A Relaxed Outdoor Wedding at North Cadbury Court | Aaron & Patrick
If you’re looking for a North Cadbury Court wedding photographer, or you’re planning a wedding that feels personal, joyful and unapologetically you, Aaron and Patrick’s day is one I think you’ll absolutely love.
As a queer wedding photographer, these are the kinds of weddings that always stay with me. Not because they’re trying to make a statement, but because they’re completely comfortable celebrating their relationship in a way that feels authentic to them. Every decision throughout the day reflected who they are, what they love and the people they wanted to share it with.
And honestly, that’s what makes the best weddings.
From the moment Ruby and I arrived at North Cadbury Court, the whole place had such a lovely atmosphere. The venue is one of those places that somehow manages to feel grand without ever feeling intimidating. There are beautiful gardens, stunning architecture and more than enough space for everyone to relax and actually enjoy the day, rather than feeling like they’re being rushed from one thing to the next.
The morning was full of excitement without ever feeling hectic. Friends drifted between rooms, people checked in on each other, final touches were happening and there was that lovely feeling you only really get on a wedding morning where everyone knows something really special is about to happen.
One of the things I loved most about Aaron and Patrick’s wedding was how naturally they wove Aaron’s Scottish heritage into the day. It never felt like tradition for tradition’s sake. Every little nod felt meaningful because it was part of who he is, and I always love seeing couples finding ways to celebrate the parts of themselves that matter most.
Then came the ceremony.
The weather absolutely showed up for them, meaning they were able to have their civil ceremony outside in the gardens at North Cadbury Court, and honestly, it couldn’t have been a more beautiful setting. Guests gathered outside surrounded by the Somerset countryside while Aaron and Patrick exchanged vows in the sunshine.
There was so much laughter throughout the ceremony, but also those quieter moments where you could feel the emotion settle over everyone. Looking around at family and friends, it was impossible not to notice just how loved these two are.
Then came one of my favourite moments of the entire day.
They walked back down the aisle as newlyweds to The 1975.
Now, if you know me, you’ll know I’m a little obsessed with The 1975, so hearing one of my favourite songs as they celebrated being married was a genuine “this is my kind of wedding” moment. It felt joyful, relaxed and completely fitting for the two of them.
After the ceremony, everyone headed outside for congratulations, hugs and one of the happiest confetti runs I’ve photographed in a long time. There was so much energy as guests lined the pathway, cheering them on while confetti filled the air.
Then came another detail that felt so perfectly them.
Instead of standard drinks, the couple were handed personalised Guinness glasses with their names on them!
One of my absolute favourite moments happened just before dinner.
Rather than walking into the wedding breakfast, Aaron and Patrick skipped and danced into the room together.
No overthinking.
No trying to look cool.
Just two people completely caught up in the excitement of finally being married.
Those are the moments I love documenting most because you simply can’t plan them. They happen when people forget they’re being photographed and are just enjoying themselves.
The speeches carried exactly the same energy as the rest of the day. Equal parts hilarious and emotional, they had everyone laughing one minute before reaching for tissues the next. As always, while someone is speaking, I spend just as much time watching everyone else. Proud parents, emotional friends, partners looking at each other across the room. Those reactions tell just as much of the story as the speeches themselves.
Just when everyone thought the surprises were over, Aaron’s dad’s band took to the stage for a surprise performance.
I don’t think there was a single person who wasn’t smiling.
It completely changed the atmosphere in the best possible way and felt like the perfect reflection of what the whole day had been about from the beginning. Family, celebration and making memories together.
The evening finished with the most beautiful first dance before the dance floor filled up and everyone settled into celebrating long into the night.
Looking back on Aaron and Patrick’s wedding, what stands out isn’t one single moment. It’s how comfortable everyone felt. Nothing felt forced or performative. There wasn’t any pressure to create a wedding that looked like someone else’s Pinterest board. Every decision, from the music choices to the personalised Guinness glasses, the Scottish touches, the surprise band and even skipping into dinner, reflected them as a couple.
Those are always the weddings I leave feeling most inspired by.
As a queer wedding photographer, I know how important it is to work with someone who understands that no two weddings look the same. Every couple brings their own traditions, identities, relationships and personalities into the day, and I genuinely believe those are the things worth celebrating. My job isn’t to fit anyone into a template. It’s to tell your story honestly, document the moments you didn’t even realise were happening and create photographs that feel like your day, not a version of it.
