Let’s just start by acknowledging that when you’re a wedding photographer named Elliott, and the groom is also named Elliot, things can get mildly existential. At least six times during the day I spun around thinking I was being summoned for a photo, a task, or possibly a public declaration of love — only to find they meant the other Elliot. I haven’t been this confused about my own identity since I tried shooting Fuji for the first time.

Now, if you’re picturing a serene, sunny Guernsey wedding, let’s recalibrate: we’re talking overcast skies, wind that could lift a veil into the next parish, and a cliffside reception where everyone was quite literally blown away. But you know what? It was gorgeous. Moody skies make for drama in the best kind of way, and Eleanor and Elliot were unfazed, wrapped up in each other, surrounded by people who adore them.

Bruised Heads, Gentle Swims, and Bridal Radiance

We kicked off the day with plans for a very wholesome groom’s morning: saunas, sea swims, solid banter. But plot twist, the day before the wedding, Elliot (again, the groom, not me, stay focused) managed to crack his head on the ceiling of Holy Trinity Church. Yes, the actual ceiling. This is what happens when you’re tall as a house walking around Guenrsey. After a quick trip to A&E and a bit of head glue, the sauna was off the menu and the swim was downgraded from dive-bomb to a gentle bob but that didn’t put off the grooms men. Elliot handled it like a champ. And thankfully, I can confirm the stitches did not make a surprise appearance in the ceremony shots.

Meanwhile, Eleanor was at Continental Hairdressing, glowing in that pre-wedding way that makes light bounce off her like she’s starring in a very chic skincare ad. Her dress reveal later on, at their windswept West Coast family home, was one of those moments that stays with you. There were happy tears, actual gasps, and a box or three of Kleenex put into serious service.

Holy Trinity Ceremony: Tears, Laughter, and Mild Concussions

Despite the previous day’s head injury, Elliot looked calm and completely in love as Eleanor walked down the aisle. The church was glowing with soft light and softer sniffles. This was one of those ceremonies where people forgot to check their phones because they were too busy dabbing their eyes or mouthing “aww” at each other.

When they emerged into the (slightly sideways) breeze, there was confetti, hugs, and a getaway in Ellie’s Dad’s MG!

Portraits on the Edge (Literally)

Next stop: Les Tielles Cliffs. If you ever want to see a veil do its own interpretive dance, I highly recommend shooting portraits on a blustery headland. It was wild and stunning and somehow very them, Eleanor holding onto Elliot (and her hair), Elliot looking at her like wind didn’t exist, just the two of them standing strong against the elements and about 60mph gusts. Poetic, really.

Chaos Field: No Mosh Pit, Just Magic

The reception took place in the famous Chaos Field at Pleinmont, a place close to both our hearts from the days of gigging and festival-ing. This year marks the final Chaos Festival, so being there for a wedding felt like a perfect full-circle moment: less beer-soaked mayhem, more sea-view elegance and cake. It was like the field had put on its good shirt for the occasion. (okay maybe there was a little beer soaked mayhem towards the end of the evening)

Emma from Joys Events created a dreamy setup, and the florals from Fille à Fleur just about managed to stay upright, which honestly felt like a small miracle given the wind situation. Guests laughed, hugged, and wandered around with plates of Farmhouse Catering deliciousness, while Lydia Bakes' cup cakes stood proud, and intact, in the breeze.

There were speeches that had everyone laughing through tears, doughnuts from Senners disappearing at record speed, and a first dance that was tastefully choreographed, just two people twirling in the middle of everyone they love, utterly wrapped up in each other.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t a Pinterest-perfect wedding in the traditional weather sense, it was better. It was real. It was warm and funny and full of heart. The weather was as ever unpredictable, the groom was glued together, and yet it was one of the most emotionally resonant weddings I’ve photographed in a while.

Eleanor and Elliot, thank you for trusting me to capture your day, for letting me in on all the windy, joyful, tear-filled chaos. And to everyone else, next time you shout “Elliot!” maybe be a bit more specific.

Huge Thanks to the Team:

Elliot and Eleanor’s wedding was made extra magical thanks to this incredible lineup of talented creatives:

Coordinator: Joys Events – Emma – joys.gg
Catering: Farmhouse Catering – Stuart Anderson – thefarmhouse.gg
Hair: Continental Hairdressing – Christine Le Belge – facebook.com
Make-up: Emily Chapman emilychapmanmua.co.uk
Sweets: Senners Doughnuts – facebook.com, Lydia Bakes – facebook.com/lydiasbakes
Decor/Signage: Little Letters Creates – instagram.com/littleletterscreates
Music: Mike Meinke & Joules – guernseyentertainment.gg, Last of the Light Brigade – lastofthelightbrigade.com
Florals: Casa & Flores – casaandflores.com, Fille à Fleur – filleaflleur.co.uk
Sauna Hot Haus hothaus.gg

The One Where Elliot Marries Eleanor

Bruised Heads, Gentle Swims, and Bridal Radiance