Here are the lovely Roya & Peter on their engagement shoot at Cabot Tower. It was a lovely sunny spring day! I’m really looking forward to their wedding in July!
Here’s the first wedding of 2013! Photographed at Wick Farm near Bath featuring the lovely Catherine and Paul!
Hello! Here are a selection of pics from Matt & Neil’s special day! After the ceremony at Bristol Registry Office, we took a stroll in the autumn sun to the harbor where we all boarded the Silver Salmon. After a quick stop off at Bristol Docks for some camera time, we headed to the Pump House where the party could begin!
What a great day it was and here are a few Q&A’s from Matt and Neil to tell you all about it…
How was the proposal?
About 3 months before Matt proposed to me we were redecorating the house and he was asking me questions like ‘if we got married what would you expect?’ and ‘would you like a ring if I proposed?’ which gave me an inkling that something was on his mind – but I forgot about it as he had always said not yet! However on my 27th Birthday he took me away to a farm cottage called Lurcombe in Devon for a birthday treat; after being in there for 15 minutes I was sat down watching TV when he came in, got on one knee and proposed. My initial reaction was to laugh because I thought he was joking (how awful did I feel!). Any way I said yes and the rest is history!
What was important to you when initially planning wedding: We wanted it to be about us as individuals therefore we wanted the venue to be somewhere which meant something to us. We love going to the harbour side in Bristol at the weekends so it was an obvious choice for us for both the venue and the pictures we had taken.
What was your involvement in prep?
As we are both teachers we did most of the planning in the summer holidays. We had an idea of what we wanted although the colour theme developed as we were looking for clothes etc. We took the picture for our wedding invitation ourselves (a picture of the suspension bridge from the docks). We were really good at making sure that everything was organised well in advance we thought; I did panic the day before though as we were writing our table plans to go on display at the Pump House.
How did your budget change from first planning to the wedding day?
We pretty much stayed to our initial budget- which was super. We were £300 over what we said we would spend however we had a continence saved anyway.
Your favourite wedding purchase?
I have to say that my favourite wedding purchase was my tailor made shirt – it fitted perfectly and was exactly what I had imagined (Neil). Matt’s was his suit because he had never bought himself a decent suit really and he had panicked about buying it until he found it.
What did you wear?
I wore a tailor made 3 piece suit and shirt from a suit that fits in Bristol and Matt wore a Navy blue 3 piece suit from Next with a shirt from M and S.
Why did you choose your best ladies?
I chose Laura as my best woman as she is my best friend from University. We shared many a drunken night together and is my closet friend therefore she was the obvious choice! Even though she lives in Australia she was willing to come back for my wedding; that meant a lot. Matt chose Hannah as she is his oldest and closest friend from school they have been friends for 17 years.
Best wedding bargain?
The best wedding bargains were the decorations for the restaurant during the meal. The willow lanterns were £5 each and the total cost for the bunting was £30 as we bought the material and Hannah (Matt’s best woman) made them.
Most extravagant part of the wedding?
My ring (Neil), it had to be platinum as it was what I had always wanted. My suit and shirt ( they had to be tailor made) I am developing expensive tastes!
Thoughts on your wedding day?
Our wedding day was amazing from start to finish. It was exactly what we wanted and had planned. Everything went to plan apart from the boat being a bit late with us all standing at the side of the river freezing! I got to the end of the day and thought how quick it had gone. I felt like I had spoken to everyone for only 5 minutes. Everyone we have spoken to since said we got the right balance of spending time with each other as well as chatting to the guests.
What style of photography you were after?
We wanted photographs which documented the day as well as having some pictures of Matt and myself to remember our day by. We definitely didn’t want a huge bank of posed family pictures as they would go in a box and be forgotten about. We absolutely love the photographs that we have – they are just what we had imagined and are a true reflection of the day and we can put them up in the house without them looking weird. We both would like to say a massive thank you to Caroline. She is an amazing photographer and made us relaxed through the whole thing ( I particularly was a bit worried about having the pics done as I am very self conscious). From the first meeting where we looked through her portfolio we knew she would be the person for us; she was warm, open and happy to explain everything. On the day she was brilliant and integrated into the wedding without people knowing that she was there. She has done a magnificent job and has captured our day perfectly so that we can remember it happily for the rest of our lives.
Food?
Matt and I are both fussy eaters so it had to fit both of us! Luckily we got lucky: Leek and Potato soup to start, roast chicken and seasonal veg followed by sticky toffee pudding and clotted cream.
Speeches?
well it wasn’t your traditional wedding so neither of us wanted loads of speeches. Matt’s dad did a speech and then Matt decided off the cuff that he would like to say something. It was all lovely.
Entertainment?
As we were basing our wedding at the docks we decided to have a boat ride around the harbour
First dance music and why?
Our first dance was ‘Count on Me’ by Bruno Mars as the lyrics defined how we feel we will be with each other during our lives together!
Favourite part of the day?
The meal. By that point we had got all of the important things out of the way and we were both very relaxed and jolly! We were able to relax, have fun and chat with our friends and family.
Thanks Guys!
I was asked by Kirsten, the Little Wedding Helper, to photograph some table stylings at a wedding at Bristol Zoo. I knew the tables and floral displays would look amazingly beautiful as always, and couldn’t wait to get snapping! Each table was styled with a variety of colourful flowers, by Emma Norton Flowers, arranged in vintage glass wear and jam jars. The plates and tea cups were supplied by Bristol Vintage. All this, mixed with the bunting and church chairs made for a beautiful reception room. I especially liked the typewriter and bureau positioned just outside. A perfect place to leave cards and gifts for the new Mr & Mrs!
These ladies are so very talented at what they do and it was a pleasure to photograph all their hard work!
Check this out! I photographed the beautiful Ria and Anthony on a workshop with a favourite photographer of mine, Steve Gerrard near the Custard Factory in Birmingham. We took a walk with the fabulous vintage styled couple out and about to find the most interesting street locations, proving that you don’t always need grand mansions and green fields to make for an interesting shoot. Ria’s dress was from the Justin Alexander collection and she looked like a glamorous 50′s starlet. Her hair and makeup was just classic! I loved Anthony’s vintage inspired suit and bow tie (bow ties are cool!). The black and whites have an edgy vintage look and the graffiti backdrops just pop with colour!
Hello! Well, the new and refreshed website is up and running and I’m pleased to kick off the new Blog spot with something I’ve been looking forward to sharing with you.
Back in August I had the pleasure of being invited to and photographing the LoveLuxe Blog launch party set throughout the orangery and grounds of Goldney Hall in Clifton. The LoveLuxe Blog, by Rosie Parsons (a favourite photographer of mine!) is a place to bring together the best bits of inspirational wedding styling and party planning. The launch party was a good excuse for the ultimate styled shoot, with each table hosted by a different stylist, who with their team of suppliers, brought together some stunningly beautiful displays that were a feast for the eyes and lens! We also had the chance to photograph some amazing dresses, worn by some beautiful models.
It was a great opportunity to network with other local businesses within the industry and to enjoy a glass of pink lemonade in the summer sun!
I’ve selected a few shots from the day for you to feast your eyes upon! Details and links are included for all the amazing suppliers involved. Please also check out the wonderful LoveLuxe Weddings and Parties Blog for more great wedding ideas and inspiration…
Table 1 – Pinks, Peaches and Golds: Stylist: Little Wedding Helper Stationery: Golden Apple Flowers: Emma Norton Wedding Flowers Cakes: Anna Tyler Cakes
Table 2 – Woodland Wonderland: Stylist: Jessie Thomson Events Stationery: In the Tree House Flowers: Bramble & Wild Tableware & Crockery: Lavender & Linen Cake props: The Cheltenham Cakery
Table 3 – Macaroons!: Stylist: Always Andri Wedding Design Stylist & Floral Design: Boutique Blooms Stationery: Berin Made Macaroons: Anges de Sucre Linens: Northfields Linen Hire Glassware & chairs: Option Hire
Table 4 -Children’s Tea Party: Stylist: Stationery & paper products: Belle & Boo Afternoon tea: Fosters Event Catering Flowers: The Rose Shed Cake: Eat Sleep Cake
Table 5 – Blues, Pinks and Golds: Stylist: Pocketful Of Dreams Illustrated paper goods: Berin Made Floral Design: Frog Flowers Cake & edible items: Cakes By Beth
Table 6 – Vintage: Stylist: Auntie’s Vintage China Flowers: The Wilde Bunch Cake: Chocolate Delores
Table 7 – Rustic and Ribbons: Stylist, props, furniture: Virginian’s Vintage Hire Flowers: Emma Lappin Stationery: Golden Apple Tableware: Salt
Table 8 – LoveLuxe cake and treats: Stylist: Little Wedding Helper Stationery: Golden Apple Flowers: Emma Norton Wedding Flowers Cakes: Anna Tyler Cakes Props & furniture: Bristol Vintage
Model – Rachel Harvey – Vintage
Dress: Kate Walker Bridal, Makeup: Elizibeth Furness, Hair: Kylee Larissa, Hair accessories: Victoria Mary Vintage
Model – Klara Warner – Boho Chic
Dress: Kate Walker Bridal, Makeup: Elizibeth Furness, Hair: Kylee Larissa Flower Crown: Bramble & Wild
Model – Harri Hill – Fresh and Modern
Dress: Kate Walker Bridal, Makeup: Elizibeth Furness, Hair: Kylee Larissa, Hair Accessories: What Katie Did Next, Balloon and streamers: Peach Blossom
Rain, rain go away! Not on my wedding day!
So, it’s a summer wedding you’re after, sun and blue skies, but wait, it’s England and believe it or not, it sometimes rains, I know, I couldn’t believe it either! I’ve had so many more sunny weddings than rainy ones, so maybe I’m a lucky charm? Ok, don’t hold me to that, it’s not in my contract! So what happens if it decides to do the unthinkable (or not so unthinkable!) and the heavens open on your big day?! Well, fear not, I have a few tips and words of comfort for you; it can be beautiful and even fun! Firstly, remember you are marrying the woman or man of your dreams and that’s pretty much all that matters! It’s your special day so embrace everything, even the weather!
Rain doesn’t have to ruin your picture perfect shots. In fact, it can sometimes be an advantage. This is because the soft lighting can make for a beautiful misty effect and the sight of raindrops can create some artistic images. It’s also romantic! Rain invokes feelings of intimacy so photos of you huddled up and sheltering together will make for super cute pictures! Providing your venue isn’t a big open field with no shelter, most venues will have some alternative indoor spots for photos such as reception areas, hallways and bridal suites. If not, think about locations near by, such as sheltered parts outside grand historic buildings for example. However, if you are brave enough to embrace the drizzle, why not venture outside with an oversized umbrella or two, you could even colour co-ordinate with your flowers etc.
So, some top tips…
Shoes: Pick up a pair of welly boots or maybe flats, which you don’t mind getting wet. It will help when going from location to location and you won’t get your pretty heels dirty or stuck in the mud!
Hair: Sexy granny rain hats that tie under your chin! Need I say more? I promise not to laugh!
Umbrellas: Get a few matching umbrellas for your bridal party, preferably without logos! The photos will look wicked!
Dress: Rain spots won’t show up on camera and probably no one will even notice so don’t fret! Try not to worry too much as you’re only going to wear it once. After the ceremony and wedding breakfast, why not go out and jump in some puddles? You know you want to!
So, I hope that helps and if it does rain on your wedding day, I hope it doesn’t ‘dampen’ your spirits (sorry!) Besides, I’ve always wanted to photograph a bride in welly boots! Any takers?!!!
I recently shot a mock up wedding at No 4 Clifton Village for their website and brochure. I had an amazing day working with Sarah who organises all the weddings at No 4. The lovely acting bride Amy was a star, and had only met her acting groom, David, that day! David, the studio manager at ‘A Suit That Fits’ on Queens Square in Clifton, was sporting some lovely suits from his collection, and very good at it he was too – a natural! The team from the Wedding Works were there with beautiful table and chair displays which made the venue all the more special. I also met Rachel Goodchild who designs amazing vintage wedding gift paper. So if you’re looking for a vintage venue and a vintage wedding, look no further…
I was invited to exhibit at the Bristol Independant Wedding Fair on Saturday 28th April and what a great day it was! I met so many lovely and creative people who all have an alternative approach to weddings. Organised by two local designers, it was an event created to offer independant local businesses the chance to show off what this city has to offer! It was held at Hamilton House, in the city’s creative quarter, showcasing a wide range of up and coming, designers, makers and businesses to help creat your perfect wedding day. Here are a selection of photos from the event…. Roll on the next one!
The wedding season is well under way! I recently photographed the lovely Graham and Cassie and had a brilliant day. After the church, we stopped off for a quick shoot at Clifton Suspension Bridge followed by the reception at Westbury On Trym Village Hall. Here are a selection of photos…
