South West Wedding Awards Finalist!

Yes, great news in my inbox today, I made it to the finalist stage of the Southwest Wedding Awards! It’s the second year running I’m a finalist and I can’t tell you how stoked I am. Thanks so much to all the lovely couples who voted for me. You know who you are and your support is much appreciated! It’s so nice to see a reward for all the hard work over the last season…

Roll on next season, I can’t wait to photograph more beautiful weddings at some exciting locations!

Knightor Winery Wedding Photography // Ali & Matt

Ali and Matt tied the knot in early October at the fabulous Knightor Winery with a micro wedding. They decided to have a smaller more intimate celebration and it turned out such a lovely day! It was quite mild but slightly overcast and kept drizzling so the tension was high to the last minute if we can have the ceremony outside. Gladly the registrars finally made the call that outdoors is a go and I’m so pleased for Ali and Matt as it was really important to them.

Autumn is Ali’s favourite time of year and I tried to incorporate the autumn mood into the images although the leaves weren’t quite there yet. The decorations were reflecting the autumn theme and looked festive with twigs, nuts and tea lights all collected and lovingly decorated by family and friends. Ali is very passionate about the environment and found me through some work I did with ‘Surfers Against Sewage’.

Here is what Ali says about her wedding day:

‘I am super proud of the environmentally friendly choices we made for our wedding day- my dress was second hand, (saving me £500), a lot of our stationary, decorations and gifts were reusable, recyclable or compostable. We used family and friends where we could; my dad did our invites, Matts mum made our wedding cake, matts aunt made our garlands, I made the buttonholes and bouquets. What we couldn’t do we bought second hand or from small businesses, (apart from a few purchases in m&s/ ikea/ Poundland!). The mua is the creator of the vegan/ environmentally friendly @angelfacemc (which I highly recommend) a brand also used by the hairstylist. Our photographer lives the Cornish lifestyle and has been featured on surfers against sewage, our band a local Cornish group, our venue prides itself on local produce. We did try hard to limit our carbon footprint. I hate it when people make negative comments about my ideals, but you know what, that’s their problem, not mine. I absolutely loved our wedding day, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing, thank you so much to all our family, friends and suppliers!’

I was only booked for 5 hours, so I missed the bridal preparations and evening entertainment. I would have loved to stay and listened to ‘Black Friday’ who played at a friends wedding a few years back and are ace!

Here is a small collection from the few hours I shared with the lovely couple, I hope you like it..

Venue: Knightor Winery // Date: 08.10.18 // Flowers: TBC // Hair: Emily’s Pro Hair Cornwall // Makeup: Julie Wiz Makeup Artist // Music: Black Friday

Lusty Glaze Beach Cornwall Wedding Photography // Becky & Alex

Well what another cracker of a day this was! Becky and Alex had a scorcher of a wedding day on the ever epic Lusty Glaze Beach.

They first spotted me having dinner at Lusty and watched me photographing another wedding there. They liked my relaxed and discrete approach and looked up my work. It was also the day Alex proposed to Becky. What a great story, love it!

For all the other weddings I photographed at Lusty the couple stayed elsewhere nearby in the Newquay area. So today I had the opportunity to meet the bridal party in the cottages down on the beach for the getting ready shots. I was quite excited to finally see them from the inside! When I arrived, Becky had a box with a surprise wedding present for Alex. I brought it over to the guy’s cottage and OMG, if I tell you what was in the box, it’s a man’s dream come true…Becky ordered a Harley Davidson for her future husband, ready to be delivered a few days after the wedding!!! Definitely the best wedding present I have ever seen…Apparently Alex doesn’t easily cry, I’m sure I could see some tears appearing in the corner of his eyes…what a surprise!

The whole day had a beautiful casual feel to it and the weather was playing it’s part, a warm slightly overcast late September day with a few sunny glimpses. Although we missed a good sunset, but hey, you can’t have it all!

I must say I’m adoring their cute German Shepherd ‘Bear’ who was ‘best man dog’ and ring bearer and honestly couldn’t have done a better job.

Becky and Alex, you are truly made for each other! Here is a small preview for you…I hope you like it xxx

I’ll let the images do the talking here!

Venue: Lusty Glaze Beach Weddings // Date: 28.09.18 // Flowers: Coastal Floral Designs // Dress: Ava Rose Hamilton Bridal Shop // Music: Fistral Stereo // Food: Lusty // Makeup: Jessica ley Makeup // Cake: Carmel Earnshaw

Elopement Photography at magical Lowerbarns in Cornwall // Kourtney & Mike

Kourtney and Mike eloped to Cornwall in the stylish Lowerbarns on September the 22nd this year. Unfortunately it was one of those Cornish ‘Mizzle’ days but it didn't stop them from having a blast on their wedding day. Equipped with umbrellas we braved the rain and went for a photoshoot tour around the eclectic grounds of this beautiful Bed & Breakfast. The photo opportunities here are plenty, there are quirky backdrops around every corner and it really doesn't matter if the weather doesn't go to plan, this place is truly magical! Even more so with the wood burner crackling away.

Kourtney planned this elopement since a year and collected some lovely personal details: her parents run a lobster farm in the United States, so Mike’s tie had a lobster pattern and we even found a great backdrop to integrate her heritage for a couple of shots! The rings had a personal message to each other engraved, which was a surprise on the wedding day, although it took Mike a while to figure out what the message read as the engraving was so small ;-) I’m not sure what it said, but it caused a lot of giggle..

Kourtney and Mike you were wonderful, I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to spend your special 'hideaway' elopement wedding with you.

Here is a little preview for you, I hope you like it xxx

Venue: Lowerbarns // Date: 22.09.18 // Flowers: Anna's Flower Barn //  Makeup: Cornwall Hair and MUA // Dress: TBC // Tie: TBC,

Wedding Photographer Nancarrow Farm // Charlie & Tom

Charlie and Tom had a cracker of a wedding day at Nancarrow Farm. They tied the knot mid September on a stunning warm and sunny day. Everything was set for a great day from the start at this stunning venue tucked away in a green valley not far from Truro in Cornwall.

THE VENUE

The venue consists of 5 beautifully converted barns tucked away in the heart of a farm. The barns overgrown by stunning rose climbers surround a pretty, south facing courtyard, great for enjoying drinks after the ceremony. The ceremony itself was held in the rustic barn with great wide open gates to either side which fills the space with beautiful natural light. There is no need for plenty of decoration, just a few flowers added and this place is just mesmerising with it’s rustic charm and laid back atmosphere.

THE DAY

I arrived early for the bridal preparations and was greeted by a lovely laid back bunch of girls. They were so chilled out, they stopped in the main barn for a coffee break. Same with the guys, they were in the middle of testing their cocktail skills. Stress and hassle free, that’s how every wedding day should start. Well it helps if you are at a stunning venue with plenty of sunshine..

The ceremony was beautiful and everyone ventured in the sheltered courtyard for some canapés and drinks afterwards. Charlie, Tom and I had a little stroll up the woodland lane for some photos before we went into the great barn for the wedding breakfast and speeches. I always look forward to a wedding at Nancarrow, not just because of it’s charm, but also because of the tasty feasts freshly prepared from the very best seasonal produce from local suppliers available and using their own organic meat alongside. Super tasty and a real treat on a long working day!

Charlie and Tom met working in Val Thorens doing a snow season and both love snowboarding, so the table plans were made of 2 snowboards, the guestbook was in form of a snowboard for everyone to sign and the table numbers were signs from their favourite runs in Val Thorens. I love decorations which reflect the couple’s personality. And with a lovely mint and peach colour scheme running through it, the subtle decorations looked stunning with the rustic oak beams of the barn.

The speeches were great and Charlie received a surprise present in form of 2 personalised number plates. Apparently all of Tom’s family have them and it’s a symbolic welcome into his family. It was definitely a great surprise.

The Stone Roots playing their funky tunes got everyone on the dancefloor throwing shapes early in the evening. One of my favourite parts of the day to capture, I love a great party!

Here is a small collection for you. I hope you like it, Charlie and Tom! Not long now till you receive the rest of the images..Thanks again for having me there x

Venue: Nancarrow Farm // Date: 15.09.18 // Hair: Inkfish Hair and Beauty Truro //  Cake: Charlie’s sister // Dress: TBC // Flowers: TBC // Music: The Stone Roots

Wedding Photography Morwenstow, North Cornwall // Caroline & Ben

THE CEREMONY

Caroline and Ben tied the knot in the Church of St Morwenna and St John the Baptist in Morwenstow on the North Cornwall Coast. I was booked from the ceremony onwards and unfortunately missed one of my favourite times of the day, the bridal getting ready stage.

So I arrived at the church just after midday to capture the guests arriving for the ceremony. I’m always nervous with church weddings as some vicars seem to do anything to prevent you to take good photos in their church. I had one telling me and some videographers that we would only be allowed to shoot from the back of the church otherwise he will throw us out. I mean, what’s that for a welcome and how are you supposed to photograph the ceremony just from the back?? Gladly, today it was a very warm welcome by this lovely chap and his friendly laid back collie dog, which slept peaceful throughout the whole ceremony in the front of the church!

After the ceremony we ventured down the nearby Duckpool beach for photos, it’s not far away from where Ben proposed. Ben and Caroline chose a mini for their transport, so we were all equipped for some great shots.

THE RECEPTION

The reception was at Caroline’s grandma’s farm in a beautifully decorated marquee set in a stunning landscaped garden. The Driftwood bar with draft beer and cider was handmade by Caroline’s sister’s husband, very impressive!

For me the highlight of the day was Ben’s family singing a personalised version of ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond, a rather great performance and even better surprise!

Caroline and Ben, you and your friends and family were fabulous and so welcoming, I absolutely enjoyed every minute of capturing your beautiful wedding day. Thanks for having me there and I hope you like this little preview… the rest of the images will be ready to be send you very soon..

Venue: Morwenna Church & Coast to Coast Marquee // Date: 02.09.18 // Flowers: Jennifer Candy // Makeup: Penny Pascoe MUA // Hair: Jeneration Hair Design //Cake: Exe-Cellent Cakes // Music: The Stereo Jack’s

Knightor Winery Wedding Photography // Milly & William

You guys made me emotional! So much love, so much emotion - it was like watching a romantic movie...

THE VENUE

Not far form the Eden Project and just above St Austell on, Knightor is a very special, timelessly venue not far from the South Cornwall Coast. Set in acres of vineyards, pasture and orchards,  the historic granite barns provide the perfect location for relaxed style wedding like Milly and William's. I haven't been here for a while and I was stunned how beautiful the grounds looked this year. Someone has done a great job with the gardening! 

THE WEDDING DAY

I wish I was there from the bridal preparations, but Milly and William only booked me for half a day, so we had to compromise. I arrived half an hour before the ceremony. It was a scorching August day and with the alfresco dining setup in the courtyard I had a feeling I was photographing a wedding in Tuscany! The theme for the decorations was succulents (I have a real obsession with them and so has Milly by the looks of it!) and golden dinosaurs. Minimalistic and stylish, absolutely loved it! Especially the presentation of the rings..

The ceremony was held under the oak arbour by the waterlily pond. A beautiful setup especially on a day like this. 

Williams brothers, also the ushers, did a great performance with the speeches, funny and at the same time emotional in parts. 

Thanks for letting me play a part in your very special day, you and all your friends and family were so much fun and so damn lovely - and an absolute pleasure to be around and capture. I hope this little preview will keep you going until I share the rest with you...xxx

Venue: Knightor Winery // Date: 06.08.18 // Flowers: Flowertime in Hayle // Hair: LJP Bridal Hair and Makeup // Music: The Deco Quartett

A sunny outdoor Wedding at The Green Cornwall // Jess & Alex

Yes, the sun came out for Jess and Alex, who tied the knot on the 4th of August at The Green Cornwall! I was there shooting a wedding a week ago and it was all day cornish drizzle, so we had to move the ceremony into the barn. This time it all went to plan and we had an outdoor wedding by the arbour under the two oak trees. 

I met Jess and the girls for their bridal preparation shots late morning and I hardly ever met such a relaxed bridal party. They were so chilled and organised, they were ready to roll 2 hours before the ceremony and even had time for a prosecco lunch picnic in the sun. I think every wedding should be like this, stress free and relaxed. Good vibes and good times from the start!

The day was filled with happiness, love, laughter, lots of booze, great tunes and a rocking dance floor. I've seen a few flasks getting sipped in various corners, the alcohol was flowing steadily from early afternoon, so everyone was throwing shapes as soon as the band started playing, I had to be extra careful not get run over! That's how a wedding reception should be, yeeehaaww!

What a great couple, Jess and Alex you were incredible and thanks again for letting me capture your fun filled day! Here is a long promised preview, I hope you like it x 

Venue: The Green Cornwall // Date: 04.08.18 // Flowers: DIY //  Makeup: Hannah Symons // Hair: Sarah - Capella Hair // Dress: Heritage Brides // Cake: The Green // Music: Stone Roots

A stylish Cornwall Wedding at The Green // Becca & Mike

Genuinely... I don't even know where to begin... SUCH A GREAT DAY EVEN THOUGH IT RAINED!  It was typical Cornish drizzle for one day sandwiched between sunny days of a fantastic heatwave summer. But it didn't stop Becca and Mike from having the best day of their life. 

THE VENUE

Tucked away in a green valley on the edges of Bodmin Moor The Green just stays one of my favourite venues to photograph at. I have been photographing weddings there since years and every time I drive to the venue through this beautiful moorland landscape, dodging sheep running across the road, I feel relaxed and excited about the day. And set in it's own beautiful woodland grounds it offers plenty of photo opportunities.

THE WEDDING DAY

Becca was collecting ideas for the decoration for ages on pinterest and her friends and family helped her putting it all together for the 'big day'. She even painted all the name tags (hexagonal tiles) herself. I must say it was one of the most stylish DIY weddings I have seen in a long time, just beautiful!

It was a shame it rained but gladly by late afternoon we found a gap in the drizzle and ventured out for a walk in the woodland grounds for some photos. I'm not sure if it was the rain, but the alcohol was flowing fast and by the time Kay started the music, the dance floor was soon filled with everyone dancing the night away.

Anyway I think I'm going to let these highlights do the rest of the talking but I do just have to say Becca & Mike what an honour and pleasure it was to spend a the day with you and your friends and family and to share a small part of your incredible love story.  Thank you. 

And I hope you enjoyed your honeymoon to Canada and Alaska! Your photos went in the post this morning and should be with you this week. Here is a little preview..

Venue: The Green Cornwall // Date: 28.07.18 // Flowers: DIY //  Makeup: Sally Orchard // Dress: Sam Cox Bridalwear // Cake: DIY!!! // Music: Kaj Music

Cornwall Elopement Wedding Photography at Lower Barns // Kirsty and Rich

What can I say, Rich and Kirsty really showed us how a runaway wedding is done properly! They only brought their mums, brother, a chocolate labrador and their adorable little daughter with them and didn't tell anyone at home. It officially just was a holiday in Cornwall. And when Kirsty called her dad after the ceremony to tell him they just got married there was a big 'WHAT, WOW, REALLY??' On the other end of the line. A great surprise!

They tied the knot at the fabulous Lower Barns Boutique and Breakfast on the Cornwall South Coast. The morning started unsettled with drizzle so it was a bit worrying if the sun comes out for them. But just in time during their ceremony the clouds cleared and we were blessed with scorching sunshine, ideal for a photo trip to the nearby Vault Bay.

Rich and Kirsty, I can't say enough how much I loved working with you. You have such a lovely bond for each other and your daughter is just so cute I couldn't stop taking photos of her!!!

I wish you all the best for your married life and I hope you like this little preview xxx..