Golden Hour Maternity Shoot at Caldicot Castle

There’s something truly magical about golden hour at Caldicot Castle — the kind of light that makes everything feel warm, calm, and full of life. I met with Emily for her second trimester maternity shoot, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect evening.

This session is part of a beautiful series we’ve been capturing together throughout her pregnancy — one photoshoot for each trimester — to tell the full story of her journey into motherhood.

For this shoot, Emily kept things simple and timeless, wearing jeans and a crisp white shirt. It was the perfect choice for the relaxed, natural style we wanted to capture. As the evening sun dipped behind the castle walls, the soft golden light wrapped around her beautifully — she was truly glowing.

Caldicot Castle, with its peaceful grounds and historic charm, created the most stunning backdrop. The mix of old stone walls, lush green surroundings, and that warm golden glow gave every image a sense of calm and connection.

What I loved most about this session was how effortless it felt. There was laughter, quiet moments, and that unmistakable joy that comes with expecting a little one. Emily’s confidence and glow during this stage of her pregnancy really shone through in every frame.

I can’t wait to photograph Emily again in her third trimester and complete this little journey we’ve been documenting together. These maternity photoshoots in South Wales are such a wonderful way to pause, reflect, and celebrate each chapter of pregnancy ; a time that passes by far too quickly.

If you’re expecting and dreaming of your own golden hour maternity photoshoot in South Wales, Caldicot Castle is one of my favourite locations for that natural, glowing light and timeless backdrop.

An Intimate Autumn Wedding at Cwrt Bleddyn

Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa

There’s something truly magical about small weddings, and Grace and James’s day at Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa captured that magic in every possible way. With just 25 of their closest family and friends, their celebration was intimate, heartfelt, and full of the kind of moments that make wedding photography so rewarding to capture.

A Venue Steeped in History

Cwrtt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa is one of those rare venues where history and romance collide. Set in the heart of Monmouthshire, the building carries centuries of Welsh history within its walls. With its timeless architecture, sweeping grounds, and elegant interiors, it offered the perfect backdrop for Grace and James’s day. There’s a certain charm about the place — grand enough to feel special, yet cosy enough to create the intimate atmosphere they wanted.

A Ceremony of Love and Connection

The ceremony itself was small, but the emotions filled the entire room. With only 25 guests, every face was familiar, every voice known, and every hug cherished. The absence of a large crowd gave the whole moment a quiet depth. It was all about Grace and James, and the people who mean the most to them.

As they exchanged their vows, there was a stillness that felt almost sacred. The kind of quiet where you can hear every word, feel every emotion, and notice the little things — like the way their hands never let go of each other, or the proud glances from parents and siblings. Capturing those moments through my lens reminded me of why I love intimate weddings: nothing gets lost, nothing gets overlooked.

Autumnal Styling

Styling the Day in Autumn Tones

Grace and James chose to embrace the season with a colour palette that reflected the richness of autumn. Burnt oranges, deep greens, and soft earthy tones ran throughout the day, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The bridesmaids’ dresses in rich green were a beautiful contrast to the golden-orange details in the flowers and décor. Together, these colours worked in harmony, bringing the beauty of the season indoors and adding to the sense of warmth that surrounded the day.

Even the light seemed to play its part. The soft autumn sun filtered through the windows, highlighting the rich tones of the décor and catching the little details — a flicker of a candle, the shine of polished glassware, the glow of Grace’s smile as she looked at James.

Candid Moments and Quiet Joy

For me as a photographer, the beauty of a wedding like this lies in the candid moments. With fewer people, it was easier to move quietly around the room, capturing the unguarded laughter, the stolen glances, and the affectionate hugs.

A Celebration of Togetherness

The reception carried the same intimate energy as the ceremony. Guests gathered closely, sharing food, drinks, and stories. The smaller guest list meant everyone had time to truly connect — it felt less like a formal event and more like a family gathering, full of warmth and belonging.

The autumn styling carried through into the tablescapes, with greenery and touches of orange adding texture and depth. Against the historic backdrop of Cwrt Bleddyn, it all felt natural and timeless.

As the evening drew in, there was no sense of rushing or formality. Instead, there was laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft hum of conversation. It was a day built on love and togetherness, rather than spectacle — and that made it unforgettable.

Why Intimate Weddings Are So Special

Grace and James’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that there’s no one way to celebrate love. While some couples dream of big, bustling celebrations, others — like Grace and James — choose intimacy.

What makes small weddings so powerful is the focus on connection. With fewer people, every guest has a role to play, every moment feels magnified, and the couple has the space to truly be present. From a photographer’s perspective, these weddings are a joy to capture. The pace is gentler, the atmosphere warmer, and the opportunities to document real, meaningful emotion are endless.

Final Thoughts

Grace and James’s wedding at Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa was the perfect reflection of who they are: warm, thoughtful, and deeply connected to their loved ones. With autumn tones setting the mood and the intimacy of just 25 guests, their day proved that small celebrations can be every bit as meaningful — and often even more memorable — than large ones.

It was an honour to photograph such a heartfelt celebration in such a historic setting. Their story will always stay with me, a reminder that the simplest weddings often hold the deepest beauty.

A Golden Summer Wedding at St Pierre

There are some wedding days that feel like they were lifted straight out of a dream, and this was one of them. The sun shone from morning until night, the atmosphere was relaxed and joyful, and the couple couldn’t have been more in love.

Photographing this wedding at St Pierre was not only a privilege, but also one of those days that reminded me exactly why I adore what I do. From the moment I arrived, I knew the day was going to be special. The venue itself, nestled in the South Wales countryside, is already steeped in history and character, but paired with such a fun, laid- back couple, the energy was pure magic.

The Morning: Excitement and Laughter

The day began with the bridal preparations. There’s something so special about the morning of a wedding — it’s a mix of nervous excitement and pure joy. The bride’s closest friends and family filled the room with chatter and laughter as hair and makeup took shape. Sunlight streamed in through the windows, catching on champagne glasses and making everything glow.

The bridesmaids wore dresses in the most gorgeous warm orange tones — such a refreshing and vibrant choice that suited the golden summer’s day perfectly. Every time they walked into the sunshine, the fabric seemed to catch the light and shimmer with warmth, almost echoing the golden tones we later saw in the evening sun.

Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen enjoyed a relaxed morning too. There was a real sense of calm and fun in both camps — no overthinking, no stress, just pure excitement to get married and celebrate.

The Ceremony: Vows Beneath the Sunshine

The ceremony took place in a gorgeous little church in Lydney , with natural light flooding the space. Surrounded by their loved ones, the couple exchanged vows that were heartfelt and sincere.

One of my favourite moments as a photographer is capturing those small, in-between glances — the look of reassurance before the vows, the squeeze of a hand when emotions run high, the proud smiles from parents and grandparents in the crowd. This ceremony was filled with those fleeting yet unforgettable moments.When the couple said “I do,” the room erupted with cheers. They walked back up the aisle hand in hand, grinning from ear to ear as confetti rained down over them. It was pure happiness.

Drinks Reception: Sunshine, Smiles and Welsh Cakes

After the ceremony, guests spilled out into the sunshine for the drinks reception. And what a day it was for it! The sun was high and warm, bathing everything in that golden glow that makes summer weddings so dreamy to capture. A real highlight for me was the Welsh cake tower. I’ve seen many different takes on wedding cakes, but this was such a charming and personal choice. Guests loved it, and it tied the day beautifully back to Welsh traditions. It felt unique, thoughtful, and delicious — I may have snuck one or two for myself!

Children ran across the lawns, guests clinked glasses of bubbly, and laughter filled the air. Everywhere I turned, there was something to capture: grandparents cuddling grandchildren, friends embracing after years apart, and the couple themselves moving through the crowd, soaking up the love around them.

Couple Portraits: Strolling Through Golden Grounds

St Pierre is surrounded by stunning grounds, and we made the most of them for couple portraits. The newlyweds were so natural in front of the camera, mostly because they were just enjoying being together. I always encourage couples to focus on each other rather than me, and that’s exactly what they did. We strolled through tree-lined paths, paused by old stone walls, and found little patches of light where

the sun danced through the leaves. The bride’s dress and those warm-toned flowers looked incredible against the greenery of the grounds. One of my favourite shots from the day came later, during golden hour. As the sun began to set, the light softened into that dreamy, golden glow that makes everything look romantic. We headed out for just ten minutes, and it was so worth it. The couple held hands, laughed, whispered to each other, and simply basked in that just-married feeling. It was effortless and beautiful, and the photos from those few minutes are some of my favourites from the whole day.

The Wedding Breakfast: Food, Speeches and Happy Tears

The reception space was decorated perfectly for summer — warm tones, seasonal flowers, and elegant touches that reflected the couple’s personalities. Guests tucked into a delicious meal but before that the speeches began. And oh, the speeches! There was laughter, there were tears, and there were plenty of stories that had everyone roaring with joy. One thing I love about photographing speeches is capturing the reactions — the bursts of laughter mid-sip of wine, the glistening eyes of parents as they hear heartfelt words, the groom throwing his head back in laughter at a story he thought his best man might have forgotten.

It’s in these moments that the story of the couple really comes alive, and it’s such a privilege to freeze those emotions in time.

Evening Celebration: A Band to Remember

As the evening drew in, the energy of the day only grew stronger. A fantastic live band set the tone for the night, filling the dance floor from the very first song. There’s something about live music that just brings out the best in people, and the guests were more than ready to let loose and celebrate.

The couple’s first dance was tender and full of love, and within moments, they were joined by friend and family, turning the dance floor into a joyful, buzzing hub of celebration. From little ones dancing with grandparents to friends forming circles and singing at the top of their lungs, the night was full of life.

As a photographer, I love these evening celebrations because they capture a different side of the day — the carefree, let-your-hair-down, party moments. The kind of photographs that bring back not only memories but also the feeling of being right there in the middle of it all.

Reflections: A Day of Love and Sunshine

Looking back on this wedding at St Pierre, what stands out to me most isn’t just the sunshine, the golden hour portraits, or the vibrant colour palette — although all of that was absolutely stunning.

What really made this day so memorable was the people. The couple’s love for each other was obvious in every glance, every touch, every laugh. Their families and friends were warm, welcoming, and so full of joy. It was the kind of wedding where you leave at the end of the night with your cheeks aching from smiling so much.

For me, it was an honour to capture it all — from the smallest details like the Welsh cake tower to the big moments like that magical golden hour portrait session.

Final Thoughts

Every wedding I photograph is unique, shaped by the couple and the choices they make. This St Pierre wedding will always stand out in my memory as a perfect summer’s day: filled with colour, warmth, laughter, and endless love.

To the couple — thank you for trusting me to capture your beautiful day. It was an absolute joy from start to finish.

And to anyone reading this who’s planning a wedding: if you’re dreaming of a relaxed, joy-filled celebration with a touch of golden magic, take inspiration from this day. Surround yourself with the people you love, add personal touches like a Welsh cake tower, and don’t forget to sneak away during golden hour — it truly is the most magical light of all.

A Sunflower-Filled Wedding at St Tewdrics for Courtney & Curtis

Some weddings are joyful from the very first moment — and this one at St. Tewdrics was exactly that. From the morning preparations, where the atmosphere already felt like a party, to the last dance, it was a day overflowing with love, laughter, and sunshine (even though the forecast had promised rain!).

The couple had chosen the most beautiful details to bring their day to life. Bright sunflowers were scattered throughout, adding warmth and cheer, while soft touches of baby blue gave everything a dreamy, romantic feel. It was the perfect balance of fun and elegance, completely reflecting who they are as people.

One of my favourite moments of the morning was when the bride gifted her mother a tiny photograph tucked into her bag — such a thoughtful, sentimental gesture that spoke volumes about their relationship. These little details are what make wedding days so meaningful to capture.

The ceremony was set outside, a brave choice given the unpredictable weather, but nature rewarded them with sunshine right when it mattered most. Standing there, surrounded by family and friends, the couple were so natural with one another. Their love came across effortlessly in every look and every laugh — the kind of connection that makes photographing them a complete joy.

Afterwards, the celebration only grew bigger. They danced their way into the wedding breakfast to cheers and applause, setting the tone for the evening ahead. The speeches were heartfelt yet lighthearted, full of fun and stories that had everyone laughing along. And of course, there was a beautiful cake that looked almost too perfect to cut.

As the night went on, the dance floor came alive, and it truly felt like nobody wanted the day to end. It was the kind of wedding that reminds you what it’s all about: happiness, togetherness, and creating memories with the people you love most.

For me, it was a privilege to be there, camera in hand, documenting such a joyful and love-filled day.