The Connection

I honestly do not know how Charlotte and Phil found me. They live up north and their wedding was being held in Cornwall, neither area I particularly target. Regardless, when their email dropped in my inbox, I knew immediately we would be a good fit. Charlotte had contacted and met with other photographers in and around the area prior to contacting me. Although she liked their portfolio, and they were nice enough, she did not feel she connected with any of them. One thing that drew her to me was the blog on neurodivergence and how I 'just got it'. Not just on a professional level but a personal one too. I get how overwhelming it can be to have demands placed upon you, to not feel in control and to feel the need to cover up who you are to 'fit in'. I've always prided myself on advocating for my couples to be themselves, whatever that may look like and I honestly think this was freeing for Charlotte to hear. The couple were worried about being in front of the camera, describing themselves as camera shy but equally valuing photographic memories and did not want to miss out; which I think a lot of us can relate too. I explained to the couple how I can photograph their whole day candidly, or issue some prompts but either way I would tune in to how they are feeling and allow them to take the lead. Candid or guided, I would still capture stunning photographs that encapsulates their fun, love, memories and essence of their big day!

Their Plans

Charlotte and Phil described their day as intimate, fun and family orientated. Starting with  breakfast on the beach and a sea swim before morning preparations and a 4pm ceremony time in the Woodshed at the Cornish Place. After some charcuterie, tree planting and drinks in the outside bar they had planned a taster meal later in the evening which was important for them to be photographed. I hadn't heard of the Cornish Place so I jumped on to internet and looked it up; I was stunned how beautiful it was. After an online chat to get to know each other, I kept everything crossed and made a little scream when I got the email to say they wanted to book. They were opting for a 12 hour day to ensure everything from dogs on the beach, a swim in the sea, to luxury food by candlelight was covered!

The day before

I travelled down from Dorset before, staying in a little room nearby to ensure I would be on time.I arranged to meet Charlotte and Phil for a walk around the venue and to just reconnect before the day. This is something I try to do with all my couples so that we can visualise the day and make a little plan, even if those plans change on the  day, which inevitably they do. When we saw each other we had a big hug, like we had known each other for years. Charlotte took me on a guided tour and I was stunned. The amber light was rich, bouncing off the fresh buds, the grass almost luminous after several weeks of heavy rain. It was as if spring had sprung that day. With a choir of birds singing in the trees and the odd bark from Charlotte's family pets made the viewing have that homely feel,  like I had been there before. Or even just belonged there. Andi and Adam really have created something so special. There was also something intuitive about the setting, the rolling landscapes, and luxurious holiday homes. Each cottage is stylish yet quaint, wood fired hot tubs sunken into the decking overlooking the countryside transcending relaxation; a home from home vibe. There was in even an outdoor bath! It felt comfortable, and safe; so I could see why Charlotte and Phil had chosen to get married here.





Brunch at the Beach

I left my hotel at 8:30 and made my way to a little beach around 40 minutes away in my little T4 van. The wind was bitter cold and I was honestly panicking about how I would cope for 3 hours freezing in the sea air. But as Charlotte arrived wearing a white full length gown as a surprise, adrenaline and dopamine kicked in and all my worries (and coldness) disappeared.  Charlotte was like a springer spaniel, full of joy, energy and movement, I guess a mix of nerves,  excitement and anticipation; it was infectious! But, it was refreshing to see her feel so comfortable around me that she could be her authentic self. Phil, donning shorts and sandals, was surprised to see Charlotte dressed up in a wedding dress. Charlotte, despite saying she would be camera shy, appeared confident strutting her stuff, climbing on top of log stumps, along fallen trees. Impulsively I dared Charlotte to climb on a log that over looked the beach, which, of course she did!  



I do not think I will ever forget the feeling as we walked down towards the beach though. The view was out of this world, to be honest I felt I was abroad on a private beach. The wind had died down, and the sun was trapped with no where to go, the warmth hugging the several layers of clothes I was wearing.. The smell of  the most vibrant brunch from Ausel Cakes and Catering of pancakes, brownies, croissants,  bagels, and fresh fruit mixed with the sea air and I was happy to see copious amounts of Nutella (one of my requests!) With the family cheering the happy couple as they walked to the beach it felt as if the sun was shining just for them.

 The blue sea and rugged coastline speckled with trees that clung onto the cliff edge was the embodiment of beauty and resilience. I just stopped for a minute to take it all in, I am pretty sure my mouth was wide open in awe too.  I did what I do best, I ran around and photographed the little moments.  A smile, a hug, a hand hold, children frolicking on the beach, even the poor dog having a little gastro moment, if you get my jist. Just candidly. Nothing fake, nothing  forced, just genuine connections and interactions. I think that is why I loved this wedding so much, I knew that Charlotte and Phil trusted me to do my thing. It wasn't that I was not doing anything. I was not directing them but I was watching, waiting, anticipating, ready for those perfect moments that you can't recreate, because they are real. I felt I could be me, just as Charlotte was being, authentic.

The preparation

After the most incredible morning, we drove back to The Cornish Place for the preparations. The greenhouse was already looking (and smelling stunning) and Chef Sargent and his team were busing away laying the final pieces on the table like an intricate puzzle being completed with care and finesse. I flitted between Charlotte and her little flower girl having their hair and make up done Jeni from the Cornwall Hair Stylist, then running across fields to grab some shots of the boys playing football. Then back to candid shots of Phil and the guests casually getting ready too.  I moved around to ensure I wasn't being too imposing and creating any anxiety or overwhelm by lurking over anyone. This setting really is incredible as everything is so close. You get the feeling of space, no one is on top of each other, but you get the opportunity to capture everything that is happening. After candidly photographing the first look with Charlotte's Dad I made sure Phil was ready in position for his first look of Charlotte where they would then walk hand in hand to their ceremony. It was just around golden hour and the sun had started to move behind the greenhouse giving them most incredible glow whilst independently illuminating the hot pink Camellias which were in full bloom. After the biggest smile and hug from Phil to Charlotte, they held hands, best friends starting a new journey together. Like, you know when you go to a new school and you clutch your friends hand so tightly, both in anticipation and excitement. It was like that. Smiles from ear to ear, ready for their next chapter. They both paused. Took a breath.  Then entered the Woodshed to greet their closest family and friends.

The Woodshed Ceremony

The wedding was a wild ride. There were so many elements to their ceremony, each highlighting their personality and journey as a couple. From fun and laughter by drawing the witnesses out of a cricket hat like a raffle, to warming the ring by passing it around to each guests. There were two readings, a funny, yet sentimental reading Dust, by Harry Baker read by Charlotte and then an emotional reading of loss. Tears flowed from everyone, including the owner Andi and myself. There weren't just tears of sorrow but of reflection, joy, and grief. The whole setting was poetic; the Spring Equinox bringing in new beginnings, as Charlotte and Phil start theirs. The Ceremony was beautiful, intimate, and fun, just as Phil and Charlotte had promised. Yet, every surprise Charlotte and Phil introduced did not seem to surprise their guests in a sense; their ceremony reflected their personality, energetic, meaningful, a little planned chaos and this what I love about weddings, every one is different.

Following the ceremony, there were drinks in the woodshed, confetti and a few group photos outside the greenhouse. Chef Sargent had laid out Charcuterie for guests to enjoy while the bar was open for drinks next to the fire pit.





TREE PLANTING

Around 6 pm as the sun was setting behind the hill, Phil and Charlotte walked up to plant their little tree. Holding back I photographed Charlotte dancing in the sunlight, reminding me of Florence and the machine dancing on a stage. But her stage wasn't thousands of people. It was nature, the grass, the golden glow, and her partner. Oh and me stalking closely behind, obviously. 



the Food

Charlotte had expressed how vital it was for me to capture the evening meal. So I moved between the kitchen with Chef Sargent and his team, and the green house to capture the preparations, enjoyment and culinary delight. The sun had set and the guests were lit by a few festoon lights dangling from the roof, and the candle light that adorned their table. I chose not to use my flash so that I did not interrupt the meal, and keep the ambience of the setting natural and I feel the photos really captured how it felt that evening. The wine was flowing and the room filled with laughter, hugs, and stories of the past. Including photos of Charlotte as a young child! After some speeches, games and thank yous, which included me in it, it was my turn to leave.

Despite being pretty tired, I didn't want to leave. I feel this at most weddings I do. I immerse myself so much into your day I want to see all of it with you. The music, the dancing, the drunk tales. I never just feel like a photographer, I do genuinely feel like I am a long lost friend, and I don't ever want that feeling to go away.

Charlotte has been in touch since, a few bum dials, a phone call and a lovely hand written card from both Phil and Charlotte, with Phil's starting 'yo, Kelly!' which made me chuckle. I hope they keep in touch, as I do I hope all my couples.  I also really hope I get to go back to the Cornish Place. I think a part of my soul lives there now!