Tammy & Aelhaern - Scrivelsby Walled Garden - 29th of August 2024

On a clear summer day in Lincolnshire, the skies were bright and blue, and the sun brought an expected heat to it.  It was late summer and it really felt like it. A perfect, golden day to celebrate love.

I was asked by a friend to step in and photograph this wedding, as they were going through a difficult time personally and I'm so very glad I did. It turned out to be one of those days that reminds you exactly why you love what you do. A perfect wedding in every sense, even if I did manage to get lost on the way to the venue! But we won't talk about that.

When I finally pulled into Scrivelsby Walled Garden, camera bag slung over one shoulder and satnav still refusing to admit defeat. I was instantly struck by the calm, quiet beauty of the place. Nestled in the fields of Lincolnshire, it's a hidden little oasis, full of charm and character. A giant canvas tipi stood at one side, giving the whole space a sense of celebration before anything had even begun.

The walled garden itself felt almost magical, and just across the road, the gatehouse, where the bridal party were getting ready, was every bit as enchanting.

The Gatehouse is a lovely building just across from Scrivelsby Walled Garden, tucked away within a country estate where, on that very day, wild deer wandered quietly through the grounds. It felt like something out of a fairytale.

Bridal Party

The house was a hive of activity when I arrived, bridesmaids in full swing, makeup brushes flying, glasses clinking in celebration. The atmosphere was joyful and full of that excited pre-wedding buzz. Everyone was incredibly warm and welcoming, and to my delight, everything I needed for the flat lay was already laid out (a beautiful thing!). The bridal party were all in matching dressing gowns and slippers, adding a lovely, cosy touch to the morning prep.

One of my favourite moments during bridal prep is capturing the flat lay, a carefully arranged still life of the day’s precious details. On this occasion, the delicate rings rested neatly inside a custom case, with their names and a tree on the side, nestled beside the invitation and other keepsakes, each element telling its own part of the story.

While I was capturing the vibrant energy of the bridal prep at the Gatehouse, another talented photographer, Simon Yau was covering the groom’s preparations nearby. It was great to know both sides of the day were beautifully documented, allowing me to focus on those intimate moments with Tammy and her friends & family.

Ceremony

With preparations complete and the excitement building, it was time to head into the heart of the day, the ceremony. The walled garden was perfectly set, the sun out and shining over head and everyone already seated.

Everything felt still and timeless as Tammy and Aelhaern exchanged their vows under the perfect summer sunshine. Their faces were filled with quiet joy and deep emotion, eyes locked on each other as they promised their futures. Around them, friends and family watched with smiles, some wiping away tears, fully caught up in the significance of the moment.

Their first kiss is captured in one of my favourite photos I’ve ever taken, full of emotion and promise. Alongside the sparkler shots later that evening, these images truly reflect the magical atmosphere of the day.

Cocktail Hour

After the ceremony, the mood lightened as everyone moved into the cocktail hour. The garden buzzed with happy chatter and laughter, glasses clinking as guests toasted the newlyweds. It was the perfect moment for friends and family to mingle and soak in the sunshine before the evening festivities began, all accompanied by the acoustic tones of 24/7 Live Acoustic. Their guitar and voice wafted over the gardens like a gentle breeze.

After the ceremony, the mood matched the sunshine as everyone moved into the cocktail hour. The garden buzzed with happy chatter and laughter, glasses clinking as guests toasted the newlyweds. Friends and family mingling and soaking in the sunshine before the evening festivities began, all accompanied by the acoustic tones of 24/7 Live Acoustic. Their guitar and voice wafted over the gardens like a gentle breeze.

With garden games aplenty, including a space hopper race where Tammy did remarkably well in her dress. The afternoon flew by between bursts of laughter and the magical performances of magician James Kirman.

Wedding Breakfast

With a small fire, courtesy of some dried flowers a little too close to a candle, swiftly dealt with, the bridal party made their entrance. And what an entrance it was! The bridesmaids struck a pose with a perfectly timed 'dip' and flowers thrown in the air to 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun', while the groomsmen strolled in with a swagger that had everyone grinning, especially as 'I’m Too Sexy' kicked in and a few ties started to come loose.

The speeches followed soon after, full of laughter and heartfelt stories. A particularly touching moment came when their daughter stood up to give a speech of her own, a memory that will no doubt stay with everyone who heard it.

As an extra surprise, magician James Kirman returned with a special set during the meal. His quick hands and sharp humour had the whole tipi laughing!

Golden Hour

As the sun dipped lower and the heat of the day softened into a golden glow, we slipped away for a few quiet portraits. Scrivelsby Walled Garden offered so many beautiful little corners, a lovely little bench surrounded by flowers. A gardened walk area and outside the perfect Lincolnshire countryside with its fields in a warm glow.

Tammy and Aelhaern looked completely lost in each other’s company as we captured their couple portraits. They truly seemed like the perfect match, and it was such a lovely privilege to spend that time with them and preserve those moments through my lens.

First Dance

The sun was still in the sky, casting a golden glow as the first dance approached. 24/7 Acoustic returned, now performing as a duo, with the soft rhythm of a cajón accompanying the guitar and vocals.

Tammy and Aelhaern shared their first dance outside, beneath the warm summer sky, surrounded by the gentle hush of evening and the people they love most, forming a semi circle.

Reception

As the night began to fall over what had been a truly wonderful day, the reception was in full swing. The acoustic tones still drifted through the air, and the party atmosphere was alive inside the tipi, carrying late on into the evening!

With a spakler exit planned, everyone gathered outside for the moment. The sparklers lit up beautifully against the Lincolnshire starry night, creating a magical scene with the glowing tipi as the perfect backdrop.

Tammy and Aelhaern’s day was filled with joy, laughter, and so much love,from the sun-drenched vows to the sparkler-lit finale. It was such a privilege to be part of it all, capturing the big moments and the quiet glances in between.

On a personal note, I have so many photos from their day that have become some of my all tme favouritess. Images that will remind me exactly why I do what I do.

Thank you both for letting me tell the story of your day, one I won't forget any time soon.

If you're planning a wedding that's full on heart and fun, I'd love to hear more about it. Hopefully this blog post helps with your wedding plans in 2026/27.

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Still smiling thinking about it,

David.