Flora & Will’s Summer Solstice Wedding at Dibbins Wood, Deene Park

It feels a little on the nose to call Flora and Will’s day a midsummer night’s dream, but seeing as they got married on the summer solstice, it would be a missed opportunity not to. Their summer wedding at Dibbins Wood, Deene Park had a calm, golden quality that only long summer days can bring.

Located within the Deene Park estate, Dibbins Wood offers a truly unique woodland setting for couples planning a relaxed, outdoor wedding surrounded by nature, and it felt like the perfect place for Flora and Will. The day quietly draws you in, full of joy and connection, set against the peaceful beauty of the woods.

Getting Ready at Flora’s Family Home

Flora started her morning by getting ready at her family home with her bridal party. The garden was full of colour and life, with the same flowers that had been lovingly grown there by Flora’s Mum, used to create the bouquets and arrangements. The house was full of Flora’s lovely bridesmaids and closest family whichc made for such lovely moments as everyone was helping each other get ready and bringing the best energy. After getting into her dress in her parents’ bedroom (which had a private door leading directly into the garden), Flora went on to share a sweet first look with her Dad a first look with her bridal party out in the garden.

Visiting the Church Bell Ringers

Before heading off to the ceremony, we stopped by the local church to see the bell ringers – family friends and neighbours from the surrounding village who had come together to ring the bells just for Flora and Will. Although it was only 10 minutes, it encouraged everyone to take a pause and made for a really lovely addition to the day.

A Romantic Woodland Ceremony

The ceremony space at Dibbins Wood is incredible. You’re completely immersed in the landscape, with only the sound of trees rustling, guests quietly nattering, and birdsong drawing your focus in. The long walkway to the altar gives you time to slow down, take everything in, and really be present in the moment. It also allows guests to fully witness Flora’s arrival and, just as importantly, Will’s reaction, a moment that so often passes in the blink of an eye. The wedding itself had a vibrant, summery feel, with everyone’s outfits standing out beautifully against the green surroundings, especially the pops of pink.

Tipi Celebrations at Deene Park

After the Ceremony, guests made their way over to the tipis for confetti and the drinks reception. Aside from a impromptu bout of summer rain during the confetti, the clouds soon cleared and made for bright blue sky and gorgeous lighting casting over the already glowing energy during the drinks reception. Guests had travelled all over for Flora and Will’s wedding, which made for some really lovely embraces and interactions.

Woodland Couple Portraits

Before heading off to their wedding breakfast and speeches, we spent some time exploring the back woods for Flora and Will’s couple portraits. With it being the longest and hottest day of the year, we sought to avoid the harsh heat and opted for pockets of light within the landscape to create those magical, ethereal, back-lit moments. While taking photos, we came across a tree stand and Flora climbed up, creating a really wonderful moment to photograph. Whilst Flora was up the ladder, they reached out and touched fingertips – a subtle, almost pinky-promise-style moment that just showed their wonderful, playful energies.

Evening Celebrations and Sunset Portraits

Once we’d finished wandering through the woodland, Flora and Will headed back to the tipis for their speeches and wedding breakfast. As the light began to soften and evening settled in, guests moved back outside to soak up the late sun and continue the celebrations. Flora did a bouquet toss, Will opted for a rugby throw, and guests enthusiastically joined in. Before finishing up the day, we headed out to a farmer’s field adjacent to Dibbins Wood, to watch the sunset and capture a few final, playful moments together. It felt like such a full-circle ending to the day and a perfect reflection of Flora and Will’s energy from start to finish.

If you’re planning a woodland wedding and are looking for a relaxed, documentary-style photographer, I’d love to hear about your plans. If you’d like to see more from this day, simply get in touch.