Summer Wedding at Thorpe Garden, Staffordshire - Katherine & Nathan
If you're planning a wedding at Thorpe Garden and looking for a relaxed, documentary-style wedding photographer, you're in the right place. Katherine & Nathan’s summer wedding was the perfect mix of chilled-out vibes, genuine moments, and golden evening light — the kind of day that reminds me why I love photographing weddings in such a natural, storytelling way.
On a sun-drenched August day, Katherine & Nathan celebrated their wedding at Thorpe Garden, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Staffordshire. The venue's unique blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance provided the perfect backdrop for their special day.
I arrived in the morning to capture the quiet start of the day — one of my favourite parts of any wedding. Katherine was getting ready on-site with her bridesmaids, surrounded by that mix of excitement and calm. As a documentary wedding photographer, I focus on these in-between moments — the little glances, the laughter, the nerves — without any need for posing or interruption.
Thorpe Garden’s ceremony pavilion is a dream for natural light photography. The clean, modern lines and huge glass doors give everything a really open, airy feel — perfect for capturing those honest, unfiltered moments as they happen. Katherine & Nathan kept the ceremony simple and personal. The light poured in, the vows were heartfelt, and it felt completely like them.
After the ceremony and fresh petal confetti, guests mingled in the gardens outside the yurt in the beautiful weather as Katherine & Nathan gathered well wishes with Pimms in hand.
The yurt is such a standout space — wooden beams, natural textures, and loads of soft light pouring in through the roof. It felt welcoming and relaxed, with long tables, flowing food, and glasses that never seemed to be empty.
As the sun dipped, we took ten minutes out for a walk through the walled garden. Golden hour at Thorpe Garden is stunning — soft, warm light and so many little pockets of beauty. We didn’t overcomplicate it. No big set-ups or staged poses. Just a quiet breather and some time to soak it all in.
If you’re planning a summer wedding and love the idea of golden hour portraits that feel natural and relaxed, this venue really delivers.
The evening kicked off with dancing, laughter, and a steady flow of drinks. Guests moved between the dancefloor and the firepits outside, creating loads of chances to capture candid photos full of life. That’s the beauty of documentary-style photography — it’s all about real moments, not staged ones.
