Devon Church Wedding
Ali and Lucy’s Wedding — Bishops Nympton Church & a Joyful Reception at Home
A warm, laughter-filled wedding in the heart of Devon — that’s how I’ll remember Ali and Lucy’s special day last August. As a natural wedding photographer based in Devon, I love capturing moments that feel real, relaxed and true to the couple. Their day in the village of Bishops Nympton, followed by a family reception in Lucy’s childhood home, was a perfect example of why I adore photographing weddings in this part of the country.
A village church ceremony in Bishops Nympton The ceremony took place in the beautiful church in my own village of Bishops Nympton. The setting was intimate and full of character — stone walls, warm light and the gentle presence of family and friends. Despite the typical unpredictability of British weather, the atmosphere inside the church was calm and joyful. Those quiet, candid moments as guests arrived, the vows, the smiles and the shared tears are the reason I shoot natural wedding photography: to preserve the emotion without staging or interruption.
Rain, laughter and authentic personalities August brought plenty of rain on the day, but it only added to the merriment. The showers turned into a running theme of the day and brought out everyone’s humour and resilience. Rain often reveals a couple’s true character, and Lucy’s determination to get outside for portraits in the wet was both inspiring and unforgettable. Her spirit — and the way Ali supported and laughed with her — made for relaxed, emotive images that feel utterly genuine.
An outdoor portrait session in the rain We made the most of the showers. With umbrellas, wellies and a sense of adventure, we captured playful, atmospheric portraits that tell the story of who Ali and Lucy are together. Rain can create beautiful reflections, softened light and a mood that’s impossible to fake. Their willingness to embrace the weather produced some of my favourite images from the summer season — candid embraces, shared smiles and the joyful spontaneity that only comes from going with the flow.
A golden hour finale at the family home As if the day needed another surprise, the rain eased just in time to gift us a stunning golden hour. The reception at Lucy’s family home felt wonderfully personal — garden games, heartfelt speeches and long conversations between loved ones. The late afternoon light transformed the gardens into a warm, glowing backdrop, perfect for relaxed group shots and those golden portraits that every couple treasures.
Why natural wedding photography works for days like this Natural wedding photography is about seeing and capturing the truth of the day. On a wedding like Ali and Lucy’s it meant:
Being flexible and responsive to changing conditions — rain, umbrellas, golden light.
Focusing on candid emotion rather than forced poses.
Using environmental light and context (the church, the family home, the garden) to tell a visual story. This approach allowed me to document a day that felt sincere and full of character, preserving the laughter, the little gestures and the big moments.
Memories that feel like the day Ali and Lucy’s wedding is a reminder that the best photographs come from living the day rather than controlling it. The combination of village charm, family warmth and a couple ready to embrace whatever came their way created imagery that truly reflects who they are. From the church ceremony in Bishops Nympton to the rain-soaked portraits and the golden hour in the garden, it was a joy to capture a wedding that felt so natural and so joyful.
If you’re planning a wedding in Devon and want photos that capture personality, atmosphere and honest emotion, I’d love to talk. I specialise in natural wedding photography across Devon — from village churches to family home receptions — and I’m always ready to embrace whatever the weather brings.
