For Hayley & Matthew’s wedding I got to return to the magnificent Bovey Castle on Dartmoor. The views across the national park are absolutely stunning, it sort of feels like you’ve stepped right into Narnia.

As per usual this summer, the wedding day started with rain, which unfortunately meant we couldn’t go ahead with the planned outside ceremony. But despite the raindrops, spirits were high when the girls were getting ready with the help of Julie (make-up) and Jeanette (hair) from Changing Faces. When Hayley slipped into her Naomi Neoh gown, and those Vivienne Westwood shoes, the atmosphere changed from expectant to electric. She looked truly stunning.

Since the garden ceremony was a no-go, Hayley & Matthew got married in the cathedral room of Bovey Castle. At some point during the proceedings, the clouds broke and bright sunshine streamed into the room, it was a little bit magic. And thanks to the rain easing up, it was then possible to have cocktails outside whilst enjoying the incredible views, before the wedding breakfast took place in the beautiful art deco style Edwardian Grill. I have to mention the beautiful flowers by Poppys of Exeter and the prettiest of ‘naked’ cakes lovingly made by  Matthew’s Mum.

I think (if memory serves!) this was the first wedding of mine where everyone was in charge of filming the wedding video, with a little help from Shoot it Yourself, and I have to say, it did look like quite a lot of fun! Also, my husband, who came with me just to assist, but then decided he wanted to try his hand at second shooting, completely blew me away with the beautiful moments he captured! I mean, who knew I had a second shooter in the making so close at hand?

I must say a huge thank you to the brilliant staff at Bovey Castle, especially to wedding co-ordinator Ashley for keeping it cool when at the mercy of the whimsical weather. I had such an amazing time on Dartmoor, and couldn’t be more grateful to Haley & Matthew and their families for being so welcoming and all round lovely! I wish you all the best for the future! x