A couple sits on a wooden bench in a garden setting, with a flowing white wedding dress trailing along the ground.

pre-wedding beach fun


I first met Sam and Faye back in May 2024 for their pre-wedding shoot where we spent an hour at Saunton Sands beach, capturing some beautiful moments with their gorgeous whippet. We had plenty of laughs, got to know each other a little better, and created some great memories ahead of their big day. It was clear from the start that these two were going to have an unforgettable wedding! Sam and Faye added a personal touch to their wedding by using one of their pre-wedding photos from Saunton Sands as a guest board, allowing guests to sign and leave messages on the photo as a meaningful keepsake

A couple kneeling on Saunton Sands beach with their small black and white dog while hills appear in the background.
A couple enjoys a playful piggyback ride moment together at Saunton Sands beach with ocean waves in the background.
A couple dances together at Saunton Sands beach with ocean waves and blue sky in the background. Alexandra Maxwell Photography

The Morning Begins at Hartnoll Hotel


Sam and Faye's wedding day in September started bright and early at the picturesque Hartnoll Hotel, just outside Tiverton, Devon for bridal prep. Faye and her bridal party were getting ready and the talented CZ Bridal Hair was there making sure everyone's hair was on point. The bridal party looked stunning in their sage green attire, which perfectly complemented the autumn wedding vibes of the day. We ventured outside into the beautiful hotel gardens for some photos, and the autumn leaves in shades of bronze created the perfect backdrop for their photos.

Exterior view of The Hartnoll Hotel with stone walls, dormer windows and Tudor-style entrance porch. Devon Wedding Photographer
A person in a green patterned top smiles while getting their hair styled in a bright, modern salon space. Alexandra Maxwell Photography
Bride shares an emotional moment at bridal prep, wiping away tears in a mint green dress.
A wedding party in mint green dresses and gray suits gathers by a bright window for the first look at the bride.
Wedding party in mint green attire smiling and laughing together in a bright white room with wooden beams.
Three people stand together smiling near a window in formal attire at a wedding celebration.
A bride in a white lace wedding dress holds an elegant floral bouquet while standing by sunlit windows in an attic room.
Elegant white wedding gown with flowing long veil photographed in a bright hotel room. Devon Wedding Photographer
A cascading wedding bouquet features blush pink roses, white flowers and eucalyptus against a white lace dress.
Wedding party poses on elegant wooden staircase while photographer lies on floor capturing creative angle.
A bridal party stands in a line on autumn leaves, with bridesmaids wearing soft sage green dresses in an outdoor setting. Devon Wedding
Elegant bride poses on wooden bridge with cascading white bouquet amid autumn foliage and fallen leaves. Devon Wedding Photographer

The One Where They Get Married


Once Faye and her bridal party were ready, myself and my second shooter headed on to St. Peter’s Church in Tiverton to meet Sam and the guests. It wasn’t long before the bridal party arrived, and the ceremony began. I captured Sam shedding a few tears when Faye arrived, and the whole event was full of joy, laughter, and even a few "Friends" references. It was a lovely, personal touch that added even more fun to the occasion. This beautiful wedding in Tiverton was filled with heartfelt moments, and as a Devon wedding photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day to capture these precious memories. From the emotional ceremony to the personal touches, it was a celebration to remember.

St Peter's Church in Tiverton with ornate stone spires and architectural details against an overcast sky. Devon Wedding Photographer
Ornate brass chandelier hangs in a Gothic church interior with stained glass windows and arched stone architecture.
A tan Italian Greyhound dog on a leash stands alert next to floral-patterned clothing.
Wedding party in sage green dresses and grey suit pose under large tree in front of stone church entrance.
Beautiful wedding moment captured as bride in white dress pets a black dog while someone in grey suit stands nearby.
A bride in a lace wedding gown walks down the aisle with an older man in a dark suit at a traditional church ceremony.
Black and white photograph showing the interior of a church with groom waiting for the bride. Devon Wedding Photographer
A vintage black and white photograph of a church wedding ceremony with people gathered at the altar.
Emotional moment during wedding ceremony in St Peter's Church, Tiverton. Devon Wedding Photographer
A couple exchanges vows during their wedding ceremony in an elegant church with ornate architecture and wooden pews.
Wedding ceremony in progress inside historic church with ornate chandelier and red carpet. St Peter's Church, Tiverton Photographer
A joyful moment captured during a church wedding ceremony with a bride and groom sharing a laugh with the vicar. St Peter's Church, Tiverton
Interior of a Gothic church with elegant chandelier, stained glass windows and wooden pews filled with people for a ceremony.
A joyful celebration inside a historic church with elegant chandelier and red carpet aisle as newlyweds exit the ceremony. St Peter's Church

Confetti, Couples, and Church Grounds


After the ceremony, it was time for the confetti arch, where friends and family showered the newlyweds in a celebration of colour. As the guests made their way back to The Hartnoll Hotel, I took Sam and Faye aside for some couple shots on the church grounds. The lush greenery and stunning backdrop made for some truly beautiful photos, capturing their love perfectly.

Wedding guests celebrate and toss confetti as newlyweds exit a historic stone church on their special day. St Peter's Church, Tiverton
A couple in wedding attire poses with their black and white dog outside a stone church with ivy-covered walls. St Peter's Church, Tiverton
A romantic wedding couple embraces on a garden path surrounded by tall green hedges. St Peter's Church, Tiverton

Group Shots, Couple Photos, and the Weather


We then headed back to The Hartnoll Hotel to join the rest of the guests for the wedding reception. By this point, the weather was starting to turn, with dark, looming clouds gathering in the sky. But with the rain still holding off, we quickly took advantage of the dry spell and grabbed some group photos, along with more couple shots, which were a total blast. Just as we finished up, the clouds opened, and the rain poured down for the rest of the evening – but that didn’t stop the fun! Plus, what is a Devon wedding celebration without a little rain.

A couple embraces romantically under an ornate garden gazebo with red pillars and stone base on a scenic outdoor path.
A bride and groom share a romantic moment on a wooden bench surrounded by lush garden foliage. The Hartnoll Hotel, Tiverton. Devon Wedding.
Two figures peek playfully from behind large tree trunks covered in white lichen in a natural outdoor setting.
A romantic moment captured between the bride and groom in formal attire beneath a red-pillared gazebo with flowing wedding dress train.
An intimate wedding portrait of the bride and groom sharing a tender moment under a rustic gazebo with coral-colored columns.
A tender close-up moment between newlyweds beneath coral pillars in an elegant garden setting.
Romantic bride and groom shares a kiss under a flowing veil. The Hartnoll Hotel, Tiverton. Devon Wedding Photographer
Bride and groom poses in a garden setting while the veil flows gracefully with the help of maid of honour in the air.
Devon countryside wedding photography.

Speeches, Cake Cutting, and a Toasty Reception


After a delicious wedding breakfast, it was time for the speeches, and I was so touched when Sam thanked me in his speech. My heart was full, and it was such an incredible moment for me as their wedding photographer. Then, of course, came the cake cutting! Following that, it was party time, and despite the downpour outside, the atmosphere inside the venue was nothing short of warm and lively. The room became a little toasty with all the dancing, so everyone passed around fans to stay cool.

Bridesmaid giving a speech at wedding reception with colorful wall art and striped window treatments.
Bride and groom shares a joyful moment during their wedding reception speeches at an elegant white-tablecloth venue with floral decor.
Wedding reception guests seated at tables with striped curtains and natural light streaming through windows.
Wedding guests raise their glasses in a toast during a reception celebration at an intimate indoor venue with floral decor.
White lantern with glowing candle illuminating text through frosted glass in a dark room in memory of loved ones.
Newlyweds share a joyful moment while cutting their multi-tiered chocolate cake adorned with greenery at their reception.
A decadent tiered chocolate cake with brownie chunks and drizzle being cut on a crystal cake stand surrounded by greenery.
Bride and groom laughs while cutting their multi-tiered chocolate wedding cake with white decorations at their reception.
The bride and groom dancing together at their indoor wedding reception with guests looking on in the background.
The newlywed couple sharing their first dance at a wedding reception in a room with striped curtains and greenery decor.
Wedding guests dancing and mingling during reception celebration under crystal chandelier in elegant event venue.
People dancing and socializing at an indoor party with warm lighting and curtained windows.
People in formal attire dance and laugh together at an indoor celebration event.

Rain or Shine, The Day Was Unforgettable


Even though the rain came down in buckets, it didn’t put a damper on the mood and the joy of the day was never interrupted. Sam and Faye’s wedding was one of the most fun and beautiful days I’ve ever had the pleasure of capturing. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and memories to last a lifetime - rain and all!

Sam and Faye, thank you for letting me be part of your special day! Your love and the joy you shared was truly contagious. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together!


THE DREAM TEAM


Venues: St Peter's Church, Tiverton + The Hartnoll Hotel

Photographer: Alexandra Maxwell Photography

Second Shooter: Richard Maxwell

Hair: CZ Bridal Hair