It’s safe to say, I blooming love all kinds of weddings, but there’s something about tradition meeting DIY that makes me go a bit warm and fuzzy.

Yes, couples are absolutely rewriting the rulebook these days, and I’m here for it. But choosing some traditional elements doesn’t mean you’re doing your wedding “the old fashioned way”. It just means you’re choosing what feels right for you.

This real summer wedding in Devon was the perfect example of that balance.

Bride and Groom walking hand in hand in a corn field

A Church Ceremony With Real Gravitas

There’s something undeniably special about a church wedding. The sense of occasion, the architecture, the quiet anticipation before the doors open.

This ceremony felt grand without being stuffy. Emotional without being overproduced. The kind of setting that gives your vows a little extra weight, even if the rest of the day is relaxed and informal.

And honestly, photographing a church ceremony is a joy when couples are fully present and not worrying about how it all looks. The moments speak for themselves.

Then… Straight to the Farm

After the ceremony, the day shifted gears beautifully.

The reception took place on a family farm in Devon, and this is where the DIY magic really came into its own. Think handmade details, personal touches everywhere you looked and a timeline that flowed at its own pace.

No rushing. No forced traditions. Just good food, fresh air, heartfelt speeches and people properly enjoying themselves.

Having access to a farm definitely helps (lucky things), but what really made it work was the intention behind it. This wasn’t DIY for the sake of it. It was meaningful, thoughtful and completely them.

You Don’t Have to Choose One or The Other

One of the biggest myths around modern weddings is that you have to go all in on either tradition or non tradition.

In reality, the most memorable weddings often sit somewhere in the middle.

A church ceremony followed by a relaxed, countryside celebration. A formal moment paired with barefoot dancing later on. Structure where it matters, freedom where it doesn’t.

That balance is where personality really shines through.

Why This Matters For Your Wedding Photography

When couples design a wedding that actually reflects them, the photographs feel different.

There’s less performance, more presence. Less stiffness, more connection. And that’s where timeless, natural images come from.

Whether your day includes hymns and bells, handwritten signs and hay bales, or a bit of everything, what matters most is that it feels true to you.

Final Thoughts

This Devon summer wedding was a reminder that tradition isn’t something you have to reject or blindly follow. It’s something you can choose.

And when you mix it with personal, DIY elements and a relaxed approach, the result is a wedding day that feels grounded, meaningful and full of joy.

Planning Your Own Devon Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Devon or the South West that blends elegance with ease, tradition with personality, and you want photography that reflects the day as it truly felt, I’d love to hear about your plans.

Get in touch to check availability and tell me all about what you’re planning.

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When Tradition Meets DIY: A Relaxed Summer Wedding in Devon