Keith and Ann are one of those couples who exude kindness and warmth from the moment you meet them. They’re both very active members of Sacred Heart Church in Paignton, so it was only fitting that this beautiful, historic church was where they chose to say their vows in front of God, family, and friends. I was booked for my 5-hour photography package, which covered the arrival of guests, the ceremony at Sacred Heart, and the reception speeches at the Redcliffe Hotel just down the road.
The Church of Sacred Heart — Iconic, Holy… and Warm
Sacred Heart and St Therese Parish Church is a visually stunning church, with tall ceilings, beautiful stonework, and an upper gallery that I was thankfully allowed to use. I’m usually quite restricted when photographing church ceremonies, but this time I was pleasantly surprised. I could move a little more freely between the upper gallery and ground level, which gave me plenty of variety for ceremony shots.
Of course, this did mean a lot of cardio. Between clambering up and down the stairs like a caffeinated squirrel, and dodging sunbeams that felt more like lasers, I definitely hit my step count for the day. But it was absolutely worth it. Some of the most emotional ceremony moments were captured from that high vantage point.
Cameras, Lenses, and That Glorious Devon Sun
Let’s talk kit, because let’s face it—photographers are gear nerds, and if you’re reading this, you might be one too. I brought along my usual wedding setup: two Sony A7IV cameras, my go-to combo of the Sony 70-200mm f2.8 GM V2 and the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM V2, and for those sweeping wide angle group shots outside the church… the Sony 16-35mm f4. Add to that the Godox AD600 Pro lighting system (which, spoiler alert, got a proper workout), and I was good to go.
Now, here’s the thing. While most people love a sunny wedding day, photographers everywhere silently cry when there isn’t a single cloud in the sky. And this was one of those days, super bright, super hot, and the sun was directly overhead, beaming down on the church and people like it was trying to grill us all into a Sunday roast.
Family Formals in Full Sun: A Challenge Accepted
After the ceremony, Keith and Ann wanted to do the formal group shots outside the church. Normally, I’d scout for a shady spot, somewhere to keep everyone squint-free and evenly lit. But this was one of those rare times where there simply wasn’t an option. We were on a south-facing incline, with not a single patch of shade that would work for group setups. Everyone had to face directly into the sun. Cheers, Helios.
To combat the full blast of summer glare and avoid the dreaded “raccoon-eye” shadows under everyone’s faces, I cranked up the Godox AD600 Pro to nearly full power. Using high-speed sync and a large modifier, I was able to push just enough light back into people’s faces to balance the harshness of the sun. I also had people close their eyes and on the count of three, open them. That prevented a lot of the squinting eyes!
Is it ideal? No. Is it real life? Absolutely. And sometimes, you just have to roll with it and make it work. Without the lighting the panda eyes on everyone would have been so dark!
Keith and Ann were brilliant throughout; cheerful, patient, and trusting. Their families and friends were full of laughter and jokes, and we even managed to get a few cheeky candids between the formals.
The Redcliffe Hotel Reception — Sea Views and Sweet Words
Once the church celebrations were done, we made the short journey over to the Redcliffe Hotel for the speeches. I’ve photographed here before, and it never disappoints. Perched right by the sea, with panoramic views across the bay, it makes for a fantastic spot to relax, sip something cool, and celebrate.
The reception was held in one of the main rooms overlooking the water. The sunlight poured through the windows (yes, the sun was still blazing), but inside, it created a beautifully warm and airy atmosphere, much easier to shoot in than the church courtyard earlier!
The speeches were heartfelt and personal. Keith’s best man had everyone in stitches within 30 seconds, followed by a lovely toast. There were moments of laughter, stories from the early days, and even a small tribute to Keith’s faithful attendance at church. I stayed just long enough to capture the hugs, the toasts, and the moments of reflection before packing up my gear and heading home.
A Note on Photographing Real Life
I think it’s worth saying; weddings aren’t about perfection. They’re about people. The imperfect moments, the squinty eyes in summer sun, the candid laughter when someone forgets their line in the speech, or the slightly sweaty group shot because we’re all melting in July heat. These are the memories that last.
Keith and Ann’s wedding was a day full of joy, sincerity, and true community spirit. The Sacred Heart Church, with all its grandeur, set the tone. The Redcliffe, with its laid-back elegance, wrapped up the afternoon perfectly. I’m incredibly grateful they trusted me to document their day.
Closing Thoughts
To Keith and Ann: thank you for letting me be part of such a meaningful day. You were an absolute joy to photograph, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness, church choir duets, and slightly cooler wedding anniversaries.
Cameras & Lighting Gear Used:
- 2x Sony A7IV
- Sony 70-200mm f2.8 GM V2
- Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM V2
- Sony 16-35mm f4
- Godox AD600 Pro flash
- Godox V1’s on both cameras
- Godox AD200 strobes on each side of the reception room
Planning your own wedding in Paignton? Whether you’re having a church ceremony, a beachside vow renewal, or something totally offbeat, sun or shade, I’d love to hear your plans and see how I can help capture your day exactly as it felt.
Their recent testimonial says it all:
“Simon was friendly, professional and highly praised by our guests. He was unobtrusive but managed to catch super shots in various locations. His photos were 1st class. Highly recommended by us!!”
