What is your most memorable wedding?
Ellie & Ollie in 2023 - we had a beautiful spring/summer day in May. A folk band played Ellie down the aisle and finished the song right at the moment she arrived at the front. A beautiful ceremony in a huge church in Falmouth followed by a circus style street procession through Falmouth for cream teas and group shots. A wonderfully theatrical wedding for a truly 'one-of-a-kind- couple!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Natural, relaxed, intimate, timeless, playful.
What about your business are you most proud of?
It sounds silly but I love how much my children (6 and 3) get involved. They visit me at wedding fairs, play weddings and wedding fairs at home and take a genuine interest. They wouldn't care as much if I didn't care so I see it as a reflection of how much I love what I do.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Book me! Haha, seriously? Make it your day. Have what you want more than what you think you should have. Want to disappear for an hour to swim in the sea? Do it! It's your day, do what will make you happy.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Oh, so many little touches! Silver sixpences, fabric from their Grandmother's wedding dress, the list goes on. I can't pick my favourite because they were all uniquely special to each couple. The FOB bringing out a towbar in the middle of his speech was particularly memorable though!
Describe your typical process with a couple.
After the initial enquiry comes through (however that happens) we arrange a time to chat either on the phone, a video call, or meet up for a coffee. It's a chance to have a chat, ask/answer any questions and generally get a feel for whether we click or not (bad photography pun not intended!). I'm with you for a massive part of such a special day, we've got to get on and you need to be comfortable with me to make the day fun and easy!
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
Not 1 specific photo but I do think that couples should give enough time to the couples photos. Partly because it's a window of time for you to spend some alone time, just the two of you (and me but I really try to be invisible and encourage the connection between you).
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
So, we spotted a tyre swing on the beach (not original at all I know!) and I wanted to get a nice romantic shot of the bride on the swing with the groom behind. We got to the swing and it was a bit too dirty to risk a beautiful, white, silk dress on it. The groom then says "I'll get on it" and proceeds to leap onto the swing, nearly crashing into the bride who is holding both champagne glasses. The joy and fun in those photos make me smile every time I see them.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
It's Cornwall so we've always got to be prepared for rain, it's just a fact in this beautiful county. Have a plan B with any outdoor wedding, or just be prepared to embrace the rain. Get umbrellas (preferably a whole set that match) and don't let it spoil the day. Remember - nothing has happened to you until you react to it.
Describe how you got into photography.
I was 8 and we had a school trip to France. We never really did holidays (especially not abroad) when I was a child so this was a big thing for me. I had a basic little film camera bought for me to take and I loved snapping away in the streets of Quimper. What I realised is that those pictures were like a magical link back to those memories; there was a house covered in plates and because I had a photo of it I can remember walking up to it with my friends and the fact that we were doing a trail... Anyway, a single photo can unlock a whole story and make it real again. To me that is magic.