Ellie & Josh’s Autumnal Wedding at Willow Marsh Farm

May 7

Autumn is one of my favourite times of year, so when Ellie and Josh chose to book me to capture their day, I was beyond excited! An Autumn Wedding at Willow Marsh Farm was an absolute dream, it has the perfect blend of rustic and modern, with the time of year it felt extra cosy with it’s large log burners which kept the spaces warm and cosy. An autumn wedding can be gamble when it comes to the weather, but Ellie and Josh were lucky enough to have perfect weather including the most magic golden hour of my wedding season!

A bride and groom hold hands and laugh together during golden hour.

Getting Ready in the Cosy Barn at Willow Marsh Farm

I joined them in the morning while they were both getting ready at the farm, which meant I could easily move between the two to capture all the pre-wedding moments. The beautifully decorated barns made the perfect backdrop. There was a perfect relaxed vibe from both preps, Josh with his groomsmen and Ellie with her bridal party. Ellie not only had her beautiful wedding dress, but her mums from the 80’s which she planned to change into at the end of the evening - how iconic!! Ellie chose to do her own makeup, and a close family friend styled her hair, along with her bridesmaids and did a wonderful job! Ellie’s mum helped her into her dress—and that’s when it all started to feel real! The excitement was building… it was time to get married!

An Autumnal Ceremony kept Cosy by the Fire

The ceremony room at Willow Marsh Farm is such a beautiful space, and it felt especially cosy and magical in the glow of autumn. The log fire was crackling away, casting a warm light across the room, and the seats were draped with soft, furry blankets to keep guests snug—such a thoughtful touch for the season. The florals were absolutely stunning, filling the space with colour and texture, and adding that extra wow factor as everyone walked in. It was a joyful, heartfelt ceremony, filled with smiles, happy tears, and so much love. As the couple were officially announced as Mr and Mrs, they walked back down the aisle hand in hand and then were led outside to a shower of beautiful floral confetti—it was such a magical moment, full of celebration and warmth.

A relaxed afternoon of portraits, drinks, and beetle jam!

After the ceremony, it was time for drinks and mingling with all of their wonderful guests! This part of the day is always one of my favourites—I get to focus on capturing all the natural, candid moments: hugs, laughter, and the pure joy that fills the air. We snuck away briefly for some relaxed couple portraits, making the most of the beautiful surroundings, but didn’t keep them too long—they were eager to get back and soak up time with their loved ones. I always love when couples put their own unique stamp on the day, and Ellie and Josh absolutely did that. Just before dinner, their bridesmaids gathered everyone for a game of Beetle Jam—a fun and quirky game that’s a favourite in their family and friendship group. It was the perfect ice breaker and got everyone laughing and chatting before the meal was served. Such a brilliant personal touch that set the tone for the evening ahead!

Golden Hour Portraits in the Autumn Light

One of the best things about having an autumn wedding is that the sun sets a little earlier, which makes it so much easier to sneak out during the day and soak up that golden glow. Although the day started off a little cloudy, we were treated to the most gorgeous golden hour—and wow, it did not disappoint! After dinner and just before the speeches, we stepped outside to make the most of it, and honestly, I think it was the best sunset of the season. Ellie and Josh looked absolutely incredible bathed in that soft, golden light. We wandered through the grounds, chasing the sun as it dipped behind the trees, and captured some truly stunning portraits of the two of them together. It was such a peaceful, magical moment—one of those rare times where everything just feels effortless and perfect.

Speeches and Dancing the night away at Willow Marsh Farm

After our golden hour portrait session, it was time for the speeches! True to their style, Ellie and Josh broke away from tradition in the best way. Not only did Ellie give a speech—which was heartfelt, thoughtful, and full of love—but her bridesmaids also took the mic, sharing their own memories and words for the couple. It was the perfect mix of laughter and emotion. There were happy tears, full-belly laughs, and so many beautiful moments that had the whole room completely captivated. You could really feel the love and admiration everyone had for Ellie and Josh—it was a joy to witness. Once the speeches wrapped up, the lights dimmed and the dancefloor came to life. Ellie and Josh shared their first dance, surrounded by cheers and smiles from their guests, before everyone joined in to dance the night away. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with love, fun, and unforgettable memories.

It was an absolute joy to capture Ellie and Josh’s wedding. Autumn is one of my favourite times of year, and love all of the colours and vibes that an autumn wedding brings, thank you for trusting me to capture your day!

“Carys was absolute perfection - so relaxed, so approachable, and a wildly talented photographer. We wanted pictures that captured what it felt like to get married, and Carys delivered in spades. She was like a ninja, an advisor, and a friend all rolled into one! Her photographs are absolutely breathtaking. If you're considering Carys, there isn't even a choice - book her now!”