When you think of a wedding at the Berry Head Hotel in Brixham, Devon, the first images that might come to mind are sweeping coastal views, romantic sunsets, and a touch of classic elegance. What you probably wouldn’t imagine is a cowboy and cowgirl-themed wedding complete with Stetsons, boots, and more country charm than you could shake a lasso at!
This wedding was unusual in two ways: first, I wasn’t the main shooter this time! My trusted second shooter, Brandon, from Brandon Lee Photography stepped up as the lead photographer. It’s been a while since I’ve taken the role of second shooter, and I’ll admit, it was very refreshing. Less pressure, more freedom to roam, and the chance to focus on candid moments and some sneaky behind-the-scenes snaps of Brandon in action for his portfolio. It was also a great reminder that teamwork in wedding photography is invaluable.
The second unusual detail? The aforementioned cowboy theme. Let’s just say I wasn’t the only one accessorizing for the day, though my gear was less Stetson and spurs, more Sony and Godox.
Setting the Scene: Challenges in the Library
The ceremony was held a the Berry Head Hotel, in the library, a first for me at this venue. It’s an intimate room, perfect for a close-knit gathering but quite tricky from a photography perspective. The tight space made manoeuvring a bit of a dance routine, and the lighting was less than forgiving. Tungsten lights created a warm (but not-so-flattering) glow, and the couple stood backlit against large windows. This lighting cocktail was a challenge, but with the right lighting gear and some strategic thinking, we made it work.
Having two cameras at my side, both Sony A7IVs, gave me the flexibility to adapt quickly. For wider shots, I used my Sony 24-70mm f2.8, and for those intimate, emotional close-ups, my Sony 70-200mm f2.8 V2 came in handy. Brandon, meanwhile, was glued to his 85mm f1.4 and 24mm f1.4, which excelled at capturing the warm intimacy of the ceremony.
Rocking the Reception
Once the formalities were over, the party moved to a room off the main restaurant for the reception. This space offered more freedom to move around and capture the relaxed atmosphere of guests enjoying themselves.
The speeches brought plenty of laughs, and the cowboy hats only added to the character of the day. Guests leaned fully into the theme, which made candid photography a joy. Watching someone make a heartfelt toast while wearing boots that clearly hadn’t been broken in was pure gold for the camera.
By the Sea: The Bride, Groom, and a Dash of Drama
One of the standout moments of the day came during the couple’s portrait session down by the rocks. With Brandon leading the session, I lent a hand, literally, by holding the lighting setup steady against the coastal winds.
We used a Godox AD200, placed off-camera, to softly light the couple while slightly darkening the background. This gave the images a dramatic, moody vibe that perfectly suited the November setting. The sea was calm but cold, the skies heavy with the soft light of late autumn. Everything came together beautifully, cowboy hats and all.
While Brandon worked his magic directing the couple, I took some behind-the-scenes shots that showed the artistry of the process. It’s always fascinating how much work goes into creating those effortlessly romantic images.
A Wedding of Firsts
This wedding was a brilliant reminder of why I love what I do. It wasn’t just the novelty of the cowboy theme or the challenges of shooting in tricky lighting conditions, it was the joy of capturing a couple’s unique story.
It’s also worth noting that teamwork made this day a success. Being the second shooter gave me a fresh perspective and the opportunity to support Brandon, who absolutely nailed his role as the lead photographer. Sometimes stepping back is the best way to move forward.
Behind the Gear
Now, for the camera geeks and future brides wondering about the technical side of things, here’s the lowdown on what we used to capture the day:
• Cameras:
• I used two Sony A7IVs, equipped with a Sony 24-70mm f2.8 for versatile shots and a Sony 70-200mm f2.8 V2 for those candid close-ups.
• Brandon, the main shooter, also had two Sony A7IVs, favouring the 85mm f1.4 for its dreamy depth of field.
• Lighting:
• Each camera was fitted with a Godox V1 speedlight, perfect for on-the-go lighting adjustments.
• We both controlled two Godox AD200s, which provided powerful yet subtle lighting for the outdoor shots.
• With soft November daylight, we didn’t need the heavy-duty Godox AD600 Pro, which made our kit lighter and more portable.
Why Choose a Photographer Who Can Adapt?
Every wedding is unique, and this cowboy-themed day at the Berry Head Hotel was no exception. Whether it’s navigating challenging lighting in the library, braving coastal winds for a dramatic portrait session, or rolling with an unusual theme, adaptability is key to capturing your special day perfectly.
If you’re planning your wedding, whether it’s traditional, themed, or something entirely out of the box, you deserve a photographer who can embrace the unexpected and create beautiful, timeless images. And hey, if cowboy hats are involved, I’m 100% here for it.
So, future brides (and grooms!), if you’re looking for someone to photograph your big day, drop me a message. Let’s make some magic, and maybe have a laugh along the way. After all, the best moments are often the unplanned ones.
And that’s a wrap, cowboy boots optional.
