Michelle Catullo Michelle Catullo

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!!”

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Michelle Catullo Michelle Catullo

Hannah & Oliver: Tree Top Escape Elopement and Bali Honeymoon

Hannah and Oliver’s elopement at Tree Top Escape in North Devon was beautifully simple and completely about them. They were fully present with each other, barely needing any direction, and it made photographing them effortless.

I was obsessed with Hannah’s dress — the detachable skirt added the perfect flowing drama, and cathedral veils are always a favourite of mine to work with.

Their ceremony, amongst the trees in the Nest, was intimate and relaxed. They laughed, and never took their eyes off one another. It felt like the day was just for them, and that’s exactly how it should be.

After the elopement, they jetted off to Bali for their honeymoon to soak up some sun and enjoy each other’s company — the perfect way to continue their adventure together.

Elopements like this are a reminder of what I love most about my job — capturing couples in a way that’s natural, intimate and super romantic.

If you’re dreaming of a day that’s just about the two of you — relaxed, romantic, and full of connection and joy — I’d love to hear about your plans.

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Michelle Catullo Michelle Catullo

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.

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Michelle Catullo Michelle Catullo

Hannah and Dempster - Millbrook Estate Elopement, North Devon

If there were ever two people who truly embrace a carefree kind of love, it’s these two.— it’s Hannah and Dempster.

From the moment the day began at Millbrook Estate, there was so much connection and joy between them. They laughed a lot and had that lovely calm feeling of two people who just know they’ve found their person.

Elopements have a lovely way of slowing everything down. Without the noise of a big crowd, the day feels really personal and relaxed. Hannah and Dempster completely embraced that.— completely present, completely themselves. And I loved my time with them so much.

Watching them together made my heart very happy.

One of my favourite parts of the day was hearing afterwards that the portrait session — the part Hannah admitted she had been slightly dreading — became one of the highlights. That means more than I can say. When couples relax, trust the process and simply lean into each other, that’s when the magic happens.

They later wrote:

“Just wanted to say a massive thank you for all you have done.
Our photos are absolutely wonderful! You’ve captured all the most important moments of our day so beautifully and we are so happy we get to relive it through the pictures.
I was definitely dreading the photo session but you were so fun and relaxed (& on our wavelength) that it actually turned out to be one of the highlights of the day.
You bring a lot of joy to many people’s lives I’m sure. Wishing you all the very best!”

Hannah and Dempster — thank you for trusting me with your story. Your love is joyful, what a privilege it was to capture it.

Venue & Suppliers

Venue: Millbrook Estate
Hair & Makeup: Iconic Hair and Makeup
Catering: Justine Wood Food
Suit: Moss Bros
Dress: Rookery Bridal
Dress Alterations: Suzie Marie Wedding Dress Alterations

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