In August 2024, Ross and Elspeth tied the knot.
Elspeth decided to get ready in her childhood home, surrounded by her mum, best friends, and stepdad. When I arrived, I began capturing the details—her stunning shoes, jewellery, invitation, and delicate “something blue” hairpins. I chose a beautiful checked chair as the backdrop, as the soft tones and neutral colours complemented the natural light streaming through the conservatory, creating the perfect setting for these special moments.
When Rhiannon from Blue Hill Flora arrived with the flowers, I was immediately in awe of their beauty. They were like having a meadow in your hands—bright, cheerful, and absolutely perfect for the bride.
The ceremony took place at St David & Cyfelach Church in Llangyfelach. Just as the bridal party was about to arrive, it started to rain—typical timing! But here’s the good news: that was the only rain they saw all day, thankfully!
It was such a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony, filled with love, laughter, and emotion. From the moment the couple exchanged their vows to the smiles shared with their loved ones, you could feel the deep connection between them.
The confetti aisle was an absolute blast, with an endless shower of confetti—just the way I love it! It created such a fun and vibrant atmosphere, making the moment even more memorable.
Right after the church, we headed to Bracelet Bay for the portrait session. It offers stunning, iconic views of Swansea—one of the best spots for wedding photos in Mumbles. The location provides incredible views just a short walk from the car, or you can venture a little further down to explore the rugged rocks. The soft, light clouds created the perfect backdrop, bringing out beautiful colours and gentle tones in the photos.
One of the things I adore about photographing by the sea is how the cliffs and coves have such a beautiful, natural shape. They seamlessly flow through the background, adding a soft, tranquil quality to the images.
As well as sometimes photographing the wedding rings on their own I will photograph them on their owners hands, accompanied by a beautiful background of wedding dress details and colourful flowers.
Ross and Elspeth’s reception and party were being held at the beautiful Norton House Hotel. Just a stone’s throw from the famous Mumbles.
The details in their reception room beautifully reflected the meadow flower and nature-inspired theme of their florals, with subtle nods to the seaside. Elspeth even hand-crafted shell favors for each of her guests, adding a personal and thoughtful touch.
After some time spent celebrating and mingling, it was the perfect moment to begin the family group shots. I chose to take them outside the venue’s main door, using the elegant pillars as a stunning backdrop. Later in the editing process, I removed a few distracting elements, like a wall ashtray and a ramp, to ensure the focus stayed on the beautiful moment.
While the guests were being sat, we stayed out for some fun portraits in front of the building.
The speeches are another great opportunity for a more documentary-style approach to photography. I capture the moments unfolding in front of me—the speaker delivering their words, the reactions of the bride and groom, and the emotions of family and guests as they listen and respond.
After some evening mingling, it was finally time for the first dance. I typically set up lights to create the perfect ambiance and fill the space with a soft, white glow. Then, I step back and let the couple enjoy their moment, adjusting as needed to capture the beauty of the dance naturally.
They had an amazing time and couldn’t believe how quickly the day flew by! My best advice is to take a few moments to pause, look around, and really soak in your surroudings. It’s those small, meaningful moments that make the day unforgettable.
Bridal Gown: Perfection Bridal | Shoes: Office London | Suits: Slaters Menswear | Florist: Blue Hill Flora | Photographer: Kate Richards Photography | DJ: Durnell Mobile Disco Services
