A Relaxed Spring Elopement at Tree Top Escape, North Devon

Starla & Shanai’s Intimate Woodland Wedding with Their Daughter Suraya

There’s something very special about stripping a wedding right back to what really matters — and Starla and Shanai’s spring elopement at Tree Top Escape in North Devon was exactly that.

Just the two of them, their beautiful daughter Suraya, and a whole lot of love.

After almost ten years together, they chose to celebrate their wedding day in a way that felt completely true to them — relaxed, meaningful, and centred around simply enjoying the moment as a family of three. No pressure, no big crowds… just time together.

The weather could not have been more perfect — bright spring sunshine, fresh countryside air, and daffodils in full bloom.

Tree Top Escape is one of those places that instantly slows you down. it creates the most beautiful backdrop for couples wanting something a little more personal and connected to nature which is exactly what Starla and Shanai hoped for.

A Morning Full of Laughter (and a Little FaceTime)

The morning was relaxed from the very start. There was no rush, no stress — just excitement and laughter as they got ready together. In Starla’s own words “ It was just us chilling and getting ready together- veryyyyyy relaxed indeed!! “

One of my favourite moments before the ceremony was them FaceTiming family. It was such a lovely way to include loved ones while still keeping their day intentionally small. And honestly… they had me laughing the entire time — their personalities are just so fun and full of life.

From the moment I arrived, I knew we were going to get along. By the end of the day, I was half-jokingly offering to stay and photograph for free because I was having that much fun.

Suraya Steals the Show

At first, Suraya was a little shy — staying close and hiding behind legs.

But thanks to my background in childcare, it didn’t take long at all before we were chatting and laughing, Within minutes, we were friends.

And from that point on, she absolutely stole the show.

While waiting on the balcony before the ceremony, there was some very important alpaca spotting happening — something Suraya was far more focused on than anything else. In fact, mid-ceremony, she couldn’t help but ask when we were going to go and visit them… priorities, right?

A Ceremony Filled with Joy

Their ceremony was everything they wanted it to be — relaxed and full of genuine connection.

With just the three of them there, there were no distractions — just looks of love and laughter.

Then came one of the sweetest and funniest moments of the day — when ‘toast’ drinks were offered after the ceremony, Suraya looked completely confused and asked “why are we having toast”… as in actual toast. It was one of those perfectly innocent, childlike moments that everyone will remember forever.

Embracing the Country Life

After the ceremony, things stayed beautifully relaxed. Shanai fully embraced the countryside setting, swapping into a wax jacket and matching cap — a perfect nod to their shared love of laid-back country life.

We wandered the gorgeous grounds , we laughed, and we captured memories and moments.

Spring light, open space, and a family completely at ease with each other — it’s everything I love about photographing elopements like this. No pressure — just real moments, real connection, and the freedom to truly enjoy and relax.

Being trusted to capture something so intimate, especially with a little one involved, is always such a privilege. And when a child feels comfortable enough to be themselves, is something that really means a lot to me.

Kind Words

After their day, they sent me this:

“We can’t thank Michelle enough for adding to the magic and the joy of our special day!! We had an elopement wedding to Tree Top Escape — just us and our 4 year old daughter. Michelle was amazing — she was very helpful as this was our first time having professional photographs taken. She took beautiful candid shots as well as amazing posed photography. She was so kind and attentive — she accommodated our daughter and involved her in such clever ways. Michelle was funny, bubbly and overall an amazing person!! We are so happy that we chose her and for any big events in the future we will surely be booking!!”