Why do I need Engagement Photos

Are you still wondering why you need engagement photos or if you should add an engagement shoot to your package? As a documentary /reportage style wedding photographer a pre wedding photoshoot creates a conflict as it obviously doesn’t fall in the ‘documentary/reportage photography’ category. It is more a planned photoshoot. Well, the couple portrait session and your family photos are the only part of the day which don’t fall under the documentary category. And I guess the couple portrait session is the most ‘feared’ part by people who don’t like their photos taken. However, I approach this shoot slightly different and you will soon see it’s nothing to be afraid of but rather to enjoy.

Most of my couples never had their photos taken by a professional photographer or hate their photos taken by anyone. Don’t worry, we keep the photos as natural as possible and you can get to see how to create beautiful portraits without posing. A great way to ease your nerves before the big day! It will be a fun and relaxing experience. One of the most important things to create stunning natural portraits is to be able to relax and be yourself. After all, engagement photos are meant to capture who you are as a couple, not just what you look like. During the shoot you will get more comfortable and relaxed at getting your photos taken. And the more relaxed you feel on the big day, the better your wedding photos will be!

You will also get to know your photographer and I get a chance to get to know you. In some cases there will be bit of guidance by me such as “hey guys, having a hug over there would be great” or “ run down the dunes holding hands’ or some general guidance on how or where best to stand for a good photo. Or some nonsense which usually comes out of me and hopefully makes you laugh! You will see the way I work ‘posing’ will be fun.

Because we can be flexible on a date, we can choose the right weather and location. You can add some beach photos to your woodland wedding and vice versa or we can get some sunset photos which might not happen on your wedding day as you can’t plan the weather ahead. I don’t know how many times I get asked about including sunset photos for beach weddings and I’m always worried for the couple that the sunset might not be as great as imagined or non existing on their wedding day. Maybe you want to visit the place you got engaged, even better, I love it if the location has a special meaning for you. You can also bring your dog(s) along, or are you more of a cat person, they are welcome too. I haven’t photographed a horse during an engagement shoot yet, if I could, this would make my day! Or bring your children along and make it into a mini family session. So many options, just give me a shout and we can discuss ideas.

With a relaxed, enjoyable engagement shoot you can create a series of gorgeous images to last a lifetime.

They also make great invitation cards or you might want to integrate them in your wedding decoration.

I believe so strongly in the benefits of engagement photoshoots that I include them as standard in my top full day wedding package.

And for any other full day packages you get a massive discount!

Oh and you can of course book a pre wedding shoot with me if you haven’t booked a wedding package. Maybe you’re visiting Cornwall and want some awesome photos of the two of you but your wedding is already booked elsewhere with another photographer. Not a problem, you can still book with me for some pre pre wedding photos. There are some stunning locations here in Cornwall, beautiful beaches, little rocky coves, cliff tops, ancient woodland and old mine buildings…the list goes on, I have a list of stunning locations for you to choose from.

Please contact me for availability and pricing

Best of 2023 Wedding Photography

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!

Cornwall Wedding Photographer Lanhydrock and Knightor Winery // Jemma & Mike

A beautiful winter wedding with Jemma and Mike. They got married at Lanhydrock Church and had their reception at Knightor Winery. Lanhydrock is stunning, I sometimes walk my dogs the woodland, but I had never photographed a wedding there. Great photo opportunities with a time less feel to them..We made the most out of the half hour we had straight after the ceremony in St Hydroc’s Church before we ventured to Knightor Winery for the reception and more photos. We were greeted by tunes from the amazing Dan Costa Saxophonist who entertained the guests in the courtyard. Turns out he even gets the youngest wedding guests dancing! We didn’t have much daylight to play with for the photos, that’s the challenge this time of year…but when the lights go out I still love this venue in the dark with the light chains in the courtyard and the cosy Cornish stone walls in the barn it always creates a charming festive feel to winter weddings…

If you’re planning a winter wedding, please contact me for late availability, I have limited spaces left this season.

Here is a small selection of my favourites

Venue: Knightor Winery // Date: 25.11.2023 // Makeup: Emma Roberts MUA // Hair: Kate, Aruba Blu Hairdressers // Dress: Coastal Bridal Mevagissey // Bride’s Shoes: Paradox London // Groom’s Suit: Zebel // Flowers: Fleurtations Bodmin // Saxophonist: Dan Costa // DJ: DJ Services Cornwall

Engagement Photography Crantock Cornwall // Jess & Conor

A couple of weeks back I met Jess and Conor late afternoon at Crantock beach for their engagement photos. I decided to do a late afternoon photoshoot as I love the winter light this time of year. We got lucky to find a half decent dry day amongst the recent storms we had! They brought their two adorable dachshunds along with them. They had the best time ever running around like maniacs and digging holes. In fact, they moved so fast that I thought I struggled a bit to get a decent photo of them, but to be honest I’m quite pleased with the results. What do you think?

If you like what you see and thinking about getting some practice in before your big day, you recently got engaged or just want some nice photos of you, please contact me for further information and availability for an engagement/ portrait session. I lived in Cornwall over 20 years and can take you to some great spots.

Wedding Photography at Knightor Winery, St Austell, Cornwall // Louise & Tim

Louise and Tim tied the knot late October at the fabulous Knightor Winery in St Austell. One of my favourite and most visited venues here in Cornwall as it’s a great place for a relaxed vibe wedding all year round. Photo opportunities are plenty with a woodland drive, an orchard, plenty of rustic stone wall corners, a wooden arbour …and if you fancy some beach photos, it is a short drive away from a couple of stunning Cornish South Coast beaches.

I met Louise and her bride squat in the chalet for their bridal prep photos. Nice to work with Hannah Symons for makeup and Melody Rose for hair again. They are always great company and are super talented. And how good are the Dr Martens boots!

The guys were getting ready in the main house. They had some problems with the handkerchiefs, how to fold them and put them in their pockets, no-one had a glue! Not even I and I watched it so many times. It’s interesting how your mind works, I often get asked how to tie a tie, but I just observe the actual reactions and clueless faces etc. instead of memorising the ‘how’… So keeping it short, I was clueless too! Thankfully Louise’s dad came to help…

The ceremony was held in the main barn which looked stunning with beautiful autumn coloured flowers created by ‘Blossom and Kelp’ and the fairy lights added a festive atmosphere. Oh and Roger Miners on the piano.

Gladly it stopped drizzling and the weather brightened up for some photos outside straight after the ceremony before everyone headed back in for their wedding b breakfast and speeches. The speeches were super emotional, a lot of laughter but also some tears. Still one of my favourite parts of the day to capture!

It didn’t take long to fill the dance floor with this great bunch of people, so much fun and great music by the ‘Busketeers’…

Louise and Tim, what a fab day to be a part of. It was hard to choose less than 100 images for your preview, I hope you like it as much as I do!

If you like what you see and are planning a wedding at Knightor Winery or anywhere else in Cornwall, please drop me a line

Venue: Knightor Winery // Date: 28.10.2023 // Flowers: Blossom and Kelp // Dress: TBC // Wedding Shoes: Dr Martens and Charlotte mills // Makeup: Hannah Symons // Hair: Melody Rose Wedding Hair // Music: Roger Miners Wedding Pianist and Busketeers

Wedding Photography Launceston Cornwall // Bethany & Alex

I have photographed Bethany’s sister’s wedding a couple of years back. It was during covid times and they managed to have a small intimate wedding at The Green. It was such a pleasure to see the whole family again for Bethany and Alex’ wedding in September!

I met them for getting ready images at Bethany’s parents house in Launceston before we headed to the nearby parish church for the ceremony. Such a stunning ceremony with Bethany’s mum doing part of the final blessing.

There was a lovely woodland footpath for some photos straight after the ceremony and if course we made use of the stunning Jaguar for some more portraits before we ventured to Cowslip Workshops for the reception. Unfortunately the weather turned and we couldn’t head out for our second portrait session. But the mist and drizzle didn’t spoil Bethany and Alex’ day. After some epic speeches they soon got into party mode.

What an honour to capture your very special day Bethany and Alex! Thanks for confiding in me the second time round and I really enjoyed catching up with your lovely family again. I can’t wait to show you the full gallery soon. For now, here is a little taster

Oh and thanks to the team at Cowslip Workshops for looking after me, the food was delicious!

Venue: St Patterns Church and Cowslip Workshops // Date: 30.09.2023 // Dress: Bridal Reloved Tavistock // Hair: Denise Perring // Flowers: Maggie Colwill // Cake: Jane Tyler // Bar and DJ: Colemans Event Hire // Wedding Stationary: Tavern Creative // Wedding Car: Best Day Ever Devon Wedding Cars

Wedding Photography at The Green Cornwall // Iona & Peter

Iona and Peter said ‘I do’at The Green Cornwall. I always lie coming here, it’s so relaxed when you turn into he drive covered by old one trees, you just feel like you’re miles away from everything. With it’s own woodland walk and rustic barn it is always a pleasure to photograph weddings here. And I walkways find new angles even after years visiting this place!

I wanted to show Iona and Peter a mini preview before I have a well deserved break in my camper van for the first 3 weeks in October. So I won’t be saying much about this wedding and prepare a proper write up once back from my trip.

All I can say, thanks for trusting me to photograph your beautiful day, Iona and Peter and for bringing your gorgeous German Shepard ‘Loki’ along with you…I love dogs at weddings especially when they are as handsome as ‘Loki’…

I hope you like your little preview…

Venue: The Green Cornwall // Date: 23.09.23

Wedding Photographer Lusty Glaze Beach Weddings // Taylar & Phil

Oh Lusty, I just love you! Another beautiful wedding at one of Cornwall’s finest beach venues. Taylar and Phil’s day was fantastic from start to finish. Sunshine, blue skies, a great bunch of people, good food, great tunes and a beautiful sunset. What more would you want for a beach wedding in style.

I have a little back log of weddings still to edit, so I’m not writing to much in detail but rather let the images tell the story.

Here you go, a little glimpse into Taylar and Phil’s special day at the wonderful Lusty Glaze.

Venue: Lusty Glaze // Date: 09.09.23 // Makeup: Emilie’s Hair and Makeup, H&MU // Flowers: Hayley Scott Blooms // Cake: Simply Baked Cornwall // DJ: DJ Services Cornwall

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

Lusty Glaze Beach Wedding Photographer // Sam & James

I’m super excited to present to you a preview of Sam and Jame’s fun filled beach wedding at Lusty Glaze in Cornwall. Voted best Coastal Wedding Venue in 2019’s UK Wedding Awards and for a reason: This little cove is one of the most romantic places in the Southwest, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and facing west it offers the best sunsets Cornwall has to offer and photo opportunities are plenty! It’s definitely one of my favourite local venues and you can hire it exclusively so the whole cove is yours for the day.

Sam and Jame’s special day was a picture book beach wedding, warm sunshine, turquoise sea, great music, singing waiters, a magician, an incoming tide for sea dips and lots of fun in the water and of course a magnificent sunset! What more would you desire from your special day on the beach! I loved this day, so many moments to capture that it was hard to make just a small selection to show to you guys.

A relaxed vibe day like this is the kind of wedding I specialise in and love capturing so much, so if you’re planning a beach wedding in Cornwall or even at Lusty Glaze, please contact me for some more information and availability, but be quick, 2024 is nearly fully booked and I have opened my 2025 diary now which is filling up super fast…

Venue: Lusty Glaze Beach Weddings // Date: 20. 08. 2023 // Makeup: Charlotte Albert Makeup // Hair: Melody Rose Hair Stylist // Flowers: Blossom and Kelp //Singing Waiters: Aston Dobson // Magician: Damien Surr, Ginger Magic // Videographer: Rich, I do Film and Photos