Sun, Sea & Emotion at Polhawn Fort – Saskia & Sam’s Cornwall Wedding

This wedding had it all! Sea, Sun, Emotion, Views to die for, fun and laughter all day long. My first wedding at Polhawn Fort, which is located right down in the south east corner of Cornwall! It is an impressive luxury venue with exclusive use for each couple. It provides a blank canvas for couples who wish to personalise their big day and bring in their own suppliers.

Saskia and Sam were on their planning from the very start and got me booked in well in advance of the wedding. A few months before their big day, we met up at Treyarnon Bay for a pre-wedding shoot (included as part of all my full day wedding bookings). We managed to get a glorious spring evening with clear blue skies and barely any wind. We had such a laugh, they got a bit wet but it really helped us to build that rapport ahead of the wedding day. They both loved their photos and found the shoot a worthwhile thing to do. I really do recommend you do one before your wedding!

Saskia & Sam’s Outdoor Ceremony at Polhawn Fort

Fast forward a few months to mid June, and it was time for their wedding day. In the morning we had some sporadic showers but the weather forecast was right for a change and they managed to get their dream outdoor ceremony, with the stunning backdrop of Whitsand Bay!

The ceremony was really special and it was a real privilege to see them both say their vows and capture all of the emotion as they did. We then had the most amazing confetti aided by two confetti canons. And I can tell you that it pays to hire a professional photographer who always has a plan and back up equipment at all times. As it was quite hot, one of my cameras, the one in my hand during the confetti storm, decided it was going to overheat and turn off! This was approximately one second after the confetti canons went off! I immediately dropped that camera and switched to the camera on my left and continued shooting. No one knew but me but it was one of those “oh shit moments” for sure. But that is why I always have two cameras on me at any one time, ready to go.

I was very happy to be working alongside Owen Bloor from https://www.jolvideography.co.uk/ who was capturing video. Saskia and Sam had actually won the day’s coverage in his annual full day coverage giveaway he does, something I am planning on doing, so give me a follow on instagram to find out more about that! I find that lots of my wedding couples don’t hire a videographer so it’s a nice change to work alongside someone else when they do and Owen was great to work with.

After drinks on the beautiful lawn and canapes, we did the group shots and then headed inside for speeches and their main meal. The catering was led by The Cornwall Chef, Corrina Talbot and the food was fantastic.

Sunset Beach Photos Below Polhawn Fort

The great thing about Polhawn Fort is that it has its own private beach! A short walk down the cliff and we were on the beach for some sunset shots with the bridal party and then just Sam and Saskia. The girls were straight into the sea for a paddle and the boys were eventually shamed into getting their socks and shoes off and they were in as well! I caught one of my favourite images ever of the two of them on the beach with Sam lifting Saskia up for a kiss – it was magical down there.

In the evening they had a great band called The Shadow monkeys who had everyone up and dancing, the interior of the fort looking fantastic. Then before i left, we did a champagne spray on the lawn, where i learnt to always check the wind direction before they unleash the spray. So I got completely soaked but it was worth it!

I was thrilled to get this message from Saskia following the wedding, “Thank you for making our day so incredible! I knew from the engagement shoot that the photos were going to be insane but jesus christ they’re amazing. Thank you for being a pleasure to spend time with and just making our day so easy and comfortable. It honestly couldn’t have gone better”.

Real moments. No stiff poses. Just you, your people, and the memories that matter most.

All in all, it was an amazing day spent in an amazing place, surrounded by lovely people and really great wedding suppliers. The exact reason why I love my job! Have a look at the images and if they speak to you and you think we could be a good fit, then just get in touch and let’s get planning your big day in Cornwall or wherever you are getting married!