Aimee and Jordan’s intimate South Devon elopement.
December weddings are special. I don’t know if it’s the cosiness of the low light. Or maybe it’s the warmth generated by huddling that little bit closer to each other. But, there’s always magic in the air. And magic is absolutely what Jordan and Aimee brought to their day.
They married officially in cinematic style, their own way. In an intimate ceremony at Devon’s County Hall, which brought to mind Patricia Arquette and Christian Slater in the movie True Romance. “You’re so cool” – the character’s loving call, echoed around my mind all morning.
It was just the two of them and each of their mum’s as witnesses for the ceremony. Perfect. The whole moment felt instantly laid back and full of authenticity. This was a couple doing what they wanted to do – full of love, with no distractions: just them and their commitment to one another.
This made for the perfect environment for a day of documentary wedding photography, as the situation and our previous conversations together set the outline for a photojournalistic style of capture. Naturally photographing the bride and groom as they went from people in love to an officially married couple. The only job to do – photograph the real, candid, tender, emotional moments of the day.
The day started with some nerves, of course, but mostly this turned to laughter as the moment drew closer. Arriving together, hand-in-hand, Aimee dressed in a classic white dress and Jordan in sharp-lined tailoring, they were made for timeless photography.
After the ceremony, we spent some time in the grounds. Walking through the old County Hall buildings, nestled among the trees. The energy moved to elation, and I was able to capture the new couple’s effortless connection via an easy, elegant, documentary style.
I really love to not only make beautiful pictures but to also capture how a moment really felt. Reflecting the energy of the moment forever.
I love how the black and white photography gives a cinematic feel to the wedding photos. That, combined with A&J’s natural charisma, made for capturing real moments with joyful charm.
After the ceremony, we took a short drive to the beautiful Lympstone Manor – a gorgeous 5* country estate with its own two-Michelin Star restaurant and vineyard, owned and run by the brilliant Michael Caines. Here, we were joined by Aimee and Jordan’s closest friends and family for a private poolside lunch. Champagne popped. Laughter and love filled the space. Brothers, sisters, mums and dads became intertwined like branches on a growing tree. And just three weeks later, Aimme and Jordan would welcome their own little addition to the world!
Lympstone Manor is a truly exceptional location. Hidden down a country lane, overlooking the vineyard in full majestic view of the River Exe, it’s a perfect oasis of calm and sophistication. It’s also the perfect wedding backdrop. The food cooked by the incredible teams, under the stewardship of master craftsman, Caines, is pure theatre. And every detail, both on and off the plate, is meticulously poured over. The teams here are the perfect blend of refined hospitality and unpretentious approachability.
It’s also a brilliant location to walk and capture photography of real, candid moments of a couple, their friends and family.
Lunch was served. Cheers were raised. A happy family, celebrating a brilliant, newly married couple. As I say, a perfect winter wedding.
