TUNNELS BEACHES, ILFRACOMBE
Olivia and Kate were married on 6th October 2023 at Tunnels Beaches, and if you’ve never been to this venue, it’s one of the most unique spots on the North Devon coast. You reach the beach through a hand-carved tunnel cut straight through the cliffs from the streets of Ilfracombe. On the other side is a private beach and a Victorian tidal pool. It’s usually open to the public, but when there’s a wedding on, the beach is all yours, which always feels pretty special.
These two didn’t ease themselves into the day gently. They were up at sunrise for a 7am cold dip with family and friends. In October… in the sea! I’ll be honest, I was very happy to be holding a camera and not a towel. That said, it was such a brilliant way to start the celebrations. I captured Olivia and Kate walking into the water hand in hand as the sun came up, and those early morning frames turned out to be some of my favourites. The light was soft, everyone was buzzing, and there was this lovely sense of “we’re really doing this”.
After the swim, we made the most of the tunnel again, photographing the two of them heading back up towards the venue. The silhouette shots in there were a winner, with that contrast between the dark rock and the bright light at the end is just magic. Kirsty was second shooting with me, so once she arrived, we split up, one going with Olivia, one with Kate, capturing all the getting-ready moments in the cottages and bathhouse. Hair, makeup, laughter, a few happy nerves. I also nipped off to photograph the venue being set up. They’d styled it beautifully, with tables dressed in plants that guests could take home afterwards. Such a lovely idea, a little living memento of the day.
The weather really behaved itself, so they could hold the ceremony outside, under a pagoda overlooking the beach. It’s such a great spot for photos because you can shoot at eye level with everyone, then head higher up for those wide views of the sea stretching out behind. While everyone was getting ready, I caught their dog, the official ring bearer, rehearsing the aisle walk with the bridesmaids. A very important role, taken very seriously (mostly). Since both Olivia and Kate were wearing dresses, I photographed each one separately beforehand and kept everything under wraps. Neither had seen the other’s choice, which made the first look even more special.
Once they were dressed, we captured those lovely first moments with their dads. There’s always something about that part of the day, a mix of pride, nerves and trying not to cry. Then it was time. Olivia made her way through the tunnel first with her dad and bridesmaids, followed by Kate and her crew shortly after. Seeing each other at the top of the aisle brought on lots of tears. From them and from guests. The ceremony itself was full of heartfelt readings from friends and family, and I’m pleased to report the dog absolutely nailed the ring delivery. After signing the register in the pagoda, everyone gathered on the patio for confetti with the beach behind them.
True to Devon form, guests were treated to scones with jam and cream (we won’t start that debate here), followed by a big group photo with that incredible coastal backdrop. Later, I took Olivia and Kate down onto the beach for some couple portraits. The October sun had that perfect golden edge to it, and the volcanic sand created the most amazing contrast against their white dresses and flowing veils. We played with shadows, cliffs, light and movement. Honestly, it was a dream. Some of my favourite images of the whole day came from that little wander.
The bridesmaids wore this soft green that looked incredible against the dark cliffs, so we grabbed a few group shots, plus some fun bouquet-throwing moments against the sky. We also had to photograph the bespoke denim jackets their mums had made for them, with their names embroidered on the back. We shot those by the sea pool, and I even broke out the 35mm and medium format film for a few frames.
As everyone headed in for the wedding breakfast, the golden evening light poured into the room and gave everything a warm glow. The speeches were beautifully done, with both dads speaking, and both brides speaking about each other. There were definitely a few tears behind my camera.
Between courses, I caught a couple of quiet moments of Olivia and Kate looking out over the beach together. I don’t think they even noticed I was there, which is often when the best photos happen. As the tide went out and the sky started doing something dramatic and slightly Icelandic-looking, we headed back down to the sea pool. The reflections in the water were unreal, and those two white dresses against the moody sky were just stunning.
Back upstairs, it was time for cake cutting and games. They’d set up traditional antique-style games – Bagatelle, Hoopla and Skittles – all made by the family, which made it even more meaningful. There was also a slideshow running with photos from their adventures together, adding such a personal touch to the evening. For their first dance, Olivia had organised a surprise: one of Kate’s favourite singers performing live on acoustic guitar. It was such a thoughtful gift and such a beautiful moment to witness.
After that, the dancefloor filled up fast and didn’t empty for the rest of the night, dancing to another female acoustic singer/songwriter. So much energy, so many shapes being thrown. To finish, we gathered everyone in the rock tunnel for a sparkler tunnel. Firelight bouncing off the stone walls, cheers echoing through the tunnel, it was the perfect way to end an incredible day!
Olivia and Kate, it was an absolute pleasure to capture your special day. Thank you for having me.
Here’s to everyone involved!
Venue: Tunnels Beaches
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