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.