Beautifully Intimate Sunset Wedding in Somerset

24th March 2023

Beautifully Intimate Sunset Wedding in Somerset

During the Covid restrictions while only small and intimate weddings were permitted to go ahead, photographer Emma J Smith and a handful of fellow wedding suppliers were inspired to show just how wonderful these weddings can be. They wanted to create a styled shoot that was bright and hopeful of positive changes to wedding ceremonies in the UK. They were also keen to illustrate the rise in unique, personal and intimate ceremonies being conducted by celebrants. Here, Emma shares the story and images of this beautifully intimate sunset wedding shoot, which took place on the stunning Somerset levels.

This shoot was photographed outdoors in an orchard at a venue on the Somerset levels called Dairyhouse Farm. The Somerset levels is an area designated as having natural character and also enjoys amazing sunsets! Our vision was for a picnic/festival vibe, with Glastonbury Tor being so close by.

Due to the Covid restrictions only a limited number of suppliers could participate in this shoot, but this was also a deliberate decision. We wanted to shoot an intimate and unique outdoor ceremony, with the theme and story reflecting the changes to wedding ceremonies in the UK caused by the pandemic. Specifically, the increase in outdoor ceremonies and the rise in personal and intimate ceremonies conducted by celebrants.

In this ceremony we created a beautiful handfasting ritual. And to celebrate our bride and groom jumped the broom, backlit by an amazing sunset!

Sustainability and family also featured in our theme. The dinner service is an actual family heirloom of mine, the bride’s dress is from Bridal Reloved Dorchester and the decorative items are all handmade by small businesses. Framed pictures of absent family members hung in the trees and the evening reception was set as a small, intimate family meal under the twinkle of fairy lights and candlelight.

Vibrant sunsets inspired our colour scheme of vivid and warm pinks and oranges, with hints of yellow and blue grey. Peonies and hydrangeas dominate the florals, complimented by in-season foliage that was locally foraged by Flowermouse Floristry and the owner of Dairyhouse Farm.

The food we featured is served up as individual grazing boards, each having locally sourced goodies such as Somerset cheeses, locally made chutneys and cold meats from the surrounding farms. The delicious pressed flower wedding cake was made by Sam at Love My Cake Somerset and the handpainted macarons and floral brownies were created by the Little Buttercup Cakery.

I absolutely loved being involved in this intimate sunset wedding shoot and hope we will see more of these types of weddings in the future. The recent change to allow couples in England and Wales to marry outside is a glimmer of positive change amidst unprecedented times in the wedding industry. And on the horizon is the possibility of more alternative, personal, spontaneous and budget-friendly wedding ceremonies being legally recognised. Exciting times ahead!