A wedding by the sea: Lucy and Josh at Polhawn Fort
It’s now three days since I shared Lucy and Josh’s incredible wedding by the sea, and I think I’m still smiling. It simply was the most joyous celebration, and utterly, utterly perfect from start to finish. I had a really good feeling about the whole day before it even started. Lucy and Josh had just been a joy to get to know, and I felt like we really clicked – and I loved their plans for the day, they loved my photography, and everything just felt like it had the potential for something really special – a brilliantly relaxed and fun celebration by the sea, with lots of really good food and drink thrown in. Plus, I love shooting weddings at Polhawn Fort – it’s one of my favourite venues to return to – I absolutely love the combination of private beach, stunning views and the most incredible (dark and) light inside the fort. The weather forecast was seriously hot, but we were by the sea, so that just gave things another big tick. So, I went in with massively high expectations, but everything about the day just completely exceeded these. From the spectacular morning swim on the beach with the boys, to all the fun of everyone getting ready in side-by-side rooms, to how incredible Lucy looked in her backless Rime Arodaky dress, to the ceremony filled with smiles and overseen by cats Ernie and Zeuss, and the wonderful celebration that followed. It was all just amazing. But above all this, the thing that really stood out for me, and the thing that made the whole day so much of a joy to photograph, was the love between Lucy and Josh. That might sound cheesy, but it’s genuinely not meant to. They shone at each other. Completely sparkled. It was something quite wonderful to capture, and I headed home that night completely in love with their love story.
Oh, and then there were the dolphins. We saw dolphins. It was early evening, and everyone was out on the lawn, enjoying drinks and watching the sunset. We were about to head inside for Lucy and Josh’s first dance. And then someone suddenly shouted, “DOLPHINS!”. And there they were, down in the bay below, swimming around the boats. It was utterly magical. Just one of the most special experiences ever. To see dolphins swimming in the Cornish waters is a wonderful experience alone, but to have this happen on your wedding day… so amazing for Lucy and Josh!
Anyway, I will stop waffling on, because this is really just about the photographs, and I’m so excited to share this preview. I’ll leave a final word to Lucy and Josh themselves, who sent me this wonderful email yesterday:
“We had to say the biggest thank you to you for just everything. You have been absolutely incredible and certainly were a massive piece in making our day so special – we feel like we’ve gained an amazing friend, as well as the most talented photographer. I think the dolphins at sunset were the icing on the cake.
“We honestly cannot put into words how grateful we are for all of your support, in both the build up to and of course, on the big day itself. We had just the most perfect day from start to finish and you really did go above and beyond to make us feel relaxed and special. All of the guests said how amazing and fun you were too.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!!”
![Wedding details at Polhawn Fort](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_2.jpg)
![Light shining through vintage decanters](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_3.jpg)
![Bride to be laughing with friends](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_12.jpg)
![Group of men walking down towards the sea](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_4.jpg)
![Group of men running into the sea](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_5.jpg)
![A man in trunks catching a rugby ball in the sea](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_6.jpg)
![A group of men playing rugby in the sea](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_7.jpg)
![Men in the sea waving trunks in the air](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_8.jpg)
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![Groom and friends on the beach in swimming trunks](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_10.jpg)
![Bride and sister cuddling in a mirror](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_11.jpg)
![Bride to be cuddling friend and laughing](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_13.jpg)
![Bride and bridesmaids with champagne](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_14.jpg)
![Bride and bridesmaids laughing with champagne](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_15.jpg)
![Whisky being poured into glasses](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_17.jpg)
![Groom getting dressed into shirt and braces](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_16.jpg)
![Two men getting dressed](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_18.jpg)
![Bride hugging bridesmaid](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_19.jpg)
![Bride waving out of window](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_20.jpg)
![Bridesmaids helping a bride get dressed](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_22.jpg)
![Bride in Rime Arodaky wedding dress](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_23.jpg)
![Groom putting on suit](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_21.jpg)
![Bride in Rime Arodaky wedding dress](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_24.jpg)
![Bride's father smiling](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_25.jpg)
![Bride hugging her father](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_26.jpg)
![Bride and groom portraits](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_27.jpg)
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![Gypsophila decorations](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_29.jpg)
![Bride and father walking across lawn with sea behind](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_30.jpg)
![Groom looking at bride walking up the aisle](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_31.jpg)
![Bride and groom smiling at each other during outdoor ceremony](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_32.jpg)
![Bride and groom laughing during outdoor wedding ceremony](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_33.jpg)
![Bride and groom saying wedding vows](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_34.jpg)
![Bride and groom first kiss](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_35.jpg)
![Wedding guests clapping and smiling](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_36.jpg)
![Wedding guests clapping and smiling](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_37.jpg)
![Best man taking a selfie with the bride and groom](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_38.jpg)
![Bride and groom walking through confetti](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_39.jpg)
![Bridesmaid hugging the bride](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_40.jpg)
![Groom's father hugging the bride](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_41.jpg)
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![Wedding guests sitting watching the sea](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_43.jpg)
![Bride and bridesmaid running down the beach](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_44.jpg)
![Bride laughing with bridesmaids](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_45.jpg)
![Groom laughing with groomsmen](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_46.jpg)
![Bride and groom paddling in the sea](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_47.jpg)
![Bride and groom smiling at each other on the beach](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_49.jpg)
![Bride and groom standing by rocks on the beach](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_50.jpg)
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![Bride and groom walking through rocks on the beach](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_51.jpg)
![Bride and groom standing by rocks on the beach](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_48.jpg)
![](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_53.jpg)
![Bride and groom laughing on the beach](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_54.jpg)
![](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_57.jpg)
![Rustic decorations for wedding tables](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_56.jpg)
![Rustic decorations for wedding tables](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_55.jpg)
![Father of the bride giving speech](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_58.jpg)
![Groom laughing at wedding speech](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_59.jpg)
![Bride and groom smiling at wedding speeches](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_60.jpg)
![Bridesmaid laughing at speeches](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_61.jpg)
![Bride and groom toasting each other](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_62.jpg)
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![Bride giving wedding speech and toasting groom](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_72.jpg)
![Evening sunlight on poppies and coastal grasses](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_73.jpg)
![Wedding guests laughing with the bride with the sea behind](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_74.jpg)
![Bride and bridesmaids running across a grass lawn](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_75.jpg)
![Bride and bridesmaids laughing](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_76.jpg)
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![Wedding guests in the evening sunlight with the sea behind](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_78.jpg)
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![Bride and other people smiling and pointing](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_86.jpg)
![Dolphins swimming in the sea near a boat](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_85.jpg)
![Wedding guests pointing at dolphins](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_87.jpg)
![Dolphins swimming in the sea in the sunset](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_88.jpg)
![Wedding guests watching dolphins in the sea](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_89.jpg)
![Bride running in a sunset](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_90.jpg)
![Bride and groom watching the sun set over the sea](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_91.jpg)
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![Bride and groom dancing](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_94.jpg)
![Last light of the day setting over the sea](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_95.jpg)
![Groom and friends with cigars](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_96.jpg)
![Bride dancing with a tie around her head](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_97.jpg)
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![Groom giving bride a piggy back on the dance floor](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-3650-post/polhawn-fort-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_102.jpg)
You might also like to have a look at these other blog posts:
Thomas and Tilly’s marquee wedding at River Cottage
Alex and Ben’s South Devon wedding by the sea
Maria and Tim’s colourful wedding at Polhawn Fort
Fabulous suppliers involved with Lucy and Josh’s wedding:
Venue: Polhawn Fort
Lucy’s dress: Rime Arodaky, fitted by The Mews Bridal, Clifton
Lucy’s shoes: Jimmy Choo
Josh’s suit: Scott Caddick, Colmore Tailors
Swimming trunks: Oddballs
Catering: The Rusty Pig
Lucy’s make-up: Grace and Glamour
Lucy’s hair: Shirley Thornhill-Jester (family friend)
Wedding cake: The Cheese Shed
Evening entertainment: The Shipsters (ceilidh band)
All the amazing flowers and signs were created and arranged by family.