Some weddings feel less like an event and more like a gathering of hearts and that’s exactly what Katie & David’s beautiful day at Woodlands Estate and Gardens was. Katie and David had a small, intimate wedding at Woodlands Estate & Gardens in Gordonton, surrounded by their closest family and a handful of friends.

And I really loved the way they did this day.

Rather than having a big traditional reception, they held their ceremony in the gardens and followed it with a relaxed cocktail-style celebration behind the homestead. Cake, canapés, speeches and plenty of time actually hanging out with the people they’d invited.

No enormous guest list required.

A very special first look

Before the ceremony, Katie had a first look, but it wasn’t with David.

She surprised David’s two children, who she was officially becoming stepmum to that day, and their reactions were gorgeous.

It was one of those moments where my job is basically to find the right spot, make sure the light is good and then get out of the way and photograph what happens.

And yes, there may have been a few watery eyes behind the cameras too. It happens every damn time.

Getting married in the Woodlands gardens

Katie and David held their ceremony outside amongst the established gardens at Woodlands.

I’ve photographed weddings here many times over the years, and there are so many different areas around the property that work for a wedding day. Huge trees, open lawns, gardens, the historic homestead and plenty of places to find good light throughout the afternoon.

After the ceremony, everyone simply moved around behind the homestead for cake, canapés and speeches.

I really liked this format for a smaller wedding. Nobody disappeared off into a separate reception room or spent half the afternoon waiting for the next formal thing to happen. Everyone could just grab some food, have a drink and spend time together.

Wedding photos around Woodlands Estate

We photographed family and the wedding party around the property before taking Katie and David away for their portraits.

Woodlands gives us loads of options without needing to travel anywhere, but later in the day we also made a very quick trip down a nearby rural road when the evening light was looking particularly good.

David’s car came too, which was obviously the sensible decision.

We had long grass, gorgeous evening light, the car and one of the most incredible sunset I’ve seen.

A small wedding done very well

I don’t think an intimate wedding needs to feel like a smaller version of a big wedding.

Katie and David kept the parts that mattered to them, surrounded themselves with the people they wanted there and created a day that had plenty of room to actually spend time with everyone.

And somewhere amongst all of that, they also got married.

Pretty successful day, really.

Venue: @woodlandshistorichomestead
Wedding Dress: @astrabridal.hamilton
Makeup: @makeupby_kendal
Florist: @flourand_bloom
Cake/Bakery: @aspoonfulofruby
Hair Stylist: @hairbyzahrajade