Capturing Love and Lavender:

Rhys & Hannah's Wedding

A portrait of a happy bride and groom standing in a vineyard at Llanerch Vineyard, with golden light in the background. The couple is looking at each other, holding hands, and smiling.

As a wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of meeting some truly incredible couples, and Rhys and Hannah were no exception. Our journey together started over a year before their big day, back on the 23rd of July, 2024. We met for their engagement photoshoot at the breathtaking Dunraven Bay- a spot I love to recommend for pre-wedding shoots. That evening, the sky put on a show for us, painting itself in beautiful shades of purple, which perfectly complemented Hannah's stunning light purple dress. It felt like a little hint of the lavender magic that was to come! Our time together at Dunraven Bay wasn't just about getting some beautiful photos; it was a chance for me to get to know them, to see their connection, and to start telling their unique love story.

A silhouette of an engaged couple standing together on a clifftop at sunset. The vibrant colors of the setting sun cast a beautiful glow over the sky and the sea at Dunraven Bay, Wales. A happy couple walks hand-in-hand along the sandy beach at Dunraven Bay, South Wales, with a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and blue sky. A couple in a warm embrace, standing on a grassy clifftop overlooking the sea and the ruins of Dunraven Castle at Dunraven Bay, Wales. The golden hour light creates a beautiful, romantic atmosphere.
A candid, close-up photo of an engaged couple standing on the rocks at Dunraven Bay, South Wales. They are smiling at each other with the sea and sky in the background. A portrait of an engaged couple standing on a rocky path with dramatic cliffs and the sea in the background. The photo captures a romantic moment from their photoshoot at Dunraven Bay, Wales. An engaged couple holding hands and walking up a grassy path on a cliffside, with the expansive sea visible behind them at Dunraven Bay, South Wales.

Fast forward exactly one year, and I arrived at the beautiful Llanerch Vineyard to capture their magical vineyard wedding on the 23rd of July, 2025. The entire venue was decorated in a beautiful lavender theme, a personal touch that also paid tribute to their new last name. My day started with Hannah in the bridal suite, capturing all those special getting-ready moments. Seeing her get into her dress, the way she smiled in the mirror: that's the pure, unfiltered joy that I live to photograph. She looked absolutely stunning, and it was clear how ready she was to walk down the aisle!

A flat-lay photo of a bride's wedding details, including a pair of white high-heeled shoes with pearls, a bottle of perfume, a necklace, and a floral bouquet. A candid shot of the bride and groom at the altar during their wedding ceremony. They are holding hands, with the groom looking forward and the bride looking slightly away. A reflective close-up photo of a bride in her wedding dress, seen through a circular mirror, as she adjusts her earring. The photo captures her smiling expression as she prepares for her special day at Llanerch Vineyard.
A reflective photo of a bride smiling at her own reflection in a large, gridded mirror while getting ready for her wedding at Llanerch Vineyard in South Wales. She is wearing a lace wedding dress and a necklace. A wide shot of the empty wedding reception room at Llanerch Vineyard, with round tables decorated with pink runners and flowers, ready for the guests. The room has large windows and a white draped ceiling with fairy lights. A close-up shot of the wedding ceremony decor, showing a floral arrangement in a glass vase placed on a carpeted aisle, with chairs and soft lighting in the background.

The ceremony itself was full of personal touches that made it so special. As guests arrived, they were given a wedding newspaper filled with fun facts about the couple and a few of my favorite shots from their Dunraven Bay engagement shoot. It was a brilliant idea and a fantastic way to welcome everyone. And as a huge film fan, I was absolutely thrilled when the bridal party was introduced to a beautiful piano version of the Jurassic Park theme music! It was a beautiful and fun start to a heartfelt ceremony. The light streaming into the venue's ceremony room was simply perfect, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere for their vows.

A close-up of a wedding invitation or program placed on a chair, with a small floral bouquet on the floor next to it. The chairs are arranged for a wedding ceremony. A black and white photo of the groom from behind, waiting at the end of the aisle before the wedding ceremony. The room is decorated with lights, and wedding guests are seated on either side. A candid shot of the bride and groom at the altar during their wedding ceremony. They are holding hands, with the groom looking forward and the bride looking slightly away.
A candid shot of a bride and groom holding hands during their wedding ceremony at Llanerch Vineyard. They are looking at each other, and guests are visible in the background. The newly married couple shares a kiss at the end of their wedding ceremony, with happy guests clapping in the background at Llanerch Vineyard, South Wales. The room is decorated with draped fabric and hanging lights. A couple in their wedding attire signing their marriage certificate. They are seated at a table near a large window, looking at each other and smiling.

After the ceremony, we headed outside to the picturesque grounds of Llanerch Vineyard for group photos and some romantic couples' portraits. The vineyard provides such a variety of backdrops, from the rows of vines to the beautiful main building. Every corner was a new opportunity for a great photo! Then it was time for the reception, and the space was a visual treat, decorated from top to bottom in their theme color. But the true stars of the show were the food displays! They had a magnificent cheese wheel wedding cake - a tower made of actual wheels of cheese, not a dessert, along with a delicious donut tower. It was quirky, fun, and totally them!

A bride and groom pose together in a vineyard, with golden leaves framing the shot. They are both smiling, holding a glass of wine, and looking at the camera. The groom embraces his bride from behind while they pose on a wooded path, both smiling. The background is a mix of green leaves and trees, creating a beautiful setting for their wedding photos. A happy bride and groom walk hand-in-hand down a wooded path, surrounded by lush green foliage. The photo captures a romantic moment from their wedding day at Llanerch Vineyard, South Wales.
A candid photo of a groom giving a speech or toast during the wedding reception. He holds a glass of champagne with a surprised, open-mouthed expression. A candid photo of a bride and groom laughing with their wedding guests while seated at a reception table at Llanerch Vineyard, South Wales. The room is decorated with a white-draped ceiling and fairy lights. A bride and groom look back over their shoulders at the camera while walking away from the viewer on a wooded path. The groom has his arm around the bride.

The rest of the evening was a blast! Guests enjoyed lawn games, with the giant Jenga tower being a huge hit. The wobbly towers and eventual crashes created so much laughter and were a joy to photograph. The evening crescendoed with the cake cutting and an unforgettable first dance. The couple was introduced in such a unique way: they were already on the dance floor behind a curtain, and as the music started, the curtain lifted to reveal them dancing in a cloud of smoke. It was a beautiful, dramatic moment that I loved capturing. The party truly kicked off in true British fashion, with everyone on the dance floor for "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

The bride and groom dance together during their reception at Llanerch Vineyard. The bride's skirt flows as she spins, and the room is decorated with a white-draped ceiling and fairy lights. The newly married bride and groom share a moment during their first dance. They are nose to nose, with lights sparkling from the ceiling behind them at their Llanerch Vineyard reception. A close-up photo of a wedding 'cake' made of stacked cheese wheels, decorated with purple flowers and a custom topper with the names 'Rhys & Hannah.' In the background, a tiered stand holds donuts.
A man in a blue suit smiles while playing an outdoor lawn game, holding a wooden block from a Jenga tower. The photo captures a fun, candid moment from the wedding reception. A wedding guest, wearing a dark purple dress, raises her hands in the air with a joyful, open-mouthed smile while dancing at the Llanerch Vineyard reception. A disco ball hangs from the ceiling. Wedding guests play a giant Jenga game on the lawn at Llanerch Vineyard in South Wales. The group is casually dressed and enjoying the outdoor reception.

Rhys and Hannah, your day was a perfect reflection of your personalities: full of joy, love, and unique details. It was an honor to be your wedding photographer and capture every single special moment. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, and I hope these wedding photos will bring back all the wonderful memories for years to come!

Venue: Llanerch Vineyard Hotel
Dress: Laura May Bridal
Makeup & Hair: @amorebridalhairpenarth
Caricaturist: Mark B The Caricaturist
DJ: DJ Alan Matthews