Sat out enjoying the sunshine at my other home base in the Snowdonia National Park - a little farm located just outside Criccieth. It’s a lovely place to retreat too but I do hope maybe one day, to get some weddings or equine/dog photoshoots here.

I’ve been inspired by many things on the World Wide Web that made me think that I should share my wedding photography venue bucket list. It’s no big secret, it’s now become something of an ambition or opportunity perhaps? Now I think it’s safe to say many folk will have heard the term ‘bucket list’ and this is pretty much no different to a things to do in life list. Except this one is just wedding venues I would love to photograph a wedding at. So yes this blog is perfectly aimed at a couple planning their wedding at one of the venues I would love to work at and who love my style and wish to work with me. Who knows, I may even become friends with the venue wedding planner/events manager!! Do a styled shoot….. the opportunities are there for sure.

As a working wedding photographer, I come across many places featured on Instagram or some of my photographer friends have been there and I think to myself, wow - what an incredible experience and I’d love that myself and for my couples who book me. Now I’ve reached 50… I’m not scared of saying that - it is after all just a number. I certainly don’t feel or act 50 - however you’re supposed to act at 50, I think it’s time I just got on with it and put it this out there!! So what venues are on this wonderful bucket list to photograph a wedding at?

Burgh Island - Devon

A grand Deco themed hotel which is simply beyond gorgeous - especially if you love the Deco period of the late 20’s & 1930’s. It featured in Agatha Christie’s Poirot - “Evil Under the Sun” where it is said the author herself actually wrote this particular novel during her stay there. I do love a good Poirot/Agatha Christie mystery. They are my guilty pleasure!

This for me one of those places I long to go and photographing a wedding here would be the ‘icing on the cake’. I can always take a mini break there though.

Here’s a little something about Burgh Island taken from their website…

“Devon’s Luxury Art Deco Island Hotel

Nestled on an island off the rugged Devonshire coast, 15 miles from Dartmoor National Park and the river Dart, Burgh Island is one of the best hotels in Devon. With a range of boutique rooms – each with free wi-fi and a private bathroom – a stay at our luxury hotel is a truly unforgettable experience. Surrounded on all sides by sea views, our unique island location offers stunning amenities, an award-winning restaurant and unparalleled art deco hotel luxury with individually designed rooms. The perfect location for a coastal wedding setting, for parties by the sea or for delightful fine dining, Burgh Island is a luxury South Devon hotel like no other.”

Sadly I don’t have any images of my own to share here of Burgh Island but to check it out for yourself please click here and see the fantastic opening video and all their spectacular room images. What I will share is some images that I have taken from Art Deco themed shoots and one Deco inspired bride.

Art Deco Photoshoot - organised by Salli Gainsford Photography

Now I’m not known for my portrait work whatsoever - it’s probably the best kept secret of all as when I photograph weddings, I’m very much a documentary wedding photographer. I keep posing to a minimum by choice not because I’m not able to do this kind of stuff - I just prefer to work more naturally and show intimacy and personality over a more technical/editorial approach. Give me a portrait session with a model and I absolutely love it. So here we go (these images were all created and taken by me, styling and lighting hire were by the Salli Gainsford team) then I’ll share a few from one of my weddings prior to Covid of one stunning Gadsby themed bride, who was just incredible to work with.

You don’t of course have to have a Deco themed wedding. I just love the Art Deco look and as I had a good few images, it was easy for me to put this with this particular venue. Any wedding would look and be fabulous here.

If you’re planning on getting married at Burgh Island hotel and need a photographer, get in touch and let’s have a good ole chat about your wedding plans (if you like my style of course).