On the 29th of May, I reached a significant milestone in my career as a wedding photographer – my 100th wedding! This special day unfolded at the Berry Head Hotel in Brixham, Devon, a stunning venue that provided the perfect backdrop for a memorable celebration.
The day began in a house in Brixham, where the bridal prep occurred. The house had lovely natural light pouring in, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere as everyone enjoyed the hair and makeup session. One of my favourite shots to capture is the perfume spray moment, and I managed to get a perfect one here. It’s those little moments that add so much character to the day’s story.
As we moved to the Berry Head Hotel for the ceremony, I knew the room’s lighting would be a slight challenge. The ceremony room is long and tends to be quite dark at the far end. To ensure the bride looked radiant as she walked down the aisle, I always set up two strobes to light up the back of the room. This setup balanced the light from front to back, giving my photos an even and airy look that would otherwise be hard to achieve in such a setting.
After the ceremony, we headed to a small garden for the formal photos. To make these pictures pop, I used a Godox AD600 strobe. The difference was clear – the lighting gave the photos a vibrant, lively feel that really brought out the details.
For the bride and groom shots, we ventured down some steps on the hotel grounds leading to the sea edge. There’s no sand here, just dramatic rocks right beside the water. The setting was breathtaking, and the couple looked fantastic standing against the rugged coastal backdrop of Brixham and Torquay. These shots were some of my favourites from the day, combining natural beauty with the couple’s love and joy.
Throughout the day, there were plenty of family members with their cameras snapping away. While their photos were undoubtedly special, I couldn’t help but notice the difference my lighting made. My photos had a bright and airy quality, while theirs tended to be quite dark. It’s a reminder of how crucial good lighting is in wedding photography.
Candid shots are always a big part of my approach, capturing those unplanned, genuine moments that tell the real story of the day. From the laughter during the reception to the tender moments shared between the couple, these candid shots are often the ones that hold the most emotion.
The celebration culminated with the first dance, a magical moment that I was determined to capture perfectly. Using my lighting setup once again, I made sure the photos from the dance were just as bright and vibrant as the rest of the day. There’s something incredibly special about the first dance – it’s a moment of pure joy and connection, and I love being able to capture that.
A bit about the gear that helped me through this memorable day: I had two Sony A7IV cameras on a dual leather strap, with a selection of lenses to cover all angles. The Sony 24-70mm f2.8 was my go-to for wider shots, while the Sony 85mm f1.4 was perfect for closer, more intimate moments. My Godox V1 speedlights were essential, not only for on-camera lighting but also to control two Godox AD200’s and the powerful Godox AD600 Pro for the key shots.
Having the right equipment is crucial, but it’s the experience and knowing how to use the gear that truly makes the difference. Reaching my 100th wedding felt like a testament to all the learning and growing I’ve done over the years. Each wedding teaches you something new, and no two are ever the same. It’s that unpredictability that keeps the job exciting and fulfilling.
Reflecting on this milestone, I feel grateful for every couple who has trusted me to capture their special day. It’s a privilege to be a part of such significant moments in people’s lives. The Berry Head Hotel provided a stunning backdrop for this special wedding, and I’m honoured that my 100th wedding was celebrated in such a beautiful location. I still love being a wedding photographer as much as I did on the first, albeit with a lot less nerves now 🙂
So, here’s to the next 100 weddings – may they be filled with as much love, laughter, and joy as the first hundred. And to all the future brides and grooms out there, I can’t wait to capture your special moments and help you remember your day in the most beautiful way possible.
