Outdoor Ceremony & Relaxed Summer Wedding at Caswell House
22.06.2025
A relaxed summer wedding at Caswell House featuring pastel styling, an outdoor ceremony, laid back drinks reception and patio speeches.
I’ve photographed many weddings at Caswell House, yet it never loses its magic. It will always feel like an especially meaningful place, not only because I’m a recommended supplier, but because it’s where I got married myself! I truly had the best day and couldn’t recommend the location or wonderful team more to my couples!
It made the perfect setting for Bethan and Diarmuid’s vision too. From our very first call, Bethan and Diarmuid spoke about wanting a wedding day that felt easy and fun, with a focus on creating an atmosphere where guests could really relax and enjoy every part of the day. This approach shaped their entire celebration, allowing everyone to settle in and fully enjoy the every part of their beautiful day.
morning preparations & guest arrivals
Diarmuid got ready in the main house alongside the groomsmen, while Bethan spent the morning in Caswell’s bridal prep space with her bridesmaids. Both sides of the morning carried the same atmosphere – relaxed, light, and full of excitement as the day began to take shape. They exchanged handwritten cards and thoughtful surprise gifts – such lovely moments to witness as a photographer!
Bethan wore a stunning Sassi Holford ‘Ella’ dress with delicate puff lace sleeves – classic but distinctive in silhouette. Her bridesmaids wore a beautiful mix of pastel tones, each paired with florals in complementary shades – a palette that sat beautifully against the Cotswold stone backdrop.
an outdoor ceremony at caswell house
Despite a questionable weather forecast, Bethan & Diarmuid held firm with their plan for an outdoor ceremony and it couldn’t have come together more perfectly. Caswell House is one of those venues that works beautifully in any setting, but when the weather allows, the gardens really do create the most stunning ceremony location. It’s a space I always love photographing – calm, intimate and framed by cotswold stone. As the ceremony drew to a close, the rain began to fall – almost as though it had held off just long enough for them to have the outdoor ceremony they’d hoped for.
a caswell house outdoor Drinks Reception
The rain cleared quickly, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed drinks reception on the patio overlooking Caswell’s gardens. To close this part of the afternoon, they chose to hold their first speech outdoors – one of my absolute favourite, less traditional moments to capture during drinks reception. I love outdoor speeches in summer and there is always something so relaxed about them. Guests gathered naturally, drinks in hand and the atmosphere felt informal and easy – completely in keeping with the theme of the day.
Couples Portraits
The stone barns, courtyard, gardens and surrounding countryside all sit close together, giving so much choice for couples portraits. We slipped away towards the end of drinks reception to capture a few photographs of just the two of them, making the most of the setting without keeping them from guests for long. One of my favourite spots in June is the purple lavender lined pathway, which sits in full bloom at that time of year – a beautiful, seasonal backdrop that always feels particularly special to photograph.
the Wedding Breakfast & party
Of course, no wedding is complete without time on the dance floor and Caswells space with its twinkling lights always delivers such a great atmosphere to photograph as the evening unfolds.
Bethan and Diarmuid really were a joy to photograph. Their non-stop smiles were infectious, and they were fully present all day – chatting, laughing and clearly having the best time. They trusted the process, leaned into the day as it unfolded, and that always shows in the photographs.
Thank you both for having me – it was such a pleasure to capture your wedding at a venue that means so much to me.
suppliers
Photographer @lucydarbyphotography
Venue @caswellhouse
Florist @joannacarterflowers
MUA @amyrosemakeupartist
Hair @katya.valentinahair
Dress shop @thedressteddington
Dress designer @sassiholfordbridal
Jewellery @lauravannjewellery
Bridesmaid dresses @maidstomeasure
DJ @a.rutherford.dj
Videographer @sophielaurenproductions
If you’re looking for a Caswell House photographer, or you love the feel of these images and would like to enquire about your own wedding, please get in touch via my contact form.
