There’s something special about photographing a wedding, but there’s an extra spark when it’s an intimate celebration like the one I recently had the pleasure of capturing for Lynsey and Anna. They chose the Bickley Mill Inn in Stoneycombe, Newton Abbot, a charming spot nestled in the Devon countryside. With only 25 of their nearest and dearest gathered, it felt like the sort of cozy affair where everyone knows everyone else’s name, and by the end, I think I did too!
The Bickley Mill Inn offered a perfect mix of rustic elegance and bright, airy spaces, setting a relaxed but stylish tone. With the beautiful surroundings and love so palpable, it was easy to forget I was working at all (almost).
Bridal Prep: Getting Ready in Natural Light
I started the day with bridal prep, capturing Anna as she transformed into a breathtaking bride. This stage is always one of my favourites. The blend of laughter, nerves, and moments with loved ones make for some truly genuine images.
The bridal suite at Bickley Mill is an absolute gift to photographers. Natural light streamed in through large glass doors and a huge window, creating soft illumination that required only a bit of tweaking. I used my Godox V1 speedlights to soften any harsh shadows, and they were invaluable in helping control the extra Godox AD200s and AD600 Pro lights for that delicate lift in shadowy areas. The gentle ambient lighting gave a timeless feel to the shots, accentuating every tender detail, like the lace on Anna’s dress and the gentle pastel tones in her bouquet.
I switched between my Sony 24-70mm f2.8 and the 90mm Macro for these shots. The 24-70mm was ideal for the wide-angle room shots, getting all those candid moments of the bridal party bustling about. The 90mm Macro, however, was perfect for close-ups of the rings, the lace, and even the intricate little details in the bouquets that added a touch of personality to each shot.
The Ceremony: Saying “I Do” in Rustic Elegance
As the ceremony began, guests took their seats in the intimate ceremony room with its beautiful whitewashed stone walls and exposed wooden beams. This space has such a lovely balance of rustic and chic, with a natural charm that adds warmth without overpowering. With the lighting set up just right, I could bring out the depth and character in every detail. The white stone and light wood provide a beautiful backdrop for skin tones, making everyone glow in the photos.
I positioned myself by the back and sides to capture Lynsey and Anna’s expressions as they exchanged vows. The Sony 70-200mm lens allowed me to get close-up shots without intruding, preserving the intimacy of their moment. I also had my trusty 24-70mm on hand, which let me zoom in without losing clarity, ensuring I didn’t miss a single look, tear, or grin as they said, “I do.” The mixture of natural and flash lighting meant their expressions and the warmth of the room were beautifully balanced, without harsh contrasts or shadows.
After the Ceremony: Confetti, Candid Moments, and Family Shots
Once the vows were exchanged and the happy couple made their way back down the aisle, everyone stepped out onto the decking area for the post-ceremony festivities. This decking space is a gem for capturing candid shots and group photos. The lighting outdoors was gentle, and I used my Sony 24-70mm f2.8 for wide-angle group shots, ensuring everyone was in the frame and looking their best. The confetti toss was a whirlwind of smiles and laughter, and I made sure to get those moments when the petals caught the light mid-air.
I then took some time for more relaxed, candid shots as guests mingled. With the intimate size of the gathering, it was easy to blend in, which allowed me to snap natural, unposed photos. These moments are pure gold – the kind of images people frame on their mantelpiece or pull out to reminisce years later.
Reception Vibes: A Feast, A Toast, and a Lot of Laughter
The reception was held in a cozy, private room away from the main restaurant area, giving the newlyweds and their guests some real quality time together. For the meal, I was lucky enough to be treated to a roast pork dinner (a photographer needs sustenance too!), which was as delicious as it was generous of them. As the meal continued and glasses clinked, I took a step back, capturing the toasts and all the heartfelt, joyful conversations. The best photos often happen when people are relaxed and enjoying themselves, and that’s exactly what Lynsey and Anna wanted: laughter, love, and everyone genuinely in the moment.
Golden Hour Magic: Portraits in the Evening Light
As the evening sun began to dip, I whisked Lynsey and Anna away for a short outdoor photo session. This time of day is a dream for any photographer – the light is soft and warm, creating a romantic, almost ethereal glow. Using the Sony 85mm f1.4 again, I could capture them naturally, sharing a laugh, a kiss, and those looks that said, “I still can’t believe we’re married!” These are the images they’ll cherish forever, the kind they’ll look back on with a smile decades from now.
The Sony 70-200mm f2.8 V2 also came in handy here, allowing me to keep a bit of distance and capture the natural landscape behind them without compromising intimacy in the photos. These shots really showed off the charm of Bickley Mill’s surroundings, with the gently sloping Devon hills framing the brides beautifully.
Wrapping Up: Cake, Dance, and Final Farewells
After the sun went down, it was time for the cake cut and first dance. The couple and their guests moved back inside, where the soft indoor lighting created a cozy atmosphere. I relied on my Godox AD200s for controlled highlights and for a bit more power in the dimmer corners. This set-up helped keep the scene evenly lit, allowing the warmth of the room to come through without any harsh spots or dark shadows.
The first dance was one of those classic moments you could tell everyone was waiting for. They moved together as if there was no one else in the room, and it was a pleasure to capture those tender smiles and shy glances. After a few final shots, I packed up my gear and headed home, content that I had done justice to such a special day.
Gear Talk: Making It All Come Together
For those interested in the technical side, my kit for Lynsey and Anna’s wedding included two Sony A7IV cameras. I relied on my Sony 24-70mm f2.8 lens for wide-angle shots, my Sony 70-200mm f2.8 V2 for distance close-ups, and my Sony 85mm f1.4 for intimate portraits. The Sony 90mm Macro was perfect for detail shots, adding that extra touch to ring and bouquet photos.
On the lighting front, I used Godox V1 speedlights on each camera, which also helped control two Godox AD200s and a powerful Godox AD600 Pro, all essential for balancing natural and artificial light in different areas of the venue. The mix of natural light, enhanced with a bit of flash to soften shadows, made for some timeless images that Lynsey and Anna can treasure for a lifetime.
This wedding wasn’t just a job – it was a chance to witness a genuinely heartfelt celebration, capture the love between two wonderful people, and create images they’ll look back on for years to come. Lynsey and Anna, thank you for letting me be part of your day. May you continue to share all the laughter, love, and light you brought into that room.
