Devon Wedding Photographer

The Westcountry Wedding Show on the 28th March

2010-03-11T18:24:00.003Z

I'll be exhibiting at the West Country Wedding Show on Sunday 28th March at the Plymouth Pavilions. Do come along. It's a bit mad, with over 100 exhibitors, so put on your Bridezilla gear and plunge in. Do come and say hello and check out our work.

Dear John

2010-02-25T18:05:00.007Z

I don't mind receiving 'Dear John' letters like these. Thanks Sarah and Stuart.

When Two became Five

2010-02-19T16:27:00.004Z

"When Two became Five" was how Tony's brother Tim described Jenny and Tony's lovely family wedding last Saturday. Sure, it was their special day but also their children's - Sophia, Emily and Tom's - as well. They had moved into Hatswell Meadows for the week and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of their day on Saturday. Here's my favourite dozen images from their their very special day.

Langdon Court Wedding Fair - Sun 28th Feb

2010-02-07T22:59:00.002Z

I'll be exhibiting at the Langdon Court Wedding Fair on Sunday 28th February. I love photographing weddings at Langdon Court - it's a beautiful old manor house in lovely gardens just down the road from a gorgeous church and beach at Wembury.
Do come along and say Hi. The Fair is open from 1-4pm and I'll have loads of images on display and several client albums for your to peruse.
Oh, and if you book your wedding on the day I have a great freebie for you.
Look forward to meeting you.

Wedding Photography - Vietnamese Style

2010-02-03T12:16:00.002Z

I was passing by the Catholic Cathedral in the centre of Saigon last week when I came across no less than 4 wedding shoots going on. It's peak wedding season in SE Asia and the B&G always have a pre-wedding shoot at photogenic locations. Images from these sessions are blown up and displayed around the wedding reception venue. These are full on fashion shoots with make-up/hair stylists, lighting, assistants etc.

The wedding ceremonies themselves also comprise of many set-up photos with the wedding 'stage' lit up with studio lights etc. Wedding photojournalism is not yet in fashion here!

The 'middle classes' spend about 3 times more in real terms than we do in the UK on their weddings and wedding photography.

My 2009 Favourites

2009-12-31T18:08:00.001Z

2009 has been a fabulous year for me. I have been photographing weddings all over Devon and Cornwall and have met so many lovely couples and their families and friends. I have had so much pleasure working in many of the beautiful churches, country house hotels, villages and beaches that we have down here. Every Saturday has been a joy and I have returned home buzzing from a successful and fun day.

Thanks to everyone who invested and trusted in me to deliver them a set of wonderful images to treasure for ever. It's been a pleasure. And many thanks to Mag who has contributed fabulously as my second photographer. Here is a slideshow of my personal favourites from 2009. Click the play button, bottom left to start.

I'm off travelling in Asia at the beginning of the New Year, returning for my first wedding of 2010 on Valentine's weekend. My best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year to all of you.

Julie and Duncan at The Royal Citadel

2009-12-24T18:09:00.003Z

Wow, what a great day on Sunday for Julie and Duncan's wedding at the Royal Chapel of St. Katherine-upon-the-Hoe in the The Royal Citadel in Plymouth. The Citadel is the home of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery where Duncan was based a while ago.
Their family and friends came down from the Leeds area and even further up North for a lovely gathering in the crisp winter sun. Julie was smiles all day especially when it was just her and her new husband together out on Plymouth Hoe basked by a romantic setting sun.

Becky and Matt's Slideshow

2009-12-12T18:15:00.006Z

Here's a four minute slideshow of my favourite 80 images from Becky and Matt's wedding at St. Austin's Priory and Kitley House Hotel. Click the play button bottom left below and enjoy. Slideshow will start shortly after.

Becky and Matt at Kitley

2009-12-12T16:11:00.001Z

We photographed Becky and Matt's lovely Catholic wedding at St. Austin's Priory and Kitley House last week. The rain meant we couldn't divert for a bit of time-out at one of Matt's favourite spots on the Moor at Shaugh Bridge but both Becky and Matt were up for a wander with umbrellas in the rain at Kitley . We all got a bit wet but as Becky said she's only going to wear her dress this once!
Matt is a fan of VW Beetles and Campers and grabbed some time driving their hired stretch beetle as well as taking an extra ride on the bridal party's vintage camper. Becky suprised Matt with her own speech at the reception and I gather their parent's were springing surprises throughout the day...I did laugh at the ' Strictly' placard scoring of the speeches. A great day was had by all.

Thank you Gemma and David

2009-11-26T17:42:00.004Z

I was very pleased to receive this note from Gemma and David because they appreciated exactly what we so enjoy delivering. Thanks.

Dear John,

David and I would like to, belatedly, thank you for making our wedding day and the memories we have of it so special.

We orginally chose you over other photographers in the area based on the photographs we saw on your website, they reflected exactly what we wanted for our day - something relaxed and informal that captured the fun and emotions of the day and told a story. During the first meeting with you we felt as if our ideas were being listened to and nothing was too much trouble - you managed to understand what we wanted before we did I think! As we were planning the wedding from Cardiff - your advice and plan for the day helped us to plan the wedding itself as well!

On the day you provided not only an excellent, unobtrusive service while also helping out with little things like buttonholes and provided a calming influence. David and I both felt like stars on the day and I know the young children enjoyed posing for photos! The highlight of the day was going down to Thurleston Sands and spending time with each other on the beach. I have always wanted to have wedding photos on the beach and so you allowed me to have my dream wedding and the photos are so romantic! It was lovely just to spend time alone with each other before returning to the madness of the reception! You also came up with new ideas on the day - the photos in the field of oil seed rape are amazing and were not planned at all! As well as the candid shots of people having a nice time we also wanted to have some posed group photos and you and Mag organised these with the minimum of fuss - we couldn't believe how everything just seemed to come together. We have been to weddings where all the time before the meal is taken up with various photographs and the photographer took over. We however, were able to take our time and enjoy a drink with our guests and yourself and Mag just faded into the background.

Having two photographers to document the day means that we can look back on and remember more than just the ceremony and the reception and there are so many photographs of little things that I didn't even notice on the day! We both love the photos of the small bridesmaids and page boy that were taken when they didn't realise!

The album is excellent and everyone who has seen it has commented on the quality of the photos. It took us a long time to narrow the photos down to 100 to put in the album but the fact that we have a DVD and a CD with all the images on it means that we are not loosing any of them.

So, many thanks again for everything that you did for us - we now have the most amazing memories of our special day and this would not have been possible without you! We would not hesitate to recommend you to others looking for a perfect wedding photographer!

All the best
Gemma and David

Sarah and Stuart at St. Elizabeth's House, Plympton

2009-11-20T16:21:00.002Z

Saturday's weather was forecast to be atrocious and so it was ... early Saturday morning. However by the time I arrived at St. Elizabeth's House in Plympton for Sarah and Stuart's wedding things were looking up.
Hannah was busy calming Sarah's nerves, while Stuart was very relaxed greeting friends and family downstairs.
We had some tears during the ceremony when Sarah first saw her husband to be, but from then on it was smiles all around.
The wind died down and the sun came out casting lovely Autumn light on Mr. and Mrs. Elliott as they took some time-out in the gardens.
Sarah's brother Simon, switched her Dad's speech which caused quite some confusion but I suspect he was forgiven as I left everyone to enjoy good food, wine and music into the evening.

Thanks to Helen and Steven

2009-11-18T11:42:00.003Z

Thank you Helen and Steven for your kind words.

Kellie and Carl at Polhawn Fort

2009-11-09T19:07:00.004Z

We had a great day last Saturday at Carl and Kellie's wedding at Polhawn Fort on the Rame Peninsula in Cornwall. Polhawn Fort is a unique venue for a house (fort?) party wedding. Kellie and Carl and family and friends moved in on Friday and made the fort their own with a nautical theme. I always enjoy capturing two sets of family and friends getting to know each other under very happy circumstances. Thanks Kellie/Carl for investing in us to capture you special day.

For the photographers reading this, Polhawn Fort has very few windows and they are just big enough to poke a canon out of. It's dark. The main room is lovely when lit by fairly lights and candles but is quite a challenge for us photographers especially when it's dull outside. Well, my Canon 5D Mark 2 came to the rescue. I photographed the ceremony at 5ooo ASA and captured the atmosphere perfectly. Thanks Canon for amazing high ISO/low noise technology.

Nicola and James at Langdon Court

2009-11-02T19:59:00.004Z

Here's my top 50 favourites telling the story of Nicola and James' fabulous wedding day on the 24th October at Langdon Court in Devon.
The sun shone on a smiling gathering of family and friends who enjoyed a calm and relaxed ceremony followed by summer celebrations (in October!) in Langdon's lovely gardens.
Nicola was looked beautiful and very happy in her lovely long flowing dress and as you can see James was all smiles in the company of his new wife.

Dartington Hall Wedding Fayre this Sunday 25th

2009-10-23T12:30:00.003+01:00

I'm exhibiting at The Devon Wedding Fayre at Dartington Hall Nr. Totnes on Sunday. The Fayre is open from 10am-4pm and is located in the the amazing Great Hall and the Main Dining Room. There are catwalk shows at 11am and 2pm and over 30 exhibitors will be there.
See you?

Alex and Elisabetta at Faringdon Church and Powderham Castle

2009-10-11T15:52:00.007+01:00

Well, I packed the umbrellas and so the sun was bound to shine for Elisabetta and Alex's wedding Nr. Exeter yesterday.
Many of Elisabetta's family came over from Italy for a quintessential English wedding in the lovely little church at Faringdon followed by a reception at historic Powderham Castle. I heard many exclamations of "Belissimma!" at the church and the castle but most were directed at Elisabetta who looked fabulous in her beautiful, flowing wedding dress.

Nikki and Rob at Oldway Mansion and The Palace, Torquay

2009-10-08T19:59:00.009+01:00

Nikki and Rob married at the old Singer Sewing Machine family mansion in Paignton last Saturday and celebrated at The Palace Hotel in Torquay. As Nikki's Dad said in his speech "trust Nikki to marry in a Mansion and celebrate in a Palace".
Nikki and her Mum and sisters had put together a fabulous day. Nikki's dress was amazing and we all had a challenge in not stepping on her veeerrrryyyy long veil.
Once again because I packed my six white umbrellas the forecasted rain stayed away and I enjoyed capturing images under grey, thundery, cloudy and totally blue skies!
Thanks Rob and Nikki for inviting me to be a part of your day...days like yours are why I love my job.

Sunny St. Ives for Sarah-Jane and Ben

2009-09-30T15:52:00.003+01:00

Sarah-Jane and Ben were married at St. Uny's Church on the Cornish coast at Lelant, Nr. St. Ives. What a beautiful setting and what great weather we had. So much so that Ben and friends decided to cool off in the pool at neighbour Pete's house before walking up to the church.
Ben is a London-based actor (recognise him from The Bill or Holby City?) and he and Sarah-Jane decided to marry down in Cornwall where he was brought up and where his parents still live.
Sarah-Jane was radiant all day and both they and their friends thoroughly enjoyed being in front of the camera. We retired to the Pedn-Olva hotel in St. Ives for great food, entertainment and dancing. Even the vicar took advantage of the high spirits to bolster his church funds!
I took loads of great photos during the day and I know that Andrew from Memories on Film has hours of great footage as well!
A truly wonderful day!

Nicky and Martin in Salcombe

2009-09-24T15:43:00.003+01:00

Nicky and Martin were married last Saturday at Marlborough Church, Nr Salcombe and celebrated in Nicky's Gran's garden overlooking North Sands Beach. Nicky looked stunning in her beautifully flowing dress and Marlborough Church is a classic setting for an English summer wedding.
And how fortunate to be able to celebrate overlooking one of Devon's most pretty coves at North Sands. Their guests from all over the world have a day to remember.

Sue and Chris - A Plymouth Wedding

2009-09-23T09:19:00.004+01:00

Sue and Chris got married last Friday in Plymouth and celebrated with family and friends just up the road from the Register Office at the Astor Hotel. We diverted via The Hoe on the way to the reception for a some time-out and some fun photos.
Sue was give away by her grandson, Cody, who was in good form having slept for a while in the car in the morning. Sue's two daughters looked strikingly gorgeous in their red dresses and Sue beamed all day especially so when in the arms of her new, very dapper husband Chris.
A lovely day with lovely people.

A Thurlestone Devon Wedding for Andrea & James

2009-09-18T09:51:00.008+01:00

We had the pleasure of being Andrea and James' wedding photographers the other week at their wedding at the Thurlestone Hotel overlooking Thurlestone Sands in the South Hams.
Andrea and James spent the whole day with very happy smiles on their faces which infected all their family and friends. I got jaw ache too from too much smiling and laughing.
We went down to the beach for a bit of time-out for the two of them and it wasn't long before they were paddling about and laughing again.
At the end of the afternoon Andrea threw her bouquet which was caught by her sister Caroline....fix???

West Country Wedding Show, Plymouth, This Sunday

2009-09-15T08:57:00.005+01:00

We are exhibiting this Sunday, 20th September, at the Plymouth Pavilions. It's always pretty mad with loads of exhibitors and visitors. Do come along and say hello.

Max

2009-09-11T15:21:00.001+01:00

Family portraiture is not a part of my business but when previous wedding clients Sophie and Martin called and asked if I would drop in on their new son Max's christening celebrations last Sunday I made an exception. As you can see Max is a bundle of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed my hour with him and his Mum and Dad. The little sailor's outfit? ..... yep, Martin is in the Royal Marines.

A Cornish Wedding for Helen and Steven

2009-09-04T16:21:00.006+01:00

We had the pleasure of photographing Helen and Steven's wedding in Menheniot and The Well House last weekend. The weather was great and everyone was up for a great time with friends and family. Helen and Steven have been together for five years and decided a year ago to get married in the pretty village where they live in Cornwall. They were brought up in the area so plenty of family and old friends were invited to celebrate their wedding day. We all moved on to The Well House, Nr. Liskeard for their reception and one of the funniest speeches, from Best Man Enzo, that I have heard this year.

Thanks to Mark and Louise

2009-08-31T15:26:00.006+01:00

For their kind words. We thoroughly enjoyed our day as well.