Katie and Kyle’s day was a masterclass in how to host an intimate wedding. It’s no secret that Wilde Lodge is one of my favorite corners of the Shropshire and Powys border. Having documented many stories at this beautiful venue before, you’d think I’d know exactly what to expect. But the magic of an unscripted wedding is that even in a familiar place, no two stories are ever the same.

The focus for this day was on fun, with a huge selection of games both out on the lawn and in the Safari Tent. My approach here is exactly what my ‘Unscripted’ photography philosophy is built on: a little less posing, and a lot more heart. Because I photograph weddings at Wilde Lodge so frequently, I have the luxury of letting the day breathe.

I’m not searching for standard shots; instead, I’m watching for the quiet glances in the Safari Tent, the messy laughter over dinner, and the magic that happens when people stop performing for a camera and just exist together. There is a unique energy to an intimate wedding that larger celebrations often miss. Having fewer people allows space to just be, and it’s my aim as a documentary photographer to blend into that energy.

As a Shropshire wedding photographer, I believe your photos should feel like a memory, not a production. For me, it’s about being a guest with a camera, documenting the honest, uncurated story of two people in love, set against the stunning backdrop of the Shropshire and Welsh borders.

Planning your own unscripted wedding at Wilde Lodge? Whether you’re planning a micro-wedding or a relaxed celebration in the Safari Tent, I’d love to connect and hear your plans.