A Devon village hall wedding - Helen Lisk Photography

I am so delighted to share some images from Louise and Matt’s wonderful Devon village hall wedding. They managed to fit a lot into the day, with two ceremonies, a ceilidh, morris dancing and an incredible Middle Eastern feast. I know I use this word a lot, but it really was an utter JOY of a celebration. Such a delight of a day, from start to finish. In fact, going back before that, it was just so lovely to get to know Louise and Matt. I was so looking forward to photographing their wedding day, and it did not disappoint!

Part 1: getting ready & a wedding ceremony in Crediton

We’d chatted about how special Matt’s family home was to him. I loved driving around the corner and seeing the smiling face on the cottage greeting everyone! Matt and friends got ready there, with Louise next door at a neighbour’s house. I was able to move between them both and photograph a bit of everything going on.

Then we headed off for ceremony number one at the beautiful St Lawrence Chapel, one of the oldest buildings in Crediton. It’s an amazing building, dating back to the 12th century. It’s hidden away behind the houses in the centre of town, with the prettiest little garden outside. It was really special to photograph Lou and Matt saying their vows here, with just their closest friends and family.

Matt’s Dad had decorated his camper van specially. He surprised them as they exited the chapel, with the chauffeur’s hat and a bottle of fizz – just so lovely! Then he whisked them away up to Dartmoor for the rest of the celebrations at the village hall.

A traditional Devon thatched cottage with two windows made into a smiling face

Two men laughing together while getting dressed for a wedding in a cottage bedroom with a low ceiling

Part 2: hand fasting ceremony on Dartmoor

Louise and Matt had told me about this amazing row of trees that they had spotted, so we had a little detour on the way to the village hall. It was the perfect place to stop for a few wedding day portraits. We drove up there and pulled up as arranged. Then there was suddenly huge excitement as a car skidded to a halt next to us with huge screams. It was some of their best friends, arriving from Australia for the ceremony, beside themselves with excitement to see Lou and Matt. It was utterly lovely, and made the whole stop even more special.

After all that excitement, and a few portraits amongst the beautiful trees, we continued to the village hall at Bridestowe. Louise and Matt had a larger hand fasting ceremony, led by their wonderful friend and witnessed by their wider friends and family. They’d been hoping to have an outdoor ceremony, but there was some serious rain threatening to start. So they opted for a lovely stretch tent instead, with open sides and beautiful views out onto the nearby tors. It was a personal and emotional ceremony, with readings from parents on both sides and plenty of tears and laughter. So incredibly special!

The rainclouds were gathering, but we managed to squeeze in group photos and some drinks and games. It was wonderful to make the most of the setting on Dartmoor before everyone moved inside the village hall.

Part 3: a village hall wedding feast

When I first walked into the village hall, I was stopped in my tracks by how incredible it all looked. Matt and Louise organised all the decoration themselves, and they did such an amazing job. They’d started with a completely blank slate, and turned it into the most incredibly beautiful setting for their feast and party. I always talk about how important lighting is when you are thinking about decor, and this is such a good illustration of that. The fabrics, tableware and decorations are all so beautiful, and then the whole room is lifted to another level by the lighting. The illustrations and stationery were all created by Matt and Louise as well, with Matt’s beautiful artwork everywhere. It looked incredible!

And then there was the feast. I cannot begin to describe how good this was. It was created by Eran’s Kitchen, and was the most delicious mix of Middle Eastern dishes. I wish I had more photos of this part, but I was too busy eating it myself. The huge array of delicious desserts was masterminded by another of their lovely friends. It was such a glorious afternoon of feasting, drinking, speeches and general celebration.

Part 4: ceilidh & morris dancing

As evening drew in, the guests helped clear the tables, sweep the floor and reset the village hall. The space looked amazing with coloured lights projected onto the ceiling drapes, and the village hall was transformed into a dance floor ready for the party.

I’ve said it before, but I do really love a ceilidh at a wedding. Well, I had one at my own wedding, so that says it all. Mad dancing, everyone involved, confused guests, and tons of laughter! It’s always brilliant to photograph, and this one was no exception. Then followed a special addition. Matt, his Dad, brother and several friends are all Morris Dancers. So Louise was seated in prime position, and they all performed for her. It was so wonderful, and really special to capture. The party and the dancing continued with an official ‘first dance’ for Louise and Matt, and then a fabulous playlist to finish the evening. That is how to pull off a village hall wedding, and what an incredible day of celebrations it was! I couldn’t have loved it more, and it’s such a pleasure to share some of the photos with you.