While there may not be new weddings to photograph right now, there’s definitely past ones to revisit and share, not least Ali + Joe’s wedding at Crockwell Farm last November, which was insanely beautiful, cosy and full of love. 

I met these two at Katie + Luke’s wedding back in 2017, and as you know I really love shooting weddings from the same friendship group…. and because I knew Luke LOVED getting drenched for a photo (read BIBLICAL RAIN at his weddings) it was great to be able to call on him to be a lightstand for me in the evening when we ventured out for a few night time portraits. 

Ali + Joe also brought their dog, Starry Sue to their wedding, and I don’t think you can beat a wedding doggo!

How did you meet?

Back in 2013, Ali was studying abroad at Joe’s same uni (Uni of Gloucestershire). He was doing a film degree and needed an actress for a short (and terrible) film him and his friends (also Ali’s friends) were making. Lauren (made of honour) was asked first to be in the film but had a migraine. Ali, with no acting experience, took over for Lauren and met a cool lighting guy with some sweet converse high tops.

Tell me your proposal story:

Ali is a big fan of hiking. Joe can take it or leave it. Joe decided to book a hiking trip to the top of Mount Teide in Tenerife. After discovering the trail to the top was closed due to ice, and every other possible thing going wrong, we took a different hiking path. Joe was a bundle of nerves and out of shape. Ali thought he was having a heart attack and tried to get him to go back to the car. He refused. He then eventually was quite concerned about his health and ended up proposing at a nice viewpoint before we got to the end of the trail. Beautiful scenery, dying fiance.

Why did you choose to have your wedding at Crockwell Farm?

We wanted something with a very natural feel with a nice view and trees.

What was it you loved about your outfits and accessories that made you choose them?

Ali: I don’t dress up much or wear much makeup or jewellery on a day to day basis so I figured I’d go all out for the big day. I wanted to get my dress from the same shop my mom got hers at, a little local place in America. My mom picked out my jewelry, I’m really not picky. I trusted her and it meant a lot that she got to have some input since she was helping me plan from a continent away.

Joe: I liked the retro feel to my tie and suit, I felt like a detective from Mindhunter.

Tell me about the vision you had for your wedding including your theme/colour scheme/styling/flowers:

All things natural, outdoorsy. We wanted it to feel like we were getting married in the woods in autumn, but had to find a way to do that inside. So we went with greens and autumnal colours. The bouquets were made by a florist, who did a fantastic job, but we foraged for all of the rest. I like crafting and DIY so I wanted to have a bit of fun creating the centrepieces and other decor.

What was your first dance and why did you choose it?

Melancholy Hill by Gorillas. Joe had a long walk to Ali’s halls to visit her when they first started dating. He was really into the song at the time and listened to it on every one of those walks. It brings up nice memories of the very early days of J+A.

What were the most wonderful parts of the day for you?

Greeting everyone after the ceremony, it was really incredible to see everyone we both love across 5 different countries all in the same place.

Also the confetti toss and first dance.

And everyone loves a boogie too!

Why did you choose Hannah Hall Photography as your photographer, and what was your experience of your photography on the day?

We just really liked your style when we saw Luke and Katie’s photos. Neither of us like posing for photos so the more natural and candid, the better. We liked how colourful the photos were as well, and that you got a lot from the dance floor.

On the day, we didn’t see much of you but the photos were all encompassing of the day. You were also so helpful with the last minute tasks and pre-ceremony jitters. From booking you in to the last photos of the night, you were really easy to work with and personable.

What would be your best bit of advice to other couples planning their wedding?

 Try and enjoy the ride. You won’t remember the little details that you are losing sleep over, and no one will notice them on the day, so take a deep breath, ask friends and family for help, and laugh when things inevitably don’t go to plan. Also, get a day of coordinator, we wouldn’t have had a clue if we didn’t have ours.

Ali + Joe’s wedding at Crockwell Farm happened with the help of…

Hair: Brooke Wright, Ellisha Giles // MUA: Casey Dove // Dress: Mori Lee // Florist: Emma Remington

Venue: Crockwell Farm // Bridesmaids: Dessy // Gents: TM Lewin

Are you planning your wedding at Crockwell Farm too? Find out more about me here.