Porthilly Farm Wedding Photography

porthilly farm

1 May

It was a bright and beautiful June day when I had the pleasure of documenting Lucy and Edward’s wedding at Porthilly Farm in Cornwall. The day was filled with warmth, laughter, and those authentic moments that make weddings truly unique – exactly the kind of moments I love capturing as a documentary wedding photographer.

My day began, as it often does, by quietly blending into the background during bridal preparations. In the picturesque coastal town of Rock, Lucy, surrounded by her bridesmaids, busied herself with the final touches. The excitement was palpable – a mix of nerves, laughter, and those special interactions that happen naturally when everyone’s immersed in the moment. I make it my aim to photograph these moments just as they unfold, without intrusion or staging, so the memories captured are as real as they felt on the day.

From the candid expressions of the bridesmaids to Lucy’s emotional descent down the stairs to meet her father, every detail told its own story.

We then made our way to the tiny but charming St Michael's Church in Porthilly. Tucked beside the coastline, it created an intimate setting where everyone could just about squeeze in.

As a documentary photographer, my focus here was to capture not just the main event – Lucy and Edward exchanging vows – but also the small moments that make a wedding day truly personal.

From the loving glances between guests to the quiet moments of reflection, it’s often these details that bring the day to life in a way that staged photos can’t.

After the ceremony, the day took on a lively Cornish twist, with a Male Voice Choir bursting into song as we all made the short walk to Porthilly Farm. The atmosphere was incredible – filled with joy and laughter, especially as the guests tucked into traditional Cornish pasties and embraced the pirate-themed reception.

For me, this is where the magic of documentary photography really comes into play – capturing people in their element, the genuine emotions and unscripted moments that make the day feel alive and authentic.

Porthilly Farm, with its stunning backdrop and laid-back vibe, was the perfect canvas for the day's events. My approach was to let the moments speak for themselves, telling the story of the day in a way that feels natural and true to the couple’s personality.

From the tender exchanges between Lucy and Edward, to the laughter and joy shared by their family and friends, I focused on capturing those raw, fleeting moments that can often go unnoticed.

Every wedding has its own unique rhythm, and as a documentary photographer, my role is to flow with it, staying attuned to the natural energy of the day. Lucy and Edward’s wedding was no exception – full of life, love, and personality.