Cornwall Beach Wedding
This is my most local wedding venue and one that I absolutely adore. I grew up in this area and have spent many evenings and weekends rambling the beaches and headlands of this area, watching the boats and the occasional dolphin out among the blue sea and white horses.
The weather and the seasons at this unique location absolutely make this place, and at the same time create a completely different vibe for each and every eventuality. It is a cosy winter wonderland in the darker months and an almost tropical, ocean side marvel that will take the breath away from every one of your guests in the summer and can almost also be everything in between.
This wedding of Carla and Jason’s was of huge significance to me as it took me back to the venue that I photographed my first ever wedding at. It was such a pinch me moment to think how far I have come in all those years and over 150 weddings and lovely couples later.
The Fort
Construction of the fort began in 1867, but five years later — as it neared completion — it was discovered to be facing the wrong way for its intended purpose of defending Whitsand Bay from attack. It became obsolete before it was even finished. In the late 1900s, it was repurposed for gunnery training, and the original drawbridge from that time remains fully restored and in working order today.
Now, it exists as an exclusive wedding venue and can be hired out in its entirety for a midweek or weekend wedding which gives you the freedom to create a wedding that is personal to you.
Sea View Ceremony
Carla and Jason opted for an outdoor ceremony at the Summer House. A stunning patioed area nestled in between the high dramatic walls of the fort and the never ending views of the Cornish coast line and ocean. It always makes my heart sing to be photographing the vows between a couple and then to hear the sound of the waves crashing at the bottom of the cliffs below.
The entrance to the Summer House wedding is equally as breathtaking as the walk towards the aisle takes you across the lawn with the sea and sky as your backdrop and it makes for such beautiful photographs like the ones of Carla and her dad. I cant help but think what a special moment that walk is for a father, and to have photos like this with a backdrop like that is so precious.
An alternative to the Summer House is the lawn itself where your ceremony can face either the fort or the ocean, either way giving you and your guests unprecedented views. Or in less kind weather, the Grand Hall with its red brick archways is an equally incredible setting for your ceremony.
Polhawn's Private Beach
One of the absolute highlights of Polhawn Fort has to be its very own private beach. Reached via a fairly steep cliff path with steps and handrails, it’s not for the faint-hearted — but it’s absolutely worth the climb down (and back up!). Can you even say you’ve had a Polhawn Fort wedding if you don’t make it to the beach? I’m not sure! That said, even if you decide to stay up top, the beauty of this venue is that the sea views are never far away — they find their way into almost every photo, adding that unmistakable Cornish magic to your gallery.
The Great Hall
This is the ultimate space to wow your guests for your wedding breakfast. Due to the nature of the tiny look out windows, there is no sea view from inside but the ambient lighting and twinkling fair lights creates such a cosy, warm atmosphere that it really is a treat in itself to be seated in this room. The tables then get turned around ready for your evening do with the hall turning into a dance floor and party room with plenty of space for busting out those moves but also with a calmer lounge area towards the back of the space.
Family Wedding Portraits
As with any couple that I work with that have their children at their wedding, it is so important that I get some photos of you all together. Carla and Jason decided to bring their boys down to the beach which they loved (spot the little one trying to take off his shoes!). I always try and make this bit as fun and light hearted as possible as I know from my previous career of being a teacher that small children are not likely to want to stand and look at a camera for too long. This also isn’t my style. I am looking for natural moments of interaction and so I have few tricks up my sleeve to get the most out of the short time I get with you all together. Tickle Mummy, usually goes down a treat or can you race towards mummy and daddy and they will catch you. It is often one of the biggest worries that you won’t get any good photos because the children wont play ball. I promise you, leave it to me. I know how important it is and I also know that we can get the perfect pictures by you just being yourselves.
