Best of 2023 Wedding Photography
What a year, 2023 you were amazing! The people I meet. the places I visit, the laughter and joy I witness and the memories I capture put a big smile in my face very day. Here is a look back at some of my favourite moments…there are plenty more and it was really hard to choose just a few for the ‘best of 2023 weddings’ collection
What a year, 2023 you were amazing! I feel truly privileged to do a job I love so much. The people I meet, the places I visit, the laughter, joy and love I witness and memories I capture put a big smile in my face. Thanks to all my couples for choosing me as your wedding photographer, you were amazing and I feel so honoured to have played a part in your very special day. Thanks a million for having me. Here is a look back at some of my favourite moments…to be honest there were hundreds and it was really hard to make this collection.
Roll on 2024, I know it will be a cracker!
Wedding Trends for 2020/2021 to help you with your wedding planning
small and intimate weddings are just one trend going into 2020/21. I did some research into the wedding industry to collect some trends for 2020/21 to help you with your wedding planning…
Weddings are very personal and there is no wedding that fits all, everyone has their own taste and wants something different be it the venue, dress, makeup, catering, styling or flowers. Along with trends people's tastes are changing and what they wish their special day to look like.
I have researched the latest trends in the wedding industry to give you some inspiration for your wedding planning.
RELAXED AND INFORMAL
Informal gatherings are top on the list for 2020/21 weddings. Going smaller with more to spend on quality instead of inviting everyone on your friend's list for your big day is gaining popularity as couples opt for more intimate, meaningful celebrations with their nearest and dearest.
I see more and more bookings for ‘Micro weddings’ meaning having a guest list of around 40 people or fewer. They can be formal or informal, keep with tradition, take a more modern approach or can be a fusion of both.
As there is more budget to spend on the personalisation you can make your wedding bespoke and offer your guests extra entertainment such as wine tasting, some quality favours and a 5 star dinner. You have more budget to add those little extras which make your wedding extra special and reflect your personality.
One of the most important qualities of smaller gatherings, they allow the bride and groom to spend more quality time with each and every guest.
Sami and Lee had a micro wedding at Lusty Glaze last year, what a great place to have a reception with your nearest and dearest
SUSTAINABLE / ECO WEDDINGS
In a world of imminent climate change it is ever more important to do our part to save the Earth’s natural resources. Now more than ever, couples are looking at ways to host responsibly.
This means cutting back on unnecessary waste and trying to be as eco-friendly as possible. There are plenty of 'greener' wedding venues to choose from and a lot of caterers offer deliciousness made from locally sourced food.
Another way to do your part to save the environment is to use upcycled and DIY décor , it doesn't just add a personal touch to your day but has been a wedding trend since a while and continues to grow.
I have also seen a lot of couples going 'plastic free' or even zero waste in swapping plastic straws for paper ones, using dried flower bouquets, compostable confetti or even sharing décor with other couples using the venue. Offering to 'replant trees' or 'giving to charities' as a wedding favour has become popular too.
There is plenty more...please also read my article on:
Dylan and Jake opted for compostable dried flower petal confetti and a dried flower bridal bouquet
GOING BIG AND BOLD ON STYLING AND LIGHTING
A smaller number of guests means you can spend more on styling your venue, so, it’s no surprise that one of the latest wedding trends right now is for oversize decor and giant statements.
Giving your wedding that personal style makes it different and more your day. Think giant balloons, giant centerpieces, floral arches, hanging displays and fancy lights.
Great lighting is often underrated and can transform your wedding venue and your images if it's indoors or outdoors. When the sun sets the lights come on, make them count and create an athmosphere for your reception. Even the simplest venue can start to glizzen with the right lighting installed.
Look at different ways to integrate lighting in a creative way. From exposed vintage style bulbs to funky lampshades, vintage chandeliers or candles in recycled jars to light up indoor and outdoor spaces. There’s lots of different ways that you can bring a touch of sparkle to your evening.
Bold Neon signage and lights have been around for a while and continue to be popular. With plenty of hire companies you can choose what you need to make a personal statement if you have the space.
Lighting can add a great ambience to your room and is often underrated. It also makes the photography more athmosperic. Hanging vintage light bulbs and fairy lights flood the room in a warm and light and can create some beautiful bokeh on your images.
make your wedding stylish with some hanging vintage lights
a warm atmosphere for your reception with the hanging vintage light bulbs
bold neon signage stays on trend if you have enough space to display it
the rustic barn at The Green Weddings in Cornwall with vintage lighting is a unique place for a ceremony
bridesmaids portrait in the old rustic barn with vintage lighting
THE DRESS
We all remember the Megan Markles beautiful wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller it was elegant, chic and modern with a long veil and had a great impact on the wedding gown trend.
Sleeves are also making a comeback. Long-sleeved wedding gowns are often paired with a backless dress to balance out the look, and adding a touch of sexiness.
Wedding dresses with pockets are one of the hot bridal trends for this year. They don't just look great they are also practical for storing things like phones, lipsticks etc...or your hands when you don't know where you should put them during the photoshoot, only joking!
Along with weddings tending more and more towards being unique and personalised comes the trend of a professional tailored or upcycled weddingdress, a way to have your own unique wedding dress like no one else and to suit your style.
Finally, along with the trend ‘going big’, extravagant and unique, flashy red statement lips are one of the makeup trends to look out for too.
Melodie’s vintage style dress was chic and elegant
simple elegance!
back less dress with added accessories
long sleeves are making a comeback!
Jenny’s custom designed wedding dress with tassel handbag , so gorgeous!
red lips are hip!
LARGE FLORALS
Flowers play a major part in every big day.
More and more couples are sourcing their flowers from an independent local florist.
Some even ask for seasonal locally sourced flowers, which is another great way to add a personal touch to your special day.
When choosing your flowers it's all about bold statement colours layered up with different textures and shapes. Speak to your florist about how they can layer up displays with an explosion of colour contributing to your colour scheme.
Add a bit of colour as floral hair weaves for the bridal party.
And when it comes to your bridal bouquet, it’s all about understated tidy bouquets with plenty of overflowing greenery or even add some succulents.
Jenny’s bridal bold bouquet was just stunning!
big flower arches
oh those succulents, I’m a big fan!
colour, succulents and vintage glass, a stylish combination
VIDEOGRAPHY
In recent years I have been asked for videographer recommendations by more and more couples. Having your wedding day captured as a film is becoming more popular and a great way to relive your day.
With videography gaining popularity we also see the rise of drone footage. Perfect for the videographer getting some stunning shots of you and your guests as well as your venue and the surroundings from above.
I have a list of talented videographers I work with, so please email me if you want some tips in the right direction.
FOOD AND DRINK
As everything else becomes more unique and personal so does the food and drink choices. From DIY bars with custom signature cocktails to unique canapés and desserts that reflect the couple's taste. Gin bars seem to be a favourite!
I have seen a lot of variations of grazing and dessert tables instead of a tradional wedding cake. I asked couples why they are not having a wedding cake and most of them answered that the 'cutting of the cake' is the biggest non-event of a wedding and with so much food on offer lots of it goes to waste and a grazing table or cheese tower/board makes much more sense.
So yes, if you want to be hip offer your guests cheese tables with artisan bread and crackers. Cupcake, donut towers are also popular choices or ask your guests to bring some homemade cake and offer a cake buffet. I have seen a 'bake off' competition, where the couple judges which is the best cake offering the 'star baker' a prize so your guets are inspired to bake the best cakes ever!
Homemade Cake crazing table
homemade tastes best!
Winner of the ‘cake bake off’ competition
DO IT YOUR WAY
So these are some of the most popular things I have discovered , but whatever the trends remember this is your day, so make it your own and don’t worry about what’s popular and what others are doing. Instead use it for inspiration, to have your day your way.
20% off Wedding Albums special offer limited time only!
Wedding Album special offer 20% off usual price. Limited time only. Please contact me for further information…
I have a special offer for all my past couples. If you have ver thought about ordering an album but never got round to doing so, now is the time! I can offer you 20% off all my album options if ordered until 20th of may!
Bound by a team of experienced book binders, these luxurious albums just takes your breath away. Both ink and paper are archival, guaranteeing a lifetime of gorgeous colour. Choose from one of many beautiful, soft cowhide leathers, sourced locally from the UK. Or if leather is not your thing you can choose from a variety of linen covers too. With 6 different sizes to choose from, the luxury book offers great versatility, plus you can now order press printed smaller duplicates with your Fine Art books!
Please contact me for further information…
Postpone don't cancel!
Postpone don’t cancel! It’s hard for some of you who are planning to get married the next couple of months. I’m here to help you make it happen even if we have to postpone your wedding to a new date later on this year…
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
Best of 2019!
What a year it’s been! We fought the elements from torrential rain to high winds and bright sunshine, incoming tides, steep cliffs, made our way through muddy fields, ran away from cows…just to get our ‘poster shots’. I photographed intimate elopements with just the two of you and huge gatherings with family and friends from near and far. Sorry for all of you having to put up with my messy hair at the end of the day! I enjoyed being a part of every single celebration and feel honoured to document so much joy and happiness. I can’t tell you enough how blessed I feel to have such a great job. Thanks for confiding in me and have a great 2020, can’t wait to meet all the couples booked in with me this year soon! Love to you all you soppy lot!
Here is a collection of my favourite moments in 2019, I hope you like it… xxx
Knightor Winery Wedding Photography // Anna + David
Anna and David’s wedding at Knightor Winery back in August. Only a 3 hour coverage, but I think we covered as much as we could in the short time I was there…
Anna and David had a relaxed style small wedding at Knightor Winery in Cornwall back in August. I have been so busy editing all the weddings I shot that month that I didn't get round to posting this preview yet. I have only spend 3 hours with them, so not much to tell other than that I would have loved to spend longer with them as they were such a lovely couple with a fun bunch of family and friends at a great venue set out to have a great day!
I think we covered as much as we could in the short time I shared with them. Anna and David, I hope you had a great time after I left, here is a little preview for you..
Venue: Knightor Winery // Date: 19.08.19
Cornwall Wedding Photographer at Nancarrow Farm // Ben & Jenny
Ben and Jenny’s fantastic wedding at the cracking Nancarrow Farm with a very special guest and so many talented suppliers involved. A perfect summer’s day at one of my top 3 favourite venues!
There would be too many words to describe Nancarrow Farm, I absolutely love this place, one of my top 3 wedding venues in Cornwall! It’s not just around the corner from where I live, that’s always a bonus, it is more than my words can describe it, truly awesome, fabulous, lovely, superb, cracking and so much more… and tucked away in a green valley near Truro, it’s always sunny there or at least warmer than anywhere else in Cornwall. The staff are lovely and organised, the venue is beautifully rustic one of a kind and the food is divine.
Ben and Jenny’s day day started with the girls getting ready at Nancarrow’s bridal suite and finished with everyone going off on the dance floor to Fistral Stereo’s fine tunes covered in glitter. When I came home my partner asked me if I really have been at work or partying as my face was covered in it…
Jenny’s dress was so gorgeous! Her friend Amy designed it, she has her own fashion and bespoke bridal dress label ‘Fleetwood of London’, have a look at her designs, they are amazing! She also made the bridesmaid dresses herself, love the detail and the colours went so well with the venue. Her sister Sophie Higginson is a super talented Makeup Artist, so we had a dream team at work. Jenny is truly blessed to have such talented friends along with her at her wedding, gorgeousness overload!
And did I mention that we had a very special guest that day and I didn’t realise till later on? Not sure what goes on in my head when I’m in the creative zone! Jeremy Corbyn and his wife were amongst the guests, I guess that doesn’t happen every day…Well when the groom works for him, then it does…
Ben and Jenny, it was such a privilege to be part of your perfect day with such a lovely bunch of people. Here is a sneak peek, I hope you like what you see. Not long now until I can send you the rest of the images, promised…
Venue: Nancarrow Farm // Date: 06.07.19 // Flowers: Blubelle Creative // Makeup & Hair: Bride by Sophie Higginson // Dress: Amy, Fleetwood of London //Music: Fistral Stereo
Hannah & Joel // a summer wedding The Green Cornwall
Hannah and Joel’s magical summer wedding at The Green Cornwall. My first ever ceremony captured in the rustic barn, oh so gorgeous!
Oh so gorgeous, this wedding at The Green in Cornwall! The weather, the insanely good looking couple, a lovely bunch of friends and family, stylish decorations, tears and laughter during the speeches and to top its all, my first ever ceremony I photographed in the Rustic Barn. I have photographed weddings at The Green since years but never had the opportunity, so here we go finally! I’m just slightly sad I couldn’t make it a full set as they have only booked me until the speeches. I would have loved to capture the dance images for this one, but hey..
Hannah and Joel, you are the most wonderful couple, anyone can see how deeply in love you are and it was just such a magical day. Thank you for having me along to tell your story. xxx
Venue: The Green Cornwall // Date: 08.06.19 // Flowers: Hartland Blooms // Makeup: Hands and Tans // Hair: RedHairLiskeard // Video: Floodgate Films // Dress: Viero Bridal
Nat & Terry // Wedding Photography at The Green Cornwall
Nat and Terry’s wedding at The Green Cornwall filled with good vibes all the way..
Nat and Terry wedding at The Green Cornwall back in may was simply awesome and positive vibes were running throughout the day. The kids were enjoying the space and garden games and were running riot all day. Everyone else mingled in between bar and outdoors, enjoying the good weather, even though a bit breezy at times. Nat and Terry were just so relaxed and just themselves on our couple portrait walk through the woods, it always helps when couples can just be themselves and have fun during the shoot, and saying that, most people enjoy a little time for themselves away from the hustle of the wedding. Well, with me being there somewhere hiding in the bushes to get the shots!
The evening started promising with the Motown Pirates playing some funky tunes and filling the dancefloor rapidly and old and young alike throwing shapes.
A day when everything just ran smoothly apart from Harry, their little terrier, eating my sandwich out of my camera bag during the bridal preparations. I thought I was going mad, I looked everywhere for it! Well at least I got to enjoy the delicious food prepared by the talented caterers of The Green later in the day.
Another fantastic day I had the honour of photographing and it was just so good that I yet again couldn’t make a smaller selection of my favourites. So here you go, a rather large preview.
Venue: The Green Cornwall // Date: 27.05.19 // Flowers: TBC // Makeup: Stacey Cremin MUA // Hair: The Updo Girl // Video: I do Film Weddings // Music: Motown Pirates
Charlotte & John's Winter Wedding at The Green Cornwall
My first wedding of the 2019 season was Charlotte and John’s small winter wedding at The Green in Cornwall bursting with personal touches and DIY details. A short coverage, but I love the results…
My first wedding of the season 2019 and it starts at one of my all time favourite venues with Charlotte & John’s small wedding at The Green in Cornwall. As you would expect this time of year, it’s still winter even though it felt like spring recently, the weather was rather changeable, but we managed to stay dry and even seen some glimpses of sunshine, yey!
About the day
What I loved about this day were all these personal touches and DIY details. Starting with the brides and bridesmaids headpieces which were crafted by Charlotte’s friend. Hair was done by one of the bride’s closest friends and bridesmaid Livvy and makeup by her sister Vicky. The decorations and flowers were DIY, the paper flower in Charlotte’s bouquet came from her friend’s bridal bouquet who was married last year. Charlotte made the flower girl’s hair rosette pieces. John and Charlotte’s faithful labrador did a great job as ring bearer. A close friend and usher was leading the ceremony. The bridal entrance was accompanied by the groom and usher’s live singing performance … and the list goes on ... I can’t point out enough how I adore personal touches at a wedding, they make it so much more special by reflecting the couple’s personality and spirit.
I was only booked for my smallest package, so I only stayed with this fun bunch for 3 hours covering a tiny bit of getting ready (as I arrived early..), the ceremony and some photos in the grounds after..
Here are a few highlights, I hope you like them…
Venue: The Green Cornwall // Date: 28.02.19
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When searching for your wedding photographer, you’ve probably fallen in love with a particular wedding photography style — whether that’s documentary, editorial, film-inspired, or something with a fine art edge. Choosing a style you love is important, but beyond the aesthetic, have you thought about which moments from your wedding day you’ll want to relive forever?