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Ellen and Batch. The Tithe Barn, Hinton St Mary, Dorset

Feb 29, 20241 min read

Ellen and Batch. The Tithe Barn, Hinton St Mary, Dorset

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Lawrence and Raif. Family portraits at home

Jan 31, 20241 min read

Lawrence and Raif. Family portraits at home

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Hannah & Patrick's Italian Wedding.

Jan 22, 20243 min read

Hannah & Patrick's Italian Wedding.

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© 2020 Bella West.

Strolling through the year in pictures and looking forward to a similar pace next year. As always, each year I feel blessed and honoured to be given these opportunities x just find it so hard to curate my own

Strolling through the year in pictures and looking forward to a similar pace next year. As always, each year I feel blessed and honoured to be given these opportunities x just find it so hard to curate my own

I’m available next week for last minute portraits (Cornwall)but if you’d like to gift a portrait then my vouchers make lovely gifts. They can be put towards family and children portraits and have an expiration of a year.

I’m available next week for last minute portraits (Cornwall)but if you’d like to gift a portrait then my vouchers make lovely gifts. They can be put towards family and children portraits and have an expiration of a year.

Evening light setting the mood from this beautiful Welsh wedding.

#nridalportraits #bridal #weddinginspiration #englishbride #homewedding

Evening light setting the mood from this beautiful Welsh wedding.

#nridalportraits #bridal #weddinginspiration #englishbride #homewedding

My portrait gift vouchers are valid for a year and can be taken on the wilds of a Cornish beach, or nestled in lush green Dorset woodland. Or just at home. Natural light and using the elements. Send me a message for options and prices. X

#giftaportrait #familychristmas #alternativegifts #cornwallsmallbusiness #newquay #dorsetgifts #cornishgifts #familyportraits

My portrait gift vouchers are valid for a year and can be taken on the wilds of a Cornish beach, or nestled in lush green Dorset woodland. Or just at home. Natural light and using the elements. Send me a message for options and prices. X

#giftaportrait #familychristmas #alternativegifts #cornwallsmallbusiness #newquay #dorsetgifts #cornishgifts #familyportraits

For those who know, being on location at the break of dawn is where I love to be for my shoots. Many a time I dragged my poor children out of bed in pj’s with promises of pancakes and chocolate for breakfast when they were little. Fortunately most of my clients understand the reasoning behind this, particularly at height of a Cornish summer.
The light in Cornwall is special, different to anywhere else. Earlier this month I was commissioned by wonderful @kelly.amanda.yoga who came from Bedford with her family and factored in an early shoot with me at HOLYWELL beach. Kelly teaches Yoga and as with dancers, actors and performers, I wanted her to take the lead regards movement and absorb herself in her art. I was just there to observe, it’s THE best method of working for me; natural light, natural backdrop and allowing people to fit within that.

#yogacornwall #brandedshoot #marketing #personalbranding #lifestylecornwall #newquayyoga #brandportrait #cornishyoga #selfcarecollection

For those who know, being on location at the break of dawn is where I love to be for my shoots. Many a time I dragged my poor children out of bed in pj’s with promises of pancakes and chocolate for breakfast when they were little. Fortunately most of my clients understand the reasoning behind this, particularly at height of a Cornish summer.
The light in Cornwall is special, different to anywhere else. Earlier this month I was commissioned by wonderful @kelly.amanda.yoga who came from Bedford with her family and factored in an early shoot with me at HOLYWELL beach. Kelly teaches Yoga and as with dancers, actors and performers, I wanted her to take the lead regards movement and absorb herself in her art. I was just there to observe, it’s THE best method of working for me; natural light, natural backdrop and allowing people to fit within that.

#yogacornwall #brandedshoot #marketing #personalbranding #lifestylecornwall #newquayyoga #brandportrait #cornishyoga #selfcarecollection

Thank you Harry and Phoebe for entrusting me with your incredible day, a truly English wedding at home. And lovely to see a few familiar faces.

Shout out to the following
Phoebes fabulous dress @lucymartinbridal
Hair/MUA Lizzie Camps
Shoes @thefoldlondon
Flowers Mum

#luxurywedding #countrywedding #thelane #bridalluxury #weddingsathome #englishcountrywedding #naturallightwedding #weddingideas #weddinginspo

Thank you Harry and Phoebe for entrusting me with your incredible day, a truly English wedding at home. And lovely to see a few familiar faces.

Shout out to the following
Phoebes fabulous dress @lucymartinbridal
Hair/MUA Lizzie Camps
Shoes @thefoldlondon
Flowers Mum

#luxurywedding #countrywedding #thelane #bridalluxury #weddingsathome #englishcountrywedding #naturallightwedding #weddingideas #weddinginspo

The most beautiful Cornish celebration, all inclusive of family, friends and dogs in the grounds of @knightor_winery @knightor_weddings (if you haven’t tried their wine, get to it)
Thank you @ambeanie14 and @shane_skarin for entrusting me with this one, super chilled in true Cornish style. Awesome to work with the super talents of @sean_white_films and @lizzydrinkwatermua

#uksummer #ukwedding #avantgarde #weddingday #avantgardephotography #naturallightwedding #windowlight#naturallightwedding#blackandwhiteweddingphotography #weddingdetail #bellawestweddings #hasselblad #bridal #ukbride #stylemepretty #destinationweddingphotographer #cornishweddings #cornwallweddingvenues #hipsterwedding #cornishbride

The most beautiful Cornish celebration, all inclusive of family, friends and dogs in the grounds of @knightor_winery @knightor_weddings (if you haven’t tried their wine, get to it)
Thank you @ambeanie14 and @shane_skarin for entrusting me with this one, super chilled in true Cornish style. Awesome to work with the super talents of @sean_white_films and @lizzydrinkwatermua

#uksummer #ukwedding #avantgarde #weddingday #avantgardephotography #naturallightwedding #windowlight#naturallightwedding#blackandwhiteweddingphotography #weddingdetail #bellawestweddings #hasselblad #bridal #ukbride #stylemepretty #destinationweddingphotographer #cornishweddings #cornwallweddingvenues #hipsterwedding #cornishbride

Another wonderful Culley family wedding at their beautiful home in Dorset. I’ve been photographing the Culley sister celebrations over the years and despite the family home hosting each one, there is always an individual element at each party. There are some similarities, such as I know exactly where the sun will be in each part of their lovely secret garden, those trusted suppliers such as @victoriablashfordsnell providing the incredible feast, @dpmarquees for the perfectly fitting marquee, Aminta’s and the bridesmaids hair @mandyguy4407 and makeup @sylwiakunyszmua were all part of Claudia’s celebration last year. And the treat that was little Theo who arrived in style just the week before, made this a particularly special day for Charlie and Aminta.
I feel privileged to have been a part of yet another Culley family celebration, capturing the special moments that will be cherished for years to come.

Dress - @phillipalepley via @gillianmillion
Flowers - @chetterwood_flowers
Hair - @mandyguy4407
Make up - @sylwiakunyszmua
Videographer - @sinclairweddingfilms
Marquee - @dpmarquees
Caterer - @victoriablashfordsnell
Shoes - @manoloblahnik
Band - @tmd_band
Cake - @caked.patisserie

Another wonderful Culley family wedding at their beautiful home in Dorset. I’ve been photographing the Culley sister celebrations over the years and despite the family home hosting each one, there is always an individual element at each party. There are some similarities, such as I know exactly where the sun will be in each part of their lovely secret garden, those trusted suppliers such as @victoriablashfordsnell providing the incredible feast, @dpmarquees for the perfectly fitting marquee, Aminta’s and the bridesmaids hair @mandyguy4407 and makeup @sylwiakunyszmua were all part of Claudia’s celebration last year. And the treat that was little Theo who arrived in style just the week before, made this a particularly special day for Charlie and Aminta.
I feel privileged to have been a part of yet another Culley family celebration, capturing the special moments that will be cherished for years to come.

Dress - @phillipalepley via @gillianmillion
Flowers - @chetterwood_flowers
Hair - @mandyguy4407
Make up - @sylwiakunyszmua
Videographer - @sinclairweddingfilms
Marquee - @dpmarquees
Caterer - @victoriablashfordsnell
Shoes - @manoloblahnik
Band - @tmd_band
Cake - @caked.patisserie

I’ve been photographing weddings for 30 years plus so can quantify stating that the foundations of a great celebration are put down by the people, not just the accessories. Those extras of course create the final sensory magic; beautiful arrangements, music, food, colour and touches of personality but it’s the people, characters and atmosphere that I connect with both when I’m photographing on the day and also in the edit. Each stage happens so fast at a wedding, I am looking for the best light, composing, storytelling and covering all bases so I feel I get to know the guests just when I sit to go through the edit, see the beauty and fun in people in a different way to how Id seen them when I photographed them.

An Aviss event is never one to be missed, and weddings are fiercely celebrated, I should know as I’ve been part of them for over 25 years.
Francie and I embarked on both motherhood and careers together, and both needing just a day a week to fully focus on our work without interruption of school pick ups, after school clubs etc we surrogated each other’s kids for a day a week. Subsequently this not only helped us, but built the most beautiful friendships between the siblings.
Beth has been in our lives all her life and we love her like a sister. She is the first of our brood to get married, and they/we celebrated hard for a weekend.

Beth and Tash had a clear plan for the day, of which the foundations were all about the people, I witnessed this at Beth’s hen weekend (worthy of a
reel in itself 🤣). The friendships around them, strength of family, the hands on, inclusive love of everyone pulling together the week of the wedding, on the day and then the aftermath, are testament to the love that that we all have for Beth and Tash. I’ll let the pictures tell the story.

Hair @hareandwild
Flowers @daisydelbridgefloristry
Makeup @j.l.a_beauty
Venue @lapwing_farm
Catering @thedorsetfoodco

I’ve been photographing weddings for 30 years plus so can quantify stating that the foundations of a great celebration are put down by the people, not just the accessories. Those extras of course create the final sensory magic; beautiful arrangements, music, food, colour and touches of personality but it’s the people, characters and atmosphere that I connect with both when I’m photographing on the day and also in the edit. Each stage happens so fast at a wedding, I am looking for the best light, composing, storytelling and covering all bases so I feel I get to know the guests just when I sit to go through the edit, see the beauty and fun in people in a different way to how Id seen them when I photographed them.

An Aviss event is never one to be missed, and weddings are fiercely celebrated, I should know as I’ve been part of them for over 25 years.
Francie and I embarked on both motherhood and careers together, and both needing just a day a week to fully focus on our work without interruption of school pick ups, after school clubs etc we surrogated each other’s kids for a day a week. Subsequently this not only helped us, but built the most beautiful friendships between the siblings.
Beth has been in our lives all her life and we love her like a sister. She is the first of our brood to get married, and they/we celebrated hard for a weekend.

Beth and Tash had a clear plan for the day, of which the foundations were all about the people, I witnessed this at Beth’s hen weekend (worthy of a
reel in itself 🤣). The friendships around them, strength of family, the hands on, inclusive love of everyone pulling together the week of the wedding, on the day and then the aftermath, are testament to the love that that we all have for Beth and Tash. I’ll let the pictures tell the story.

Hair @hareandwild
Flowers @daisydelbridgefloristry
Makeup @j.l.a_beauty
Venue @lapwing_farm
Catering @thedorsetfoodco

A fabulous afternoon at this playground for the brave with these guys on Lokrum island.

#croatia #worldtraveller #lokrum #luxurytraveller #traveldiaries #worldexplorer #roamtheplanet #parkour #cliffjumping #dubrovnikbeach @buza_beach #guardiantravel #theguardiantravel

A fabulous afternoon at this playground for the brave with these guys on Lokrum island.

#croatia #worldtraveller #lokrum #luxurytraveller #traveldiaries #worldexplorer #roamtheplanet #parkour #cliffjumping #dubrovnikbeach @buza_beach #guardiantravel #theguardiantravel

One year on and such fond mempries of this day with Ellen and Batch

One year on and such fond mempries of this day with Ellen and Batch

It’s carers week this week and my friend @tiggywalker1 and @piratejwdj as co patrons of @carers_uk , will be chatting with @thejeremyvine this afternoon @bbcradio2 about unpaid caring. In addition, a bbc sounds podcast will drop today with Johnnie and Tiggy openly discussing caring, love life and death. I spent some time with them both during Tiggys cancer treatment, they generously and bravely opened their lives and home to me during a time of such trauma and uncertainty; I photographed some of the deepest lows that come with this treatment, but also the deepest love and support they had for each other as both carer and cared for.
#carersweek #carersuk #breastcancerawareness

It’s carers week this week and my friend @tiggywalker1 and @piratejwdj as co patrons of @carers_uk , will be chatting with @thejeremyvine this afternoon @bbcradio2 about unpaid caring. In addition, a bbc sounds podcast will drop today with Johnnie and Tiggy openly discussing caring, love life and death. I spent some time with them both during Tiggys cancer treatment, they generously and bravely opened their lives and home to me during a time of such trauma and uncertainty; I photographed some of the deepest lows that come with this treatment, but also the deepest love and support they had for each other as both carer and cared for.
#carersweek #carersuk #breastcancerawareness

Some recent work for Hannah on location at @empower_fitness_newquay Hannah’s committed to helping women find balance in their hormones and fitness journey, i for one have benefited from her classes. I’m a runner but find the core strengthening of her classes have been invaluable.
Passionate about empowering young teens to understand their bodies & strength capabilities, she runs classes for teens, new mums, old mums (me!) and anyone looking to become a better version of themselves.
X

Some recent work for Hannah on location at @empower_fitness_newquay Hannah’s committed to helping women find balance in their hormones and fitness journey, i for one have benefited from her classes. I’m a runner but find the core strengthening of her classes have been invaluable.
Passionate about empowering young teens to understand their bodies & strength capabilities, she runs classes for teens, new mums, old mums (me!) and anyone looking to become a better version of themselves.
X

Extraordinary colour vibe from the talent of @hareandwild using @owayofficial on our recent location shoot. Complimented by incredible MUA @chantellewarehammakeupartist to suit the mood.

Extraordinary colour vibe from the talent of @hareandwild using @owayofficial on our recent location shoot. Complimented by incredible MUA @chantellewarehammakeupartist to suit the mood.

A very accommodating prop.

A very accommodating prop.

It’s been a while, probably precovid that I worked along side my friends and collaborators at @hareandwild . With their beautiful new salon in Dorset now fully established and order books full, Lisa was ready to dust off the clipboard and gather the team for a new venture with me and fellow artists @chantellewarehammakeupartist and @rachel.netherwayhair
To warn off any stagnant creativity which can often creep, we’ve both always benefitted hugely from these little ventures, there needn’t be any reason for it other than some escapism and to showcase new work outside of the norm. Thank you to all the models @ellaa_bea @jazwebberr @tallulah.crumplin @felicity_poppy
Some sweet finds for styling from @zara that pink cloud jumpsuit…❤️ @tedbaker @tkmaxxuk

It’s been a while, probably precovid that I worked along side my friends and collaborators at @hareandwild . With their beautiful new salon in Dorset now fully established and order books full, Lisa was ready to dust off the clipboard and gather the team for a new venture with me and fellow artists @chantellewarehammakeupartist and @rachel.netherwayhair
To warn off any stagnant creativity which can often creep, we’ve both always benefitted hugely from these little ventures, there needn’t be any reason for it other than some escapism and to showcase new work outside of the norm. Thank you to all the models @ellaa_bea @jazwebberr @tallulah.crumplin @felicity_poppy
Some sweet finds for styling from @zara that pink cloud jumpsuit…❤️ @tedbaker @tkmaxxuk

I went slightly off piste last week, a last minute commission for @atlantichotelnewquay , I forget how much I enjoy food photography and having time to play in this area.
My thanks to the lovely lovely team at the hotel, there was a noticeable family feel amongst the staff, all inclusive banter keeping the shoot light and fun.
Beautiful food and some of the best views in town..

#hospitality #foodphotography #foodstagram #hotelboutique #boutiquehotel #cornishfoodanddrink #cornwallliving #cornwallphotographer #newquayfood #staynewquay #foodstyling

I went slightly off piste last week, a last minute commission for @atlantichotelnewquay , I forget how much I enjoy food photography and having time to play in this area.
My thanks to the lovely lovely team at the hotel, there was a noticeable family feel amongst the staff, all inclusive banter keeping the shoot light and fun.
Beautiful food and some of the best views in town..

#hospitality #foodphotography #foodstagram #hotelboutique #boutiquehotel #cornishfoodanddrink #cornwallliving #cornwallphotographer #newquayfood #staynewquay #foodstyling

My spring and summer portrait days will be up online shortly. I’m still deliberating on locations as so spoilt for choice. Do you have a favourite spot, pref Dorset and Cornwall? I tend to steer towards rugged beaches and country scenes and am blessed with this all around me. But if you’ve some ideas, let me know? X

My spring and summer portrait days will be up online shortly. I’m still deliberating on locations as so spoilt for choice. Do you have a favourite spot, pref Dorset and Cornwall? I tend to steer towards rugged beaches and country scenes and am blessed with this all around me. But if you’ve some ideas, let me know? X

A preview of this glorious pre Christmas wedding @thegrangesomerset . Thank you Hannah and Adam for entrusting me with your photographs, always so very grateful.

And this wealth of skill who made the day go smooth

Brides Hair Pure Hair Sherborne
Make up by Hannah using @charlottetilbury
Florist @floristdorset
Catering @the_frenchkitchen
Venue @thegrangesomerset
Videographed @pixaplaceweddings

A preview of this glorious pre Christmas wedding @thegrangesomerset . Thank you Hannah and Adam for entrusting me with your photographs, always so very grateful.

And this wealth of skill who made the day go smooth

Brides Hair Pure Hair Sherborne
Make up by Hannah using @charlottetilbury
Florist @floristdorset
Catering @the_frenchkitchen
Venue @thegrangesomerset
Videographed @pixaplaceweddings

Lovely new prints from my pre Christmas portrait day last year at @watergatebaybeach

Lovely new prints from my pre Christmas portrait day last year at @watergatebaybeach

Back at my desk and enjoying working through this Christmas collection @jadeletts
@
Venue @larmertree
Hair @thelittlesanctuary
MUA @bethcoxbeauty

Back at my desk and enjoying working through this Christmas collection @jadeletts
@
Venue @larmertree
Hair @thelittlesanctuary
MUA @bethcoxbeauty

One year on from the best NYE celebration of @inmanaj and @torriano What a way to start the year that was!
@larmertree @hareandwild

#nye #2023 #newyearwedding
#ukwedding #weddingday #weddingveil #naturallightwedding #engagement #blackandwhiteweddingphotography #weddingplanner #weddingdetail#bellawestweddings #hasselblad #weddinginspiration #weddingplanningideas #weddingideas #bridal #ukbride #stylemepretty #weddingstyle #fineartwedding#weddingeditorial

One year on from the best NYE celebration of @inmanaj and @torriano What a way to start the year that was!
@larmertree @hareandwild

#nye #2023 #newyearwedding
#ukwedding #weddingday #weddingveil #naturallightwedding #engagement #blackandwhiteweddingphotography #weddingplanner #weddingdetail#bellawestweddings #hasselblad #weddinginspiration #weddingplanningideas #weddingideas #bridal #ukbride #stylemepretty #weddingstyle #fineartwedding#weddingeditorial

I hope you’re all gearing up for a brilliant NYE. No wedding for me this year but my absolute favourite part of a wedding is the party where everyone lets loose. So whether you’re heading out to the pub or taking some time to quietly reset, have an epic time and I wish you all the best 24. X

I hope you’re all gearing up for a brilliant NYE. No wedding for me this year but my absolute favourite part of a wedding is the party where everyone lets loose. So whether you’re heading out to the pub or taking some time to quietly reset, have an epic time and I wish you all the best 24. X

I’m back at my desk after some valuable family time and loving the time now I have to edit my last two weddings of the year. Any photographer will tell you (eh @david_wheeler_photography ), it’s not a process to rush and is time consuming to make each collection as perfect as we want it to be for you.

This last one of the year, for Adam and Hannah was magical, styled mostly by Hannah @hanw13 whose clearly got a vocation in event styling one day - the small matter of a baby to have first which surely is the best wedding present anyone could wish for.

Venue @thegrangesomerset
Video @pixaplaceweddings
Florist @floristdorset
Marquee @southwestmarquees
Caterer @the_frenchkitchen
Make up and table styling by bride using @charlottetilbury
Hair #PureHair, Sherborne

#ukwedding #weddingday #weddingveil #naturallightwedding #blackandwhiteweddingphotography #weddingplanner #weddingdetail#bellawestweddings #hasselblad #weddinginspiration #weddingplanningideas #weddingideas #bridal #ukbride #stylemepretty #weddingstyle #fineartwedding#weddingeditorial #engaged

I’m back at my desk after some valuable family time and loving the time now I have to edit my last two weddings of the year. Any photographer will tell you (eh @david_wheeler_photography ), it’s not a process to rush and is time consuming to make each collection as perfect as we want it to be for you.

This last one of the year, for Adam and Hannah was magical, styled mostly by Hannah @hanw13 whose clearly got a vocation in event styling one day - the small matter of a baby to have first which surely is the best wedding present anyone could wish for.

Venue @thegrangesomerset
Video @pixaplaceweddings
Florist @floristdorset
Marquee @southwestmarquees
Caterer @the_frenchkitchen
Make up and table styling by bride using @charlottetilbury
Hair #PureHair, Sherborne

#ukwedding #weddingday #weddingveil #naturallightwedding #blackandwhiteweddingphotography #weddingplanner #weddingdetail#bellawestweddings #hasselblad #weddinginspiration #weddingplanningideas #weddingideas #bridal #ukbride #stylemepretty #weddingstyle #fineartwedding#weddingeditorial #engaged

@jadeletts
Hair: @thelittlesanctuary
MUA @bethcoxbeauty
Venue @larmertree
Caterer @forkingout

@jadeletts
Hair: @thelittlesanctuary
MUA @bethcoxbeauty
Venue @larmertree
Caterer @forkingout

Tbt this lovely editorial with @hareandwild @lisa_joy_baker @chantellewarehammakeupartist if I remember on location @thegrosvenorarmsshaftesbury

Tbt this lovely editorial with @hareandwild @lisa_joy_baker @chantellewarehammakeupartist if I remember on location @thegrosvenorarmsshaftesbury

Portrait from my workshop in Les Embiez , France.

Portrait from my workshop in Les Embiez , France.

October. Don’t be put off by turbulent weather in October and November. The light is at its best at theirs time of year, and I’ve always noted Cornish light, particularly in winter, is different to anywhere else. I e a few sessions available for Christmas portraits, All on location, as always natural light.

October. Don’t be put off by turbulent weather in October and November. The light is at its best at theirs time of year, and I’ve always noted Cornish light, particularly in winter, is different to anywhere else. I e a few sessions available for Christmas portraits, All on location, as always natural light.

I’m gradually working through a new curate for a new website and tbh I’m not the right person for the job. I procrastinate and then get distracted, taking myself off on memory lane. I’ve been so blessed to work with the most beautiful people at dreamy locations and above all, given freedom to not always conform. I also get to work with fellow creatives such as @ellenmerchant and @batch_by_name

Dress: designed by Ellen made by @lisa.lyons.bridal
Hair @hellogorgeous.stur
Batch’s suit @markpowellbespoke
Venue @hinton_st.mary_estate

I’m gradually working through a new curate for a new website and tbh I’m not the right person for the job. I procrastinate and then get distracted, taking myself off on memory lane. I’ve been so blessed to work with the most beautiful people at dreamy locations and above all, given freedom to not always conform. I also get to work with fellow creatives such as @ellenmerchant and @batch_by_name

Dress: designed by Ellen made by @lisa.lyons.bridal
Hair @hellogorgeous.stur
Batch’s suit @markpowellbespoke
Venue @hinton_st.mary_estate

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