Lilly and Jordan’s Relaxed Summer Wedding at The Betsey Wynne
Recently, I photographed Lilly and Jordan’s wedding at The Betsey Wynne in Swanbourne, Buckinghamshire.
They booked me for everything from the morning prep through to the slightly drunken antics on the dance floor.
Lilly and Jordan were both really laid back and wanted to spend as much of the day as possible with their friends and family. They were happy to do a few group photos, some creative portraits and anything else that needed a little guidance, but around 95% of the day just happened on its own.
That suited my documentary style perfectly.
The result was a wedding full of emotion, laughter, questionable dancing and a group of lads who gave me a few photos that will never see the light of day.
More on that later.
Getting to Know The Betsey Wynne
I hadn’t photographed at The Betsey Wynne before, so I left home early and had a good look round before heading over for the prep.
Whenever I’m somewhere new, I give myself plenty of time to explore properly.
I look at where the light’s falling, where bigger family groups could work and which spots might be useful for portraits later. It means I’m not wandering around looking for locations while the couple stand there waiting for me.
The gardens were lovely, but what caught my eye straight away was the woodland and open fields behind the venue.
I knew they’d give Lilly and Jordan plenty of variety, especially later in the evening once it had cooled down and the light was softer.
Once I’d got my bearings, I headed over to their home to start on the morning.
A Fun and Emotional Wedding Morning
Lilly was getting ready at home with her mum and sister.
Jordan was getting ready at the same place, although he’d wisely set himself up in his homemade bar at the bottom of the garden.
Can’t blame him, really. It looked like a pretty good place to start a wedding day.
With them both in the same place, I could move between the two and photograph each side of the morning without anyone feeling rushed.
The sun was out, it was already getting very warm, and Lilly had the biggest smile on her face all morning.
Their dog made an appearance too and was a pleasure to photograph. Pets are part of the family, so it’s always nice when couples include them.
Before everyone left for Swanbourne, Lilly had a first look with her dad.
The moment he saw her in her dress, he couldn’t have looked prouder.
A lovely reaction, and one of those moments that doesn’t need anything from me. I found the right spot and let it happen.
A Light Filled Ceremony at The Betsey Wynne
I got back to the venue about thirty minutes before the ceremony.
That gave me plenty of time for guests arriving, Jordan greeting everyone and Lilly making her entrance.
These quieter moments are an important part of the story.
Friends and relatives catching up, people finding their seats, and the excitement building as everyone waits for the bride.
The ceremony room is a lovely space, with big windows letting in lots of natural light.
The air conditioning was also very welcome.
It was a seriously hot summer day, so keeping everyone comfortable made a real difference. Nobody wants to say their vows while slowly melting into their chair.
The ceremony itself had a bit of everything.
Plenty of smiles, a few tears and lots of laughter from the guests. Before they knew it, Lilly and Jordan were officially married.
Congratulations, Mr and Mrs.
Confetti, Canapés and a Missing Photograph
After the ceremony, everyone headed outside for the confetti throw.
We went straight into the big group photo, then guests relaxed with drinks and canapés in the gardens.
A couple of the younger lads had brought a football along, which kept them entertained throughout the reception.
It was still very warm, so plenty of guests found a spot in the shade to cool down and catch up.
I did the family groups during this part of the day, but Lilly and Jordan decided to leave their portraits until later.
Good call.
Summer evenings stay light for ages, so there was no need to pull them away straight after the ceremony. Waiting meant it’d be cooler, the light would be better and they could enjoy their drinks reception without watching the clock.
There was one photo I missed, though, and I’m still slightly gutted about it.
While I was doing the groups, a huge bird apparently swooped down and stole several canapés from one of the tables.
A guest told me about it later.
Obviously the family photos were more important, but I can’t pretend a photo of a giant bird flying off with the wedding food wouldn’t have been brilliant.
Maybe next time.
Speeches Packed With Emotion
Once the drinks reception had finished, everyone headed inside for the wedding breakfast and speeches.
The speeches had every emotion going.
One moment, the room was full of laughter, and the next, a few tears were being wiped away.
Which is exactly how wedding speeches should be.
Lots of real reactions to photograph, not just from Lilly and Jordan but from their parents, friends and everyone else in the room.
The person holding the microphone is only half the story.
Some of my favourite moments come from watching the rest of the room. Someone laughing uncontrollably, someone welling up, someone quietly realising they’re probably about to be mentioned next.
Evening Portraits in the Fields and Woodland
After the meal, we made our way towards the fields and woodland behind the venue.
By then it had started to cool down and the light was much softer than earlier in the afternoon.
Lilly and Jordan were completely relaxed in front of the camera.
They laughed, chatted and enjoyed a bit of time together away from the busier parts of the day. That always makes for better portraits than forcing a couple into stiff poses.
I gave them a little guidance when it was needed, and the rest was just them.
We used the open fields for some light, natural photos, then moved into the woodland for a different look.
They were happy for me to get a bit more creative with flash too.
So they’ve got a handful of dramatic portraits alongside all the candid moments from the rest of the day.
The whole session was kept quick and easy.
Plenty of variety without disappearing for an hour, and they were soon back with their guests.
Portraits should be a nice break in the evening, not the main event.
Why The Betsey Wynne Works Well for a Relaxed Wedding
It’s a great choice if you want an intimate, easy going wedding in Buckinghamshire.
The ceremony room gets lots of natural light, and the gardens give guests a comfortable space to mingle in the afternoon.
The fields and woodland behind the building give you several portrait options without going anywhere else.
That worked really well for Lilly and Jordan, because they wanted the afternoon with their guests and their portraits later on.
We could just step away once it had cooled down, use a few different spots and head back to the party without interrupting the day.
Getting there early and having a proper look round meant I already knew where I wanted to take them.
So the portraits felt relaxed and easy, rather than turning into a location scouting mission.
A Wild Dance Floor and Some Very Cheeky Photographs
Once the evening guests had arrived, the party quickly moved into full swing.
The dance floor got livelier and livelier, and by then everyone was ready to let loose.
Great energy all evening, with plenty of singing, dancing and people completely forgetting the camera was there.
That’s when documentary wedding photography is at its best.
I can move around the dance floor, watch what’s happening and photograph the fun without stopping people or asking them to pose.
I also have to mention a few of the lads.
They asked me to photograph something new to me during the evening.
Those particular photos will never be shared publicly because, let’s just say, they showed me considerably more than I was expecting.
You know who you are.
Just as I was beginning to pack away, the lads gathered outside to smoke a few celebratory cigars.
Loud, full of energy and clearly having the time of their lives.
A fun and slightly chaotic way to finish the night.
A Brilliant Wedding From Start to Finish
I really enjoyed Lilly and Jordan’s day.
It was relaxed, personal and full of real moments. They spent plenty of time with their guests, went for it with the portraits and threw themselves into the evening.
Because most of the photography was documentary, they were free to enjoy themselves without being told where to stand or what to do.
Thank you to Lilly, Jordan and all their guests for making me feel so welcome all day.
And a big shout out to the team at The Betsey Wynne, who kept everything running smoothly and everyone looked after, even in that heat.
Congratulations once again to Lilly and Jordan.
Planning Your Own Wedding at The Betsey Wynne?
Planning a wedding at The Betsey Wynne and looking for a relaxed, documentary wedding photographer?
My approach is colourful, natural and around 95% documentary.
I’ll help with family groups and portraits when guidance is needed, but I won’t take over your wedding or keep you away from your guests for hours.
For most of the day, I’ll let you enjoy yourselves while I photograph the laughter, emotion and slightly chaotic moments going on around you.
After Lilly and Jordan’s wedding, I know how to make the most of the ceremony room, gardens, fields and woodland here, while keeping everything easy and relaxed.
