Wedding Photography The Green Cornwall // Cameron & Kirsty

My first full day coverage this season and what a pleasure to photograph Kirsty and Cameron’s small wedding at The Green in Cornwall. So good to be back shooting weddings! Kirsty and Cameron originally planned for a bigger day with lots of their friends and family, however the current Covid restrictions only allow 15 guests. They still went for it and planned for an action packed day including some archery and even a first dance!

KIRSTY & CAMERON

WEDDING AT THE GREEN CORNWALL

I met the bridal party at The Green for some bridal preparation shots in the morning. I was greeted by a lovely relaxed vibe and just before I left to the church I caught Kirsty’s dad seeing his daughter in her wedding dress the very first time, a touching moment and I’m pleased I stayed for it. The ceremony was held in Callington Church where Kirsty’s family is from. Her mum is also a vicar and she did the blessing. After the church ceremony Kirsty and Cameron ventured back The Green in a vintage Bentley.

The weather was gorgeous, I’m pleased for them as we aren’t allowed to have receptions indoors yet. It was getting quite cool towards the evening, but fluffy blankets kept everyone cosy during the al fresco wedding dinner.

Here are a few of my favourites, Kirsty and Cameron, it was a pleasure to spend the day with you!

VENUE: The Green Weddings in Cornwall // DATE: 12.04.2021

Micro Wedding Photography Cornwall // Alyssa & Caidan

ALYSSA & CAIDAN

ELOPEMENT HEARTLANDS & HOLYWELL BAY

Alyssa and Caidan tied the knot at Heartlands Registry office on the 18th of march. Oh and you are wondering how they could get married because weddings aren’t allowed during lock down? Well, it’s a long story…

Alyssa and Caidan were originally supposed to get married in May here in Cornwall. I was very much looking forward to it as they have chosen a very local venue and their whole wedding just sounded lovely. Covid restrictions prohibited their wedding plans because Alyssa’s family wouldn’t have managed to travel over from the USA to attend. She spend her time here in St Newlyn East with Caidan since December and her visa was running out soon, they spontaneously decided to just get married in march and have a party later on. Visas are one of the exception rules for weddings at the moment. So it all worked out ok. However there were only two guests allowed during the ceremony and I wasn’t allowed to take images, such a shame! Alyssa said she always imagined her wedding to be different than it turned out to be, but I’m pleased they went for it and still had a lovely day. You can always party harder when we are allowed again and its going to be even more special!

I met Alyssa and Caidan and a close circle of Caidan’s family after their ceremony at Heartlands Cornwall to take some family photos. The two of them also wanted some images taken at Holywell Bay, their favourite beach, so we ventured there afterwards. Unfortunately it clouded over after a glorious start of the day. We still managed to take some lovely shots for their memory and for Alyssa’s family who couldn’t be there. I love the picture frames with her two granddads in the flower bouquet , they are also best friends, she told me. It was dedicated to one of her grandads who passed away early this year from Covid while she was here in the UK.

I enjoyed every minute of our little photoshoot. You two are definitely made for each other, so much joy and laughter, and I wish you the very best for your move to the States. Lots of Love x

Here is a small preview. I hope you like it!

VENUE: Heartlands Cornwall // DATE: 18.05.2021

Micro Wedding Photography Cornwall // Best of 2020

Here is my yearly round up. I wasn’t sure if I was going to write one from 2020, a year a lot of you had so high expectations for and yet it turned out so different, we could have never imagined!

This year’s wedding bookings were reduced by 90%, festivals, social gatherings and parties were canceled. A lot of time was spent in isolation or with limited groups of friends under tight restrictions. Life was put on hold, wedding were postponed and we are still waiting for a sense of normality to return. 2020 was a huge shock for all of us and we had to learn to live with uncertainty.

I know it’s been a tough time for a lot of couples who had to change their wedding plans last minute. It was touch and go for some weddings if they go ahead up to a couple of days before the date. Some of you managed to get married last minute before new restrictions came in place, a real rollercoaster! Thanks again for confiding in me, it was an honour to capture the utter joy of finally being wed after such a journey!

The few weddings and elopements I photographed in 2020 were especially moving. A lot of couples had to reduce their guest numbers and opt for a micro wedding or elopement instead of their originally planned big wedding. I loved every moment I witnessed as a micro wedding/ elopemnet photographer: small moments of intimacy and togetherness in the midst of isolation, family gatherings cherished like none before and somehow more special than many weddings I have photographed before.

A year of downs and ups, a year of devastation and change.

Yet I managed to travel to Germany a couple of times to see my mum the very last time. I appreciate the little time I had left with her. She sadly passed away in September after a 3 year battle with cancer.

But not all was negative, I have some positive changes and memories to look back on. Despite social distancing guidelines and masks we found a way to be together in small groups or online.In the first lock down I have enrolled in an online tutorial with the amazing Erika and Lanny Mann from ‘Two Mann Studios’ helping me to continue finding new creative solutions for my photography journey. I have spent a lot of time in nature appreciating where I live, I have learned stillness, which is a challenge for me as I feel I have to always be productive and ‘do something’. I also adopted a dog from Spain which I love words can’t describe.

Let’s look forward with a sense of optimism and hope. Some things will have changed for the better. In the meantime, stay safe and enjoy the stillness and opportunities it presents to you.

If you are worried about your wedding this year, please tell me, together we can work this through. I’m always there for you to assist you. Please don’t just change dates without asking for my availability. If you are planning a wedding or elopement this year, I have just a few ‘fill in’ spaces left, so get in touch!

Happy New Year everyone! Sending you lots of love and positivity x

Cornwall wedding photography at The Alverton in Truro // Kirsty + Colin

Kirsty and Colin were married at The Alverton in Truro Cornwall mid December. I photographed their friend’s wedding a couple of years back here in Cornwall and just recently met them for an engagement session on Crantock beach to get a bit of practise in for the couple portraits before the big day.

Kirsty fell in love with The Alverton because she always dreamt to get married in a castle, so here you go, pretty close! A small and intimate wedding with all the trimmings. It really felt like ‘a big day’…and so festive just before Christmas, it really got me tuned into the festive vibe…

KIRSTY & COLIN

WEDDING AT THE ALVERTON TRURO

Kirsty was wearing her mum’s wedding dress and what a beauty! It fitted her perfectly and what a lovely personal touch. Her mum really seemed to know what she was doing lacing it up, having been there before, she is a wedding dress lace up pro…

Colin’s mother had to leave after the ceremony for her cancer treatment, so I made sure we get some lovely family shots beforehand. Situations like this really touch my heart having lost my mum to this terrible disease this year.

Kirsty and Colin, you showed us yet again that you don’t need 100 plus guests to have an extra special day, just the right people, a good location and a touch of sparkle…

“Alexa has a great eye for those perfect moments and results in stunning memories captured. She blended into the background to be able to take natural photos which we will treasure for ever. Her passion clearly shows and her commitment even more so, following a long day, Alexa wrapped things up only to return a while later asking my husband and I to pop outside to get one last silhouette shot in the entrance of the venue which was softly lit from the grounds. This ended up being one of our favourite images. Alexa came highly recommended to us and we were not disappointed and you will not be either! It’s clear to see this photographer loves her work and takes great pride in what she does.”

— Kirsty & Colin

Venue: The Alverton // Date: 16.12.2020 // Makeup: Kirsty // Hair: Hair by Emma C // Dress: Kirsty’s mum vintage dress // Flowers: George Mackay Flowers // Cake: Whitescakehouse // Suit: House of Fraser

I had an amazing time shooting this Wedding at The Alverton in Truro Cornwall. The majestic architecture serves as a perfect setting for any Wedding Ceremony and there are plenty of photo opportunities for all weather conditions. If you’re planning on having a wedding at The Alverton or anywhere in the UK, then please get in touch, I’d love to hear all about it and have the opportunity to be your wedding or elopement photographer.

Please contact me

What to consider when choosing your Wedding Photographer

I recently got interviewed by the lovely Jane from Petite Weddings for some insights and tips when looking for your wedding photographer. It is a big deal and probably one of the biggest decisions to make for your wedding day. After all you want some great memories from one of the most important days of your lives. It’s all about you trusting your photographer’s skills and talent to tell your personal story.

To help you find the right photographer go and visit the fabulous Petite Weddings

Cornwall Wedding Photography Trewornan Manor Cornwall // Donna + Tom

Donna and Tom had a rollercoaster of wedding preparations due to the global pandemic. Inspite of postponements , cancellations, being let down by venues and much more they were committed to get married this year and they did it in style. I love the venue they have found last minute, beautiful Trewornan Manor is located a few miles out of Rock. It has landscaped grounds and you can get married outside under oak trees in a beautiful setting. Just the right place for Donna and Tom who both love the outdoors.

The day couldn’t have been better for it, beautiful sunshine and a lovely atmosphere greeted me when I arrived for the getting ready photos. After the ceremony and outdoors speeches we ventured out to Rock beach for some couple photos on the beach. Unfortunately receptions with music and dancing aren’t allowed for weddings at the moment. So they ventured to a pre booked restaurant for their dinner. Shame, I would have loved to stay for a party and dancing!

What a magical day, so full of love and a true fairytale wedding!

Here is a small collection of some of my favourite moments…nit long now for the rest of your photos Donna & Tom! xx

Cornwall Wedding Photography at Knightor Winery // Jess + Nat

Jess and Nat had a small intimate socially distanced wedding at Knightor Winery in Cornwall early August and hired me for a 2 hour elopement package. It was the first time back at Knightor this year after lock down and I was pleased to see everyone there again after that long.

Knightor is such a lovely relaxed venue, the perfect place for smaller to medium sized wedding ceremonies. With it’s cosy barn conversions and beautiful gardens it offers lots of beautiful backdrops for your photos. And if you haven’t done so yet you should try their Cornish wines, they are delicious. You can even add a wine testing session to your wedding reception.

Jess and Nat got so lucky with the weather and they had an outdoor ceremony, just what they wished for.

I have only spend a short time with them, but enjoyed every minute documenting their special day, the love, the fun, the moments of togetherness with their loved ones.

Here is a mini preview of the day. Jess and Nat, you were fabulous! Not long now until all your images are edited.

Please email me if you’re planning a wedding at Knightor or in Cornwall, I have only a few spaces left for 2022!

Wedding Photographer Porthilly Cornwall // Victoria + Tom

When everything seems to fall apart for Tom & Victoria because of the ever-changing social distancing rules caused by the global pandemic they found a way to still get married with their closest family and the help of their parent’s neighbours. A beautiful small wedding at Porthilly and Rock in Cornwall. The full story coming soon.

For now here is a 20 image preview

Wedding Photography at Lower Barns in Cornwall // Sam & Andy

My first wedding back this season and I had the pleasure to visit one of my favourite Cornish venues the fabulous Lower Barns!

It has been a rollercoaster the last few months with most of my weddings postponed to next year and beyond. For most suppliers in the wedding industry 2020 supposed to be a busy year, but then the global pandemic kicked in and what was a busy year ahead crumbled! It must have been just as bad for some of the couples who had to cancel or postpone their weddings and plan all over again trying to coordinate their suppliers for new dates etc..

Well for some couples it turned out ok, they could still keep their original wedding dates when the social distancing restrictions eased a bit. One of them are the lucky Sam and Andy. I’m so pleased for them as their wedding day turned out to be as they planned for, a relaxed afternoon with their nearest and dearest and 2 dogs. They didn’t want all the fuss of a big wedding, but guess what, they had 2 wedding cakes! Don’t underestimate the importance of cake, ha, ha!

I feel blessed to have spend a few hours with them capturing it all. Here is a small collection for you, I hope you like it!

If you’re getting married at Lower Barns please contact me about my wedding and elopement photography packages

Venue: Lower Barns // Date: 21.07.2020 // Flowers: Cornish Farm Flowers // Hair: Hair by Emma C // Dress: Adrianna Papell // Food: Lower Barns // Cake: Lower Barns & Claire’s Sweet Temptations // Bridesmaids Dresses: Jolie Moi // Suit: Ted Baker

Wedding Trends for 2020/2021 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. 

Read also my blog post on 'small weddings'

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: 

Tips to have a more Eco-Friendly Wedding

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.