A Relaxed and Heartfelt Wedding at Swavesey Windmill
This wedding was the perfect blend of love, laughter, and personality — a truly relaxed celebration that reflected the couple perfectly. From an intimate ceremony at the beautiful Swavesey Windmill, near Cambridge to a joyful garden reception complete with pizza, sparklers, and even a piñata, it was the kind of day that reminds me exactly why I adore being a female documentary wedding photographer.
How did you choose your venue?
The couple always knew they wanted a small, personal wedding that truly felt like them. The reception in the bride’s parents’ back garden was the perfect starting point — giving them total freedom to create the relaxed, fun day they’d imagined.
Once that was set, they began looking for a ceremony venue. Accessibility was important as one of their guests used a wheelchair, and some venues weren’t particularly accommodating. Then they discovered Swavesey Windmill, near Cambridge, and everything clicked.
They visited and met Lisa, the owner, who instantly made them feel at ease. Her calm, positive energy and understanding of their vision sealed the deal. The outdoor ceremony space, with its beautiful gardens and peaceful setting, was exactly what they’d hoped for. It was the perfect spot to say their vows surrounded by nature (and a little help from the sunshine!).
A Bit of History
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The windmill stands on Taylors Lane in the village of Swavesey, Cambridgeshire. It was built in 1866 by J. (John) Redford to replace an earlier post-mill that was destroyed earlier that same year. Swavesey+2capturingcambridge.org+2
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The building is a Grade II listed structure, a recognition of its historic and architectural significance. Historic England+1
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The tower is built of tarred brick, with the inscription “J. Redford AD 1866” on a plaque marking its construction date. Historic England+1
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Historically, it served as a working mill—part of the agricultural fabric of the Cambridgeshire fens—before eventually being adapted for new uses and now functioning as a unique wedding and event venue. swaveseywindmill.co.uk+1
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The surrounding gardens, lake and jetty make it especially photogenic and appealing as a ceremony and reception spot — blending heritage charm with modern event flexibility. swaveseywindmill.co.uk
What part of the wedding process were you most excited about?
They were most excited to finally get married and spend a relaxed evening with their closest family and friends. No fuss, no stress — just a day filled with love, laughter, and plenty of pizza.
The Proposal
Stephen planned a Harry Potter–themed proposal that couldn’t have been more perfect for the pair of them. He booked a surprise trip to Alnwick, home to the castle where the first two Harry Potter films were shot.
After exploring the castle and taking the film tour, he led Laura to the Hogwarts archway for a “photo” — and when she turned around, he was down on one knee! To make it even more special, he’d secretly asked her parents for permission beforehand.
They continued the celebrations with a trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the same place they’d visited on their first holiday together. Pure magic from start to finish!
Choosing the Date
They knew they wanted a spring wedding — not too hot, not too cold — and with Laura being a teacher, it had to fall during half term. She also loved that their date, when written digitally, had a line of reflection — almost a palindrome, which appealed to her sense of symmetry!
Finding the Dress
Laura found her dress journey surprisingly enjoyable. After spotting a gown at a wedding fair at the Excel Centre, she booked an appointment to try it on. While it wasn’t the dress, it was a great starting point.
With the help of the boutique staff, she explored different styles — knowing only that she didn’t want lace or feathers! When she finally found the one, she just knew. Later, she even lost two stone to make sure it fit beautifully on the big day.
Her advice for other brides? “Keep an open mind — you might fall in love with something totally different from what you imagined.”
The Wedding Style
Their wedding colours were inspired by Laura’s beloved blue Converse, which she’d owned for seven years. When she came across a pair of hot pink Converse, the colour scheme was set — bold, bright, and totally them.
The bridesmaids, flower girls, and page boys all wore coordinated blue and pink, and Laura even found a new pair of blue Converse four weeks before the wedding, creating a fun mismatched look that she loved!
Personal Touches
Their day was filled with thoughtful, personal details that reflected their story.
They included all the important people (especially the “little ones”) in the ceremony, had tulips on the registrar’s table to honour Laura’s Dutch roots, and enjoyed a relaxed evening meal with Domino’s pizza — their all-time favourite!
There were Disney and Harry Potter touches throughout, including a Mickey and Minnie cake topper, Beauty and the Beast as one of their ceremony songs, a Disney castle guestbook, and Harry Potter bunting made as a surprise by Laura’s mum. The centrepieces featured sweet and biscuit jars, adding a playful, nostalgic twist.
Favourite Wedding Photo
Choosing a favourite photo was no easy task, but the image they picked for their thank-you cards says it all — the two of them on the swing at Swavesey Windmill, Laura’s blue Converse peeking out beneath her dress. It captures everything about their day — fun, relaxed, and beautifully “them.”
As a documentary and candid wedding photographer, these are the moments I live for — the kind that tell your story exactly as it unfolds, full of genuine emotion and personality.
Advice for Newly Engaged Couples
Their advice?
“Have the wedding you want. Don’t feel pressured to invite hundreds of people. We were so relaxed because we’d taken control of everything and made it personal to us. It reflected who we are, and even those who weren’t there fully understood.”
Weddings like this are what I love most about being a wedding photographer — capturing love stories that are heartfelt, joyful, and completely unique. My approach as a female documentary wedding photographer is all about letting your day unfold naturally while I quietly capture every laugh, tear, and tender moment along the way.
If you’re planning a Swavesey Windmill wedding or a relaxed celebration that’s true to who you are, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s create beautiful, candid photographs that tell your story exactly as it felt.
- Wedding Photographer: Myriame Lawely Photographer
- Wedding Dress: confettiandlacebridal
- Shoes: converse
- Hair and make up: @befabulous_laurensiddons
- Bridesmaids dresses and flower girls victoriasbridalboutique
- Groom, best man, father of the bride officialskopes
- Venue: Swavesey Windmill
