off for a few minutes outside to take some modern un-posed portraits. It was a touch cold and wet on this occasion. This wasn’t a problem at all as there is a stunning backdrop inside the orangery.  Why not take a look see…

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