A Big Wedding Bash at Polhawn Fort

Polhawn Fort is an incredibly versatile wedding venue. The fort is perched on the side of the cliff in Cornwall’s “Forgotten Corner” – The Rame Peninsula and can be hired out for exclusive use for weddings. We photograph at the fort on a regular basis – sometimes the guest list is as small as twenty people and other times its used for a large wedding – such as in the case of Leah and Glen’s wedding.

Leah and Glen are a fun and sociable couple – from start to finish everybody was in the mood to celebrate.

I joined Leah and her many bridesmaids in one of the bedrooms for some drinks and preparation photographs before heading through to the main reception room for an intimate and lighthearted ceremony.

Leah’s dress, shoes and flowers had a subtle vintage feel. Dress by Benjamin Roberts (Enzoani – Diana). The flowers are by Ruth Andrews who provides flowers for most of the weddings at Polhawn Fort. Shoes by Kurt Geiger.

Polhawn Fort is licensed for civil ceremonies with both outdoor and indoor ceremony options. Although the sun was shining, Leah and Glen opted to get married indoors as even in the height of summer, it is so atmospheric inside. And just look at how proud Leah’s father looks!

The weather was perfect for drinks and photos on the lawn and I’ve never seen so much confetti!

During the afternoon I snuck off with Leah, Glen, Adj of Memories on Film and one of the best men for a walk on the beach. Leah had bought some wellies especially for our photo shoot but then forgot them so Tom’s trainers had to make do. The walk down the cliff was pretty long and the walk back up even longer – but worth it.

Back at the fort we were treated to a fabulous candle lit meal provided by Green Fare Caterers in the main room (which also doubled up as the ceremony room). Not to mention the most drunken and controversial ‘two best men’ speech I’ve ever witnessed!

My favourite thing about summer weddings is that after the meal we can go back outdoors again and often catch a sunset. I always enjoy casually moving around the crowds and finding great photos of people having a good time – I don’t have to interrupt them and I still get the shots to describe the day. This little black board is an ideal prop which allows the bride and groom to make some cute ‘thank you’ cards.

As the sun went down I set up the vintage photo booth inside and started snapping away as all the guests tried out the silly props – I’ve found that this always works better in the evenings after the guests have had a shandy or FIVE!

I had to head home soon after the first dance but I’m sure the partying continued through into the wee small hours out on that headland somewhere in a ‘forgotten corner’ of Cornwall!

Follow this link to see all the photos (the password is the groom’s last name – UPPER CASE).

I’d like to take the opportunity to wish Leah and Glen the very, very best for a long and happy marriage with as much fun and laughter as they had on their big day!

A special mention to all those who helped make it happen: