Pagan Traditions, Ploughman's Lunches & Woodland Walks. A Relaxed Wedding at Captains Wood Barn
Connor & Amber had a woodland wedding built around what mattered most
One of my favourite things about photographing weddings is seeing all the different ways couples celebrate. Some keep lots of traditions, some reinvent them completely, and most fall somewhere in the middle.
Amber & Connor's wedding at Captains Wood Barn was the perfect example of building a day around what mattered most to them. Every decision felt intentional, personal and completely true to who they are.
From a woodland celebrant ceremony that blended pagan traditions with Jewish touches, to sitting down for a ploughman's lunch before the drinks reception, every part of the day had been chosen because it felt right for them.
There were no traditions just for tradition's sake. Their day was full of meaningful moments & such lovely people.
Why Captains Wood Barn Is Perfect for a Relaxed Wedding
The family who own and run Captains Wood Barn are absolutely lovely, and you can feel that warmth throughout the entire day. It's relaxed, welcoming and encourages couples to think beyond the traditional wedding timeline.
It's also somewhere that's really close to my heart. One of my best friends got married here and I was lucky enough to be a bridesmaid, so every time I come back, it feels a little bit like coming home.
Captains Wood Barn is one of those venues that just feels special.
Hidden away amongst the trees, it has this incredible sense of calm about it.The ceremony took place surrounded by woodland and because it's a DIY dry hire venue, couples have the freedom to build a day that's completely their own.
A Woodland Ceremony That Felt Completely Personal
Amber & Connor chose to have a celebrant-led ceremony in the woodland, blending pagan traditions with a few Jewish elements to create something that reflected both of them.
Watching them exchange vows beneath the trees, surrounded by their favourite people, felt so intimate despite the larger guest list. The woodland creates such a beautiful atmosphere that everyone naturally slows down and becomes part of the moment. Thats also the magic of a celebrant ceremony, they can get everyone involved. There were parts where guests read the calling of the quarters whilst everyone joined in. There was a ring warming ceremony, and mead & cake passed out to everyone too.
As a relaxed wedding photographer with an observational approach, ceremonies like this are such a gift. There's room for genuine emotion, unexpected laughter and those little in-between moments that often become people's favourite photographs later on and plenty of time and room to move around throughout without being disruptive.
Personal Details Make the Best Details
Amber and Connor are both artists, and that creativity ran through the whole day.
There were thoughtful personalised details everywhere you looked, little nods to their shared interests, references only their friends and family would truly appreciate, and even a few mentions of their chickens.
One of my favourite details though? Amber's nan is well known for her trifles so Amber had got her a personal trifle spoon in the morning and then in the evening out came nans homemade trifles.
I absolutely love things like that. Not because they're Pinterest-worthy, but because they're personal. They're the details that tell the story of the people getting married rather than what was trending that year.
Rewriting the Timeline: A Ploughmans Before the Drinks Reception
It was overcast, with a bit of rain in the evening and instead of panicking, Courtney & Michael just leaned into it. They danced and they laughed and they fully embraced it.
Their portraits were chilled, but because they’re an alternative couple, we played around with some more band / movie-style posing too. Nothing overly stiff or forced. Just a little edge, a little drama, a lot of attitude.
Relaxed Wedding Photography at Captains Wood Barn
I don't think relaxed wedding photography starts with the photographer. I think it starts with the way a wedding is planned.
One of my favourite things about Amber & Connor's day was that it never felt rushed. Every decision they made centred around how they wanted the day to feel, rather than trying to squeeze in every tradition or stick to a timeline because that's what weddings are "supposed" to look like.
Because of that people had time. Time to chat, laugh, eat, hug, cool down in the shade and simply enjoy being together. Which means I can really photograph your day as it happened.
I'm not chasing a checklist of photos or constantly pulling people away from conversations. I'm observing everything that's unfolding naturally around me and capturing the moments that tell the real story of the day. Because years from now, those are the photos that will take you straight back to how it all felt.
Planning a Wedding at Captains Wood Barn?
If you're planning a wedding at Captains Wood Barn and love the idea of a day that feels relaxed, personal and completely your own, I'd love to hear all about it.
Whether you're saying your vows beneath the trees, planning a celebrant ceremony or simply creating a wedding that reflects who you are as a couple, I'm there to document it as it naturally unfolds.
No awkward posing or forced moments. Just honest photographs that feel like your day actually did.
Get in touch to chat about your wedding at Captains Wood Barn.
Supplier love
Venue:Alpheton Hall Barns
Make-up: Becci Alice MUA
Flowers: The Stems Collective
Cake: Colin & Connie the Caterpillars (icons)
Outfits: The Bridal Rack
Band / DJ: Fox & Braces
Celebrant: Layla Green
Captains Wood Barn wedding FAQ
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Absolutely. Its woodland setting, DIY flexibility and relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for couples wanting to create a personal, non-traditional wedding day.
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Yes. The woodland ceremony space is ideal for celebrant-led weddings, allowing couples to include personal traditions, rituals and readings that reflect them.
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Ceremonies take place amongst the trees and the venue gives couples the freedom to choose their own suppliers and create a completely bespoke wedding day.
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Definitely. The woodland setting, relaxed pace and variety of outdoor spaces create endless opportunities for natural, candid moments throughout the day.
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You don't need hours away from your guests. Amber & Connor's portraits took around ten -fifteen minutes, proving that with great light and a beautiful location, a short wander can create an incredible gallery.