Ruth & James’ Engagement Shoot at Wonwell Beach

Ruth & James were undergoing what can only be described as a major lifestyle shake-up when I first met them. They had both given up very successful careers in law, were setting up their own luxury chalet business in the French ski-resort of St Martin de Belleville and were relocating to Devon – as well as the small matter of organizing their wedding! They were busy!

They were moving to a small village on the south Devon coast and suggested meeting up at a nearby beach. When thinking about where to go for a pre-wedding shoot, I like my couples to choose a place where the scenery is a little bit different to that of their wedding. Ruth and James were getting married at the country estate Huntsham Court and so a beach seemed like a nice contrast.

Wonwell beach is one of those secret places that most people only discover by accident. On the map it looks like a rather unimpressive estuary but it really is one of the hidden gems of the South Hams. The winter storms from a few years ago washed up tons of white sand on to the estuary mouth transforming it in to a private paradise for those lucky enough to stumble upon it – only don’t tell anyone!

We spent a few beautiful and rather windswept hours wandering along the riverbanks taking images. It also gave them time together to create some really precious, quiet moments away from their busy schedules – and a great amount of laughter too!