Tips from your Wedding Photographer

It’s your day so do what you want…

It’s hard I get it, guest lists, kids or no kids, are dogs welcome, should I invite that auntie and uncle I haven’t seen in years, should I hire a wedding car …But life is short and traditions are there to be broken. Do what you feel like doing and not what you think is expected! Not keen on a first dance? Then don’t…Are you a bride with lots to say? Absolutely give a speech! Not into wedding cakes as you have ordered a great menu with delicious deserts…don’t have one then…

The day will fly by, so make sure to enjoy every moment and don’t waste it!

Group Shots!

Of course group photos are an important part of your wedding. After all you might have invited people from all over the globe and they are not always together in that formation.

But group photos don’t always have to be traditional and formal standing in a line shots. There is so much more potential like real human connection and interaction, the real stuff happens when you stop giving people instructions where to stand and how to to smile. That’s when wonderful moments start to unfold! Sometimes the moments in between are the magical ones

So don’t give me a list of 50 group photos, close friends and immediate family and a few others will do …

Get your dress dirty!

And you take a back up pair of comfortable shoes, especially for your beach wedding. There will be confetti in hair, sand or mud on your dress -

…all signs that you had a fab careless day - embrace it!

Confetti Shot

The more the better, he bigger the better! Not those tiny dried petals which disappear like dust, we need big petals or biodegradable paper ones and believe me when you think you bought enough…buy more!

Come Rain or Shine…

You have to embrace it! Have a back up plan where your guests go and choose your venue wisely, one which works in any weather condition! Bring umbrellas and rain proof shoes and let’s go out anyway - I love a moody rain shot!

an epic party!

take the lead on the dancefloor, it doesn’t have to be a first dance, but be present and your guests will follow. If you dance your guests will! Maybe a ceilidh is a good idea…get everyone involved and it’s fun entertainment. And if its a super sunny day in summer…think about getting the music outside if possible, if not, start the first dance a little later and give your guests time to soak up the last rays…

Wedding Photographer The Green Cornwall // Claire & Alex

A beautiful autumn wedding at The Green in Cornwall. Claire and Alex were a pleasure to work with, totally made for each other and bringing along the best laid back vibes! I met them for the bride and groom prep photos in the morning ask when I heard Claire had a surprise Boudoir photo album as a gift for Alex I couldn’t wait to capture his reaction receiving it! I think I never heard someone say ‘OMG’ in such a short period of time…Oh yes, he was marrying a beauty!

The day was overcast and drizzly as expected for this time of year, but we found a good dry period to venture down the woodland walk for some beautiful autumnal couple portraits… and even though the pair didn’t op for a first dance their guests brought along some great party vibes on the dancefloor…

Here is just a small preview of the day…I hope you like it guys!

Venue: The Green Cornwall // Date: 18.10.2026

Beacon Crag Elopement Photographer, Cornwall // Carla & Geran

Beacon Crag on the coast of Porthleven is the perfect spot for an elopement or small wedding on the coast of Cornwall. Relaxed intimate weddings always suit my style as a documentary style wedding and elopement photographer in Cornwall - making the most of scenery and natural light, to capture the celebrations and tell the story with no posing or anything contrived, just real moments. This stretch of coast offers special dramatic light from autumn into the winter months when the sun is a little lower in the sky, it’s almost like having a ‘golden hour’ all day…Carla and Geran got very lucky with the weather and even braved an outdoor ceremony late October before heading down to the cosy ‘The Ship Inn’ pub in Porthleven for lunch and drinks. It’s only a 15 minute walk away, so we made the most out of it and too some portraits along the way. And we found the perfect clifftop spot for their private vows. I feel so privileged to witness such intimate and touching moments of love. I truly love my job, to be able to capture moments of joy and love and create memories for people for years to come is a true privilege! Here’s just a small selection from to tell the story of their wedding at Beacon Crag.

Wedding Photographer Tunnels Beaches Devon // Laura & Rich

It’s always a pleasure to travel up to north to capture a wedding at Tunnel's Beaches! I juts love this venue, nestled in the North Devon cliffs.The combination of tidal pools, rugged rocks on the private beach and beautiful coastal views creates an extraordinary canvas for portrait shots. It never ceases to inspire me and one of my top favourite UK wedding venues!

Laura and Rich got super lucky with a hot August day for their relaxed vibe summer wedding. The highlight of the day was the heartfelt speeches and the outdoors first dance into the sunset. A day to remember for sure and I can’t wait to be back again end of the week!

For now just a few from Laura and Rich’s wedding story…

Venue: Tunnels Beaches // Date: 10. 08. 2025

Elopement Photographer Cornwall Lower Barns // Anita and Alan

There’s something really beautiful about an elopement. I just love capturing this style of intimate wedding. Just me, the couple and a celebrant (maybe even their dog would come along) feels so special.

And I’m pleased to observe in the world of weddings, elopements have become a rising trend, offering couples a more intimate and personal way to say “I do.”  As a Devon and Cornwall Wedding and ElopementPhotographer, we have many beautiful locations to choose from for that kind of wedding…

Capturing the essence of these private celebrations requires a unique set of skills and a keen eye for detail. As it is harder to stay in the background to just observe and capture the day as it unfolds like I do at bigger weddings. It’s just the three of us and I’m obviously there capturing it! But I still try my best to keep it all natural and easy flowing with not too much awkward posing involved.

Before the special day I always take the time to connect with the couple and understand their vision for the elopement so that I can tell their story in the most intimate of detail. A meeting in person is highly recommended but if that’s not possible we at least discuss the details via an online meeting.

Anita and Alan bought their adorable rescue dog with them, who was also a very well behaved ring bearer. Sadly we had to leave him behind on our venture to the beach as it was a very hot day, but we managed to take some photos of the three of them at the beautiful grounds of Lower Barns. I love this venue and Mike and Janie always make me feel so welcome! If you’re looking for a beautiful, eclectic romantic getaway for your elopement in Cornwall, don’t look any further, Lower Barns is a truly quirky, unique and romantic hideaway, perfect for an intimate elopement wedding!

Here is a mini preview from Anita and Alan’s special day here recently. I hope you like the images as much as I did enjoy capturing them!

Venue: Lower Barns // Date: 20.06.2025

Wedding Photography Nancarrow Farm Cornwall // Hannah & Gerard

Just Wow! If every wedding was like this one I would want to shoot one very day! What a pleasure to capture Hannah and Gerard’s big day at Nancarrow Farm in Cornwall. Filled with sunshine, laughter, tears of joy, chicken poo on wedding dress, beautiful people, great food, maypole dancing, more crazy ceilidh dancing…and just overall great vibes!

Venue: Nancarrow Farm // Date: 17.05.2025

Tredudwell Manor Wedding Cornwall // Charlotte & David

Charlotte and David’s spring wedding at Tredudwell Manor was truly magical. It was warm, dry and the sun came out late afternoon which made it possible to venture to the nearby headland for a second set of couple portraits featuring this stunning coastline. A second couple portrait session is always a bonus, but when the light is as gorgeous as this, it’s extra special!

I shed some tears though … Charlotte’s dad is very ill and she didn’t know until last minute if he would make it to her wedding day. He did make it and he even managed to get out of his wheel chair to walk her down the aisle! It was very emotional to say the least and I feel truly honoured to witness moments like this and capture memories for them. It reminds me what wonderful job I have.

Charlotte and David, it was a privilege to capture your stunning wedding and I hope you like this little preview…

Venue: Tredudwell Manor // Date: 19.04.2025

Wedding Photography The Green Corwall // Imogen & Jake

Imogen and Jake’s wedding at the Green Cornwall was my season starter this year! The conditions couldn’t have been more challenging with non stop rain all day sandwiched in between the most sunny early spring days here in Cornwall. But hey, Imogen and Jake didn’t let the weather spoil their wedding day, they still had the most fantastic day with their family and friends and the dance floor was going off straight after their epic first dance performance.

Imogen and Jake, what a pleasure to capture these memories for you. Here is just a little sneak peek. The full set should be edited soon.

Venue: The Green Cornwall // Date:

Natural posing – what to expect from your couple portraits

Is ‘Natural Posing' even a thing? I have put together a few tips in this short blog post how to get the best out of your couple portrait session and engagement shoots and to put your mind at ease. 

A lot of couples bring this topic up at our first initial meeting: “We don’t like our photo taken” …Well, most people, including me don’t like having their photo taken. So I worked on my approach to make the couple portrait session as comfortable and fun as possible. “Posing” doesn’t need to be cheesy or unnatural. First of all, my top tips for couple photos and feeling like a natural in front of the camera: 

• Trust me/your photographer and let them direct you 

• It’s a chance to have some alone time on your wedding day (apart from me following you around!) – embrace it 

• It’s okay to be nervous, but I will tell you what to do and will be with you all the way. Plus you don’t need to look at the camera most of the time 

• Always be touching or giving each other attention! This is soooooo important – you need to connect with each other. Without connection there is no magic in the photos! 

• Keep moving, dance, paddle in the shore or just be be silly – it makes for beautiful natural images if you’re moving around 

• Don’t look at the camera (unless told!). We will take a full length portrait with you looking at me towards the end of the session. So we can see your outfits and makeup etc.

• Try and keep hands occupied – ideally touching and connecting with your partner. Believe me, hands are so important in an image 

• Get close, and be in the moment, you have just got married and it is fine to hug, kiss and get close 

• Schedule in your couple shots after dinner when you have had a few drinks or a second session

• Try to forget you are being photographed  

• Book an engagement shoot before your big day to learn how it feels to be in front of the camera and work with your photographer

• Have a laugh! 
  

It feels like a lot to take in right now, but believe me it will be easy. Here are a few of my ‘go to shots’ to give you an idea:

Walking towards me / Walking away

Heads together

Dance and Swirl, Pick Up

Sitting

Close Up of Details

Standing together looking away

Getting Close

Generally being silly - one of my favourites!

The landscape - aka tiny people

Classic Standing Together

Candid Shots during the day- definitely my favourite!

If you want to practise ‘natural posing’ please contact me for availability of a portrait session or engagement / pre wedding shoot. Let’s go and have some fun!

Beautiful Cornwall and Devon Beach Wedding Vibes

There are so many things to love about beach weddings! Just imagine saying ‘I do’ under the warm sun with a backdrop of turquoise sea and beautiful blue sky listening to wavs crashing on the shore. Then paddling romantically in the sea, stroll around the beach, watch the sunset with a cocktail in your hand and dance the night away, maybe even outdoors under the stars, festival style. If that sounds like your idea of a perfect wedding day, then beach weddings are for you. I have made a collection of some of my favourite coastal weddings around Cornwall and Devon from the last couple of years to get you inspired.

I have also put together a few planning tips for your wedding by the sea. Collected from feedback of past couples and my observations to help you plan your dream beach wedding.

Why choose a beach wedding…

If you want a relaxed, informal do, especially one that stretches over a few days, beach weddings are great. There can also be less planning involved for your decoration as the stunning backdrop often needs little to add. And they're easy to keep small and intimate. Couples often keep their beach weddings relatively small and intimate to give you the option to stay for a bit longer and you can have your wedding and honeymoon all rolled into one! Just make sure you send your Save The Dates out early so people have time to plan.

They are also perfect if you don’t want any guests at all. Many of my real brides opted for elopement weddings, a little romantic get away for just the two of you. There are some stunning elopement and small wedding venues here in Cornwall which also offer boutique accommodation for a truly romantic runaway wedding.

Dream Dresses for Beach Weddings

The bride’s dress should reflect the beach wedding’s relaxed and casual atmosphere. Lightweight and flowing fabrics like chiffon or tulle create a stunning beachy effect. Beach Weddings also lend themselves perfectly to an effortless boho look. Mos importantly a beach wedding dress should be relaxed and super easy to wear, especially if you're splashing in the sea or playing games on the sand.

For your accessories, an effortless ‘just pulled together’ look is amazing for a day on the beach. Accessories that work well can include a delicate headpiece, bohemian-styled jewelry, and a bouquet made of loosely arranged tropical flowers and greens.

Think a relaxed up do or a twisting hair vine with shell hair pins. Or go for the wavy beach hair look. If your ceremony is actually on the beach, a short and simple veil that won't trail in the sand is a good idea. Or skip the veil altogether. Regarding shoes, keep it comfortable and ditch the high heels, they are not the most practical shoes to wear on a sandy beach! Sandals, glamorous flip flops or even barefoot is the way to go. To be honest most of my brides ditched their shoes soon after the ceremony and ended up barefoot the rest of the day. Also tell your guests as sometimes people don’t plan their outfit accordingly.

For the guys, think relaxed linen suits or even just linen trousers or shorts with casual short sleeve shirts. It can be quite hot when it’s a sunny day, so avoid thick tweed suits etc. , the linen or any light fabrics will keep you cool in the summer breeze.

Tell your guests to keep it casual too and to bring sunscreen, hats and comfortable shoes with them

Sea inspired Decor

Another bonus of beach weddings is that your surroundings are so beautiful, you won’t need much decor. A colour theme incorporating the whites and blues of the scenery is lovely and add some loosely arranged local Cornish plants or integrate some tropical flowers and greens. You can so easily create your own DIY beach-themed wedding decor, such as driftwood centerpieces, conch-shell candle holders, and starfish garlands and sprinkle some shells on the tables.

Beach themed Cake

No wedding reception is complete without a cake, and for a beach wedding, the cake should reflect the seaside setting. Opt for a beach-themed cake, such seashells or or beach themed cake topping. You can even customize it to fit your colour palette.

Beach Games

Entertain your guests with beach games, like a game of Rounders, Giant Jenga, Limbo dancing, Pétanque…and think about the little ones, get some buckets and spates, so they can build sand castles.

Choose the right Photographer

When searching for a photographer, it’s crucial to find one who has a candid, natural style and experience in shooting beach weddings. Look through their portfolio and be sure to inquire about their experience with relaxed style weddings. This will give you confidence in their ability to capture your special day in the best possible light.

With your couple portraits, have fun with it and be playful! Walk hand-in-hand along the shoreline, take a dip in the ocean, or include a candid moment with your guests. Whatever you choose, your pictures will be sure to bring a smile to your face each time you look at them.

If you hate your photo taken, which most of my couples do to be honest. Consider adding an engagement shoot to your wedding photography package. This way you can get comfortable with your photographer and practice ahead of your big day. This will also help you get to know your photographer better and develop a relationship and trust, which can help you feel more at ease on the day of your wedding. Plus you get some extra shots you can use as invitations or integrate in your decoration.

If you would like to get some more inspiration from a Boho DIY details wedding at Pohawnfort, please visit RockMyWedding to view a feature of Katie & Alex beautiful relaxed day there, also featured on my blog

And if you are planning a coastal wedding any time soon, please don’t hesitate to contact me for availability. I get booked up very fast for the summer months, so be quick!