Mark Smith Photography: Blog

Pre Wedding Photography - Burrator with Adam and Bethany

Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Sunset Alert..... yep, we've only gone and got another one in this shoot!

I realise I've already posted the wedding, but the pre wedding shoot had slipped through the next and this was such a relaxed session to shoot that I couldn't resit in sharing it.

We had a great walk at the eastern end of Burrator reservoir as that always gives a lot of options in very close proximity to each other. When we were finished there, it looked like the sky might be playing ball, so I suggested popping up the hill to the Princetown road to see if we could get a bit of a sunset. Fortunately, we got there in time for the last few minutes and could grab some photos before the sun was gone.

Enjoy :)

Plymouth Wedding Photography of Casey and Peter

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Fun was the name of the game at Casey and Peter's wedding. The weather, the car, the church, the venue, the food, the party, everything was just great, and I had a blast capturing the moments for them.

Now, for those who have followed me for a while will know that I'm a sucker for a sunset, and we were treated to some amazing colours at the end of the day, enabling us to capture some lovely photos of the bride and groom.

Enjoy :)

Pre Wedding Photography - Danni and Rob - Ivybridge Woods

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Sometimes you meet a couple, and just know that they are right for one another. That's Danni and Rob 100%.

It was fascinating speaking to them both and getting to know them, the way that their characters are the complete opposites of what you would expect them to be on first meeting.

It's also a great complement, and a real privilege, when asked by another photographer (Rob) to take responsibility for shooting their big day.

This pre wedding shoot was in Ivybridge woods and I had no clue this was even a location. I'm certainly going to be going back, it was beautiful, and the perfect look for Rob and Danni.

Enjoy :)

Bigbury Pre Wedding Photography Shoot - Amy and Rob

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Oh yes, this was a good one! a fantastic evening, warm enough to not need wrapping up, clear skies, sunset and dancing on the beach..... winner!!

I had so much fun photographing Amy and Rob over at Bigbury, we nearly had the beach to ourselves which makes my life so much easier and also, for any couple, it can help with feeling that everyone is watching.

It's not an uncommon thing, I find with most couples, on the pre-wedding shoot they are self conscious, probably due to being photographed professionally in public isn't an every day occurrence. It's totally different on a wedding day, as everyone is expecting them to be with a photographer, getting awesome shots.

Enjoy :)

The Cow Shed in Freathy Wedding - Gemma and Ben

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 09:15:00 GMT

Now, if this isn't a little darling of a secret venue, I don't know what is. I hadn't heard of the Cow Shed before Gemma contacted me about shooting their wedding there. After a little bit of searching, I was excited, and with good reason, it was great!

This was a full family wedding, complete with their dog, and oh, so much fun to photograph.

Everyone was so relaxed, the weather was simply stunning, and we even managed to get up to Rame, which is always going to be a winner as far as I'm concerned.

Here are a few of their photos.

Enjoy :)

Pre-wedding Photography with Sarah and Kevin - Burrator

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT

We had a lovely walk around Burrator and discovered this natural arch in the trees, so obviously, it had to be used for some lovely photos.

As many of you know, I really enjoy working with strobes and 'created' light, but when we can use natural light with lovely surroundings, it makes life so easy.

Enjoy.

Calstock Wedding - Katie and Paul

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Colour, energy, laughs and love. That's a pretty good mix for a wedding and Katie and Paul, plus family and friends had them in spades.

This was the first time for me photographing at this location, and it was absolutely lovely. The Calstock Arts centre had a really unique feel and amazing view over the river, making it exceptional for a wedding ceremony. Then, after that we were down the hill to the local social club for an amazing evening.

So many characters, at this wedding, not least our amazingly funny groom, had me laughing and smiling all throughout the day.

Enjoy :)

Emma and Joe's Wedding - Horn of Plenty

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT

The Horn of Plenty https://www.thehornofplenty.co.uk/ has to be one of my favourite locations to photograph, not only is the house stunning, but the grounds are wonderful and diverse, without the need to travel a long distance. On a wedding day, that really counts for a lot.

It was wonderful to be there when the bluebells were out, there is such a small window to photography them, so i was really happy that it all came together.

Emma and Joe were so much fun, as were their guests, making my day simply fantastic.

Here are a few photos to enjoy :)

China Fleet Club Wedding - Lisa and Rob

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 19:31:18 GMT

Weddings at, or around Christmas are always special, not least if the weather stays dry to let us outside for a bit.

Lisa and Rob's was certainly no exception and China Fleet didn't disappoint. We weren't able to get out onto the course in a buggy as we would do at other times of the year, but that didn't stop Lisa and Rob getting some lovely moments, including a bit of sunset action.

I loved their cake, a mix of traditional, combined with many tiers of cupcakes.

Enjoy :)

Cornwall Wedding Photography - Bethany and Adam

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 19:16:12 GMT

This wedding was a total pleasure to photograph. I've known Adam and Bethany for quite a while so it was a real honour when they asked if I would be their photographer.

They had the preparations in Saltash, before heading to St Erney church and then the reception was in the hall at the Maker with Rame Community Hall. We also took the opportunity to pop up to Rame for some lovely views and then hit the beach in the evening (whilst trying to keep Adam from taking a dip, as he's renowned for going swimming in all temperatures).

To top off the evening, there was a Ceilidh and as ever, this was a huge success with pretty much everyone getting up on the dance floor.

It goes without saying, that was a blast, lots of variety, locations and laughs had by all.

Enjoy :)

Devon Wedding Photography - Tiverton - Danni and Rob

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 23:24:18 GMT

When you photograph so many great weddings it's sometimes hard to find something new to say. Working with Rob and Danni, it's not difficult at all. They define what being in love is all about, they break some stereotypes and really know how to have a ball.

It's so much fun photographing in different locations and Middle Coombe Farm is one place that has so much going for it. The wooded area is simply stunning and such a wonderful place for everyone to just get away from things for a bit.

So much effort was put in by them to create everything just right, with the stunning cake being made by Danni. I didn't even mention that everyone was camping on site so this wasn't just a one day thing, this was a weekend of fun for those closest to Danni and Rob.

Anyway, most people will have stopped reading by now so I will let you enjoy the photos. Huge thanks to Danni and Rob for having me as part of your special day and making me feel a part of the family.

Enjoy :)

Kitley House Wedding - Amy and Rob - Mark Smith Photography

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 23:02:45 GMT

Stunning, elegant and so much fun. I had a wonderful time with Amy and Rob at Kitley House Hotel, they were just so relaxed, totally in love and we even managed to have the ceremony outside by the water. AMAZING!

I truly love my job, it's not just about being in beautiful locations and taking photos, it's about the love that I get to see, the personalities that come out, the connection and shire joy of a wedding day. On many occasions I also have to hold in some pretty big laughs as to be honest, the quality of speeches is going up and up so I'm very entertained whilst working.

That's enough of me talking, time for photos.

Enjoy :)

Kitley House Wedding - Kate and Steve - Plymouth Wedding Photography

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 22:52:46 GMT

You know it's going to be a beautiful wedding when there is blue sky at Kitley House and it didn't fail to deliver.

A huge thanks to Kate and Steve for making me a part of their day and for making me feel so welcome. I'm so glad that you enjoyed yourselves and that got the day of your dreams.

Massive congratulations and I hope everyone enjoys checking out a few of the photos.

Horn of Plenty Wedding - Sarah and Kevin

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 22:30:43 GMT

Sarah and Kevin's wedding was simply beautiful, and I'm not sure if it was that Kevin is a fellow petrol head and had hired an Aston Martin for the weekend, or if it was something else, but I had a blast.

What's not to like? A fantastic couple, totally in love, a stunning location, weather that played ball and gave us a lovely sunset and even some sparklers to end the day off.

It's safe to say that I was one happy photographer and here are a few photos to tell a little bit of their story.

Enjoy :)

Woodbury Park Wedding - Sneak Peek - Jasmine and Rhys

Sat, 02 Dec 2017 23:32:38 GMT

What a day, end of October and stunning weather enabled me to capture some beautiful photos of this great couple. Certainly one of the most enjoyable and relaxed weddings of the year. I'm not even going to talk about the decorations yet as they were in another league! Here are a handful of photos that tell a little bit of their story, you will have to wait a while longer to see the rest.

Thanks for having me to capture your day Jasmine and Rhys :)

Enjoy!

Dartmoor Zoo Wedding - Louise and Ben - Plymouth Wedding Photography

Sat, 02 Dec 2017 23:09:36 GMT

I know that I've said it before, but I love, love, love it when a wedding is a little different from the norm. Don't get me wrong, all weddings are amazing and unique, just some are a little more unique and Louise and Ben's is one of those.

Having the reception at Dartmoor Zoo was such a lot of fun for everyone involved, sure, if we had a little more time to maximise the venue I wouldn't have complained, but we were still able to capture some unique photos, especially with getting to feed the deer, how many people can claim that on their wedding day?

Well, that's enough of me rambling on, over to the photos :)

Enjoy!!

Becki and Mark's Wedding @ Strawberry Fields

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 22:28:38 GMT

Young, in love and beautiful, that's a pretty good combo for a wedding photographer to work with and it's exactly what Becki and Mark are. There's always a little bit extra pressure when photographing other photographers, and Mark and his brother (best man) used to be just that so it was all to play for.

Joking aside, it was just a wonderful day, fulled of joy, happiness, a few tears and a lot of partying.

I must have been doing something right this year as again the weather was on our side which was great with the classic car Becki and Mark had for the day. A really classy occasion from start to finish and I can truly say I was glad to have been a part, even if ever so small, of it.

I hope you all enjoy the photos and I would again like to offer my congratulations to the happy couple.

Sarah and Matthew's Wedding - St Mellion International Resort and Golf Club

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 22:14:27 GMT

Let me start by saying that there is nothing quite as romantic as a military wedding. I'm not sure what it is, it could be all of those great films of my youth or that we are in a sea port, but whatever it is, they are always great and a little bit special.

Sarah and Matt couldn't have been more fun to work with. Right from our first meeting to their pre-wedding shoot and the wedding day they were just lovely to be around and made me so welcome. Friends and family we no exception to this and as the photos show, everyone had an amazing time.

St Mellion never fails to deliver either, as well as being so well set up for getting beautiful photographs (it's a golf course after all), the staff are also fantastic and very helpful in all things so as ever, my thanks goes out to them as well.

It's time for me to stop writing and let the photographs tell the story.

Congratulations again to the happy couple!

Abi and Matt's Wedding - Hope Baptist Church then Elfordleigh

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 21:41:52 GMT

Oh what a beautiful day, I don't think that anyone could have asked for more really. Abi and Matt are a fantastic young couple, totally in love and all set for their big day.

The day started at Abi's parents for bridal prep photos, then a quick run down to the church to meet the boys for a few of them, then back up the hill to the girls to capture Dad's first look and some photos in the garden. Fortunately their home and the church are only 2 minutes apart.

After the wonderful ceremony at Hope Baptist Church, it was off to Elfordleigh Golf Club and Hotel to make the most of the stunning weather and great location. As well as the normal shots, we were able to get some gorgeous smoke photos in as well which really add a different dimension to things.

Now, let's talk about speeches, they were all great, but the best man was on fire, and his well crafted stories had everyone in stitches, even if the groom did get a little burned by what was said. That only left one thing..... PARTY. Entertainment was provided by The Sound, who were a classy outfit and had the whole room rocking all night to their fantastic playing and singing. Abi, an accomplished singer in her own right, also got up to entertain her guests which was great to see.

For their exit, it through an arch of sparklers, not something I had ever done before, but certainly a lovely way to end a great day of many happy memories and beautiful photos.

Abi and Matt - Plymouth Engagement Shoot - Bigbury

Sat, 08 Jul 2017 18:35:58 GMT

Got to love a beach pre-wedding shoot, especially one with a lovely young couple like Abi and Matt and some stunning weather!

Yes, happy photographer alert, there was a stunning sunset which we managed to incorporate into the shoot, to be honest, things don't get much better.

As you can see, we had a great time, and even Matt enjoyed himself which is perfect as he will admit to not loving his photo being taken.

Roll on August for their big day, I can't wait!!

Moorland Garden Hotel Wedding - Jessica and Scott - Plymouth Wedding Photography

Sun, 15 Jan 2017 21:39:55 GMT

What an amazing wedding, I had so much fun being a part of Jessica and Scott's big day, what a fantastic couple.

I don't think it's a secret that Scott wasn't really looking forward to being photographed, however, he was game for a laugh and it paid off as we were able to capture some beautiful memories from the day.

As ever the team at The Moorland Garden Hotel were spot on, always a top venue to photograph at!

Enjoy!

Plymouth Wedding Photograph - Katie and Steve's Blessing

Sun, 15 Jan 2017 21:01:00 GMT

Katie and Steve were married a few months earlier in Birmingham and then had a blessing in Plymouth to be able to celebrate with even more people (anything for a party!).

Wet is an understatement for the day they chose, I don't recall a worse day all year so everything we did was indoors. I'm impressed that we did get a reprise in the weather for Katie to make it into the church without messing up her hair.

A fantastic fun day and a pleasure as always to be a part of. Enjoy :)

China Fleet County Club Wedding - Lisa and Rob

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 22:24:02 GMT

To quote the Levellers "What a Beautiful Day" is probably the best way to sum up Lisa and Rob's wedding. Not least because we were not expecting good weather and as you can see, it was fantastic.

I loved that there was a bagpiper playing as the bride entered the church. This only the 2nd wedding I've photographed with a bagpiper and the other was in Scotland.

As ever, Julie from the China Fleet Country Club ensured that everything ran smoothly and we were able to get some lovely photographs to tell the story of this great occasion.

Anyway, enough writing, get on and enjoy the photos!

Moorland Gardens Hotel Wedding - Devon Wedding Photography

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 21:58:30 GMT

Pauline and Dave had an amazing day for their Moorland Gardens Hotel Wedding. It's always a great pleasure to photograph there, Andrew and the team at Moorlan Gardens are fantastic, so well organised, it makes my life easy, also, they have been doing a lot of work on the grounds to give even more photographic options than before.

The wedding had a real family feel, with plenty of children adding a huge amount of fun to the day.

Devon Wedding Photography - Video Slideshow Vintage Style

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:21:51 GMT

As I've added a video slideshow option again for my customers, I wanted to produce a sample of what is possible.

Here we have a selection of photos from some of the fantastic wedding couples I've had the privilege of working with. I decided to create a slight vintage style in this video as I fancied a change from the norm.

Devon Wedding Photography Slideshow

Devon Pre Wedding Photography – Alex and Tom @ Bigbury

Sun, 10 May 2015 08:55:59 GMT

It makes a change to do a beach shoot for a pre wedding, and although the weather wasn’t looking great we had a great time. Photographing at Bigbury is always amazing as there is such diversity, I just wish it was a little closer so we could shoot there more often.

Alex and Tom were amazing fun, even if a little nervous about the thought of being photographed. It didn’t take them long to get into it though and as you can see we created some lovely images.

I’m really looking forward to next month for their big day, it’s going to be a little different to the norm as it will be on a farm so I can’t wait for that!!!

Devon Pre Wedding Photography by Mark Smith Photography

Devon Pre Wedding Photography – Pauline and David

Sun, 10 May 2015 08:51:24 GMT

Had a lovely shoot a little while ago with Pauline and Dave, as you can see the weather was much nicer than it has been recently.

Looking forward to the end of the month when they get married and hoping that the weather is as kind to us again.

Devon Pre Wedding Photography by Mark Smith Photography