Beth and Christopher - Lands End Hotel Wedding

Winter weddings are always interesting. With the British obsession with the weather, you can understand any concern that the day could be a wash out. Opting to marry at the end of December, Beth and Chris really put their faith in the weather to the test for their wedding at the Lands End Hotel. With views across the Atlantic, this is the place that any storm from the west first makes landfall. It can be still and calm or the wildest storms you can ever imagine.The result on Beth and Christopher’s wedding day? Spectacular sun (albeit with a slightly brisk cold wind). Their faith was rewarded!

With make up by the always wonderful Sally Orchard, the bridal party spent their morning relaxing at the Lands End Hotel. The hotel sits perched above Lands End. With stunning views across the Cornish coast it provides a memorable location for a wedding day. Another mention must be made of the wedding flowers by Wedding Flowers in Cornwall. How do you make a winter bouquet for a Christmas wedding. Just look below and you will find out.

The ceremony was held at the parish church in St Buryan. Penwith has a special feel to it. The buildings are hewn from the landscape all around. St Buryan Church is no exception. It just feels like it has grown from the surrounding countryside. In the winter sun it looked even more stunning. Post ceremony, with the wedding guests outside there couldn’t have been a better place in the world. I’m often asked which part of the wedding day I like the best. As a wedding photographer you do get to see the whole of the day. However, for me, it is simple. I love that half hour just after the ceremony. Why? It is just a fantastic feeling to watch (and photograph) people who are genuinely happy having just watched their nearest and dearest get married. It also make for some of the best reportage photography I know.

With the wedding party safely back in Lands End Hotel, Beth, Chris and I took the opportunity to have a quick photoshoot on the cliffs at Lands End. With winter weddings the clock is always ticking in regards to light. With a sunset close to 4pm, you have to take the opportunities that you are provided with. We made the most of the sunshine across the cliffs, but in the back of my mind I was wondering whether we would be treated with a sunset at the end of the day. Luckily we were. It really was utterly beautiful.

As evening set, the reception started and all too soon it was my time to leave. Thinking of planning a winter wedding? There is no you can guarantee the weather. But if you do get lucky, the results can be absolutely stunning.

Toby 🙂