If you’re dreaming of a wedding with a perfect coastal vibe, there’s nothing quite like a venue with a view. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful wedding at the Grand Hotel in Torquay, Devon, a place where sea meets sophistication. This wasn’t just any wedding for me, as it was filled with familiar faces from my theatre photography days, making it a truly special event.
Getting to Know the Couple’s Big Day
The theme was nautical, and the Grand Hotel’s elegance provided a fitting backdrop for the couple’s vision. From the beginning, the day was set to be stunning, with blue accents and seaside touches adding a unique charm to the occasion. Everything was thoughtfully done, from starfish and seashells on the cake to the warm laughter that filled the air.
Now, let me tell you, knowing many of the guests at a wedding adds a whole new dynamic. This wasn’t just another job, as I felt more like a part of the day, which made it extra special. I spend a lot of time shooting theatre, and seeing so many familiar faces from that world made this a delightful, yet slightly emotional, day for me.
Bridal Preparations: The Perfect Start
The day started with bridal prep, and that was all mine to capture. There’s something about those final hours before a wedding, as there’s excitement, nerves, and a touch of chaos! I love these moments, and the bridal suite was alive with energy as everyone helped the bride prepare. Brandon, my trusty second shooter, was busy downstairs photographing the groom and guests. His photos are always top-notch, but up in the bridal suite, we had some magic happening.
I have a soft spot for certain shots, and two favourites I never miss are the mirror photo and the perfume spray shot. There’s just something timeless about these moments. They give a little nod to tradition while being totally Instagram-worthy! Both came out beautifully, with the bride radiant with excitement as she caught her reflection in the mirror.
The Ceremony: A Nautical Affair with Plenty of Light
The ceremony took place in the hotel’s main room, a space that’s nothing short of stunning. Now, one thing to note about this room is that, while it’s beautiful, it can be a bit on the dark side on the back half of the room. Not to worry, though! With my Godox lighting setup, we brought the room to life. I used one light to illuminate the darker space and lift the shadows, then two more strobes were used to give a soft, flattering glow to both the couple and the guests.
The room had been carefully styled to fit the nautical theme, and the pièce de résistance was a huge heart-shaped white flower stand behind the couple. This was such a stunning focal point, and it added a romantic touch to the ceremony photos. With the couple framed against it, every shot was filled with love and elegance.
As they walked back down the aisle, the confetti moment didn’t disappoint. I always love this part of a wedding, as there’s something so joyful about the laughter and happiness that comes from that simple act of throwing petals in the air. The bride and groom were beaming, and the guests were too.
The Group Shots: Sunshine and Stairs
Ah, group shots, always a bit of a challenge at this venue. If you’ve ever been to the Grand Hotel, you’ll know there is only one option for a lot of guests; the outside stairs leading down to the pool.
On this particular day, the weather was glorious, but it also meant we couldn’t use the coast of Torbay as the backdrop for the formals. The sun would have been directly in all of their eyes, and no-one wants everyone squinting in the formal photos.
Instead, we worked with what we had. There is a mostly shaded area at the bottom of the steps. It isn’t glamorous, but it gets the job done when the best locations can’t be used due to the suns position.
The Bride and Groom Portraits: Finding That Secret Spot
For the bride and groom portraits, I wanted to take them to one of my favourite secret locations near Meadfoot Beach. This spot is perfect for capturing sweeping views of Torbay while offering a private and intimate setting away from the hustle and bustle.
I brought out my Sony 16-35mm f4 lens to capture the dramatic landscape with the couple. The wide angle was perfect for getting as much of that breathtaking view into the frame as possible. Then, for the closer, more intimate moments, I switched to the trusty Sony 85mm f1.4, which worked beautifully for soft, romantic shots of the couple. It’s all about balancing the grandeur of the surroundings with the closeness of the couple’s connection, and this location delivered.
The Reception: Cake, Dancing, and Friends
The reception had all the nautical touches you’d expect, and the cake was a work of art, decorated with starfish and seashells. After the speeches and the cake-cutting, it was time for the first dance. This is always one of the most special moments to photograph, as the lights are low, the music is soft, and the couple is wrapped up in the moment. As usual, I was there with my Godox AD200s and AD600 Pro, capturing the couple’s every move as they danced the night away.
But here’s where this wedding took a bit of a different turn for me. Normally, once the job’s done, I’m packing up and heading home. But this time, I stayed. As I mentioned earlier, I knew a lot of people here, and for the first time in my career, I actually stayed on after the camera was packed away. It was wonderful to catch up with old friends, relax, and simply enjoy the evening as a guest, something I rarely get to do!
The Gear Behind the Scenes
For those of you who are into the tech side of things, here’s the lowdown on the wedding photography equipment that helped capture this amazing day. I shot the wedding on two Sony A7IV cameras, alternating between a variety of lenses depending on the shot. For the wider angles and venue shots, I used the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 and the super-wide Sony 16-35mm f4 for those dramatic landscape shots during the couple’s portrait session. When I needed something tighter for those intimate portraits, the Sony 85mm f1.4 and the 70-200mm f2.8 V2 were my go-to choices. And let’s not forget the small details, as my Sony 90mm macro lens was perfect for capturing those delicate elements like the bride’s bouquet and wedding rings.
Brandon, my second shooter, was armed with a Sony A7IV and a Sony A7III, giving us full coverage of the day. We both used Godox V1 speedlights on our cameras, controlling two Godox AD200s and a powerful Godox AD600 Pro for those show-stopping bride and groom shots.
A Wedding to Remember
All in all, this wedding was one of those rare days where everything just clicked. The venue, the people, and the nautical theme came together to create a beautiful and unforgettable day. And for me, it was extra special, getting to share the day with friends and capture those memories in a place that means so much to me.
If you’re planning a wedding at the Grand Hotel, or anywhere along the south coast, get in touch! Whether it’s a nautical theme, a classic celebration, or something entirely unique, I’m here to capture every laugh, tear, and moment in between.
