Capturing Love: A Beautiful Lesbian Wedding at Polhawn Fort, Torpoint

June 11th, 2024, was a day filled with love, joy, and celebration as I had the honour of photographing a beautiful lesbian wedding at the stunning Polhawn Fort in Torpoint. This private venue, renowned for its historical charm and breathtaking views, provided the perfect backdrop for this special occasion.

The Venue: Polhawn Fort, Torpoint

Polhawn Fort, a historical coastal fort, is now a sought-after wedding venue. With its secluded location, it offers couples a private and intimate setting to celebrate their union. The venue features several rooms for guests to stay in, allowing for a full weekend of celebrations. The fort’s dark, ambient lighting and small, cannon windows add to its unique character, creating a cosy yet grand atmosphere.

The Preparation

The bridal preparations took place in one of the charming rooms within the fort. The intimate space was filled with laughter, anticipation, and the soft glow of my Godox V1 speedlights. I used my two Sony A7IV cameras, equipped with a range of lenses including the Sony 24-70mm f2.8, Sony 24mm f1.4, and the Sony 16-35mm f4 for wider shots, to capture every delicate moment. The Sony 70-200mm f2.8 V2 and the Sony 85mm f1.4 were perfect for the closer, more intimate shots, allowing me to capture the emotions and details that make these moments so special.

WordPress Gallery Plugin

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place outside on Polhawn Fort’s beautifully maintained grounds. The blue sky, dotted with a few clouds, provided a natural diffuser for the harsh sunlight, creating ideal lighting conditions. As the brides exchanged their vows, surrounded by their loved ones, I captured countless candid moments. These unposed shots often reveal the most genuine emotions and tell the true story of the day.

The group shots, as always, presented a challenge in terms of organisation. However, with the help of my powerful AD600 Pro strobe light, I was able to light everyone evenly and pleasingly. The beautifully landscaped grounds and the fort’s majestic presence served as a perfect backdrop for these memorable shots.

The Beach Photoshoot

One of the highlights of the day was the photo session on the beach. After the ceremony, we ventured down the steep steps to the shoreline. The brides, accompanied by their adorable dog, looked stunning against the natural beauty of the beach. Using my Sony 24mm f1.4 lens, I captured wide shots that included the dramatic scenery, while the Sony 85mm f1.4 was ideal for close-ups, focusing on the couple’s tender moments.

The beach photoshoot allowed for a mix of playful and romantic shots. The brides’ joy and love for each other were palpable, and their dog added an extra element of fun and spontaneity to the session. The gentle waves, the sound of the sea, and the soft sand beneath our feet made for an unforgettable experience and provided some of the most enchanting images of the day.

The Reception and Speeches

As the day transitioned into the evening, the celebration moved indoors for the reception and speeches. The fort’s interior, with its warm and intimate atmosphere, was the perfect setting for heartfelt toasts and stories. The ambient light was low, but with the help of my Godox V1 speedlights and AD200 lights, I was able to create a warm and inviting glow that complemented the venue’s historic charm.

The room’s dark lighting, while atmospheric, needed a touch of enhancement to bring out the best in my subjects. I used my own lighting to balance the ambient light, ensuring that every shot had the perfect mix of light and shadow, highlighting the natural beauty of the brides and their surroundings.

Here is a couple of examples of the room with and without my lighting so you can see why I’m a really good choice if you like the more light and airy look…

Taken with and without my lighting.
I like my photos to not look like I’ve used flash.

I set my lighting to enhance a scene and raise the ambience, rather than make it look like I’ve used flash. If it doesn’t look like I’m using lighting, I’m doing it right!

Capturing the speeches was a joy. The laughter, tears, and heartfelt words were beautifully illuminated, and I was able to capture the reactions of both the brides and their guests. These moments of connection and shared happiness are what make wedding photography so rewarding.

The Final Moments

I stayed until the speeches concluded, capturing the first dance and the start of the evening’s festivities. The couple opted for a BBQ dinner, which added a relaxed and informal touch to the celebration. As the smell of grilled food filled the air and guests began to dance and mingle, I captured some final candid shots before packing up my equipment.

Conclusion

Photographing this beautiful lesbian wedding at Polhawn Fort was an absolute pleasure. The venue’s unique charm, the stunning outdoor ceremony, and the intimate beach photoshoot all combined to create a day filled with unforgettable moments. Using my Sony A7IV cameras and a range of lenses, I was able to capture the essence of the day, from the tender preparations to the joyous celebrations.

Each wedding I photograph is a unique story, and this day at Polhawn Fort was no exception. The love between the brides, the support of their friends and family, and the breathtaking setting all made for a truly special occasion. I am honoured to have been a part of it and to have captured these memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

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