Polhawn Fort Wedding Photographer
Some weddings feel like a wedding. Others feel like a brilliant weekend away with all your favourite people that just happens to include getting married.
Melanie and Jack’s wedding at Polhawn Fort definitely fell into the second category.
With friends and family gathered on the Cornish coast, an outdoor ceremony overlooking the sea, plenty of laughter throughout the day and a dog who seemed determined to involve himself in absolutely everything, it was exactly the sort of wedding I love photographing.
“Thank you so very much, these are so much better than we ever could have ever hoped for! You have really captured the day for us perfectly and it brings back such happy memories. There may have even been a few tears looking at them! Can’t wait to share them. Thank you again for agreeing to shoot our day and sharing your talents – you’ve done such a fabulous job.” – Mel & Jack
In fact, before we even get to Melanie and Jack themselves, we should probably mention their dog.
He made appearances throughout the day, from the ceremony itself to the confetti afterwards, and at one point seemed particularly interested in inspecting the drinks. Looking back through the photographs afterwards, I realised he’d quietly become one of the main characters in the story.
One of the reasons I enjoy photographing weddings at Polhawn Fort is that people tend to use the venue in a very relaxed way. Nobody feels rushed. Guests spread out across the grounds, conversations happen naturally, and there’s always something going on somewhere.
That was certainly true here.
There were emotional moments, lots of laughter, hugs between old friends, drinks in the sunshine and the sort of atmosphere that comes when people are genuinely enjoying being together.
Melanie and Jack themselves were an absolute joy to photograph. Kind, relaxed and completely focused on enjoying the day rather than performing for a camera.
The ceremony took place outside overlooking the sea, with the Cornish coastline providing a pretty spectacular backdrop. Afterwards everyone gathered on the lawn while the celebrations continued, and the dog continued his campaign for guest-of-the-year.
One of my favourite things about Polhawn Fort is that the beach is only a short walk away. We slipped down there briefly later in the day and spent a few minutes by the water before heading straight back to the party. No lengthy portrait session, no disappearing for an hour – just a chance for Melanie and Jack to spend a little time together while making the most of such an incredible location.
As the evening rolled on, the atmosphere became even more lively. Speeches, dancing, laughter and plenty of moments that couldn’t possibly have been planned unfolded naturally throughout the fort.
Those real moments are always what I’m looking for.
Years from now, I suspect Melanie and Jack won’t be thinking about timelines or table plans. They’ll remember how the day felt. The people who were there. The laughter. The sea. And probably a certain four-legged guest who seemed convinced the whole wedding had been organised for him.
Here are a few of my favourite moments from their day.
I’ve photographed a number of weddings at Polhawn Fort over the years. If you’re planning your own wedding there, you can see more examples of my work as a Polhawn Fort wedding photographer.