Ah, weddings, the ultimate celebration of love, family, and friends. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful wedding at Bovey Castle, nestled in the stunning Dartmoor National Park. This venue, with its 275 acres of lush countryside and luxurious interiors, provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with emotion, laughter, and a bit of walking on my part!
The Day Begins: Bridal Prep and Guest Arrivals
The day kicked off with bridal prep, a time filled with nervous excitement and a flurry of activity. There’s something incredibly intimate about capturing these moments, where the bride and her lovely bridesmaids are getting ready, sharing laughs, and maybe a few tears. The soft sunlight filtering through the castle’s windows provided a natural, warm glow, which set the tone beautifully.
Between shots of the bride’s preparations, I made my way downstairs to photograph the guests as they arrived. This involved a fair amount of running back and forth. Thankfully, Bovey Castle has some pretty magnificent staircases, which made even the hurried moments feel grand. Capturing the guests arriving is always a mix of candids and posed shots. I like to keep things relaxed and fun, catching those genuine smiles and interactions as people greet each other.
A Grand Entrance: The Ceremony
The indoor ceremony room at Bovey Castle is nothing short of stunning. High ceilings, intricate details, and a sense of history added weight to every step the bride took down the aisle. As she made her entrance, I positioned myself to capture not just her but also the groom’s reaction. Those first glimpses are always some of my favourite shots, filled with raw emotion.
The key to photographing the ceremony is to be as unobtrusive as possible. This way, the couple and their guests can fully experience the moment without the distraction of a photographer darting around. Capturing the exchange of vows and those tender looks between the couple is what makes these moments so special.
Confetti and Formal Shots: Capturing the Joy
Once the “I dos” were said, it was time for confetti on the veranda. This is one of those classic wedding moments that everyone loves, and it never gets old from a photography standpoint either. The challenge here is to capture the spontaneity of the moment, confetti flying through the air, laughter, and joy all around, while also ensuring that the couple remains the focal point.
Next up were the formal group shots. Group photos can sometimes look a bit flat if the lighting isn’t quite right, so it’s always important to get the balance just right. These images are the ones that families cherish for years, so it’s worth taking the time to arrange everyone properly and ensure that the lighting is spot on. There’s always a bit of a juggling act to get everyone in place and looking their best, but when you see the final images, it’s all worth it.
Off to the Races: Bride and Groom Portraits
With the formalities out of the way, it was time for some more relaxed bride and groom portraits. This is always a highlight for me, as it’s a chance to really explore the venue and find those perfect spots for some magical shots. Bovey Castle has plenty of those, and with the help of the lovely wedding coordinator, who chauffeured us around in a golf buggy, we were able to reach some truly stunning locations.
One of my favourite shots from the day was taken on a small footbridge over a lake, with the bride and groom standing hand in hand. I positioned myself on the opposite side of the lake, capturing the couple in the distance, framed by the surrounding trees and their reflections in the water. It’s one of those images that really speaks to the serene beauty of the setting, and the love between the couple.
Wrapping Up: Capturing the Reception
As the day began to wind down, I followed the couple back to the castle for the reception. This was a smaller, more intimate wedding with fewer guests, so the vibe was relaxed and cosy. I took some final shots of the couple and their guests sitting down for the meal, capturing the warm atmosphere and the little details that made the day special.
These were some of the last moments I captured before heading off, and they were the perfect way to end my time with the couple. The laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the smiles exchanged across the table, all of these little moments came together to tell the story of their day.
Behind the Scenes: The Gear That Made It Happen
Now, for those who are curious about the gear that helped capture this beautiful day: I used two Sony A7IV cameras, which are fantastic for capturing everything from wide, sweeping landscapes to those intimate, close-up moments. For the wider shots, I relied on the versatile Sony 24-70mm f2.8 lens, perfect for capturing the grandeur of Bovey Castle’s architecture and the surrounding natural beauty. When I needed to get closer, I switched between the Sony 70-200mm f2.8 V2 and the Sony 85mm f1.4, which are brilliant for isolating subjects and bringing out the emotions on faces.
Lighting played a crucial role throughout the day. On-camera, I had Godox V1 speedlights, which did a great job in situations where I needed a bit of extra light without overpowering the scene. For more controlled lighting, especially during the bride and groom shots, I used the powerful Godox AD600 Pro. The AD600 Pro, in particular, was essential for giving those group shots that extra “pop”, without making them look unnatural.
Final Thoughts: A Memorable Day at Bovey Castle
Every wedding is unique, and this one at Bovey Castle was no exception. From the early morning preparations to the final moments of the reception, it was a day filled with love, joy, and a bit of adventure. Photographing weddings like this reminds me why I love what I do, being able to capture those fleeting moments and turn them into lasting memories.
If you’re planning a wedding and looking for someone to capture your special day, I’d love to chat. Whether it’s at a grand venue like Bovey Castle or somewhere a little closer to home, I’m here to help you preserve those memories for years to come. And don’t worry, I’ll bring all the right gear!
