Wedding guests celebrate with confetti as newly married couple walks down garden path during outdoor ceremony.

A Laid-Back Summer Wedding at Acorn Barn


Emma and Nick have been together for 15 years after meeting on Match.com, which these days basically makes them veterans. They chose Acorn Barn near Oxford for its relaxed, rustic vibe, and honestly, it couldn’t have suited them better. Of all the weddings I’ve photographed, this was easily one of the most chilled out. It felt more like a summer garden party than a traditional wedding – in the best possible way.


The weather was perfect. Warm sunshine, blue skies, and a gentle breeze – just right for an outdoor ceremony in the garden. After that, there was loads of time to take some natural portraits of Emma and Nick, and then it was on to the real business of the day: eating, drinking, lounging in the sun, and catching up with friends and family. There was no first dance, no speeches, no cake cutting – just genuine connection and proper good vibes.

"Gary was absolutely amazing from start to finish. His super chilled vibe and handy tips were invaluable. His pictures somehow managed to capture our whole vibe whilst not being intrusive on our day. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect fit for our photographer."

—Emma and Nick

A couple holds hands while walking together on a garden path surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Beautiful Photos for People Who Don’t Like to Pose


Like a lot of people I work with, Emma and Nick were a bit wary about being photographed – especially Nick. It’s something I hear all the time. That’s why I take a documentary approach to weddings – as a documentary wedding photographer at Acorn Barn, the goal is always to get real, honest images that reflect who you actually are. No stiff poses, no awkward smiles.


I use light direction when needed, just enough to help you feel at ease, and the rest is about giving space for real moments to happen. Emma and Nick’s photos are full of laughter, hugs, and quiet moments between the two of them – everything that made the day feel so real. If you’re after beautiful photos but can’t stand the idea of posing, you’re in the right place. I’m a natural wedding photographer and I work best with people just like that.

A couple holds hands while walking together on a garden path surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
A couple in wedding attire walking together on a rustic outdoor path surrounded by lush green foliage.
Wedding party members in blue-gray dresses and flower girls in white dresses pose together for outdoor group photos.
White-clad bride holds yellow and white wildflower bouquet during outdoor garden wedding ceremony.
A person in a gray dress holds hands with a small child wearing a white lacy dress with a sash outdoors.
People in formal attire gather joyfully outdoors on a grassy hillside with green trees in the background.
A couple stands together among birch trees at an outdoor wedding, wearing a navy vest and white lace dress.
A joyful couple holding hands and laughing together outdoors on their wedding day.
An energetic chef stretches pizza dough in the air while preparing food outdoors at a restaurant patio.
Rustic wooden directional signs for a wedding ceremony and venue among green foliage.
Close-up of hands exchanging wedding rings during outdoor ceremony with white lace dress and blue flowers visible.
An outdoor garden wedding ceremony with guests sitting on wooden chairs in rows beneath trees and bunting.
Couple walks down outdoor aisle at backyard garden wedding with guests seated on wooden chairs and umbrellas overhead.
Outdoor garden wedding ceremony with guests seated on wooden chairs beneath a floral-decorated arch on a sunny day.
Four wedding photos show candid moments between a bride in a white lace dress and groom during an outdoor ceremony.
Outdoor wedding ceremony in a lush garden setting with attendees gathered during an afternoon celebration.
Guests are seated outdoors during a garden wedding ceremony with decorative plants in the foreground.
A bride in a white lace gown laughs joyfully while holding a bouquet with greenery in the background.
Couple in casual wedding attire holding hands and smiling at each other in a garden setting.
Wedding Photographer Gary Williams

YOUR LONDON BASED DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER


If you're looking for more than just posed photographs, if you want your wedding day to be documented authentically, capturing real emotions and heartfelt connections – then you've found your documentary wedding photographer. Get in touch and let's create memories together. Send your enquiry and you'll be able to download a free copy of my very useful Wedding Guide.

Row of media and photography company logos including BBC and urban.