After 15 years together, Lauren and Si knew exactly what kind of wedding they wanted – relaxed, personal, and surrounded by the rolling hills they love to explore with their Golden Retriever, Maggie.
These two are the definition of an outdoorsy couple. They met on a car park at a local farm where Lauren kept her horse and Si rode his mountain bikes through the woods. A decade and a half later, Si proposed on a little beach in front of Loch Lomond during a campervan tour of the Highlands – throwing sticks for Maggie in between, of course.
The Peak District Holiday Barn was the perfect fit for their big day. After a year of searching, they found exactly what they were looking for – a venue with space for all their loved ones, a proper DIY vibe, and that relaxed atmosphere they craved. I love shooting here because the rustic barn interior, paired with those sweeping Peak District views, gives you the best of both worlds. Plus, knowing they can return to walk these hills and remember their wedding day is pretty special…
The morning started with Lauren and her bridesmaids getting ready in the on-site accommodation. There was so much laughter in that room – Lauren showing off her garter with the biggest grin, her bridesmaids helping her into that stunning off-the-shoulder Justin Alexander gown. The dress was an absolute showstopper, elegant and timeless with that beautiful sculptural neckline, paired with the sweetest headband and bold pink heels that added just the right touch of personality.
And the flowers – Lauren arranged every single bloom herself. Her bouquet was bursting with coral dahlias, white blooms, and soft greenery, perfectly complementing the wildflower arrangements dotted throughout the venue in old beer kegs. Those DIY details really made the day feel so personal.
Meanwhile, Si was getting ready with his groomsmen, all looking sharp in their black suits and bow ties, enjoying a pre-ceremony drink by the beautiful stone building draped in ivy.
The outdoor ceremony was held in the barn’s gorgeous garden, with wooden benches arranged on the grass and those flower-filled kegs framing where they’d say their vows. Having Lauren’s brother JT lead the ceremony made it incredibly intimate and meaningful. When Lauren saw Si walking down the aisle, the tears started flowing – and honestly, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. And then there was Maggie, walking down the isle with all the star quality you’d expect from a Golden Retriever who’s very much the couple’s best friend.
After the ceremony, we snuck away for some couple portraits in the Peak District landscape. Those dramatic grey skies and dry stone walls stretching across the hills – it’s the kind of backdrop that makes a photographer’s heart sing. Lauren and Si were naturals, laughing and relaxed, exactly how they’d described themselves. No serious, stiff poses here – just genuine joy.
The confetti moment was absolutely epic, with guests lining up to shower the newlyweds in a flurry of white petals. The photos capture pure happiness on both their faces.
Inside, the barn looked incredible – fairy lights twinkling, white draping swooping across the ceiling, and that disco ball promising good times ahead. The tables were decorated with more of Lauren’s beautiful flower arrangements in mismatched bottles, adding to that relaxed, festival-inspired feel they’d dreamed of.
The evening ended exactly as you’d hope – with Lauren and Si taking to the dance floor for their first dance, surrounded by all the friends and family they’d been so excited to bring together. After years without a family wedding, everyone was ready and raring to celebrate, and celebrate they did.
This was such a joyful, heartfelt day, and it was an absolute honour to capture it for Lauren and Si.
If you’re looking for natural, relaxed wedding photography in the Peak District or anywhere across the UK, I’d love to hear about your plans. You can find out more about my wedding photography packages here, or drop me a message at hello@magdak.co.uk and we’ll arrange a chat.
