I was lucky enough to grow up in Devon, just 15 minutes from the coast. I spent my days frolicking in the sea, lazing on the beach eating ice-cream, and my nights barbecuing (and drinking cider!) in the sand dunes. It was an idyllic life and the perfect place to grow-up.
Although I moved away to pursue my career and to experience the ‘bright lights’ of the city, the coast has always been one of my favourite places, and as a result, I grab any opportunity I can, to head back.
So, when Emma and Matthew asked me to photograph their wedding, I jumped at the chance to ’steer’ them towards a pre-shoot by the sea. Sidmouth, although having an average age somewhat above mine(!), has always been a firm favourite because of its beautifully English promenade, immaculately landscaped gardens and possibly one or two fond memories of their yearly Folk Festival 
!
It was great to be able to head-back in a totally different ’space’ and see the beauty I had always seen, from a different perspective and in what seems like, a totally different life-time.
Emma and Matthew are a truly wonderful couple, who have this incredible ability to put you at ease in their company and from the moment we met (for a glass of chilled cider of course!) to the moment we ‘hugged’ our goodbyes after the shoot, I felt like I’d known them for years. Their connection and passion for each other is so clear and it was an absolute delight to capture their love.
Venetia xx
I just *adore* this lens!
Emma – you are simply gorgeous…..and I knew you were going to make the most stunning bride!
It was so interesting shooting at Sidmouth – I hadn’t considered how picture-perfect it was.
I don’t know which of these I *LOVE* the best?!
A classic Firetop Photography shot….
The colours and the light on the day inspired me shoot them all ‘bright and bleached’ with the minimum ‘background’…I love it.
Dreamy, dreamy, dreamy…
The *light* by these rocks was incredible….mmmmm
Loving this series…
I remember the Connaught Gardens from being dragged round there as a child with my Auntie and Uncle looking at the plants – it’s funny how all those years later I feel so differently about the beauty and ’structures’ that make this place a photographers paradise…
And I remember rock-pooling here with my little bucket and spade!
One of Emma & Matthew’s favourites…
I love how Matthew had perfectly co-ordinated his outfit to the beach huts LOL!
Look at that look…
I always try and ‘prepare’ clients for having their photograph taken on their own for the day itself. I love that whilst I was taking the shot of Matthew, Emma said ‘Phwwarrr…he’s gorgeous isn’t he?!’. She is a girl after my own heart and not
afraid to tell those she loves, how she feels.
So many places to shoot…..
Couldn’t choose so…..
And off they go….
