St. Mellion Estate Golf & Holiday Resort, St Mellion, Saltash Cornwall, PL12 6SD
I love beautiful weddings and capturing them in a relaxed documentary style. I also love getting to visit some of the award winning venues Cornwall has to offer. This is why I was so delighted when Jim reached out to me.
They were having a wedding at St. Mellion Estate - Golf & Holiday Resort and needed a Cornish wedding photographer. We got talking, and by the end, he booked my "Signature" wedding photography package, which includes up to 10 hours of coverage and aerial photography. They also got a 1-minute highlight video as an added bonus.
I enjoyed many things about Mandy and Jim's St. Mellion Estate Golf and Holiday Resort wedding. There was love in the air and fireworks. Yes, the literal and the emotional kind. Mandy and Jim were also great fun to work with. Here's a short recap of how beautiful this day was.
St. Mellion Resort Wedding Venue
St. Mellion is a fabulous Cornish wedding venue. Located in Saltash, Cornwall, this picturesque location played the perfect host to Mandy and Jim's wedding. I loved capturing this wedding with my regular and aerial wedding photography.
One of the things you'll love about this venue is the beautiful wooded valleys present in the backdrop. You'll also enjoy the splendid views of the golf course and the big lake. Feel free to check out their fantastic wedding packages here.
Getting Ready
Documenting the couple getting ready is one process I enjoy when it comes to Cornish weddings. For this, I use my candid wedding photography. That is where I take lovely pictures of the couple and their loved ones while going unnoticed for most of the time.
I started capturing Mandy as she and her bridal party had their hair and makeup done. This was handled by a family friend who seemed very talented. Everyone looked gorgeous and excited for the big day ahead. I was ready too.
While at this, I also took the opportunity to take fabulous pictures of the wedding venue. St. Mellion Estate is a very picturesque space. I especially loved using my aerial photography to capture the breathtaking golf course.
While with the bride, I also captured essential details like the bouquets. The bride's bouquet was personalised and looked terrific. Then I went downstairs to photograph the reception venue decorated and the ceremony room before guests arrived. During this time, I took the opportunity to capture the wedding cake, wedding favours, seating and table decorations etc.
Once Mandy was ready, she had a beautiful first look moment with her family. She looked gorgeous, and they were so happy to see her. I then took some group photos on the balcony. The golf course provided the perfect backdrop!
Jim and his groomsmen looked terrific as they got ready too. Dressed in grey suits with blue ties, very smart! I also took pictures of them with the golf course in the background. While with Jim, I also captured the wedding rings and a lovely handkerchief gift with a sweet message from Mandy. Have I mentioned how in love this couple is yet??
The Ceremony
It was clear how much Mandy and Jim loved each other during the ceremony. It seems Mandy knew him all too well as the hanky came in useful for Jim as things got emotional.
I started the Cornish wedding ceremony photography by using my documentary photography skills. I captured Jim and the guests as they chatted and waited for the celebration to begin. This started with their children walking down the aisle in pairs.
After them, it was time for Mandy to be walked down the aisle, too. Jim looked so delighted to see her. I am glad I could preserve the look on his face as he saw her. These are lovely memories for them to look back on in the future.
Then the ceremony started, with the female celebrant leading them through the motions. The couple said their vows, exchanged rings and then shared a lovely first kiss as a married couple. They looked so happy. They then signed their wedding certificate before walking out and sharing a toast at the champagne reception.
Cornish Wedding Day Photoshoot and Portraits
I had such a lovely time taking posed and group photos of this couple and their loved ones. We went off around the golf course in the afternoon in the golf carts to tour the different photo opportunities. Mainly down by the big lake next to the golf course, where we took the majority of the portrait photos. St. Mellion Estate has many beautiful spots for photos. I also flew my drone and got a few shots from the air. During all the pictures we had so much fun.
After that, I worked through the couples list of group photos. This is something that I go through with all my couples and all part of the pre-wedding questionnaire I send out.
I also captured a beautiful confetti toss moment they shared with their loved ones. It was all smiles and lovely wedding day fun.
The Reception
Cornish wedding receptions are such fun! The speeches were beautiful, and the menu provided by the venue was also lovely - the guests all commented on how much they enjoyed their three courses. They also provided me with a delicious meal. Something that is always appreciated after being on your feet for most of the day.
Then as the sunset came, the big surprise that only a few of us knew about - was a private fireworks display! Here Jim surprised everyone with a breathtaking fireworks display over the golf course. How amazing is that!
After the firework display, which enthralled guests, it was time for the cake cutting. Jim is a fantastic guy who has a great sense of humour, and they were both laughing all day.
Then it was time for the first dance and oh the love in the air. You could feel it as Mandy and Jim twirled and stared into each other eyes. Then they invited loved ones to join them on the dance floor and even dragged me up, where I demonstrated that photographing first dances doesn't make you a better dancer, haha.
Finally, as the night drew to a lovely close, it was time for the couple to let down their hair and party. They changed into fun party clothes as they got on the dancefloor with loved ones. I had such a lovely time at this wedding, and I wish Mr and Mrs Pilkington the very best. I know they have a fantastic future together! Thanks again for the opportunity, Jim.
I'd love to capture and document your special Cornish wedding moments just like this. Are you planning a wedding in Cornwall? Then feel free to contact me for the best wedding photography packages. I'd love to hear from you.
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Professional, Fun and Relaxed Wedding Photography
My name is Steven! I'm a full-time documentary wedding photographer from Cornwall. I specialise in relaxed and unposed photography, capturing the moments of your day as they happen.
I love what I do, and I always have fun doing it. If you are looking for someone to capture every moment, create beautiful lasting memories, someone who will laugh with your guests, talk to the kids, pet all the dogs and get stuck into almost any task on the day, then I am the person for you!
