Wedding at the Nethway Hotel in Torquay, Devon


I arrived early, as I always do, giving myself time to take in the venue and photograph some of the details before things really got going. I also covered a small amount of bridal preparation at the hotel. These quieter moments at the start of the day are always important, not just for the photographs themselves, but for helping everyone feel relaxed and comfortable before the ceremony begins.

Considering it was the end of October, the weather was surprisingly kind to us. It was actually quite warm for the time of year and, most importantly, the rain held off just long enough to allow the ceremony and the immediate candid moments afterwards to take place outside. As soon as the weather began to turn, we sensibly retreated indoors for the rest of the formal photographs, which worked perfectly for the flow of the day.

The ceremony itself was full of warmth and emotion. There were plenty of smiles throughout, mixed with a few tears, the good kind that remind you why these moments matter so much. Alex and Georgia were clearly surrounded by people who love them deeply, and that always shows in the atmosphere of the room. I focused on capturing natural expressions, reactions from guests, and those small in between moments that often end up being some of the most meaningful images from the day.

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Once the ceremony had finished, we made the most of the dry weather to capture candid moments outside. Guests chatting, laughing, and congratulating the newly married couple are always a joy to photograph, especially when everyone is still riding the emotional high of the ceremony. These are the moments where people forget the camera is there, and that is exactly how I like it.

As the weather began to change, we moved inside for the formal photographs. This is where experience really matters. Indoor formals can be challenging if the lighting is not ideal, but with the right setup, they can look clean, flattering, and timeless. I used controlled lighting to lift shadows and soften the overall look, making sure everyone looked their best while still keeping the images natural and consistent with my style.

The rest of the afternoon flowed nicely into the reception. The speeches were an absolute highlight of the day. Emotional, heartfelt, and very funny in equal measure, they had the room completely engaged from start to finish. Their young daughter completely stole the show with her speech. She had everyone in fits of laughter and delivered it with confidence, warmth, and impeccable timing. It was genuinely one of the best speeches I have heard to date, made even more impressive by how young she is. Moments like that are a reminder of why I love photographing weddings, because you never quite know what magic the day is going to bring.

As the evening arrived, the atmosphere shifted into full celebration mode. The dance floor filled up quickly, and this gave me the opportunity to get a little creative. I enjoy using shutter dragging techniques during the evening dancing, combining movement with controlled lighting to create images that feel energetic and alive. It is a great way to show the fun of the evening while still keeping the couple sharp and well lit in the frame.

Throughout the evening, I continued to focus on natural moments, laughter, and genuine interactions. These are the photographs that couples often return to years later, because they capture how the day felt, not just how it looked.

Alex and Georgia’s wedding was relaxed, joyful, and full of personality. From the emotional ceremony to the laughter during the speeches and the energy on the dance floor, it was a pleasure to photograph from start to finish. The Nethway Hotel once again proved to be a fantastic venue for a wedding, offering flexibility when the weather changes and great indoor spaces for photography when needed.


Camera gear used

2x Sony A7IV

Sony 70 to 200mm f2.8 GM V2

Sony 24 to 70mm f2.8 GM V2

Sony 24mm f1.4

Sony 85mm f1.4

Godox AD600 Pro flash

Godox V1 flashes on both cameras, each controlling the other lights

Godox AD200 strobes positioned around the room

Simon Day

If you have a wedding, portrait, event or festival coming up please contact me. Likewise for portraits. Check out my social media channels: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter