29/05/2026
I’m known far more for photographing people, moments, emotions and stories than I am for photographing shoes and jewellery. But every now and then a wedding morning presents a little gift of its own.
At Elmhay Park on the Orchardleigh Estate, Somerset, Aimee was getting ready in the beautiful Castle West Gatehouse while the temperature outside climbed to a very un-English 33°C. The sunshine pouring through the old leaded windows created these incredible geometric shadows across the windowsill, and I knew instantly I wanted to use them.
So before the dress went on and before the celebrations really began, I borrowed a few of the things that mattered most. Her wedding shoes, Tiffany jewellery, engagement ring, Van Cleef & Arpels perfume, a heartfelt handwritten speech from one of her bridesmaids, and yes… the bridal lingerie too. The result feels less like a traditional wedding flat lay and more like a still life from a fashion editorial.
For a little variety, I gathered everything up and moved outside onto the cobbled drive of the Gatehouse, creating a second look that felt completely different while still telling the same story of the morning.
The details might seem small, but years from now they’ll transport Aimee straight back to those quiet moments before she walked through the Italian Gardens to marry Toby.
