Stephen and Helena engagement portraits
Added Thursday 31st July 2008
I met with Stephen and Helena last week for some engagement photos and to check out their wedding venues together.
 
Helena is actually a wedding and event coordinator, so I've no doubt her wedding on the 16th of August will be planned to perfection! After meeting at St. Leonard's in Banbury, we headed to the Best Western, Banbury House to talk details.
 
It's going to be fun taking these pictures in full view of the road, with cars streaming past behind me having a nosey look! Since we met at the Hellidon Lakes wedding fair over a year ago, I've looked forward to working with Stephen and Helena, who are such a lovely, fun couple. Guys, take good care of each other until the 16th! (And afterwards too!)
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Chris and Naomi
Added Wednesday 30th July 2008
Chris and Naomi's wedding on the 12th of July was one of my favourites yet. They're a lovely couple to work with and I enjoyed meeting them before and at their wedding. We took some really great shots and had a lot of fun. So much so that I'm planning to write a new web page on "tips for the wedding morning" Chris and Naomi's experience will definately feature. But from where I was standing, they appeared to have a pretty good time too!
 
The morning was peaceful, fun and unhurried. Naomi and her elite bridesmaids got themselves ready at her Mum and Dad's beautiful house in Yardley Hastings, moments away from the church where she was married.
 
We had time before the wedding to head outside for some fun shots with the girls. Naomi even worked the camera a little here which, for this stage in the day, is saying something! She's confident, and incredibly beautiful. And thankyou so much Anna, Gill and Claire. You were amazing bridesmaids!
 
And here's Chris. I'm sorry not to have known him back when he was a less brave little boy. But now, he's an extremely likeable, great guy, and was smiling all day long. Even when he lost the drinking contest to his wife during the speeches!
 
It's great when the clergy give the congregation their "Kodak moment". I'd already got my shot, so I stood on a pew and grabbed this shot above my head without looking. It's harder than it looks! You've probably seen the technique on the news when the papparazzi spot a car rushing away from a night club.
Alan Cockayne, toastmaster was on hand to both grease things along and glue them together! He makes such a difference to a wedding, and adds a touch of humour and friendliness to the announcements. He also helped me to set up the above mega-shot as efficiently as possible. So thankyou Alan!
Of course, these two make my job look easy.
 
Chris and Naomi, my warmest congratulations to you both on your marriage, and on such a wonderful wedding. I felt really spoilt with you!
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John and Claire's wedding
Added Wednesday 23rd July 2008
On Friday the 11th of July John and Claire were married at Dodmoor House in Weedon. The day started out beautifully, with lovely sunshine.
Claire's lovely dress waiting for it's big moment! And here's Abi, Claire's able and glamorous bridesmaid.
 
Beautiful weather, as Louise from Dodmoor House greets guests arriving by coach.
This little one seems delighted with her dress! Being a bridesmaid or flower girl is a big deal for a girl. Probably more so than being a page boy. I think there are pictures floating around somewhere. If one of my family digs them up I'll consider showing you!
Claire looking gorgeous, sun still shining! And don't worry, there's a baby. Actually, this is a very special one. John and Claire decided to hold a naming ceremony for little Benjamin right after the wedding.
 
I just had to blog this image of a perfect summer afternoon:
John and his best man Dan, before the ceremony:
 
And then the heavens opened! It suddenly started raining so hard, Claire had to be rushed through under cover of brollies to get her into the ceremony room.
But the weather did nothing to dampen everyone's spirits. We all enjoyed watching John and Claire make their vows and become husband and wife, after which, they promised to bring Benjamin up with love and dedication.
 
We just got the chance to take a big group photograph on the steps. Dodmoor House is one of my favourite wedding venues, and one of the finest places you can get married in Northamptonshire. Louise and Mark have actually won awards for their custom-rennovated barn complex and exemplary service.
Weddings always look so beautiful here. I don't know if that's because Louise has a hand in the preparations, or she only accepts such classy couples as John and Claire! My congratulations to the happy couple, and best wishes for the future!
 
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Paul and Julia
Added Tuesday 22nd July 2008
Their story began 5 years ago when they met in the bar where they both worked at university. The relationship grew from strength to strength, and today, Paul and Julia are clearly very much in love.
 
Just over a year ago, I guess Julia thought to herself that she wanted to get her a husband! I've no doubt her persuasion was both subtle and gentle, but it worked, and on her birthday, Paul popped the big question! Of course, he tried the old little-gift-in-a-big-box gag, to try to throw her off the scent, but it didn't work. That's one of the nice things about love, hey? Knowing each other well enough to see through the daft jokes, but enjoying them anyway! Probably a good job too, else Julia might have been ready to thump him!
 
I enjoyed shooting Paul and Julia so much, and seeing them together, that we took way too many pictures at the Falcon Hotel on Sunday. Over 100! I've never done that before. I love this one though. I'm always telling people to "forget about me" when we shoot. But here, I think there's a chance they actually did. These two have some heat!!
Definite screen chemistry between this lovely couple. I can't wait to shoot their wedding on the 8th of the 8th, 2008. A date like that's supposed to bring luck. But of course they don't need it. They're very lucky to have each other.
 
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A day in the life...
Added Friday 18th July 2008
This is a blog post I've been meaning to write for a while. Photographing a wedding is a big job. You rush from one challenging lighting situation to another and each one has to produce the results of a professional photo shoot, without making the day all about the photographs. Lots of amateurs are shocked by the pace of shooting a whole wedding as well as I do, cramming so much amazing photography into a short space of time. You certainly can't take one stunning photograph, then gloat about it for the rest of the day. You have to bank it, forget it, and move on.
The challenge is to do this whilst keeping the bride as calm as possible! You're probably familiar with the "blue zones" and "pink zones" of wedding planning, but on the day I like to think about a "white zone" - an area of tranquility around the bride. She doesn't need to know what you've gone through to get the shot. At least, not until afterwards! A friend of mine used to call this "the swan effect" - paddling away like mad under the surface, whilst on top, everything is serene and beautiful!
6.30 am - Sidestep the remains of last night's decadent, high-brow birthday celebration. Thank goodness for Douwe Egberts! As I drink my coffee I go through my packing list, making sure I've got everything ready for the day. I take more than twice the number of batteries I have ever needed, as well as a bunch of duracells for good luck. The day before I've already put these on to charge, and emptied about 30GB of memory cards. I'm happy to see the weather forcast has improved since yesterday:
You little beauty!
7.30 am - Driving to Wokingham to see the bride. On route entertainment is provided by the Hoosiers, and Michel Thomas's learn-Italian-in-just-8-hours course. As a friend of the bride, my sister is coming along with me today to get some great candid shots. After a quick setup and prep session, we go to see Jen.
 
Isn't she gorgeous? The house is calm and collected. Uncharacteristically so for Jen, I'm told! We take loads of pictures of her and her bridesmaids and Mum and Dad getting ready. Every now and then they can see me look at the back of my camera and say something like "holy cow!" This seems to make Jen smile, and boosts her confidence.
It was Jen's shoes that got me thinking about the swan effect today! These pink beauties were like her little secret - a splash of her bright, fun character underneath the elegant dress. Of course, like her wonderful character, the shoes were not a well kept secret!
12.00 - As usual, I only just have time for some pictures of the bride and father before we have to rush off to the church to meet the guys. The churchyard is a challenge this afternoon, with the sun shining right in people's eyes and no shade to be had. I have to balance fill-flash with daylight, and arrange people carefully to keep them happy! Around me guests are complaining about their pocket digicams and the bright sunshine, as I would be without my professional camera.
12.48 - She's early! So we send her round the block. (Which, on the nine mile ride in Crowthorne, is quite a way!)
1.03 pm - The ceremony begins. These are the most critical shots of the day. The ceremony is the reason we're all here, and these are the shots we can't repeat. Vicars dislike photographers for no good reason, and so I'm stuck at the back of the church. I can still get great shots though with a long, image-stablising lens and holding my breath!
2.00 pm - Jen is surprised by the wonderful treat her Dad arranged for her and Leo, her new husband. Her dream has been to ride in a horse-drawn carriage, and she walks through the gate as she hears the sound of hoofs on the road. I've been briefed beforehand, so I'm ready to catch the delight on her face when she sees her surprise transportation!
 
Nix and I race off to the Blue Mountain Golf Club to take pictures of the reception details and decorations before everyone arrives. When Leo and Jen clip-clop their way down the long driveway, we're waiting and ready for them.
3.20 - Before the meal we have time for some posed and unposed portraits of the bride and groom and their families and attendants. Here are some favourites!
3.40 - Whilst the guests are seated, we just have time to steal a couple of golf buggies and head onto the course for some of the most lovely shots of the day. Alright, we didn't steal the buggies. The guy from the pro shop looked bored and wanted to drive us around. We didn't hot-wire them (this time).
4.00 pm - I probably mentioned that Jen is a friend from years and years ago, and so we were delighted to be considered as guests at the wedding, as well as photographers. It was unusual (but nice) to have a seat at a table for a change! We get up from time to time to shoot the cake being cut, the speeches made, and backup images on the laptop.
 
7.30 pm - The DJ starts up and announces the bride and groom's first dance. I enjoy these shots, as I get to mess around with lights, try to see in the dark, and catch the couple's expressions with split-second timing as they move on the dance floor.
10.30 pm - Arrive home, exhausted! But I can't crash until I've downloaded all the memory cards and backed up the images. The cards stay on my belt all day long until this point. If I ever put my camera down during the wedding, the cards come out and go in my pouch for safety. It's been a great wedding, and my thanks go to Jen's parents, Russell and Angela, or "Angel and Rascal" as we call them. They're two of the lovliest people you'll ever meet, and masterminded a really great day for Jen and Leo.
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York
Added Thursday 17th July 2008
This week I took some time to hang out with my family for a bit of a break. My sister and I joined Dad and Helen in York from Monday to Wednesday and had a brilliant time. Here we are in the grounds of the hotel.
We stayed at the Royal York Hotel. It's enormous, too big for my little Nikon S500 to get all in! All shots taken with the point and shoot, so excuse the quality!
During our stay we went to see the York Minster. Cathedrals always amaze me. The architecture is breathtaking. Nobody, but nobody would build something as incredible and costly as this today. And all this was done with the construction techniques and tools of hundreds of years ago.
As a photographer, I'm often looking in the opposite direction to everyone else! When, for example you can see the beauty of the bride in the expression on the groom's face. In this case, you could see effect of the stained glass window as it cast coloured lights on the floor.
We stopped in at this quiet little church in the city centre. I was struck by the two posters on the door, each giving equally valuable advice!
 
On Wednesday, we hired a boat and chugged our way up and down the river, for a lovely end to a great break.
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Andrew and Rachel, engagement portraits
Added Sunday 13th July 2008
Andrew and Rachel will be married next month at the Church of the Ascension in Hall Green, followed by their wedding reception at the Old Silhillians Club in Knowle.
My congratulations to Andrew and Rachel on their engagment. I'm really looking forward to the wedding and taking some great photographs together!
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Paul and Sharron's wedding
Added Thursday 10th July 2008
Paul and Sharron enjoyed a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception at the Falcon Hotel in Castle Ashby last Friday. I was immediately struck by their attention to detail as I initially went round the rooms, photographing the decorations and items they've clearly spent so long preparing.
perfect!
I met Sharron before she came downstairs for the wedding and I have to say, she was just so beautiful. She reminded me of a certain Hollywood star. You know who I mean, but I won't say in case she's sick of hearing it!
 
Paul and Sharron walked up and down the aisle together, which I just thought was the most romantic thing. It seemed to simply say "we've come here together, to be married to each other".
Can a photographer appear (albeit discreetly) in his own images? I hope so. Plenty of outdoor games were provided to keep the guests entertained!
Sneaking off for a quick portrait session. And here's Paul, looking pleased with himself. And as well he may, if I may be so bold!
 
The space hoppers were a nice touch, and provided entertainment to everyone present, in one way or another!
During the speeches Ricky, the best man, produced his list of topics he wasn't allowed to mention, and read them out, just to be on the safe side! But as a fellow owner of an all-in-one ski suit, I'm afraid I'm going to have to side with Paul on some of the issues raised!
Paul and Sharron, thankyou for making me a part of your day. Your wedding was romantic, intimate, and planned to perfection! I rarely get the chance to work with such welcoming folks as your family. Here's to you!
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Astacology
Added Tuesday 8th July 2008
I was a little early for my meeting with Kirsty and Matthew in Bicester this evening, so I decided to stop off at the outlet village for something to eat. Kirsty has been a friend of Zoe's (who I photographed in May) since they were little girls, and to my great delight, Zoe was happy to recommend me to Kirsty for her own wedding this September.
The last time I was at Bicester outlet village, I was dragged along by someone who cared a LOT more about shopping than I did! But this time I noticed a few more shops to interest us guys; Savoy Taylors Guild, Bose, Agent Provocateur, Jimmy Choo (no...wait!) I didn't actually go into all of these shops, you understand, but I noted their presence. The only designer label I came away with was Pret a Manger. Some people might think £3.10 a lot to pay for a sandwich, but the fact was, I had never tried crayfish before, and I wanted to know what it tasted like. Good, it turns out!
My point? (I'm sure I had one) Oh yes. Really nice things sometimes cost a bit more. Like Bose, AP, Jimmy Choo and crayfish. But they're worth it. You're worth it.
Matthew and Kirsty were lovely. I'm really excited to be working with them so soon. They were so keen to take some great photographs that they're the first couple to have arranged their engagement session before we even booked the wedding in the diary!
St. Mary's, Launton. I was going to show you a crayfish. But they're just too gross. Sorry.
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Birthday Coffee
Added Friday 4th July 2008
Sorry for the sporadic updates to the blog. Did anyone here not learn the word "sporadic" from clueless? Here are some of the things that happened. Not all work-related - I hope you don't mind!
Friday was the prom, hosted by Southfields School for Girls. Congrats to the organisers - it was an awesome event. Everyone was having a great time! You all looked fab in your photos. Hope to see some of you next year! Thankyou too to Jane and her team at the Hotel Elizabeth.
On Saturday I had a rare day off! My family had some free tickets to Alton Towers, so how could I refuse?! This isn't us of course, but Oblivion was one of my favourite rides!
I'm very much looking forward to this afternoon, when I'm off to photograph Paul and Sharron's wedding at the Falcon. And tomorrow I'm heading down to Bracknell for Leo and Jen's wedding. I didn't get to post many of their engagement photos earlier in the week, but here are a couple!
 
The reception is at the Blue Mountain Golf Course, which amazingly, is just moments away from the house I grew up in. One of my many happy memories of childhood was walking round the golf course at night with Dad in the fog, carrying REALLY BIG torches so the beams lit up the sky!
Do you have a favourite childhood memory? If so, why not enter it at hundredsandthousands.org.uk, a charity project by the Children's Society?
Now I just need to finish my coffee from my favourite mug, pack up my kit and about a hundred batteries, and prepare for the wedding!
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