Brickhouse Vinyard Wedding | Devon Wedding Photographer | Gemma & Mike

One of the best bits about being a wedding photographer? The connection I get to build with every couple. Weddings aren’t just events I turn up to with a camera — they’re personal. And I’ve always said: the day I stop feeling touched during a ceremony is the time I put the cameras down and call it a day.

Because photographing a wedding is a real honour. You’re not just capturing pretty pictures — you’re holding space for one of life’s biggest moments. And if you’re not fully in it, heart and soul, then (in my opinion) it’s time to pass the baton.

But with Gemma and Mike’s wedding, I didn’t even make it to the ceremony before the tears started. I was already needing my pack of tissues at bridal prep — and not because of the usual emotional build-up. Nope, this one hit differently.

Gemma isn’t just any bride. She’s one of my all-time favourite humans. We met years ago working weddings at The Deer Park Country House (she’s a wildly talented florist — you will have seen her blooms on many a photo in my galleries), and over time, our work relationship turned into a proper, real-life friendship.

When I moved to Bristol, her place basically became my crash pad whenever I was back in Devon shooting weddings. We’ve had plenty of late-night pre-wedding marathons: me glued to my laptop editing, her wrangling flowers into masterpieces — occasionally letting me faff about with a stem or two (purely for morale, obviously).

So yes, when she met Mike — an amazing human in his own right— it just made sense. They’re one of those couples who are solid to their core. 

I may or may not have dropped subtle hints (well not so subtle at times, hey Mike?!!) that they should tie the knot. And when the ring appeared? I could barely contain my excitement.

Of course, I knew asking someone to photograph your wedding when you know a lot of wedding photographers is no easy task. You’ve seen it all. You know the red flags. You’ve probably got at least four friends in the industry you’re worried about offending. So when they popped the question, over a glass of wine that night if I’d consider it… Let’s just say: wild horses couldn’t have kept me away.

Their Devon wedding at Brickhouse Vineyard was so them — relaxed, personal, heartfelt, and overflowing with love. Nothing staged. Nothing stuffy. Just good people, proper joy, and a riot of jaw-dropping florals (obviously).

Gemma and Mike, thank you for the privilege. Not just of photographing your wedding, but for letting me be part of your lives, long before and after the ‘I dos’. Being your wedding photographer and friend will always be one of the greatest honours.

Also… sorry for crying so early. But you knew that was coming.

Venetia x