Devon Wedding Photography at Higher Eggbeer // Jess & Conor

Now this was a STUNNER of a day in any stretch of imagination! It felt like the first day of spring after a long period of bad weather and I happened to be working at one of the most stunning Devon wedding venues with a bunch of legends! My first time photographing a wedding at Higher Eggbeer and oh mighty what a place. A thatch roof farm with 2 rustic barns full of charm, beautifully maintained grounds with views over Dartmoor. Oh and did I mention the pool and the tennis court? A beautiful setting to relax, unwind and celebrate with your friends and family. And for photography it offers endless photo spots and backdrops.

Jess and Conor were married here on the 20th of April and brought a whole bunch of lovely family and friends with them. I truly felt like a part of their ‘gang’ by the end of the day, a dream wedding which ticked all the boxes!

Here is a little preview for you and I must say I really struggled to keep the amor of images for this post within 100! So many amazing moments…

If you’re planning a wedding at Higher Eggbeer or Dartmoor please contact me for availability and prices. I want to go back and shoot another wedding there as I love, love, love this place!

Venue: Higher Eggbeer // Date: 20.04.2024

Harefield Barn WeddingPhotography Devon // Emma & Dan

Emma and Dan’s wedding at Harefield Barn in Devon was fantastic. They are such a lovely couple to work with and are truly made for each other. There was a strong bond and connection to feel between them which really helps to produce some great images.

I met Emma and her bride clan at her mum’s house in Exeter before we headed to St Jame’s church just up the road. Emma’s family have a strong connection to this church so the ceremony and music was breathtakingly beautiful. And their lovely labrador Toby did a great job as ring bearer. For everyone who knows me, I love vintage cars and Emma and Dan travelled in style in a beautiful blue Morris Minor to Harefield Barn for their reception.

It was my first time photographing a wedding at Harefield Barn and I instantly loved it. A gorgeous Barn venue located in the heart of Devon countryside with beautiful rolling hills as a backdrop. A great place to have a relaxed style wedding with your friends and family.

Emma and Dan’s day was blessed with blue skies and sunshine, so we spend most of the day on outside until the dancing started and oh my gosh, everyone was straight into it! Even I had a little tinkle in my legs. What a party!

Emma and Dan, I loved every part of your day and thanks a million for having me there, it was a pleasure capturing it. Here is a little taster for you…

Venue: Harefield Barn // Date: 02.09.2024 // Makeup: Just Josie MUA // Hair: Hair by Char // Flowers: Dotty Bee Floral Design // Dress: Madi Lane // Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Little Mistress // Photo Booth: Vintage Camper Booth // Music: AB-Y Wedding Band // Singer and Saxophonist: TBC

Wedding Photography at Tunnels Beaches North Devon // Claire & Matt

Claire and Matt’s wedding at Tunnels Beaches was picture book perfect. I think it was the last day of summer as I feel the summer rainy season started shortly after…In fact, the weekend after when I camped nearby to make a weekend out of it! At least Sunday was nice and we walked a big part of the North Devon coast path enjoying the stunning views. I love this part of Devon, so much that if it fits in my diary I always try and stay a couple of days. It’s a nice change to Cornwall. So when Claire asked me to shoot their wedding, I got all excited although the pressure was high as she is a wedding photographer herself. It always flatters me when film makers and other photographers ask me to photograph their wedding as I know they will really appreciate my work and make the day run smoothly so I can get the shots I need….

Tunnels Beaches is the most incredible exclusive wedding venue by the sea in Devon. It is definitely one of my favourite wedding venues for photography, as the cliffs and coastline here are unique and the light is always incredible. There are plenty of backdrop opportunities for amazing portraits and facing west the sunsets are incredible. A photographer’s delight! The venue, which is an architectural beauty, sits above its own private beach, with magnificent views out to sea. You’re literally all day on or above a beach, it really is the perfect venue for a beach wedding by the sea.

If you are getting married at Tunnels Beaches, and looking for an experienced wedding photographer who specialises in natural wedding photos then contact me. I’d love to be back again and have a little excuse for a trip to North Devon!

Here is Claire and Matt’s mini preview, it was so hard to choose my favourite moments from this day as there was so many amazing moments…

Venue: Tunnels Beaches // Date: 20.07. 2023 // Makeup: Chloe Bond MUA // Hair: Cindy Beddard Hair // Dress: Made with Love, Kiva and Zen Bridal Store // Flowers: Dried Designs // Band: Sound City

Devon Wedding Photographer for Rustic Barn Wedding // Nat & Luke

I loved capturing this DIY wedding filled with personality. Nat and Luke worked for weeks clearing and cleaning their auntie’s horse barn for their super special rustic barn wedding near Exeter. And they have done an amazing job, the result looked stunning! I love a rustic DIY wedding, especially if it’s in a cosy barn overlooking some beautiful countryside. Not sure what the shire horses thought about everyone partying in their cosy home…

Speeches, speeches, speeches, I love capturing them. And these were insanely good speeches, especially when Luke’s dad starting singing and they really didn’t want him too!. And a party it was, with a free bar flowing all day the dancing started early and I loved being amongst such a good vibe, if I would have brought my van along I probably would have stayed for the night…

Here is a small selection of Nat & Luke’s epic day, I hope you like it.

Venue: The Shire Horse’s Stables // Date: 15.07.2023

Wedding Photographer Tunnels Beaches North Devon // Cat & Ross

Just wow! The place, the styling everything about this day keeps my jaw dropping…loved, loved, loved photographing Cat and Ross’ wedding at Tunnels Beaches. I appreciate how much thought and work goes into every wedding’s planning and everyone has their own personality and style. These two definitely hit my soft spot, I loved everything about it, the styling, the colours, the perfect sunset…and wait until you see that dress, which left everyone speechless including the groom!

Cat and Ross tied the knot on the 15th of July at Tunnels Beaches in Ilfracombe. They were blessed with the most gorgeous sunny day and blue skies which helped to make their special day even more extra special! They wanted a small intimate chilled wedding, near the beach where they could have their dogs with them and loved the idea of a chilled BBQ and ice cream van. Easy, breezy, bohemian style. So Tunnels Beaches was the perfect venue for it.

Cat had a lot of input into the design and she really did a fantastic job tying it all together. ‘Dried flowers was a must as we wanted to take them home with us and to last forever‘

Here is what they said about their highlights of the day: ‘Both of our favorite part of the day was definitely seeing each other at the end of the aisle but it was a perfect day, perfect weather, we didn't want it to end. We loved that we had the day before in the venue's accommodation as it extended the celebration.’

I could write on forever what I loved about this day, but as you may have noticed already, I’m not the best writer, so I let the images tell the story…it was really hard to just select a few for this blog as there are so many good moments from this day, but here you go, my favourites!

If you are looking for a wedding photographer for your wedding in North Devon or at Tunnel’s Beaches please contact me for availability. I’m based in Cornwall, but love a trip to North Devon any time. Be quick though as my diary is filling up fast! 2024 is nearly fully booked for main season Saturdays and 2025 bookings just opened.

Venue: Tunnels Beaches // Date: 15. 06. 2023 // Flowers: Cat (bride) // Makeup: Fiona Miller MUA // Hair: Claire Hartley Stylist // Dress: Rue De Seine Bridal // Cake: provided by Cat’s parents // Sax: Carlo Saxophonist // DJ: Paul The Wedding Spinner

Devon Wedding Photography for a beautiful Dartmoor Marquee Wedding // Alice & Tim

I have an absolute gem to share with you today! Alice and Tim’s marquee wedding in Dartmoor, Devon was probably the most exhausting and intense day I have photographed this year so far, but so worth it! Al, my second shooter, and I had fun capturing this eventful day. I still don’t know how Alice and Tim managed to organise such an epic day, being both doctors with a busy lifestyle to say the least.

I love trips to Dartmoor with my dogs and quite often venture there for some hiking or mountain biking when have a rare weekend off. So when Alice and Tim asked me to photograph their wedding at Alice’s family private house there, I was really excited! Little did I know though, when I arrived at the House with it’s beautiful grounds, it blew my mind. It is a picturesque piece of Dartmoor on private land including an ancient wood, a stone circle and distant views to some of the better known parts of Dartmoor! What a place, so many photo opportunities. I was busting with ideas! The day was action packed though and we didn’t have too much time for couple portraits, so we had to work fast and just explore a few of the many options.

Al was covering the guys getting ready at a different location whilst I met the bridal party at the house. A relaxed morning with the ladies including some early tears…when Alice unwrapped her present from Tim, a pair of beautiful earrings from her favourite jewellers and the first look moment with dad I always love to capture if time allows…so much emotion!

The ceremony was at a church about 10 minute drive away. The chosen transport was Tim’s dad vintage Land Rover, for everyone who knows me, I have a weak spot for vintage style wedding cars out of the ordinary. So yes, I got a bit excited when they arrived in the rustic Land Rover!

Back at the house we only had a short session for couple portraits before the wedding breakfast was served in the marquee, so we were hoping to get another session in for sunset. We got lucky, the early evening shots turned out to be my favourites as the top field including the stone circle was flooded in golden hour light.

‘Joey The Lips’ were amazing and soon filled the dance floor after Alice and Tim’s impressive first dance performance. And after Alice’s mum surprise song we headed out for a sparkler exit and fireworks, the highlight of the evening and a great surprise for the guests. The party was long not finished, it only just started… the whole marquee was rocking, but for Al and I it was time to head back after nearly 14 hours of coverage and aching feet.

Alice and Tim, it was an honour to capture your magical day. It took me hours to select just a few of my favourite moments, I could have posted so much more, but I already exceeded the average number of photos for my blog posts, so here you go, enjoy…

Venue: private // Date: 2.07.022 // Makeup & Hair: Grace, Lips and Locks // Dress: Anna Bridal, Design Justin Alexander // Wedding Shoes: Steve Madden // Groom’s Suit: Moss Bros // Flowers: Fare of the Field // Cake: Claires Kitchen (pavlova), homemade cakes by friends // Band: Joey The Lips // Wedding Coordinator: Elisabeth Shell Events // special thanks to Second Shooter: Alastair Scarlett

Devon Wedding Photographer Tunnels Beaches // Sarah & Tristan

I couldn’t wait for this one, I wanted to tick Tunnels Beaches wedding venue up in North Devon off my bucket list since ages. I have seen stunning photos from this place and was so excited when Sarah and Tristan booked me for their special day there. The beach with it’s puddles and dramatic rock formations looks like something out of another world. And the architecture of the actual venue nestled into the cliff is just stunning.

We didn’t plan for storm Arwen with 60 mph plus north westerly winds and heavy downpours though! However I heard that Sarah and Tristan wanted their special day to be stormy to give it that little bit extra drama. They met sailing and love the sea, the wilder the better!

Sarah’s dad was a bit concerned how he would get his daughter safely through the tunnel without the wind messing up her outfit. The direction somehow made the wind funnel through the tunnel and it was a struggle to walk through it! He had a plan: He looked for the biggest umbrella in the house to hold it as a shelter in front of them. I was slightly concerned the thing would be strong enough and not collapse. But he got her to the other side safely and hair, dress and makeup were still in place.

The ceremony was held on the first floor overlooking the sea. It was somehow cosy in there with the warm lights and the wild sea smashing against the shore just beneath you and the just 15 guests were just enough to fill the room nicely.

Sarah’s dad is a professional photographer too, oh yes, pressure on, ha ha! No honestly a bit if pressure makes me work even better and he really understood what’s needed to assist me to get the right shots. Photography was one of the top most important things for their very special day. I totally agree, after all the day goes by so fast and the photos are the one thing you have left as a memory to treasure for years to come. After the ceremony we had to wait for a dry spell in between the heavy showers to venture to the beach for the couple portraits. Thankfully Sarah and Tristan were so keen to get some stunning shots that they were super flexible with their schedule. And we were lucky! We had ca 30 minutes without rain, the tide was just right and even the sun came out for a brief glimpse helping me to produce some dramatic shots. I’m super pleased with the results and I hope you are too.

Here is a small preview for you, Sarah and Tristan! As I promised just before Christmas….I hope you like what you see.

Venue: Tunnels Beaches // Hair & Makeup: Brighteye Beauty Devon // Mother of the Bride’s and Flower Girl Hair: Vera K Bridal Hair // Flowers: Sweet Williams Flowers Ilfracombe // Dress: Bleu Bridal Gowns // Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss //Music: Sam Dowden

Postpone don't cancel!

I’m really sorry some of my clients having to deal with this crisis at the same time as planning their wedding. I know you never expected to be having to do this, and it's uncertain times for us all but together we can get through it! I'm here to help and make it as stress free as possible. If it turns out you have to postpone then I've got a procedure in place to make it as stress free for you as possible...

IF YOU'VE NOT YET SET A NEW DATE - Work with me to make sure I can be there on the new date, I still really really would love to be your photographer with all my heart and soul. This whole episode has just made me even more passionate about capturing the love and happiness in the world, and so grateful to be able to share these occasions with people like you. We are a small network of wedding industry businesses down here in Cornwall and we will do everything in our power to make your wedding happen at a different date later on this year or if not possible next year. September and October can often be nicer down here in Cornwall than May and June, I’m not kidding! And on top of it I offer you a 20% discount on full day (full price) packages if you decide to postpone your wedding to a date in between October 2020 and March 2021.

ONCE YOU'VE SET THE NEW DATE - I will ask you to sign a new contract for the new date at the same price you're paying now - Your initial payment will carry across to the new date with no penalties, so you won't lose out financially at all - I will ask you if possible to pay 50% of your balance payment at the time of rearrangement - times are so hard and uncertain now for tiny businesses like mine and this cash flow will help me get through this blip - Your remaining balance will be due a month before the new date If you've got any questions as things develop, or you just want to have a chat about anything - text, email or call me. We can jump on a Skype or anything any time you want a chat. I'm here to help as much as I can.

Take care of your physical and mental health during this time and I can't wait to see you soon.

Together we are strong and we will make the celebration of your dreams happen!

Sending you lots of Love!

Alexa xxx

Clare & Sam's casual wedding in Exeter, Devon

Clare and Sam were already married in Santander, Northern Spain, a few weeks ago, where they had a small celebration at Clare's father's house. They also wanted to have a celebration with their english friends and family in the UK, so they decided to have a ceremony in Exeter Castle and a casual reception in Double Locks Pub on the outskirts of Exeter. They were blessed with great weather, which was surprising after the long spell of showers we had already here in the Southwest recently, it was certainly a nicer day in between the rain storms! The decorations were all DIY and everything else was held in a real casual and relaxed style, just the kind of day I enjoy capturing.. no set formula, just everyone enjoying themselves with lots of laughter, drinks and dancing..

The DJ set sounded promising and the party started straight after the first dance, I even caught myself tapping my feet to the beats.. I guess I would have stayed if I wouldn't  have had to drive  1,5 hours to get home.. 

What a beautiful day and lovely couple to work with! Here are some of my favourites..

Ceremony Venue: Exeter Castle // Reception Venue: Double Locks // Date: 05.08.17 // Flowers: family's friend // Hair: DIY // Makeup: DIY// Dress: Patrick Casey // Suit: French Connection // Cake: DIY // DJ: Offbeat Entertainment

Devon Wedding Photography // Catherine & Laurence

Catherine and Laurence were married in a tiny church near her grandparents house in the small hamlet of Fishpond Dorset. Her grandparents used to be church wardens there and their house is just a couple of hundred meters up the road. After the ceremony everyone ventured to the house for some drinks to celebrate in their beautiful garden with views over the Dorset coast. We then ventured to the reception venue, a tipi style marquee right on Branscombe beach on the South Devon coast, ca 45 minute drive away. They told me it would be a Tip tent wedding by the beach, but I was breathtaking by the location when I arrived, it was literally on the beach! 

Catherine and Laurence had it all for their day, scorching weather, blue skies, a beautiful tipi provided by World Inspired Tents, tasty Paella made by the lovely crew from Hermanos Paella, a Cheese Van for snacks, a Ceilidh Band and a marshmallow roasting pit and much more..

Here are a few of my favourites from a scorcher of a day on a beautiful beach in Devon

Venue: World Inspired Tipi Tents Branscombe // Date: 17.06.17 // Dress: Heidi Hudson Designs // Suit: TBC// Hair and Makeup:  Bolts Hair and Beauty (Axminster) // Caterer:  Hermanos Paella// Cake: Friend // Band: Rabscallion Ceilidh Band