Larkbeare House in Exeter has long been a favourite wedding venue of mine. With its stunning gardens, elegant architecture, and intimate charm, it has provided the perfect backdrop for countless beautiful weddings. But this one was bittersweet. It was one of the last weddings ever to be held at Larkbeare House before it is sold. As I photographed the day, I couldn’t help but reflect on all the memories I’d captured there over the years.
The Setting: A Hidden Gem in Exeter
Nestled in the heart of Exeter, Larkbeare House has always felt like a hidden treasure. The immaculately maintained gardens, the grand facade, and the warm, intimate ceremony room all make it an incredible venue for couples looking for a mix of elegance and charm. The ceremony room itself is long, with a beautiful bookcase at the far end where the couple stands to exchange their vows. Though it can be quite dark in places, my Godox V1 speedlights lifted the shadows beautifully, ensuring that every emotion was captured with clarity.
Capturing the Moments: The Technical Setup
For this wedding, I used my two trusty Sony A7IV cameras, each strapped to my dual harness for quick access. My lenses of choice were the Sony 70-200mm f2.8 v2, which allowed me to compress the scene and capture intimate moments from a distance, and the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 v2 for those wider, storytelling shots.
Lighting was a challenge, as midday sun can be harsh and unforgiving, but I came prepared. I had Godox V1 speedlights mounted on both cameras, giving me flexibility and control, while a Godox AD600 Pro provided additional fill light, softening harsh shadows and ensuring even lighting. In the dimmer ceremony room, the V1s worked wonders in balancing exposure and maintaining the intimate atmosphere.
The Ceremony: Intimate and Emotional
As guests filled the long ceremony room, there was an undeniable feeling of nostalgia in the air. The bride and groom stood before the grand bookcase, exchanging heartfelt vows as their loved ones watched on. The soft light filtering through the windows created a beautiful atmosphere, and my 70-200mm lens allowed me to capture those raw, emotional expressions without being intrusive.
One of my favourite shots from the ceremony was a candid moment between the bride and her father just before they walked down the aisle. These fleeting moments are what I live for as a wedding photographer.
Group Shots: Battling the Sun
After the ceremony, it was time for the group and formal portraits. The biggest challenge? The sun. With the afternoon light beaming directly onto the venue, I had no choice but to position the guests facing the sun. This is never ideal, as it causes squinting and harsh shadows, but I had a simple trick up my sleeve:
I asked everyone to close their eyes and, on the count of three, open them. Click. Perfect. This technique ensured that no one was mid-squint in the shots, giving us crisp, natural expressions. Ideally, I would have placed everyone in shadow or backlit them, but with such a stunning building in the background, I had to make the most of it.
The Gardens: A Photographer’s Playground
One of the things I’ll miss most about Larkbeare House is the gardens. The lush greenery, the perfectly manicured lawn, and the charming pathways and steps have always provided endless opportunities for stunning wedding portraits. This time was no different.
I took the newlyweds on a short stroll, capturing them as they laughed together, soaking in the joy of the day. My 70-200mm lens worked its magic here, compressing the background and making the couple stand out beautifully. Meanwhile, the 24-70mm was perfect for wide shots, showcasing the grandeur of the venue and the gorgeous garden setting.
One standout moment was when the groom whispered something to the bride that made her burst into laughter. a genuine moment of happiness that made for the perfect shot.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
As I packed away, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. Larkbeare House has been a part of so many couples’ love stories, and it’s been an honour to capture memories within its walls.
This wedding was a fitting farewell. A beautiful day filled with love, laughter, and the kind of magic that only weddings bring. While I may never shoot at Larkbeare House again, I’m grateful for the years of memories it has given me, and I know the photos taken here will be treasured for a lifetime.
Though venues come and go, the emotions, the moments, and the love remain timeless. And that’s what makes wedding photography so special, and why I believe there is no better job in the world than being a Wedding Photographer!
