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Tom and Sheena's Wedding

Added Monday 29th September 2008

Tom and Sheena were married at the Saracen's Head in Towcester on the 13th of September. We started off with Sheena at home with her girls, as they got ready.

Tom and best man, Nick trying their best to look relaxed before the wedding!

Greeting their guests in the courtyard, and looking ever so slightly more relaxed than before!

Before Tom and Sheena's romantic first dance, this little chap warmed up the dance floor for them. I just love the way kids dance. They have absolutely no idea what they're doing, and they love it! In the first part, at least, we have something in common. This guy was busting some moves. Like the foot-stomp, the arm-flap, and most important, the running back and forth to Mum to see if he was doing it right!

Tom and Sheena, I wish you many blessings. It was a pleasure to be with you on your big day, and I know you'll take good care of one another. I hope to see you really soon!

Chris and Donna, engagement shoot

Added Monday 22nd September 2008

They met on holiday in Jamaica. Donna was with her friend, and Chris was with his sister, staying for just one week when he first set eyes on his future wife!

They are to be married two years later, to the day. And like many details about the wedding, Donna informs me, it was a "joint" decision! Chris is good to his fiance, and he always seems happy to let her have her way!

We met up at the Ramada Jarvis in Solihull yesterday for some practise shots. Here we are beside the bowling club green, which is reputed to be the second oldest bowling green in England. The earliest recorded date that mentions the green is 1783. It's a nice spot for photos, but we're not allowed to actually step on the grass, or the old folk will come out and kick our butts. That's what Claire, from the Ramada says anyway.

But it's all ok, because we found the most beautiful spot in this pagoda (triple word score for my first use of 'pagoda') with the sunlight streaming in through the lush green leaves above. I think it must have been put here by a photographer!

Chris and Donna, it was lovely to see you yesterday, and I'm looking forward to your wonderful wedding in November!

Paul and Liz, engagement shoot

Added Sunday 21st September 2008

Paul and Liz will be married in Wellingborough in October. Their wedding celebrations will span two days, and I'll be there to document both the wedding on the Friday, and their reception in Creaton on Saturday. Highgate House is a particular favourite of mine. Liz knows why.

I was delighted to hear that Paul and Liz are running things their way for the wedding! I just love it when a bride and groom take the day and make it their own, with things that are meaningful to them. They've decided to have what we like to call a 'first look'. They'll meet at one end of the long, beautiful gardens at the Wellingborough registry office, and walk down together, and into their own wedding hand in hand.

Here's Liz, practising. On the day, with yours truly snapping away it will feel more like a catwalk than a garden path. Own the runway, Liz!!

Paul and Liz are loads of fun to work with, and had so many laughs as we shot the pictures together. Here they are, sitting in the 'wedding tree'.

Wellingborough was the venue of my first ever professional wedding. After many friends weddings and a few 'tag-alongs', I photographed Jason and Rekah's day on the 7th of June 2003 in 72 shots (2 rolls of this strange stuff we used to use called 'film'). It's hard to believe how far things have come in five years. Back then I don't think I'd have dreamed of all that's taken place and the work I'm now doing. So I'm really looking forward to going back and taking a heck of a lot more photos this time!

Paul and Liz, I can't wait to celebrate with you your special day(s). I must admit, the talk of wedding cake piqued my interest (man, Liz really does know me!) but it's your good selves I'm most interested in. Take care of each other until then!

Richard and Carly's Wedding

Added Saturday 20th September 2008

I've really been looking forward to Richard and Carly's wedding for two reasons. First, I haven't shot at Hellidon Lakes, one of my favourite places for a little while now. But mostly, because Richard and Carly are such a sweet couple, and we had a great time at their engagement shoot in August.

Up in Carly's suite, which was baking hot. Not really sure why. But here she is, already gorgeous! She said the bathroom was the most photogenic room, so we've got a few details shots in there! A few of these involved standing in the bath to get the right angle. This is not a mistake. I'm not daft enough to not notice myself in the mirror. I just wanted to be in a photo, for a change.

Here are Richard and his guys, looking well put together! The conservatory is just great - we can shoot nice group photos even when it's raining.

The talent. (Can I get away with saying that?) Carly's lovely bridesmaids are (from left to right) Jay, Charlotte, Sarah and her chief bridesmaid, Stacey.

Now we're talking. Perfect chance for a flare-up shot. And here's Carly, working it for the camera like the pro we all know she is.

Must give a shout out to Ariella Strings, who made beautiful music for the ceremony and afterwards during the reception drinks. It's so nice to have live music at a wedding.

There are just too many great pictures that I love. You'll have to go to their featured gallery for more, because we're skipping through the day now! But here's Richard and Carly's big moment!

I don't know why I just can't resist shots of other people taking photos. At least, now that taking a photo means holding a camera out in front of you, rather than right up to your face, like in the old days!

A very happy happy-couple! And look at Carly, still working it! She's very expressive, and has loads of different cute 'looks' she keeps shooting at people. But especially at her brand new husband!

Here's Charlotte giving us the "wind-swept and interesting" pose.

This kid made me laugh, like a budding David Bailey. Actually, I'm pretty sure David doesn't lie on the ground so much as this.

Here's one of those 'looks' I was telling you about. Of course, Carly has a special batch reserved only for Richard!

One of the coolest and most unique things about Hellidon Lakes is their bowling alley. As you can see, Carly gives me artistic license with her photos. I just loved that she wasn't a bit concerned when I made off with her shoes and flowers.

And would you believe it? She steps up to the lane, white wedding dress going beserk in the UV light, and on her first roll, she gets a STRIKE! Yeah, go Carly!

Richard and Carly, I can't thank you enough for letting me be your photographer. You're such a sweet couple, and your reaction to the pictures we made together (20% my doing - 80% yours by the way!) will stay with me always. You're in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.

Paul and Lisa, singing in the rain

Added Thursday 18th September 2008

We met up on the 5th of September, exactly one year to the day before Paul and Lisa's wedding next year. We spent their 'un-anniversary' touring their wedding venues and chatting about the day.

But first we met up at Dobbies, the local garden centre for a coffee and a few sneaky shots before we were politely thrown out by the management.

We headed to Lisa's parents house, where she'll get ready on the day. But there was no beating about the bush on this one, it was raining. Paul and Lisa were absolute troopers though, and I think we got some really lovely shots despite the weather.

Here's a shot inside the church where Paul and Lisa will be married. It's a lovely old, large (dark) church, and we found a little pool of moody lighting in these pews!

Taking shelter in a garden near to Paul's parents place. The reception is to be held in a marquee in the grounds near the house, and it looks like being a really special, personal occasion, from what I've heard about their plans. I'm really looking forward to the day. I just can't believe we have to wait a whole year for it!!

If you're wondering about the singing in the rain reference, I've just been enjoying Jamie Cullum's album. Singing in the rain is beautiful, but here's one of the other songs. Definately check out this guy's music. Like a warm drink, it seeps into your soul!

Be my friend!!

Added Wednesday 17th September 2008

I've made friends with a few brides and grooms already on facebook, and I think it's a cool way to keep in touch. It's also fun to see new family photos they've added, or photos other people took at the wedding. I'm even in some of these photos, which is nice!

Just a quick disclaimer, facebook is not a 100% professional medium! I guess I'll clear up a little bit soon though, so hurry up if you want to see the Italian speaking sheep video first!

This year I've put an emphasis on showing customers who I am as a person, as well as showing my work. I've always been friendly to my customers, of course! Potential customers are not just looking for great photographs, but also a great photographer. After all, they'll be hanging around nearby throughout the wedding day. Getting to know each other, and making friends with my customers is way more important to me than maintaining some unnecessary 'corporate' image.

I recently had the Yellow Pages lady round to discuss advertising for next year's book. Before she came, I went back through the files to find out how customers found out about me. It turned out, a third of my 2008 bookings came from networking, including bride's recommendations, and friendly wedding vendors who I've helped out for free with websites, photos, etc. I think this proves my theory. People are far more important than companies. The result is, I'm spending far less on printed advertising, and far more time developing relationships.

So why not add me, send me a message, throw a sheep, or whatever?

Andrew and Rachel

Added Tuesday 16th September 2008

Andrew and Rachel were married at the Church of the Ascension in Hall Green on the 30th of August. Here are some favourites from the day!

We thought it would be fun to recreate the picture on the wall, with the family members sitting in different places.

Andrew, with his best man Charlie, and ushers Richard and Phil.

This is not just a shabby-looking guest, but a chimney sweep who came to wish the happy couple well on their wedding day. Apparently a sweep is as lucky, as lucky can be.

The reception was held at the Old Silhillians Club in Knowle. Everyone had a fantastic day, and I'd like to thank Rachel and Andrew for making me a small part of it!

Falcon wedding fayre

Added Monday 15th September 2008

Day 2 of solid-blogging week! See 13-9-8 for explanation. (Click "September" to the right to see the whole month.)

Yesterday afternoon I spent a few hours at the Falcon Hotel wedding fayre. It's always exciting to meet brides and grooms face to face, and be able to show them some of my work straight away. It's also great to meet up with other wedding suppliers and talk shop!

Michael and Amy booked me back in June for their wedding at the Falcon in May next year. Their plans are going pretty well, but they stopped by the fayre for some ideas and to say hi. Here they are with their bridesmaid, whose name I'm pretty sure is Lizzie!

I have a guilty pleasure to admit - something that's been with me for years. A family legacy since Dad drove me around Bracknell with the cassette player turned up. And that legacy is Dire Straits. It's definately Dad-music, but I'm old enough now not to care! I can't help but smile when the opening chords of "Sultans of Swing" begin to play.

So you can imagine how pleased I was when Enzo Renda, one man tribute band, picked up his Fender and made it 'cry and sing'. Enzo also does Eagles hits, and loads of other music. He plays a lovely classical guitar too. This guy's in dire need of a website. But in the meantime, email him at enzorenda@aol.com

Surrounding us were some beautiful decorations from Clare Bradford. Couldn't resist a few shots while we were there!

Spend a week with me!

Added Saturday 13th September 2008

It's funny how many people still think wedding photography is just a Saturday afternoon job!

Someone asked me the other day: "So, what do you do every other day except Saturday?" I wanted to say: "Oh, just play squash, watch movies, sit around!", but of course instead I told the truth.

I don't know about other photographers, but I'm constantly busy editing the odd thousand images, designing and printing albums, and visiting couples and venues. Not to mention taking enough time to impress people in the first place to book me for their weddings. There are advertisements to design, wedding fayres to attend, wedding coordinators to make friends with and the books to be cooked! It's an endless job, but I absolutely love it! All the hard work is more than made up for when I get a reaction like Carly had to her photos last week! She's an absolute sweetheart, and watching her emotions at the wedding on Saturday touched my heart. I'm so blessed to have a job where I seem to get almost as much out of it as the couple! Again, I don't know about the other photographers, but there can't have been many as chuffed as I was that night on my way home from Hellidon Lakes.

The work keeps me busy all year round. But of course there is still a rush on the actual shooting in the summer months. It's been a busy few weeks just lately, and I'm sorry to have fallen behind on my blogging. How about it, Internet? Will you forgive me?

I've devised a penance. Aside from catching myself singing along to Whitney Houston in the soundtrack from the bodyguard, in the lounge bar of the Saracen's Head in Towcester, where I am blogging from (I'm sure the beautiful girl behind the bar just laughed at me). Apart from that, I've decided to blog every day for at least a week. I've got great weddings to show you, some fun shoots too, and a couple of cool announcements. So stay tuned, stalk me for a week, and drop me a line whenever you like!

PS. Also, come along to the Falcon Hotel in Castle Ashby tomorrow for their wedding fayre. Actually, just go there anyway. They do great food, and it's a lovely place for a family dinner.

Wedding Fayre at the Falcon

Added Monday 8th September 2008

This Sunday I'll be exhibiting (showing off) at the Falcon Hotel wedding fayre in Castle Ashby. It's one of my favourite places to shoot, and their awesome wedding coordinator, Melissa is one of the best people you could have looking after you on your wedding day.

Please come along if you can and meet some great wedding suppliers, including yours truly. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say the bucks fizz is free, because I'm preeeetty sure that it is! It's from Midday until 3pm, and you can read more here.

Here are Chris and Naomi, hanging with the "falcon". More from them coming soon. Stay tuned!

Eamonn and Helen's wedding

Added Wednesday 3rd September 2008

Eamonn and Helen were married on the 22nd of August. Here are some photos from their beautiful ceremony and super-fun reception.

Helen looking gorgeous, and keeping her cool!

Eamonn and the lads were lots of fun, and we definately had a lively time taking photos. The ceremony was held in the Abbey Church in Erdington. It's an imposing Catholic church with beautiful features.

The big moment!

Married!!

Eamonn and Helen are very popular, as you can see from the enormous number of people who came to watch them be married.

After the ceremony we headed to the Holte pub, just next door to the Aston Villa football ground. After a few quick portraits, I headed over to the Trinity Suite at the ground for reception details.

I have to confess, I'm not a major supporter of any one football team. The venue seemed to stir strong emotions in a number of men present, not just because of the wedding!

Delish

Wedding video was handled by a guy called Stephen, who impressed me with his wedding day skills. Unfortunately he ran out of business cards. So give me an email, Stephen and I'll give you a link!

Some very merry dancing rounded off a really fun day!