T&A - The Cliff & Spa Hotel Summer Wedding

Written By Kieran Jones

T&A Portrait - West Wales Scenery background, Gwbert, Wales

Mr & Mrs T&A found me as their photographer for their wedding through Hitched.co.uk, and here’s a great blog about their special day …

Under the azure sky, spangled with hints of cotton candy clouds, I arrived at the Cliff & Spa Hotel for Taylor and Aled's wedding day. The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting dancing shadows across the sprawling lawns. I took a deep breath, savoring the scent of wildflowers mingled with the salty tang of the nearby cliffs. This place was nothing short of breathtaking, a photographer’s dream filled with romantic landscapes just waiting to be captured.

As I set up my equipment, my mind was buzzing with ideas. I wanted to portray not just the ceremony but the emotions that swirled around Taylor and Aled like a sweet summer breeze. I envisioned candid moments: the laughter during the heartfelt speeches, the stolen glances between the couple, and the joyous agitations of their close-knit families. Those small, unscripted moments often hold the purest essence of the day—a stolen kiss, an uncontested smile, or the shine of happy tears, all weaving a tapestry of unforgettable memories.

With a soft jingle of bells, my focus shifted to Taylor, the bride. She was radiant, clad in a gown that flowed gracefully with every move, a soft halo of white that seemed to reflect the sun’s warmth. I could see the nervous excitement in her eyes, and I made it my mission to capture that. I encouraged her to breathe deeply, to take a moment to absorb the joy surrounding her, which led to a laugh that rippled with authenticity. Snap! A candid picture that spoke volumes, her laughter a bright note in the symphony of the day.

Aled soon joined, his casual charm offering a balance to Taylor’s effervescence. The two of them together lit up my lens; their chemistry was palpable. My favorite challenge emerged as I pulled them away from the crowd for a few intimate portraits amidst a backdrop of cliffs. As they embraced, framed by rugged nature, I coaxed them into playful interaction. “Tell each other your most embarrassing moments,” I suggested, and with that, a cascade of laughter erupted—it was nothing shy of magical.

Then came the clouds. Oh, how they shifted quickly! I felt the pressure as the brilliant sunlight was swallowed by a gray blanket, but I surrendered to the moment—embracing the change rather than fighting it. The diffused light offered a soft, romantic glow that worked beautifully for portraits. It was a gentle reminder to roll with the punches and trust the process. I adjusted my settings and captured images that felt ethereal, with the couple gazing into each other’s eyes against the moody backdrop; it was as if they belonged to a fairytale.

The ceremony was punctuated with heartfelt vows and sincere emotions. Standing near the front, I moved almost instinctively—the heightening emotions propelling me closer to the subjects. Each tear, each smile, each loud cheer from friends brought with it an energy I couldn’t help but translate through my lens. The challenge of capturing it all, weaving between guests to encapsulate the love surrounding them, was exhilarating.

As the day wound down, the couple took to the dance floor. The golden hour cloaked the landscape in warmth, and I knew I had to seize this moment. I sought out candidness once more, honing in on the affectionate glances, the silly twirls, and the way their fingers interlaced. I framed a shot just as Aled twirled Taylor, the sunlight catching her gown in resplendent hues. Click! That moment would become etched in my mind forever—the embodiment of their joyous union.

At the close of a perfect June day, while they shared a quiet moment overlooking the cliffs, I felt honored to be the one to capture it all—the radiant love of Taylor and Aled against a stunning backdrop, each photograph a testament to a day filled with raw emotion and beautiful candor. It reminded me why I fell in love with photography in the first place: to encapsulate emotions, to tell stories, and to preserve timeless love in a world that’s always in motion.

Congratulations T & A

Kieran Jones
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L&J - Christ Church Wedding