Emily + Alex

Ah, and finally, October. Although this year has flown by, October can never come soon enough. This has to be my favourite season to work in, the best golden hours, a chill in the air, the beautiful colours, it really suits my editing tones and style of working.

Emily + Alex wed at The Moat House in Staffordshire, a local and sentimental venue for them. With just 30 guests, they had a celebrant led ceremony, a drive round the village in a Land Rover Defender, a row on the boat, and a little glimpse at some golden hour light. Smaller weddings are some of my favourites to shoot, I think when you strip back the guest list to just your very closest people, it really means the intimacies of your relationships and emotions are captured. This day was no different.

Emily got ready with her mum and two bridesmaids, with the bridesmaids in gorgeous Autumnal rust dresses, and Emily in a boho, lace and tulle embellished Lillian West gown, perfect for the season. She accessorized with a beautiful dried floral crown, and Aerin amber musk perfume, and of courses her breathtaking bouquet from Poppy Scout Florals, featuring toffee roses and chocolate cosmos, all in fitting with the Autumn theme. Alex wore dark blue tweed, with a seasonal button hole, and a watch gifted from Emily.

Their ceremony told the story of how they met, and they shared personal vows, before walking back down the aisle and outside for confetti. The Land Rover was kindly supplied by a local man who they met in the pub, and they went for a spin and photos straight after the ceremony. They also fit in a row in the boat around the lake, which are some of my favourite images from their gallery, expert rowing by Alex.

Emily had created all the wedding decor herself, from dried garlands, menus, and glass bottles acting as table plans, and it all looked absolutely incredibel and fit the theme beautifully. They had speeches from Alex's dad, Emily's brother, and of course the groom, all of which were beautifully sentimental and emotional, and set the tone for the evening. Whilst the speeches were ongoing, their live painter had hand painted portraits of all of their guests, which became the most unique and artisanal wedding favours. We headed out for a couple more portraits when I spotted a little bit of sun through the clouds, and finished the evening with some sparklers.

Whilst this was a smaller, and shorter day, it definitely was not short in beauty or emotion.

Venue - The Moat House

Florals - Poppy Scout

Dress - Lillian West

Live Painter - Honeybee Illustrates