Tunnels Beach is high on my list of favourite venues. I also think you need to be the right couple to really make this yours. Although in the middle of town, it feels so peaceful. So relaxed, not fussy and about the soul of life.

I’ve known Tom for a while now. He was the incredibly talented executive chef at The Daffodil in Cheltenham when I moved there. Aside from photography, my time in hospitality will always be my favourite job. The people you meet, it’s worth it alone. When I started photography professionally, we did a food photography series, called Toms Travels, where we visited suppliers and photographer Tom cooking with them. Absolute highlight was the Paris trip. Anyway, when Tom met Jules, Tom became the happiest and most relaxed that I’d ever known him. Jules is just great. When you think of her, you’ll think of her smiling and laughing. She’s ace.

Jules is from Devon way and grew up near the sea, so wanted to get married nearer home. I’m super keen for this one, not only is it a venue, Tunnels Beaches, that I’ve been wanting to shoot at for ages, but with their working background, I know the food is going to be amazing! (and oh my goodness was it). Key for them, they want it to be relaxed, informal and they want to have a good time.

Tunnels Beaches is something else. It is just out the centre of Ilfracombe in Devon but unless you know what you’re looking for you’d miss it. There are two beaches that you access through hand carved tunnels (hence the name) but when you hire the venue, one section is totally yours and totally secluded too, so it gives you’re own private beach. I have to say, it’s pretty lush!

I remember vividly from the day, was putting my camera down for a moment, to watch the ceremony which takes place overlooking the sea. It was so chill and I just thought, for them it must have been magical saying their vows next to the crashing waves. It could have been a destination wedding, it totally had that feel about it. So if you’re the sort of person that doesn’t like being the centre of attention or who are after something a bit more informal, this is totally your place! I know it was a worry for Tom, like most people, as he hates being in the spotlight so this is somewhere where Mother Nature can take the pressure off.

For a wedding in August, the weather was a bit unpredictable, we had showers, quite a lot of cold and a heck of a lot of wind! But I guess thats the beach anyway. You dont need to go anywhere else for your couple portraits here and when the tide goes out you can climb across to the other cove.

Jules looked stunning in her backless Maggie Sottero and only nearly outshone by Toms Ted Baker suit. Flowers by Off Shore Blooms

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read the post! If you’re planing a Tunnels Beaches Wedding, I would love to hear from you, so please do get in contact at anytime naomi@lushphotography.co.uk

Also, please do feel free to leave any feedback, comments and love, I would love to hear what you think 🙂

Naomi xxx