Lorna and Ryan chose one of the most stunning spots in Torquay for their big day, the Osborne Hotel. Set above Meadfoot Bay with views across to Thatcher Rock, it was the perfect backdrop for a summer wedding. August delivered exactly what you’d hope for, a hot, warm day filled with blue skies and colour everywhere. The flowers lining the pathway down to the wooden marquee were bursting with life and made for a spectacular entrance to the ceremony.
I had Brandon with me as my second photographer. I covered the bridal prep while he captured the groom, the details and the guests as they arrived. Having both sides of the story photographed always makes such a difference, and Brandon did a cracking job.
The ceremony itself was outside at the wooden marquee, on the Osborne Hotel grounds and took place at 1pm, right in the middle of the day when the sun was at its brightest and strongest. A gentle sea breeze thankfully kept everyone cool, but from a photography perspective it was a challenge. The light was hard and unforgiving, and although I had my trusty strobe with me, using it at full power to blast out the sun was never going to be an option. So it was a case of working carefully with the light, using the angles available and capturing the emotion of the moment as it unfolded.
After the ceremony came confetti, plenty of hugs and laughter, and then the formal photos. By this time, the strobe came into play, helping to soften those dreaded panda eyes that the midday sun always tries to give us. The couple had planned a barbecue for their wedding breakfast, and I have to give them a huge thank you, along with Haidee the wedding coordinator, for making sure Brandon and I were fed first so we could get straight back to work once the speeches began. I can confirm the food was brilliant, and being ready and full meant we didn’t miss a thing.
The speeches were full of humour and heartfelt words, leaving plenty of smiles, laughter and a few emotional moments too. Then, with some time in the schedule, I whisked Lorna and Ryan off with Brandon to one of my secret locations nearby. It gave us a chance to escape, get some quieter shots of just the two of them and capture something a little different. Back at the Osborne, we rounded it off with some more portraits in the grounds as the light softened into the evening.
The first dance was great fun. Lorna and Ryan absolutely nailed it, and from there the dance floor filled up with family and friends ready to celebrate into the night.
It was a beautiful day at a stunning venue with a couple who were relaxed, fun and up for anything. A pleasure to capture from start to finish.
Camera Gear Used
- 2x Sony A7IV
- Sony 70-200mm f2.8 GM V2
- Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM V2
- Sony 85mm f1.4
- Godox AD600 Pro flash
- Godox V1s on both cameras, each controlling the other lights
- Godox AD200 strobes on each side of the reception room
Do you need a wedding photographer for your wedding at the Osborne Hotel? It’s a venue I know well, as well as knowing the staff really well. It is a venue where I know the best spots, where and how to light, and to make your day magical!
