Real Weddings: Katie & Lee’s Beautiful Summer Wedding at Thonock Park, Gainsborough
Thonock Park in Gainsborough is one of those Lincolnshire wedding venues that feels friendly and welcoming, and Katie & Lee’s day proved just how perfect it can be. From a heartfelt first look with dad to a ceremony that was short, sweet, and deeply personal. Their wedding was full of laughter, emotion, and unforgettable moments. As their Thonock Park wedding photographer, I had the joy of capturing everything! From sunset portraits on the golf course to a champagne spray finale that had everyone cheering.
On Saturday 2nd August 2025, Katie and Lee celebrated their wedding surrounded by family and friends at the stunning Thonock Park in Gainsborough. Their day was full of love, laughter, and those magical little moments that make weddings unforgettable.
Morning preparations
Katie spent the morning surrounded by her closest loved ones, enjoying the excitement and emotion that comes with getting ready. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, happy tears, and the anticipation of seeing Lee at the end of the aisle. Her elegant dress and carefully chosen details reflected her timeless style, and the joy on everyone’s faces set the tone for the whole day.
Meanwhile, Lee managed to sneak in a bit of humour during his own preparations. At one point he appeared in a bright 1990s-style shell suit, creating some hilarious photos that he planned as a surprise for Katie when she looked back through their gallery. It was such a fun, lighthearted moment that perfectly captured his personality.

A special first look with Dad
One of the most emotional moments of the morning was Katie’s first look with her dad. The heartfelt reaction when he saw her in her wedding dress for the first time was truly moving, and it created some of the most tender photographs of the day. It was a quiet, intimate pause before the celebrations began, and a memory Katie and her family will treasure forever.
The ceremony
Katie and Lee decided to keep their ceremony beautifully simple and to the point, aiming for it to last under 16 minutes. This choice reflected their personalities perfectly—focused on the love they share without unnecessary fuss. Thonock Park provided the perfect backdrop for their vows, creating a setting that was both elegant and relaxed. As Katie walked down the aisle, you could feel the love and support from all their guests—an unforgettable moment for everyone present.
Portraits on the golf course
After the ceremony, wedding co-ordinator “Damo” kindly took us around the Thonock Park golf course so we could capture some stunning couple portraits. To make sure we didn’t miss a thing, he even strapped me to the back of a golf cart so I could shoot from the perfect angles as Katie and Lee laughed their way across the course. It was a hilarious moment that added to the fun of the day, and it gave us some unforgettable images that really show their personalities shining through.

Celebrations at Thonock Park
The reception was filled with heartfelt speeches, joyful laughter, and some brilliant dance-floor moves later in the evening! Guests made the most of the large reception spaces, while Katie and Lee enjoyed every second of celebrating with their closest family and friends.
Sunset portraits

As the evening drew in, we stepped outside for some sunset photographs. The sky over Thonock Park was breathtaking, with soft golden and pink tones that made for a truly romantic backdrop. These images were some of the standout moments of the day—capturing Katie and Lee wrapped in the warm glow of the summer evening, just as the world seemed to pause around them.
Twilight magic
As the light faded, we captured some signature twilight photographs, where Katie and Lee had a chance to step away from the party and enjoy a moment together under the glowing skies. These images added a final touch of magic to their story.
A sparkling finale
The night ended in the most joyful way—with a lively champagne spray that had everyone cheering! It was the perfect finale to a day full of love, fun, and celebration, and it gave us some fantastic photographs that captured the pure excitement of the moment.

A wedding to remember
Katie and Lee’s wedding at Thonock Park was the perfect mix of romance, fun, and family. It was a privilege to capture their story, and I wish them every happiness as they begin their new chapter together.
Everyone who helped make Katie & Lee’s day special
Venue: Thonock Park, Gainsborough
Photographer: Darren Cartledge Photography
Wedding Dress: Wed2B
Suits: Jenson Samuel
Florist: The Florist by Blush
Hair: Zen Hair Design
Make-up: Jesse Genia
Musicians: 203 Gainsborough Air Cadets
If you’re planning your wedding at Thonock Park in Gainsborough—or anywhere across Lincolnshire, I’d love to chat about capturing your day.
