Pynes House Wedding Photography, Exeter | Emily & James
There are some weddings that stay with you long after the last image is edited, and Emily and James's day at Pynes House is one of them.
Emily and James are two of the kindest people I've had the pleasure of photographing. Every time our paths crossed, they'd check I was okay and ask if they could get me anything, and that warmth ran right through their guests too. I was made to feel so welcome by everyone, and so looked after, that the whole day felt like being among friends.
Emily's loved ones describe her as beautiful inside and out, and it didn't take long to see exactly why. She and James love to have fun, and they were completely themselves from start to finish, which made them an absolute joy to be around.
Set in the rolling Devon countryside just outside Exeter, Pynes House is every bit as elegant as you'd hope: a graceful red-brick country house with tall sash windows, a sweeping staircase and gardens that glow in the late summer light. It was the perfect backdrop for a couple who wanted their day to feel both beautiful and completely their own.
On Saturday 12 September, surrounded by the people they love most, Emily and James said their vows in front of the house, then celebrated late into the night.
The Little Details
It's often the smallest details that tell you the most about a couple. Emily and James's invitations were beautifully illustrated, with a delicate stone archway framed by lavender. The lettering curving around the arch was written in an Elvish-style script, a quiet nod to Tolkien, I'm sure of it.
Their rings carry a story of their own. Rather than choosing them from a shop window, Emily and James made them together at Carbon Studios in Cornwall, something they described as such a lovely experience. There's something so romantic about that. Every time they look down at their hands, they'll be reminded of the day they shaped them, side by side.
Bridal Prep in the Bridal Suite at Pynes House
The morning began with soft light pouring through the tall windows of the bridal suite, and a room full of Emily's favourite people in matching sage pyjamas. With six bridesmaids, there was no shortage of laughter and bubbles, but beneath it all there was a lovely sense of calm.
Emily wanted a photograph of everyone together in their pyjamas, gathered on the four-poster bed, and it's one of my favourite images from the whole morning. It's full of warmth, and exactly the kind of friendship you want around you on your wedding day.
Then came the quieter moments: the dress hanging in the window, a bridesmaid carefully fastening Emily's veil, and that first glimpse of her, ready to go.
A little advice if you have a larger bridal party: give yourselves more time than you think you'll need. Emily's relaxed timings meant the morning never felt rushed, and you can feel that ease in every photograph.
The Groom's Prep
Upstairs, James and his groomsmen were getting ready into their suits and helping each other with their button holes. There was a cold beer or two, plenty of laughter, and a quieter moment out on the terrace as his buttonhole was fixed, with the Devon countryside stretching out behind them.
A First Look with Dad
One of the moments I'd been looking forward to most was Emily's first look with her dad. As she turned around, his face lit up completely: that proud, beaming smile, then a joyful little celebration, with Emily's mum watching on beside him.
It was such a genuine, heartfelt moment, and exactly why I love first looks with a parent. Before the day becomes a whirl of guests and celebrations, it gives you a few precious minutes that are just yours.
Before heading downstairs, Emily took a moment by the window with her bouquet of soft white and blue blooms by From the Wild. Calm, glowing and completely herself.
An Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at Pynes House
Emily and James said their vows outside, in front of the house, with their guests gathered on either side of the aisle. James set the tone perfectly, making his entrance with his groomsmen to the Star Wars theme. For a groom who loves nothing more than vlogging and making content on his phone, it couldn't have been more him, and it was the perfect way to begin.
Then the bridal party followed: both mums, six bridesmaids, and finally Emily on her dad's arm. They made their way down the grand staircase, beneath the most beautiful stained-glass window, through the front doors and out towards James. Standing together at the front, they were both beaming.
Confetti and Drinks in the Rose Garden
As newlyweds, they stepped out through the main doors into a shower of confetti, arms in the air and grinning from ear to ear. From there, everyone drifted into the rose garden for drinks and canapés, while I gathered family and friends for a few group photographs.
Emily had sent me her group list, names and all, before the day. It meant we moved through them quickly, and everyone was soon back to the celebrations.
Couple Portraits and the Family MG
Emily and James had one special request for their portraits: a few photographs with James's dad's red MG. It's a treasured family heirloom, and there was something really lovely about having it there, a little piece of family history woven into their day.
As the sun broke through, we spent some time around the house and gardens. Emily's veil caught the breeze, there were quiet kisses on the terrace, and plenty of laughter as they took the MG for a spin.
Golden Hour Portraits at Pynes House
After the speeches and the wedding breakfast, I stole Emily and James away again as the evening light turned golden. The long tree-lined avenue at Pynes House is made for this moment, and as the sun dipped lower, they walked hand in hand, completely lost in each other.
These are always some of my favourite photographs of the day. For just a few minutes, it's only the two of you. No timings, no guests, just time to take in everything you've promised each other.
Tiramisu, Espresso Martinis and the Evening Party
Rather than a traditional wedding cake, Emily and James cut into a tiramisu, followed by a tower of espresso martinis. It was a perfectly chosen, entirely them way to toast the evening.
As dusk fell, the MG made one final appearance for one last spin. Then came their first dance, and a party that carried on late into the night.
Thank You, Emily & James
Emily and James, thank you for looking after me so beautifully and for letting me be part of your day. It was full of love, laughter and so many little touches that were completely you, and I feel so lucky to have captured it.
If you're planning a romantic, relaxed country house wedding, whether at Pynes House or closer to home in Worcestershire, the Cotswolds or the Midlands, I would absolutely love to hear from you.
Suppliers:
Venue: Pynes House, Upton Pyne, Exeter
Wedding Coordinator: Phoebe Stanaway
Caterer: Pickle Shack
Makeup: Samantha Marie Bridal
Videographer: James Freestone
Florist: From the Wild (Alice Wright)
DJ: Prescott Entertainment
Wedding Rings: Carbon Studios, Cornwall (Becca Williams)
Wedding Car: The groom's dad's MG
