Blog Posts

Simon & Nikki's Wedding - Milton Lilbourne, Wiltshire

16/9/2019

If you could write down your perfect wedding and everything that you wanted from it in terms of pictures, then Simon and Nikki's big day pretty much had it all.

I'd shot the wedding of some good friends of Simon and Nikki's a few months previously and, knowing the crowd from then, I knew that this was going to be a hugely fun day. I'm a big fan of traditional at-home weddings, getting ready in the house where you grew up, putting a marquee up in the garden, making your vows in the local village church. There's something really intimate and personal about it, the culmination of a journey from child to grown-up. Plus its completely and utterly unique down to the smallest detail.

The house was the usual hive of activity that you'd expect on the morning of a wedding day but there was also an air of calm (from what I could tell anyway, maybe it was the metaphorical equivalent of the swan appearing to move gracefully over the surface of the water whilst paddling furiously underneath). All seemed well and in fact, the biggest priority seemed to be that folks could watch the Badminton Horse trials on the TV whilst enjoying a cup of tea. See? Calm.

Leaving the girls to it, there was just enough time to pop over to the town of Marlborough, park up (no mean feat on a Saturday) and head over to Rick Steins where Simon was having lunch with his chaps. I took some shots inside and out (for the group shots I always say "pretend we're shooting the cover of your difficult second album" - it seems to work), then left them to their Aperol Spritz's as I headed back to the house for the final preparations.

The beauty of this wedding was that the church was within walking distance from the house so after Nikki had put her Louise Selby dress on and the last button had been fastened, I headed over to capture some of the guest arrivals, say a quick hello to the Vicar (always very important), capture Simon waiting nervously at the alter and then head outside for the arrival of the Bride.

There is a village tradition in Milton Lilbourne where every time there is a wedding, the locals all gather on the lawn opposite the church, drink champagne and wait to toast the arrival of the Bride and wish her well before she heads into the church. How amazing is that? To see that level of support from the local community was truly wonderful to see and really added to the uniqueness of the whole day.

Bells were rung, hymns were sung, vows were spoken and then there was THE kiss. I don't know if Simon was nervous, or had been planning it but seriously, take a look at the picture because THAT is how you should kiss the Bride.
It was a real 'I'm going to wrap you in my arms, sweep you off your feet and give you a smooch reminiscent of Clark Gable puckering up to Vivien Leigh in Gone With the Wind' type kiss that every Groom could learn from. Seriously, Simon should release a tutorial or a book on it, take it on Dragon's Den. It was that good.

Did I mention the vintage Volvo? Simon has one. I don't know much about cars, in fact I know nothing. But what I do know is that this car was beautiful and what a car to whisk your Bride off in after leaving the church. It had clearly been given a lot of love, was bedecked in ribbons and with the chrome glinting in the Wiltshire sunshine, it looked fantastic.

Whilst the newlyweds did a scenic tour of the Wiltshire countryside, everyone walked back to the house and the wonderful marquee, courtesy of the team at Marquee Vision. Beautifully laid out, it was filled with light thanks to the sun shining through the large windows and the guests made their way in to enjoy canapés courtesy of the excellent Fond of Food whilst they waited for the arrival of the Bride and Groom.

After this, the day kind of went by in a blur. From family pictures (there's a new saying now - instead of "cheeeeeeese!" we went for the excellently self-deprecating "it's all about meeeeeeeee!"), to balancing on a step ladder in order to shoot the "everyone at the wedding" group shot that I love doing, to grabbing a bit of one on one time in the fields with Simon and Nikki. Everything ran seamlessly into the amazing wedding breakfast provided by Annabel and her team from Fond of Food (I know it was amazing because they looked after me very well) after which, it was time for the speeches to take centre stage in the marquee.

It's always funny with speeches because essentially, they are words and anecdotes about people that, on the surface, I don't really know all that well. But I love listening to the speeches, it's one of my favourite parts of the day and I always find myself laughing behind the camera. I feel like I'm connecting with the couple and their family and friends even more. And, of course, it's a great time to get guest photos, capturing those moments when, after a punchline is delivered, everyone roars with laughter.

So, after a lot of laughs, love and rosé it was time to hit the dance floor. Now I've seen a few wedding bands in my time but the entertainment provided by 29 Fingers was probably the best I have ever seen. Not only was the choice of tracks that they played spot on but the energy that poured off them and over the guests was really on a whole other level. I don't think anyone left the dance floor for the whole night. With props, audience interaction and a slight dash of craziness, 29 Fingers were the real deal and an inspired booking. It's not often you see the lead guitarist, wearing a blue wig, jump off the stage, run out the door, do a lap of the marquee, run back in and jump back on stage, all whilst playing. Probably one of my favourite pictures of the night was of the Bride and her bridesmaid up on stage playing tambourines along with the music. The band took audience inclusivity and fun to a whole extra level. Seriously, I can't recommend these guys highly enough.

Sadly, the day soon came to an end and it was time to leave. But I headed home with my ears ringing, my energy levels still high and lots of memories and pictures to go through.

A huge thanks to Nikki and Simon for having me along for the ride and for their family and friends for making me feel so welcome. It was one heck of a day!

Nikki and Simon used the services of some wonderful suppliers and I'd like to give them a mention as they did so much to help make the day the success that it was.

Brides dress: Louise Selby
Flowers: Flower Fairies (and also Nikki's Aunt!)
Marquee: Marquee Vision
Cake: Cannings Cake Creations
Caterers: Fond of Food
Band: 29 Fingers

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Amy & Matt - Hedsor House, Buckinghamshire

19/3/2019

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The first wedding of 2019 was an early one and took place at the amazing Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire. Host of many a wedding and location for a whole bunch of films, Hedsor was a real treat to shoot at, not only in terms of how great it looked, it's size, scope and light but also the fact that everything was taking place on site for the whole day. Bridal prep with lovely big windows and lots of natural light? Check! Large staircase? Check! Massive dining room? Check! Beautiful gardens? Check! Heaving dance-floor? Yep, that's a check!

This place ticked pretty much all the boxes and it was a real treat to get to shoot Amy & Matt's big day there, a lovely couple who were very relaxed with a group of family and friends who made this particular photographer feel very welcome. And, to cap it all off, for a February day there wasn't a single drop of rain so big up to the weather God's for that one!

If you're looking at venues then I thoroughly recommend going to see the team at Hedsor. With their caterers Caper & Berry (who are also the official caterers at Loseley House in Surrey, so I knew that Amy, Matt and their guests were in for a culinary treat!) the whole day ran incredibly smoothly leaving the happy couple and their friends to enjoy themselves and dance the night away to the fantastic band Truly, Medley, Deeply who kept the dance-floor packed.

Venue: Hedsor House
Caterers: Caper & Berry
Band: Truly, Medley, Deeply

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the perfect Wedding Venue & How to find it...

5/2/2019

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You've said "yes!" and spent a giddy couple of weeks celebrating your engagement with family and friends but now, as you slowly float back down to earth from cloud 9, the prospect of actually planning your wedding has become a very real one. One of the first things people think about is where they want to do it. You might be lucky and already have had a very firm idea since you were 7 years old when you wanted to marry Morten Harket (lead singer of A Ha, look it up) in a hot air balloon which, whilst ambitious, is great. To others, it may be a marquee in the garden of their family home or maybe their idea of a wedding day is, as yet, a totally blank canvas. Whatever it is, you can adapt your plans to fit most weddings.

The first thing you need to think of what time of year you want to do it and what size it will be - how big do you want to go and how many people are you planning on inviting? Then you need to think of the ceremony - will it be a church wedding or would you rather a registrar?
For example, a lot of venues these days are licensed to conduct marriage ceremonies, the plus-side being that you're effectively "on-site" for the whole day, from getting ready in the morning all the way through to the end of the night, and there aren't the logistics of worrying how people are going to get from A to B or how you're going to feed and water everyone. Conversely, if you decide that you want to have a church wedding you need to think about where you're going to get ready beforehand, how far the church is from there and then how long will it take to get to wherever the reception is. Throw in thoughts about caterers and entertainment and then you'll see how complicated it can all be.

Once you've figured all this out you can then narrow down your search and be more specific about how you want your day to go. The important thing to remember here is that there is no right or wrong option, everybody is unique in what they want to do, it's just like trying to solve a big puzzle. Once you've done that, you can then focus on everything else.

Your location is a key part of the day and sets the tone so you want to get it right. I've shot weddings in a whole variety of different places, from stately homes and hotels to wigwams in gardens. There are so many options out there that frankly it is a complete minefield so I thought I'd share just a handful of the locations I've shot in to give you an idea as to what the possibilities are. So, let's start off by thinking about some...

Barns

Most Barns that you'll come across will be what I like to call "full-service" venues. This means that they'll be licensed to conduct marriage ceremonies, they'll either have their own caterer or a preferred supplier and they'll basically be able to lay on everything for you on-site, tailoring a bespoke day that will be both unique and memorable. They have the added bonus of being very roomy whilst oozing history and atmosphere and are usually fairly rural so you won't upset any locals as you party long into the night. Good ones to take a look at are Lains Barn in Oxfordshire, The Tithe Barn in Petersfield, Hampshire or Brookfield Barn in West Sussex.

Stately Homes

If you want to go all Downton Abbey on your friends then why not have a look at a stately home? Again, the majority of these tend to provide the full-service and some even provide facilities for the Bride to get ready in the morning such as the stunning Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire and Morden Hall in South London (and they usually have large windows which, from a photography point of view, let in loads of lovely natural light). Some of these venues will also give you the option of staying the night.

One particular venue that provides loads of options is Loseley Park in Surrey. A stately home dating back to the 16th century (Elizabeth I once stayed there). You can, if you so choose, hold your ceremony in the Great Hall, but it also has a beautiful walled garden which has an explosion of colour during the Spring and Summer where you can either again, hold your wedding ceremony, or have a drinks reception with your guests. To cap it all off the house also has it's own 17th century Tithe Barn a stones throw across the lawn where the in-house caterers Caper & Berry* can provide you with an excellent wedding breakfast and keep you well watered as you dance long into the night.

You can guarantee that a stately home will provide you with a lot of options for great photos and will make you feel like you are King & Queen for the day!

*Caper & Berry also provide the catering at Hedsor House, the Tithe Barn Petersfield amongst many other great locations.

Down by the River...

If you like messing around on boats or just being near the water then a river wedding is definitely something you should explore. A waterfront venue like Ravens AIT which is situated on the river in between Kingston-upon-Thames and Hampton Court provides the perfect backdrop for your big day. With landscaped lawns and licensed for civil ceremonies and with in-house caterers the team here can look after all your needs. They even have their own vintage boat to take you on a cruise up the river before you start the festivities with your guests.
The above wedding was shot on a hot August Bank Holiday weekend where a cool breeze came off the river which was alive with activity from boats of all sizes making for a truly memorable day.

London Weddings

If you're city based and fancy a London wedding then it will come as no surprise to discover that you're spoilt for choice. Of course, you have your pick of central London's hotels with access to places like Hyde Park for pictures or there is somewhere like the Chiswell Street Dining Rooms if you're looking for something small and intimate. But don't think you're limited to the hustle and bustle of the big smoke as there are loads of other options that could give you something surprisingly different, whether its the calm surroundings of Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park, the history of Fulham Palace or the elegance of the Hurlingham Club*. You might still be in a London post code but you'll feel a million miles away.

*The Hurlingham is right by the river as well and you could always arrange to have a boat transport there or whisk you off at the end of the night.

A Venue with a Meaning

When you get married it may be that you'd like to give a nod to your past, to maybe celebrate your big day in a location that played a big part in helping you become the person you are today. It sounds deep but to give it some context I recently shot a wedding at Trinity College in Oxford as the groom had been a student there and wanted to utilise the amazing facilities as well as, I guess, revisit his youth (including a visit to Hassan's world famous kebab van)! Oxford as a town also offered some spectacular sights in which to take pictures.
In a similar vein, the RMA Sandhurst has also served as a great location for a couple of weddings I've shot. A place where men and women are moulded into Army officers and where 2 of my couples wanted to return as the college and its magnificent chapel and grounds held a special place in their hearts.
It's spectacular surroundings like these that can really add an extra special element to your day so if you have any connections to any of the country's great learning establishments then it would be well worth getting in touch with them to see what they can offer you on your big day.

So that's a brief look at some of the kinds of venues that are available to you. It's an area where you can really think out of the box as you might come up with somewhere that you'd think would normally be off limits but then you may end up being pleasantly surprised, you never know. So, dream big and have fun planning your big day!

I still have a handful of bookings available for this year and am also taking bookings for 2019 and beyond. If you have any queries or would like to meet for a chat to discuss your plans for your big day then don't hesitate to get in touch!

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Christmas Event Photography

13/11/2018

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We're approaching that time of year where we have to ask ourselves a number of questions:

1. How long can I put off my Christmas shopping for?
2. When is an acceptable time to buy that first tin of Quality Street ?
3. When can I start playing Michael Bublé on repeat until Christmas morning?
4. What shall we do for our Christmas party this year?

For number 1 I'd say, not too long unless you want to find yourself in Boots on Christmas Eve panic buying bottles of Brut 33 (Black Friday is coming up and as much as I hate the concept, get it all done then). Number 2 would be about mid-November and 3 is December 1st, the day when you can officially pull the pin on all those Spotify Xmas playlists that have been winking at you since October.
I can't help you with number 4 though, that's up to you. What I can  help you with however is the photography side of things. If you're having to organise your company Christmas "do" this year then capturing the right kind of imagery is key as not only will it give your guests a lasting memory of the great time they had but will also serve as useful marketing material internally or externally for any future events you may have planned. After all, you've invested time, effort and expense into organising a memorable event so why not have some great pictures to show the fruits of your labour?

Coming from a corporate background where discretion around VIPs was crucial, my unobtrusive, informal, natural and fun style of photography will capture the true spirit of your event as it unfolds and will give you and your company the kind of exposure you deserve.

If you are holding an event of any kind this Christmas and are looking for a photographer then don't hesitate to give me a call and you can tell me all about it.

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Martyn & Cynthia - A Wiltshire Wedding

15/10/2018

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“Do you like shooting weddings?” people often ask me. Well, the answer is always an emphatic YES. You’d have to be a pretty dull individual to not get caught up in the whirlwind of love, joy and laughter that permeates throughout a wedding day.

The beauty of shooting weddings is that each one is different. Whether the ceremony is conducted by a 90 year old vicar, a humanist registrar or if it’s held in a barn, in a hotel or a field even, each one is totally unique. From a photographic point of view they all present their own challenges, sure, but there is one thing that I absolutely know without a doubt when I pack up my kit and head to my next wedding - it’s going to be fun.

It was as I headed across (or down, depending where you live) to Wiltshire that I had these thoughts as I’d been really looking forward to shooting Martyn & Cynthia’s big day. We’d already done an engagement shoot together and I could just tell that their day was going to be a blast from start to end. And so it was. From meeting Cynthia and her Mum and friends in The Gainsborough Hotel in Bath in the morning, to arriving at the church to be greeted by the friendliest, most amenable Vicar imaginable, the tone was set. The reception was held in the gorgeous surroundings of Martyn’s parent’s home where the effort and hard work they had put in to making the garden look its best for the guest arrivals was plain to see. It was the amazing Tim & Lucy from Malt & Marble who brought everything together though. Their thought, design, organisation and attention to detail was truly impressive. They made the day run like clockwork and watching the guests have such a fun time once again reminded me of why I love shooting weddings. Plus, any wedding that has a hog roast in the evening will always get a big thumbs up from me!

So, thanks to Martyn and Cynthia for having me along, to their family and friends for being so welcoming and to the tireless Tim and Lucy for making my job that much easier. It really was a day to remember!

If you're getting married and are thinking of pictures then don't hesitate to drop me a line!

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An Oxford Wedding - Ian & Fei, Trinity College

28/8/2018

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It was off to Oxford the other week and Trinity College for the wedding of Ian & Fei. Ian was at Trinity during his student years and wanted to hold his wedding at his alma mater. With everything on site, from the beautiful chapel, well kept gardens, spacious dining hall and the "beer cellar" for evening dancing, the location was perfect. Especially when you threw in the backdrop of the college itself, from a photography point of view I really was spoilt for choice!

Ian started off the day getting ready in the college's Pig & Whistle room, conveniently close to the college chapel (no excuse for being late!) whilst Fei was in the Randolph Hotel just over the street having the finishing touches done to her hair, make-up and dress (the 1st of four different outfits worn during the day!). Oh yes, the dress. I've seen quite a few during my time shooting weddings but this was absolutely stunning with a veil that must have been 10-15ft long. A real statement piece, there were times during the photos outside where a gust would suddenly catch it and it would float majestically on the wind as I pressed the shutter.

When shooting weddings you're a slave to the weather. I'm always checking the forecast, from the moment I wake up in the morning when I open the curtains to the evening when I know that we're all safely inside for the night, I become rather obsessed. When it came to the outdoor photography aspect of Ian and Fei's day I have to say that I was a little nervous as the heavens had decided to open up during the morning and didn't seem like they were going to close at any point. But as soon as Fei was ready the sun came out and, with the exception of a few drops here and there during the day, it stayed out.

The chapel at Trinity really is eye catching and, unlike most places of worship, all the congregation are on benches facing each other and running the length of the chapel. A layout like this makes moving around hard but with the beautiful oak panelling as a backdrop it made for some great pictures.

The ceremony went off without a hitch, the group photos were seamless and it was time for one more large group photo of all the guests in the quad before they headed in for the wedding breakfast (another situation where I found myself hanging out of a second floor window, all in the line of duty.)

After dinner we were lucky in that we were able to wander around the streets of Oxford to take in some of the sights and that it was late enough to be able to take pictures unencumbered by the usual throng of tourists. Standing outside the Rad Cam, beneath the Bridge of Sighs, we almost had the town to ourselves.

It was soon time though to head in to the depths of Trinity and the beer cellar for an evening of dancing. There was a short break however as Ian insisted on taking everyone back outside into the street for a celebratory kebab at the world famous (apparently) Hassan's Kebab Van. As Ian liked to remind us, his kebabs were voted the second best in the country. When and by whom? I've no idea. But Ian was very excited and the smile on his face was well worth eating my first kebab since 1997.

The night soon drew to a close and Ian and Fei, the consummate hosts, packed me off with a large box of cake. They were so much fun to work with and I was honored to be able to capture their special day for them.

I have to say a special thanks to their wedding planner Emma Joy who kept the day running like clockwork. She was easy going, organised and offered great piece of mind knowing that she was around to help with anything that came up.
Also thanks to Chris at Perfect Moment Films for being so great to work alongside. Never in the way, accomodating and always with a smile on his face. His company really does produce first rate work and you should check them out.

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A Wedding Photographers Kit bag

27/7/2018

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"That's a big lens!"  or "your camera takes good pictures!" and "you're very smart for a photographer!"

These are comments that are often thrown my way at a wedding and to answer them, "Well, yes it is (there are bigger ones)" and "thanks but there's a bit more to it than that!" and "why thank you, it's important to make an effort!". I also often get asked about the sort of kit I use so I thought that it might be interesting to share with you my go-to pieces that I have with me when I shoot a wedding. Now, it should be said that this is just my preferred set-up and, whilst I'm sure other photographers have different requirements (especially when it comes to lenses!) this is my preferred set-up and works for me. It's fairly minimal as I have to move around a lot and be prepared for anything and everything.

So, with the bag packed ready for a wedding up at Trinity College in Oxford tomorrow, here's what I'll have with me:

1. Bag by Billingham - Hadley Large Pro.
This is my workhorse and holds everything I need. I used to use a Lowe Pro back-pack and, whilst it was a good bag, it made me feel a bit like a student on gap year. I'm all about aesthetics and the Billingham has that classic/retro design that I was looking for. It looks cool and classy and is rugged enough to take a beating all whilst protecting the contents.

2.  Camera harness by Hold Fast
I always use 2 cameras at weddings and events (as well as family shoots amongst others!) and this harness literally saved my life. A camera with an extra battery pack and a 70-200 lens is a pretty heavy piece of kit and when you throw another camera into the mix, that equates to a lot of weight that I have to carry around for 12 hours. This harness enables me to have both cameras within reach on my hip and ready to shoot at a moments notice whilst distributing the weight evenly thus saving my already fairly knackered back from further pain!
Plus, for the Brucey bonus, it looks really cool. Many's the Usher or barman who has said "wow, you look like you're packing heat!" to which I just give my best Dirty Harry sneer, whip one off the hip and then take their picture in "was it 6 shots, or only 5? To tell you the truth I'd forgotten myself in all this excitement...."
Okay, moving swiftly on...

3. Canon 5D Mk III & Canon 5D MkII (plus batteries and battery packs)
Canon or Nikon? Coke or Pepsi? Jack and Dani or Josh and Kaz?*
It's all down to personal preference really, I've always been a Canon man because I've known nothing else and know the system like the back of my hand. The Mk III is my main camera, it's functional, shoots well in low light and has a decent frame rate if I don't want to miss anything. There is a swankier Mk IV out, but for now the III ticks all my boxes. The Mk II is Mr Dependable, solid and will never let me down. In fact, for any personal stuff I'll generally just use it with the one lens, one card and one battery and I know it will deliver.
Both cameras have an added battery pack that holds 2 batteries each which will give me all the juice I need for a 12 hour day.

*Huge apologies for the Love Island reference. I'm as ashamed as you're surprised (Jack and Dani if you're wondering)

4. Memory Cards (Compact Flash)
I take a lot of pictures throughout the course of a wedding so I have 2 x 64GB cards (each one will hold approx. 2000 images each) as well as some back up 16GB cards. Some folks like to spread their days across a whole bunch of different cards but I found that trying to stay on top of changing cards and remembering what was on what without missing any of the action was too much. I don't have too much time at a wedding and I don't want to miss any moment so the larger memory cards work for me. All cards get backed up as soon as I get home on 2 separate drives - you can never be too careful!

5. Canon L Series Lenses - Canon EF 70-200mm f.2.8 L II USM, Canon EF 24-105mm f4 L USM, Canon EF 50mm f1.2 L USM
Ask any photographer and they'll always want another lens to add to the collection and I'm no different but the ones above are my go to lenses on a regular basis.
The 70-200 lens is great for those candid shots of folks when they don't know they're having their picture taken, it's big and weighs a ton but allows me to stand back and just observe what's going on without getting in anyone's face. Plus this one is great in lower light situations like old and dark Anglo-Saxon churches where I usually have to stand away from the action to avoid upsetting a very strict Vicar*. I have a more lightweight f4 version which I use on a lot of other quicker shoots but this one is the bomb.
The 24-105 is kind of an "everyman" lens. It covers most bases, wide enough for the massive group shot of the whole wedding where I'm invariably hanging out of a window somewhere but can still zoom in for that candid reaction shot. Its a good one to have on the dancefloor (yes, I go on the dancefloor - see previous blog!)
Then there's the 50mm prime or the nifty-fifty as it often gets called. This is probably my favourite lens. Fantastic for portrait shots, it has an amazing depth of field and with an f stop of 1.2 it can shoot in really low light situations. I generally have it on me at all times (when I'm shooting, not like, in bed or anything because that would be weird.)

*I did have one Vicar though who once said to me "My dear boy, you're the most important person here! So please stand wherever you like!" Plus he played the trumpet, during the service. Legend.

6. Canon Speedlites 430 EXIII-RT x 2 and Speedlite Transmitter
If you have 2 cameras you need 2 flashes. I'm not a big fan of flash photography to be honest and I try and avoid it whenever possible but you know, needs must. When night falls and you have a dark dance floor or you need to do some outdoor portraits, then you have to go with your flash. The transmitter triggers the flashes with a radio signal which is useful when you're using off-camera flash.

7. Speedlight brackets for stands
These enable me to mount my flashes onto a stand and place wherever I like for off-camera flash photography. Not very cool gadgets in the great scheme of things but handy things to have.

8. Watch - Omega Seamaster Professional
I have to be super organised on a wedding day, knowing whats going on and at what time. The first part of the day is definitely against the clock with a lot bases to cover and I do have to be on the ball and my trusty Seamaster helps with that. It's also James Bond's watch of choice so I'm in pretty good company. The NATO watch strap is from the chaps at Smart Turnout and is in the colours of the long since gone Yorkshire Hussars regiment.

9. Knitted Tie
I'm always smartly dressed at a wedding, I think it's so important and shows respect to the couple, the families and the occasion, plus it helps me blend in. I've been to weddings as a guest before where the photographer is in jeans and a polo shirt and it just looks terrible. I'll always ask about the clients dress-code and I'll stick to it. Generally its a suit but I have been known to shoot a wedding in full morning coat. I love a knitted tie though and this is a favourite from my growing collection, I couldn't tell you where its from as it was a gift but I think they look great.

So, that's it! Missing from the picture are the pre-requisite fully charged mobile, pack of polo's, safety pins (for Bride/Groom emergencies) and a tube of Volterol for my aforementioned dodgy back.
I hope it's been of interest and gives you a bit of insight into what goes into delivering a great set of wedding pictures.

If you're getting married and want to talk about pictures for your big day then drop me a line!

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Your wedding and the Dancefloor

23/7/2018

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“Do you stay until the first dance?”

This is a question I often get asked when meeting with potential couples. I think its because different photographers offer so many packages that it can all be something of a minefield. Bronze, Silver, Gold, etc – I’ve seen photographers offer up to 6 different types of wedding packages which, with the greatest respect, is completely nuts.

So, that’s why I like it to keep it simple with just one package on the table. When I’m booked to capture your big day, I’m there all day, from start to finish. I can’t think of anything worse than leaving before the party is in full swing! So to answer the question above, not only do I stay for the first dance but you’ll generally find me in the thick of the action on the dance-floor capturing all the fun from dodgy dance moves and air guitar to passionately belted out lyrics, in-tune or otherwise, all whilst trying to avoid flying elbows and legs until the last man or woman is left standing. With that in mind here are some quick dance floor rules that should be adhered to:

The dancefloor must be occupied at all times.
Lunges are strongly encouraged.
Wearing a tie around your head is perfectly acceptable.
Knee slides will be loudly applauded.
Air guitar is a good thing.
Dance-offs are most welcome.
“Dad-dancing” is cool.
And finally - Don’t hold back, leave it all out there!

So, to recap, your wedding day is a celebration, a big party with all your nearest and dearest around you and the best pictures come from when everyone is relaxed and having fun. And the place to be? The dance floor. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the pictures above and see for yourself!

If you're thinking of photography for your wedding and have a banging dance floor planned then drop me a line!

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the Final Build Up to your Perfect Wedding

2/5/2018

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How to Make it Through the Final week

It may not seem like it at the moment as we're lashed by the monsoon rains but summer is most definitely around the corner and weddings are in the air. If you're in the middle of planning your own big day then you might be feeling like its all getting on top of you so here are a few handy hints that might help ease the stress, whether your wedding is next week or next year, and help keep you sane and on track for an amazing day.

Take Time Out!

Planning a wedding can be all consuming so take some time out, just your fiancé and you, to do something normal. Go and see a movie, go for a long walk in the country. Whatever it is, no wedding talk allowed!

Break in Your Shoes

You've found the perfect pair of Jimmy's or Manolo's and if you want to wear them for more than 5 minutes on your big day then make sure you break them in. Walk around the house, dance around the kitchen, you'll thank me on this one trust me.

Don't Overthink Everything

The best moments come from those that are unplanned. When you wake up on your big day trust that everything is in place, relax and just go with it.

Be Good To Yourself

It's easy to forget about the importance of looking after yourself in the days and weeks leading up to that moment where you walk down the aisle. So make sure you eat healthy, balanced meals and drink plenty of water the week before.

Put the out of office on

Clear any big tasks or assignments at work a week or 2 before your wedding and put the out of office on, you don't want thoughts of work floating around your head on your wedding weekend.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Its good to be prepared for any eventuality so put a little kit together containing things like safety pins, a nail file, plasters, extra make-up and mints and give it to your maid of honour to look after.

Sleep!

The week before the wedding try to get some early nights as being rested will give you a healthy glow and give you lots of energy for your big day.

namaste

Help get rid of any tension and toxins in your muscles by going to a yoga class! What's good for the body is good for the soul and an hour in a calming environment will work wonders. If you can't get to a class you can try to incorporate some poses into your bedtime routine like the child's pose or the downward dog. They'll immediately slow your heart-rate down and help to rebalance your mind before your head hits the pillow.

Drink Smoothies

Staying hydrated and drinking lots of water is really important but smoothies are great as well. They help cleanse your body and clear your skin. Try this recipe for a refreshing green smoothie, it takes 2 mins!

- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 banana
- A handful of fresh mint
- 500ml almond milk
- Chuck in a blender/nutribullet
- Drink
- Feel awesome!

Take A Moment...

This is an important one. Your wedding day will be one of the most special and memorable days of your life but it will also fly by! Everyone from friends and family will all want a piece of you and sometimes it can get to be a bit too much. So be sure to take a moment out with your new husband at some point during the day to soak everything up. Take a look around and think about what is important and what you'll take away from the whole experience. Appreciate all the hard work you've put in and what you've done to get to where you are today. Think about both your journeys and how you ended up as husband and wife. It may seem obvious but I tell this to all my couples as it's so important and will help keep the memories fresh for years to come.

So there we go, some may be obvious and some you may have not thought of. Just remember to relax and enjoy the build up!

BOOKINGS AVAILABLE

I am taking bookings for 2019 and 2020 so if you're still thinking about photography for your big day then drop me a line, I'm always happy to meet for a coffee and a chat!

I'm also taking bookings for Engagement Shoots which are a great way to get to know me and to feel comfortable in front of the camera. Shoots only take an hour or so and can take place at a location of your choice. If you'd like to book a shoot, get in touch!

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The National Wedding Show 2018 - Olympia

22/2/2018

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After a whirlwind 3 days of meeting so many great couples the 2018 National Wedding Show at Olympia came to a close. It was such a great experience and it never ceases to amaze me the imagination and creativity that people have when it comes to planning a wedding. If you came by my stand, thank you for taking the time to chat and for showing an interest in my work!

Shows like this, especially on the scale it was, can be quite daunting and you walk away from it all with total information overload. It takes a few days for it all to sink in but with so many suppliers to choose from, where do you start?!
When it comes to photography, if you're still mulling over your options then I'm always happy to meet with any potential client before any decision is made for a coffee and a chat as its important to see if we (pardon the pun) click. After all, you wouldn't dream of inviting a complete stranger to your wedding and the same should apply to your choice of photographer. If we get on and you're comfortable around me then come the big day you'll feel a lot more relaxed and, if I do my job you will hardly notice I'm there!

So if you do have any queries about your wedding day then please don't hesitate to get in touch. Oh, and don't forget, my show special fee reduction is in place if you book before the end of February 2018.

It's also worth noting that as well as meeting lots of fab couples there were some really cool suppliers there as well who catered for all kinds of needs from stationary to luxury get-aways. Here's just a selection of those I came across who I was really impressed by and thought were worth a mention. Check them out!

Rainbow Club Wedding & Occasion shoes
Buckleigh of London for bespoke tailoring and formal wedding hire
Countryside Stretch Tents for that marquee with difference
Cad and The Dandy For the sartorial minded gent on his wedding day
Lusty Glaze Beach For the perfect Cornish seaside wedding, these are the guys to go to - The Sunday Times 2017 UK beach of the year!
Merry & Bright Calligraphy For modern calligraphy and wedding stationery
Surrey County Hall Wedding Venue in Kingston, Surrey
The Ravenswood Wedding Venue in West Sussex
Wish Upon A Sparkle face/body glitter specialists!
De Vere Hotels For wedding destinations and venues up and down the country
Confetti for all your wedding ideas
Ginger Ray party and wedding supplies

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Simon & Nikki's Wedding - Milton Lilbourne, Wiltshire

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the Final Build Up to your Perfect Wedding

How to Make it Through the Final week

Take Time Out!

Break in Your Shoes

Don't Overthink Everything

Be Good To Yourself

Put the out of office on

Pack an Emergency Kit

Sleep!

namaste

Drink Smoothies

Take A Moment...

BOOKINGS AVAILABLE

The National Wedding Show 2018 - Olympia

MJH Pictures - Photography By Matt Harris Blog

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