Jess and Dan at Cornish Tipis

Journal

CORNISH TIPIS, ST. KEW

When Jess and Dan told me they were getting married at Cornish Tipis, I knew it was going to be something special. Nestled deep in the Cornish countryside, this woodland wonderland feels like a festival with its own lake, open green spaces and a laid-back vibe. Their big day was Saturday 7th of June 2025, and while the weather forecast didn’t exactly play ball, the rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. It was meant to clear by early afternoon, but in true Cornish fashion, it didn’t really brighten up until the sun was going down. Still, with a bit of flexibility, some quick thinking, and a lot of laughter, Jess and Dan’s day turned out to be nothing short of incredible.

My second shooter, Ben Selway, and I started the morning at a rustic farmhouse Airbnb not too far from Cornish Tipis, where Jess and her bridesmaids were getting ready. The rain was hammering down outside, but inside, the atmosphere was anything but gloomy. There was music, laughter, and plenty of good vibes! Jess’s dress, from Romanova Atelier, looked stunning, and we found the perfect spot in the corridor to capture all those little details before she put it on. But the real star of the morning was Jess’s cowboy boots. They were a star of the show!

Hair was done by Lauren Bramble and makeup by Suzanne Francine, and once Jess was ready, we captured some beautiful portraits by the stained glass window on the stairs. I also shot a few on film, which turned out amazing. That timeless, grainy look suited the vibe perfectly.

When we arrived at Cornish Tipis, the rain was still coming down hard. The ceremony was originally planned beside the lake, but the team worked quickly to move everything under cover. A marquee was put up for guests, and the ceremony took place under a pagoda, surrounded by umbrellas and ponchos. Dan looked relaxed and sharp in his suit as he walked in with his parents and took his place under the pagoda, waiting for Jess.

Jess arrived as close as the van could get before her mum and bridesmaids helped her through the puddles under an umbrella, which made for some great candid moments! She was walked down the aisle by her best friend and maid of honour, and despite the weather, the whole ceremony felt warm and joyful.

Because Jess and Dan had already tied the knot at a registry office, this was a personal celebration led by a close friend. It was beautifully relaxed, with heartfelt vows, a symbolic mead-drinking ritual from a chalice, and a few happy tears. Instead of confetti, everyone pulled out bubble guns and suddenly the space was filled with floating bubbles. It looked absolutely magical.

After the ceremony, we did group shots under the pagoda (thankfully big enough to fit everyone!). Then, the rain finally eased off for about half an hour, just long enough for Jess and Dan to jump into a rowboat on the lake. I got into another boat with one of the Cornish Tipis staff members so I could follow them around and capture it all on digital, film, and Super Eight. It was cinematic, peaceful, and one of my favourite moments of the day.

From there, Jess and Dan hopped onto a quad bike (yes, really!) and whizzed up to the marquee where the reception was being held. The wedding party had spent the previous day decorating the marquee themselves with hundreds of Chinese lanterns and tiny origami birds. It looked incredible! Dinner was an outdoor barbecue by Gastropod Catering. This included kebabs, rice, fresh salads, all cooked under an awning while guests enjoyed drinks and chatted.

They also added a really fun touch; about eight vintage camcorders they’d bought on eBay, and guests were encouraged to film each other throughout the evening. Watching everyone try to figure out how to use them was hilarious and it gave the night this nostalgic, early-2000s home-video vibe that also suited the Super Eight aesthetic perfectly.

Then came the speeches. Jess’s dad had everyone in stitches (clearly where she gets her stage presence from!). And Jess, being a comedian who performs at the Edinburgh Fringe, delivered one of the funniest speeches we’ve ever heard. Dan’s reactions were priceless, especially when she poked fun at their age gap!

Afterwards, everyone played Pass the Parcel, which made for some brilliant photos, pure laughter all around. Next up was a proper Cornish treat, cream teas and ice cream from the vintage Proper Vintage Cornwall van. Dan even hopped inside to serve Jess, which of course we captured on Super Eight, it was so sweet (pun intended)!

Later, the couple took a stroll for some couple portraits on the bridge and even played a round of crazy golf supplied by Little Eden Entertainment, completely unfazed by the drizzle. Instead of a traditional first dance, Jess and Dan invited everyone to the dance floor for a giant group photo and then the live band kicked off. The dance floor was packed, the energy was electric, and yes Jess’s cowboy boots made another star appearance!

Despite the weather, this day couldn’t have been more full of love, laughter, and personality. From the DIY touches and laughter-filled ceremony to the boat ride and dance floor chaos, Jess and Dan’s Cornish Tipis wedding was unforgettable. It was also my first time shooting on Super Eight film, something the couple specifically requested and I absolutely loved it. The final footage turned out beautifully, and you can check it out here on Instagram: