autumn weddings

Amy & Ed: Autumn Seaside Wedding at Polhawn Fort, Cornwall

When it comes to a unique wedding venue, you’d find it hard to do much better than Polhawn Fort. It’s a Napoleonic fort perched on the Cornish coast with fantastic views of the sea, and I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to shoot there again for Amy and Ed’s wedding day.

I was particularly honoured to capture their wedding as Ed’s sister Gemma is one of the most talented venue stylists I know. I’ve had the joy of working with her business The White Emporium on many weddings but I knew this one would be extra special!

November surprised us with unusually warm weather which meant Amy and Ed were able to have their ceremony on the lawn surrounded by a sweeping view of the sea. It was like we were back in summer! Amy looked fabulous in her lace Justin Alexander dress, embellished with delicate white beading and carrying a bouquet of white flowers and greenery. Ed rocked a navy suit with a bow tie, and he looked so proud as Amy walked down the aisle toward him.

After their joyful outdoor ceremony, drinks and mini pasty canapes awaited everyone on the lawn along with cuddles from the family dogs too!

Inside the fort Gemma had transformed it with her beautiful decor: candles and greenery running down the tables, sparklers as wedding favours and handmade signage of some of their favourite song lyrics. A wall of polaroids told their love story across the past decade alongside photos of family and friends they wish had been able to attend. All these personal touches really made their day unique to them and it was such a joy to capture every detail.

The highlight of the day for us had to be heading down to the beach for couple photos. Amy and Ed slipped into matching “Mr & Mrs Lloyd” wellingtons and we captured them enjoying a quiet moment together as the waves lapped on the rocks below.

After heartfelt speeches and a barbecue wedding breakfast, the seaside vibe continued with an ice cream cart serving dessert which was very well received by all! A lively dancefloor continued the celebrations into the evening, and before we left we snuck out with Amy and Ed to finish their photos with a dramatic backlit portrait as the rain came down.

Huge love and congratulations to you both and thank you for having us capture your fantastic day!

We love them all so much and continuously look through them fondly and will do for years to come. You did an amazing job on the day and went the extra mile to continuously reassure us that everything we had imagined would be captured and taken care of.

We cannot thank you enough for everything and ensuring that the best day of our lives yet is fully captured so we can reflect back on it with the biggest smiles on our faces.
— Amy & Ed
Ed and his groomsmen in navy suits and brown shoes stand at Polhawn Fort, with the sea and cliffs in the background.
A guest in a green dress catches the bouquet at Amy and Ed's Cornwall wedding, gleefully holding it in the air.
Grand Napoleonic Hall at Porthawn Fort set for Amy and Ed's wedding breakfast.
Amy and Ed don their personalised wedding wellies on the cornish cliffs at Porthawn Fort.
Amy and Ed, in their wedding attire, embrace on the cornish cliffs at Porthawn Fort.
The newly weds smile as the waves crash on the cornish rocks in the background.
Ed smiles in his navy waistcoat as he delivers his groom's speech in the Grand Napoleonic Hall at Porthawn Fort.
Ed and Amy party with their wedding guests in the Grand Napoleonic Hall at Porthawn Fort.
Amy and Ed embrace in the rain as the festoon lighting on the steps at Porthawn Fort comes alive.

Are you getting married at Polhawn Fort and looking for your wedding photographer? I’d love to capture your day in my relaxed, unobtrusive style.

Balinda & Ashley: Rainy Autumn Wedding at Dodmoor House, Northamptonshire

On a rainy September day, we returned to the lovely Dodmoor House for Balinda and Ashley’s wedding. Set in the Northamptonshire countryside, I’m sure you’ll agree that this rustic barn made for a gorgeous setting for their day despite what the weather had in store for us!

Balinda and her bridesmaids spent the morning getting ready in the venue’s honeymoon suite, dressed in matching floral gowns as they had their hair and makeup done. The suite was filled with excitement and it was lovely being able to watch guests arriving as the girls did their final preparations! Balinda stunned us all in her beaded tulle dress, her hair in a chic updo and carrying a pretty bouquet of roses and greenery.

Ashley looked smart in his navy suit as he waited with the guests in the Courtyard Barn for the ceremony to start. Balinda walked down the aisle with the biggest smile on her face, escorted by her proud brother. The ceremony was filled with love and it was such a joy for us to capture every moment of it.

Following their heartfelt vows, the umbrellas were momentarily set aside as guests showered the newlyweds with petal confetti before everyone ran back inside for drinks and canapes. The drinks reception is one of our favourite parts of a wedding day to capture: so many hugs, kisses and congratulations as a couple do the rounds saying hello to their guests.

Meanwhile, Dodmoor’s fantastic staff had set up the Catesby Barn next door for the wedding breakfast. It looked gorgeous with tables adorned with elegant pink rose and eucalyptus centrepieces under twinkling fairy lights.

A little break in the rain meant sneaking off with Balinda and Ashley to capture their couple portraits in front of the Dodmoor cottage, giving them a quiet moment to catch up and enjoy each others’ company amongst the wedding madness!

After dinner and speeches, their evening celebrations started in style with a tunnel of sparklers in the courtyard, followed by their first dance. As always we made sure to capture everyone pulling shapes on the dance floor before leaving them to dance the night away.

Thank you guys for asking us to capture your day! It was so special and we loved every moment.

featured suppliers

Venue: Dodmoor House
Florist: Julie Anna Flowers
Dress: Watters
Suit: Moss Bros Hire
Bride’s shoes: Charlotte by Rachel Simpson
Hair: Bianca L’Erario
Make up:
Anita Chand
DJ: DJ Wreckdown

Balinda & Ashley, in their wedding attire, share a romantic kiss on the tree-lined drive at Dodmoor House.
Rustic courtyard at Dodmoor House, with it's lush greenery, looks stunning even in the rain!
Courtyard Barn at Dodmoor House decorated with pale roses and greenery, ready for Balinda and Ashley's wedding ceremony.
Ashley and his groomsmen in royal blue suits raise whiskey glasses in a toast before the wedding ceremony.
Balinda smiles ear to ear as her joyful brother walks her down the aisle, with fairy lights glowing overhead.
Guests smile and wipe away happy tears during a beautiful wedding ceremony at Dodmoor House in Northamptonshire.
Balinda and her bridesmaids in pale blue dresses hold their lovely pale rose and greenery bouquets.
Wedding guests gather around the newlyweds, as sparklers and fairy lights create a magical glow.
Balinda and Ashley share their first dance in Catesby Barn at Dodmoor House in Northamptonshire.
Guests throw shapes on the dancefloor during the evening reception in the Catesby Barn at Dodmoor House.

Are you getting married at Dodmoor House and looking for your wedding photographer? I’d love to capture your day in my relaxed, unobtrusive style.

Hannah & Mike: Alternative Autumn Wedding at Tithe Barn, Bedford

From the moment I met Hannah & Mike I knew their wedding was going to be an absolute blast and it did not disappoint! They were married on a beautiful September day at the Tithe Barn in Bedford and it was the perfect setting for their celebrations. Formerly known as The Barns Hotel, the Tithe Barn is a venue I have shot at many times and it was lovely to return there for Hannah & Mike’s big day!

Hannah and her bride squad got ready in the Kingfisher hotel next door, enjoying a relaxed morning in matching floral dressing gowns whilst they had their hair and makeup done whilst the boys enjoyed a pint at the bar.

Their day was all shades of purple with an alternative twist, including Hannah’s hand painted leather jacket which she paired with a lavender lace dress, and Mike rocking iridescent silver shoes with his suit. I particularly loved Hannah’s asymmetrical bouquet which featured a striking deep purple hydrangea surrounded by thistles, veronica and eucalyptus.

Their ceremony took place in the barn under the soft glow of fairy lights and gingham bunting. Mike had the hugest smile on his face as Hannah walked down the aisle and it was so hard not to tear up whilst we captured their vows!

Everyone enjoyed confetti and drinks on the lawn before we ventured out to a nearby field to take some truly epic couple portraits with smoke bombs. It looked absolutely fantastic and I loved being able to create something truly unique for them to remember their day by.

We came back to the Tithe Barn turned around ready for dinner and it looked fantastic: pansies in vintage teacups, glittery table runners and little pots of jam as thoughtful wedding favours. And best of all, a showstopping floral cake made by Mike's talented mum! They really went all out decorating their venue and it paid off big time.

After dinner and speeches, we caught a little slice of golden hour on the riverside as the sun set and the newlyweds even got to head out on a little boat to enjoy the picturesque surroundings of their venue.

Hannah and Mike, you guys are simply the best and there are no words to describe how much fun we had capturing your fantastic day. Thank you for making us feel so welcome and we wish you both every happiness for the future!

We are so so SO pleased with how the photos turned out. They are truly magical and a wonderful window for us to not only to remember the day but also see so many small details we totally missed!

Thank you again for all the hard work, coordination, talent and patience that you poured into helping make our day a success. We had a wonderful time with you.

We had such an incredible time and that couldn’t have happened with you - thank you again for being part of the madness with us!
— Hannah & Mike

featured suppliers

Venue: Tithe Barn
Dress: Ian Stuart via Fairytale Weddings
Suit: Custom made at Moss Bros
Shoes: Irregular Choice
Hair and makeup:
Aimee Garner
Florist: Rockabilly Rose
Decor: Rosetone & Stardust Events
Cake:
Groom’s Mum
Jewellery:
Arabel Lebrusan & Goldsmiths
DJ:
The Squire Event Company
Videographer: Adam Britchford

The Kingfisher Hotel in Bedford on a beautiful sunny day.
Tithe Barn in Bedford set for Hannah & Mike's wedding with lilac bunting, purple uplighters, and white Chiavari chairs.
Hannah smiles as her mother carefully fastens her lavender lace wedding dress.
In black and white, Mike leans on the bar at the Kingfisher Hotel, chatting with groomsmen before the wedding ceremony.
Mike lovingly places wedding ring on Hannah's finger. Bestman in grey suit with purple tie looks on from the side.
Guests mingle under blue skies in the ground of Tithe Barn, Bedford, after Hannah & Mike's wedding.
Hannah holds a purple bridal bouquet as she rests her forehead on Mike's, who wears a dark grey suit with purple tie.
Hannah smiles in a leather biker jacket and wedding dress, as Mike sets off a vibrant purple smoke bomb.
The bride and groom show off their alternative iridescent footwear by irregular choice beside a purple wedding bouquet.
Hannah and Mike, in a captain's hat, sail along the river on their wedding day, in black and white.
Mike and Hannah, who's wearing a leather jacket and captain's hat, salute as they sail down the river on their wedding day.

Are you getting married at Tithe Barn Bedford and looking for your wedding photographer? I’d love to capture your day in my relaxed, unobtrusive style.

Annalisa & Matthew: Rustic Autumn Wedding at South Farm, Royston

Annalisa & Matthew's day was the perfect autumn wedding: filled with joy, rich colours and super-cool from start to finish!

First things first, these two are mega stylish. Annalisa looked incredible in a embellished bespoke Catherine Deane dress with her hair in a soft wavy updo. She carried a huge ribbon-tied bouquet of burgundy, soft pink and white roses with wild foliage which matched the maroon bridesmaids dresses perfectly. Matthew and his groomsmen wore a deep blue tweed suit from the Vintage Suit Hire Company, paired with polkadot burgundy tie and a stylish stags head tie pin.

The setting for their day was South Farm in Cambridgeshire, which they decorated it from top to toe in beautiful rich foliage, autumnal florals, candles and moss. And of course with a farm as the setting for their day we couldn’t help but get some photos with the mega cute piglets!

Bride Annalisa also runs a calligraphy business so her work featured on all the place names, invite tags and signage on their gift table and most importantly a beautiful handwritten letter for Matthew to open on the morning of their wedding. In return he gave her her dream calligraphy pen!

Their joyful ceremony took place in the Tudor Barn at South Farm and featured Carrie’s wedding reading from Sex and the City – something I’ve always wanted to hear read at a wedding but somehow I’d not come across it before now!

What I loved the most about Annalisa & Matthew’s day is that they did everything their way regardless of tradition: instead of a groom’s speech they chose to do a speech together, and opted to forego the traditional first dance and instead just got the band to get the party started straight away.

Huge love and congratulations for you both, and thank you for having us capture your fantastic day!

As featured in Rock My Wedding.

I just want to say a huge thank you for being a part of our wedding. It’s been so lovely getting to know you over the last year, and by the wedding day came along we knew we were in very good hands!

You were complimented highly by both our families! You are so calm but organised, friendly & approachable. Thank you so much for being a part & helping make our wedding day so very very very special.
— Annalisa & Matthew

featured suppliers

Venue: South Farm
Dress: Catherine Deane
Hair & Makeup: Botias
Suit: The Vintage Suit Hire Company
Florist: The Basement Florist
Venue Styling: Fleur De Lace
Calligraphy: By the bride!
Stationery: Papier
Cake: Emily Jane Cakes

The farmhouse at South Farm in Hertfordshire with its distinctive blue sash windows and door.
Bridesmaids in coral robes take selfies with a Polaroid camera.
Groom and groomsmens in blue tweed suits with burgundy ties enjoy a glass of champagne in the grounds of South Farm.
Matthew and his groomen raise a pre-ceremony toast in the Drawing Room at South Farm.
A beaming Matthew and Annalisa join hands as the registrar begins the wedding ceremony.
Annalisa in her cap sleeve wedding dress, posing with her five bridesmaids in burgundy dresses.
Annalisa and Matthew hold hands by a vibrant green and red Ploughman's wagon as her veil floats in the breeze.
The Tudor Barn at South Farm decorated with burgundy, soft pink and white roses and wild foliage.

Are you getting married at South Farm and looking for your wedding photographer? I’d love to capture your day in my relaxed, unobtrusive style.

Chloe & Jamie: Chic Industrial Wedding at The West Mill, Darley Abbey, Derbyshire

Chloe & Jamie’s wedding day was industrial yet romantic in style, and over and above everything else.. just effortlessly cool! The setting for their day was the fab West Mill in Derbyshire, which Chloe and Jamie found once settling on an industrial style for their big day. We just loved how each floor caters to a different aspect of their day: the ceremony, wedding breakfast, drinks reception and evening party!

Chloe wowed us all as she walked down the aisle in a stunning Suzanne Neville dress, full length veil and carrying a huge bouquet of soft pinks and greens, a look she later added an edge to with a leather jacket.

Their emotion-filled ceremony was beautiful and incorporated a religious blessing from Chloe’s granddad who is a vicar, bringing a real closeness and sense of family to their day. They said their vows in front of a bespoke calligraphy backdrop, featuring lyrics from Into My Arms from Nick Cave, with joyful readings by friends and family and lots of happy tears.

For their wedding breakfast, they opted for long tables decorated with garlands of greenery, succulents, candles and handwritten place names. The pretty romantic flowers contrasted beautifully with the industrial nature of the venue and really brought the style of their wedding together.

The party had a real nightclub/bar evening feel to it, and kept the momentum of their day going, and we left them to dance away to a fab DJ.

Huge love and thanks to Kate Sharp Photography for having me along to second shoot!

Venue: The West Mill, Darley Abbey, Derbyshire
Dress: Suzanne Neville
Shoes: Topshop

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Planning your wedding at the West Mill in Derbyshire and on the hunt for a photographer? Check your date and get in touch - I'd love to hear all about your plans!