A Relaxed Spring Elopement at Tree Top Escape, North Devon
Starla & Shanai’s Intimate Woodland Wedding with Their Daughter Suraya
Sometimes, the most meaningful celebrations are the simplest. — 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 authentic to them— centred around simply enjoying the moment as a family of three. No pressure, no big crowds… just time together being present with each other. Tree Top Escape is surrounded by nature which naturally makes you slow down, take everything in and feel connected which is exactly what Starla and Shanai hoped for.
The weather could not have been more perfect — bright spring sunshine, fresh countryside air, and daffodils in full bloom. Perfect !
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 we were all having such a good time.
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?. Also her pronunciation of the word ‘ alpacas’ was simply adorable.
A Ceremony Filled with Joy
Their ceremony was everything they wanted it to be — relaxed, full of genuine connection and authentic moments true to them.
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.
It’s the moments that make a wedding, and this day had plenty worth remembering.
Embracing the Country Life
After the ceremony 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 !
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!!”
Ellie & Charlie – An Outdoor Celebration Full of Sunshine and Soul
What a wedding. Ellie and Charlie… bravo.
They actually booked me after seeing me in action at another wedding, which is always such a compliment — and I’m so glad they did. From the moment we met a couple of months before the day and they talked me through their plans, I knew exactly the kind of atmosphere they were hoping to create.
Thankfully, the sun shone and everything fell into place just as they had imagined.
The entire day took place outdoors — ceremony, dining, speeches… everything. You all know how much I love an outdoor celebration, and this one really delivered. Even the first dance (and the start of the party) ended up happening outside after a slightly last-minute decision, and honestly, it made the atmosphere even better.
Although Ellie and Charlie had legally married a few days earlier in a very intimate ceremony, this was their larger celebration — and it still included a beautiful ceremony shared with all their favourite people.
The whole day had a European feel to it. The style and setting gave subtle Italian wedding vibes, with limoncello shots flowing during the speeches. Dinner had the essence of Spain, with paella served to guests, and as the evening unfolded it shifted into full Ibiza energy, with Lucy Harvey Sax setting the tone before Stephen Panter carried the party into the night. It all made perfect sense once you know how much these two love to travel.
What really stood out, though, was just how loved and respected Ellie and Charlie are. You could feel it in every interaction. After spending the day with them, it’s easy to see why. They are warm, fun and completely wrapped up in each other. The way they look at one another, the way they naturally connect — it’s effortless and it’s genuine.
Chris (North Summit Films & Photography) joined me as second photographer, and as always we worked as a team — and their friends and family couldn’t have been more welcoming to us both, which never goes unnoticed. So a big thank you to everyone.
And I have to mention Dougie.
The most well-behaved ring bearer… eventually. After a slightly off-course start down the aisle, he suddenly appeared like a rocket, delivering the rings with just as much enthusiasm as everyone else had for the day. He stole the show, caused a few giggles, and was clearly very proud of his role.
Days like this are such a reminder of why I love what I do — sunshine, travel-inspired touches, incredible food, music that carries you into the evening, and couples who are completely themselves.
An Intimate Woodland Elopement at Millbrook Estate
By now, it’s no secret that I have a huge soft spot for outdoor ceremonies. There’s something about them that feels different — the birds gently singing in the background, a breeze through the trees, and a calm that feels romantic and connected to nature.
This beautiful celebrant-led elopement took place in the woodland at Millbrook Estate Elopement Weddings. Just the two of them. No guests. No distractions. Simply the space to be present with each other.
The walk through the woods became their aisle — a path leading into a clearing surrounded by lush trees and soft greenery. As they stood together personal vows were exchanged — a perfect mix of gentle humour and heartfelt emotion.
With it being just the two of them, the connection between them was a joy to witness — it was about romance and authenticity. I never take for granted what a privilege it is to witness something so personal.
North Summit Films & Photography joined me on videography for the day, and I feel incredibly lucky to work alongside my husband on moments like these.
Leonard & Anna’s Coastal Wedding at Watermouth Cove
There was something incredibly special about Leonard and Anna’s wedding at Watermouth Cove — a day filled with wonderful energy, relaxed coastal vibes and the kind of atmosphere that can’t be forced; it just happens when the right people are together.
With superb weather, incredible food, sea views and a stunning sunset to close the evening, it was the perfect celebration from beginning to end. As the light glowed over the cove and guests danced into the night, it felt like one of those weddings you wish you could bottle up.
In all my years of photographing weddings, I have never experienced one where so many guests had travelled from all corners of the world to be there. That alone says everything about Leonard and Anna — deeply loved, and surrounded by the most wonderful people.
And then, of course, there was Bruno.
Their beautiful dog (and very important ring bearer) absolutely stole the show. He trotted down the aisle like a seasoned professional, smiles from every guest. I don’t think I’ve ever seen two prouder dog parents. He may have added a few perfectly timed comedic moments during the ring exchange and first kiss — but honestly, it only made the ceremony even more memorable.
As the celebrations unfolded, it was clear that this was more than just a wedding day. It was the coming together of friends and family from across the globe, all gathered to celebrate a couple whose adventure is only just beginning.
Leonard and Anna later said to us:
“We are so happy we chose the two of you — you matched our energy perfectly and made it all seem so effortless.”
Chris and I couldn’t agree more. It was an absolute joy to be part of your day — thank you both for trusting us to capture it.
Speaking of Chris — my husband (otherwise known as North Summit Films & Photography) — he joined me as second photographer, and as always, we worked in sync as a team to tell the full story of the day.
If you’re planning your own celebration at Watermouth Cove and feel drawn to relaxed coastal vibes, meaningful moments and timeless photography that reflects who you truly are, I’d love to hear more about your plans.
The Dream Team
Florist: From The Wild
Photo Booth: Margot Camper
Hair: Pinned to Perfection
Music: Obligato String Quartet
Jeven & Payton | Beaconside Country Estate Wedding
Jeven and Payton celebrated their incredible wedding day at Beaconside Country Estate — and what a day it was.
I know they’re eagerly watching their inbox, waiting for that gallery delivery email to arrive. So, to keep them on their toes just a little longer, I thought I’d share a small preview of what’s to come. Not long now…
From the very beginning, the love between these two was something truly special to witness. Effortless, warm and completely genuine — the kind of connection that makes my job feel like a privilege. They were complete naturals in front of the camera, trusting every suggestion and embracing every moment without hesitation. That level of trust means everything, and I’m so grateful for it.
Spending the day around them — and their wonderful family and friends — was an absolute tonic. There’s something so uplifting about a couple who are completely themselves, who laugh easily and hold each other close in the quiet in-between moments.
And given that they live just down the road… I have a feeling this won’t be the last time our paths cross.
Speaking of “our” — my husband Chris joined me as second photographer on the day. We work seamlessly together (though I like to think of us as equals!), and I truly couldn’t do it without him. Having that shared understanding and calm presence makes such a difference to how the day flows.
It was also a pleasure to work alongside some incredibly talented suppliers — both familiar faces and some lovely new connections. Collaboration like this is what makes wedding days so special.
Flowers- Church Park Flowers
Dress- Champagne and Charlotte
Hair - Trio and Bond Hair Studio
Assistant Photographer - North Summit Films and Photography ( my husband )
Decor - North Devon Party Celeberations
Signage- Signed by Jess
Singing Waiters- Silver Service Singers
Make up - Vicky Gilbert MUA
Beaconside Country Estate
Cake - Mollie Makes
