A person in a white wedding dress stands next to a tree at sunset in a grassy field, creating a warm silhouette.

Star Wars Day, Tears, and a Lightsaber Kiss at Laughton Barns


Hayley and Liam picked the perfect mix of fun and sentiment for their wedding at Laughton Barns close to Lewes. There were tears (mostly Liam’s), a big inflatable playground, and an appearance by their dog Luna, who had the time of her life. They skipped the first look and saw each other for the first time at the ceremony, which turned out to be a seriously emotional moment. Liam couldn’t hold it together after seeing Hayley step out of a vintage car and walk down the aisle with her dad.


The whole day had that relaxed, outdoorsy feel. Loads of space for the kids to run wild, and plenty of good spots for portraits—fields, trees, and even a view of the Downs. As a documentary wedding photographer at Laughton Barns, this kind of setting makes it easy to get natural wedding photos without pulling people away from the fun. Just the way I like it.

"Gary gave us such a wonderful experience on our wedding day. He made sure we were both comfortable and it was so joyful and natural taking photos with him. He made us laugh and really captured our beautiful day. Most of the time we didn't even notice him taking photos of us and our guests. Gary is such an upbeat and lovely person he made our day that much more special."

—Hayley And Liam

Two people hold glowing neon lightsabers while standing against a colorful backdrop with pink and green lighting effects.

Why May the 4th Was the Perfect Wedding Date


Turns out Liam and Hayley are massive Star Wars fans, and getting married on May the 4th was no accident. They even brought along lightsabers, which made for one of the most fun couple shots I’ve done this year. It’s always great when couples bring a bit of their personality into the day like that.


After the dance floor warmed up, we snuck out for some sunset portraits. Except, here’s the trick—there wasn’t really a sunset. It was a bit too early, so I faked the look with my own light on a stand (shhh... don't tell anyone!). Little tricks like that mean you still get beautiful photos even if the light’s not playing ball.


Aside from my tricks, I’m all about natural wedding photography and beautiful photos for people who don’t like to pose, and Hayley and Liam’s day was exactly that. A laid-back, emotional wedding with plenty of laughter, tears, and a couple of lightsabers.


Thinking of having your dog at your wedding or planning something a bit different? I’m a documentary wedding photographer at Laughton Barns and love relaxed weddings like this. Maybe I'll see you there for your wedding.

Watch The Photo Film


I usually make my couples a slideshow of some of the day's highlights. I prefer to call it a Photo Film because, carefully set to music, I think they really tell the story of the day. They are a lovely way to relive the key moments.

Bride in white wedding dress stands against tree during golden sunset at grassy park.
Close-up view of white vintage luxury car showing elegant wire wheels and detailed side panel styling.
Wedding guests watch as the couple celebrates while their small white dog stands between them at an outdoor ceremony.
Someone in a gray suit and bow tie checks their watch while standing with others at an outdoor event.
Wedding party members gather outside with a camera operator and beautiful floral bouquet at an outdoor venue.
Outdoor wedding ceremony taking place in front of rustic brick building with wooden doors and gathered guests watching.
Close-up of hands exchanging wedding rings during ceremony with bride in white dress and groom in gray suit.
Groom in grey suit with yellow boutonniere gets emotional during wedding ceremony.
A couple shares their first kiss as newlyweds in front of rustic brick barn doors at their wedding ceremony.
Three wedding attendees share a joyful moment of laughter during the signing of documents at the ceremony.
Wedding guests shower a joyful couple with confetti outside a rustic barn venue on their special day.
Wedding guests gather in a tender group hug sharing an emotional embrace at an outdoor celebration.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate while holding vibrant spring flower bouquets at an outdoor reception.
Beautiful bride in flowing white gown holds bouquet while standing in scenic countryside meadow on wedding day.
A newlywed couple laughs together by a pond on their wedding day, with the bride wearing a white dress and wrap.
A couple walks hand in hand across a lush green hilltop with distant countryside views on their wedding day.
Silhouetted figures stand together on a hilltop against a cloudy sky backdrop with dark trees in the background.
Wedding party seated at the head table in a rustic barn venue with wooden beams and elegant floral arrangements.
An emotional moment during an outdoor garden wedding ceremony with guests gathered on white chairs in a green field.
A person in a gray suit jacket holds a glowing lightsaber prop outdoors with an enthusiastic expression.
A wedding speech is given at a rustic wooden barn reception venue with colorful spring flowers on the table.
A couple shares their first dance together at a rustic barn wedding reception with guests watching in the background.
A group celebrates at a party venue with blurred motion effects and warm lighting in the background.
Group of people dancing enthusiastically at a party with arms raised under warm indoor lighting.
Two people in colored outfits playfully battle with large foam jousting sticks on inflatable pedestals at an outdoor event.
Legs poke through circular holes in a red and blue inflatable bounce house or obstacle course.
A group sits together on bright orange and blue inflatable play equipment outdoors during a sunny day.
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.