Lewis & Rachel | Park Farm Wedding Photographer
Park Farm holds a certain kind of magic. I’ve photographed several weddings there over the years, and not once has it been anything short of incredible. Whether it’s the warm, welcoming owners, the relaxed outdoor vibe, or the freedom couples have to create a wedding that truly feels like them, Park Farm always delivers. So when Lewis and Rachel booked me, I knew straight away their wedding was going to be full of energy, joy, and unforgettable moments.
When I arrived at Park Farm on the morning of the wedding, I was slightly surprised to see the groom already there, although it quickly became clear it was just a last minute dash before Lewis headed off for his kilt fitting… and almost certainly a few celebratory beers with his friends. Meanwhile, Rachel opted for a much more relaxed start to the day, getting ready with just her closest friends around her calm, laughter filled, and full of excitement.
As preparations got underway, the true star of the day arrived, Clyde, the family dog. Dogs are becoming a huge part of weddings and rightly so, as they’re such an important part of the family. Clyde certainly stole a few hearts as he explored his surroundings, while his incredibly caring dog handler prepared for her special role walking him down the aisle. A brilliant and very personal touch.
Back at the hotel, Lewis’s mum had taken on the important task of getting the boys dressed. You’re never too old for a helping hand, especially when kilts are involved, which I’m reliably informed are far trickier than trousers. Clothes on, beers in hand, and soon everyone was heading back to the farm.
The weather was a classic mix of sunshine and showers. Park Farm sits high above the surrounding area, which is always helpful, you can often see the rain coming, or clearing. The lads’ next challenge was buttonholes, which somehow proved almost as complex as the kilts, while the bridal party tucked into breakfast croissants and enjoyed the calm before the ceremony.
Lewis and Rachel chose to play it safe and hold their ceremony indoors, and it was perfect. Rachel was full of laughter and emotion, and at one point things became so joyful that she nearly agreed to marry the groom’s dad instead, causing absolute laughter throughout the room. After the legal ceremony, the couple also held an extended personal ceremony, something that’s becoming increasingly popular and works beautifully for both guests and couples alike.
The timing couldn’t have been better, as the ceremony ended, the sun came out, treating everyone to a gorgeous autumn outdoor drinks reception. Park Farm looked stunning, with rich seasonal colours surrounding the courtyard. For their wedding breakfast, Lewis and Rachel wanted something completely relaxed, so they opted for pizza (always a winner in my book). As the pizzas flowed, so did the laughter. The speeches were genuinely brilliant funny, heartfelt, and effortlessly delivered.
As the sun dipped lower, we took advantage of the golden light for a short sunset photo session. The sky absolutely delivered, and those 15 minutes produced some of my favourite images from the day.
The evening celebrations were topped off with one of my favourite wedding highlights: a ceilidh band. I can’t recommend these enough. They bring everyone onto the dance floor, no exceptions, and create an atmosphere that’s energetic, inclusive, and incredibly fun. It was the perfect way to end an already unforgettable Park Farm wedding.
