Meet Pip and Tom, some of the happiest smiliest folks you're likely to meet! We met up on a hot Saturday in April to talk about their wedding in August this year.
Wow! That's one happy bride! Pip you were such a delight to photograph. Can't wait to see you walk up that lovely long aisle to your handsome groom.
Oh yeah, they've got it. :-)
What kind of awesome school has palm trees in the grounds?
Love love love this shot, so much fun.
Down at the old cricket pavilions
Tom and Pip, you're such a sweet couple, it was so nice to hang out with you, and it'll be a joy to photograph your big day. I hope you always look at each other just like this. :-)
Married! Mario and Tami's big day
Added Sunday 30th May 2010
Mario and Tami were married at the lovely Moor Hall Hotel on the 18th of April. Here are just a few of their awesome photos. The prettyness of the pictures has little to do with me you understand. I just held the camera :-)
Tami you're just...perfect.
Mario and the boys arriving in style in a Hummer too big to really fit into the hotel proper!
Tami was walked down the aisle by her big bro Craig and his very fancy hat.
It was such a fun wedding. Mario and Tami set the tone, and everyone just knew they were there to enjoy themselves and celebrate. It made me really happy to be amongst them.
My assistant and second photographer for the day was Harvey Hook, and along with some frankly awesome portraits and detail shots, he did snag the odd picture of me at work. I like this one!
Yup, bingo.
She looks so elegant even when she's not trying!
I thought this was funny. It looks like the girls are trying to save their seats for dinner!
We snuck into the bridal suite for some pictures. All above board and completely appropriate, but I love to get a little heat into a wedding photograph. I'd definitely suggest this as an idea if you're staying at the hotel. And if anyone asks, don't worry, I'll lie.
Haha, Tami's about to throw the bouquet, and Mario's holding back the crowd of single girls, but there can be only one winner...
...and I KNEW it'd be Heather!! This girl's got some game! Attagirl Heather. :-D
Tim and Helen at Hagley Hall
Added Saturday 29th May 2010
Tim and Helen are celebrating their marriage with a humanist ceremony TODAY at the wonderful Hagley Hall. The ceremony sounds really personal and meaningful, and I'm really looking forward to seeing it.
Hagley Hall has many exciting period rooms to admire and look pretty/handsome in. I'm sure ALL the guests will be posing away as they move from room to room!
Very excited about this one though!
We took some nice shots in the grounds...
...before Tim and Helen dragged me up to a favourite spot of their in the Clent Hills. (I'm joking, I was totally up for going, possibly more than they were!)
Tim and Helen, as you read this we're either just about to or have just finished photographing your wedding! I know it's going to be a wonderful wonderful day and I just can't wait! See you soon.
Introducing... Jo Meddings, photographer and bride-to-be!
Added Friday 28th May 2010
It's always a huge compliment when a photographer asks me to photograph their own wedding. A huge compliment and a huge responsibility of course!
I met Jo and her groom Rob, and their lovely little girl Bethany at their home in Corsham near Bath. We took a look round their wedding venues together and tried not to bore Rob (and Bethany) with talk of cameras.
Jo's website is in production now, but if you live anywhere near the West Country, check her out on facebook for some great portraits: JMeddings on facebook.
The Face Salon, Solihull
Added Thursday 27th May 2010
Long before I came to Solihull, I knew about a man called Rob Jukes. The famous hairdresser that all the women (and one man) in my family swear by. He sort of became a business idol of mine, because of his uncanny knack of selling beauty to women, and the way they just keep coming back for more!
So this spring I got in touch with Rob to congratulate him on moving into his fab new premesis in Solihull town centre and find out if I could take any pictures for the Face salon.
Here are some photos of the salon and the awesome staff there.
You're thinking "oh yeah, that's where it is!"
The staff are so friendly, and the salon itself is really stylish, with lots of nice touches. They do a lot more than hairdressing too - all kinds of beauty treatments I couldn't begin to describe to you! Go in and take a leaflet, or see thefacesolihull.co.uk for details.
Rob putting together a stunning 'hair up' for a prom. They're keen to invite groups of girls to the salon before a prom to all have their hair done and get themselves ready. One of many new ideas Rob and his team are working on.
And the finished result, in my impromptu studio against an office wall!
Here's Clair Ray of skin central, working out some knots! I first met Clair in a funky new show-home in Dickens Heath, which neither of us bought. We got chatting and realised we were both working in the same industry, and since then we've kept up to speed on each other's business and tried to pass work along. Not that anyone listens to what I have to say about makeup and beauty. Probably with good reason.
One of my primary objectives for the shoot was a bad-ass portrait of Rob to use in various places. I'm not sure though, I think he's too nice to pull it off!
The funkiz children's salon upstairs...
And the whole team!
Andrew & Mel's Engagement Portraits at Rushton Hall
Added Wednesday 26th May 2010
I've heard great things about Rushton Hall, and always wanted to go there. So I'm very grateful to Andrew and Mel for asking me to photograph their fabulous wedding there in June. Here are some pictures from our engagement session...
Mel, you're so beautiful. I can't wait to see you in 'the' dress!
New wedding reception venue, Hampton Manor with Ed and Helen
Added Tuesday 25th May 2010
Rich and Bex Wedding
Added Monday 24th May 2010
I thought it'd be fun to put the odd video on the blog where I can, so I started taking my wicked little Sanyo camera around with me in case inspiration strikes or anything brilliant happens. What do you think? Good surprise... or nasty surprise?!
Some friends at the Holiday Inn
Added Sunday 23rd May 2010
A couple of weeks ago I exhibited again at the Holiday Inn wedding fayre. Since I can't help myself, I took a few pictures for my fellow professionals. Here they are, complete with shout-outs to some awesome local wedding suppliers. You really should drop everything that you're doing and check them out right now!
Oops, I didn't take a business card for this lady! If it's you give me a shout quick and I'll add a link!
Mr. & Mrs. Airhead (that's not their real name. I just made that up. For you.) from huff, puff and away.
There were loads of sparkly creations from StyleWire.
Melanie Summers from Amelia's Cupcake Company brought these little beauties. I don't think there's a website yet but call her on 07895 687 087 or email ameliascupcakes@yahoo.co.uk. Cupcakes are so cool to have at a wedding, especially your own custom made ones to match your colour scheme and flavour preference!
The lovely girls from Fleur de lis attempting to hide behind a lily. Fleur de lis are probably my favourite florists. They're so nice to talk to in their Solihull shop. Do pop in and say hi if you need a florist. I'm sure they'll be happy to show you some pictures and have ideas.
Thanks to all the brides and groom(!) that came to see us at the show!
The secret of a happy marriage
Added Saturday 22nd May 2010
Eat this.
Be happy.
You're welcome.
And don't say I only ever blog about weddings and engagement sessions! ;-)
Charlie and Emma's Engagement Photographs
Added Friday 21st May 2010
Charlie and Emma are getting married TOMORROW! at St. Leonard's church in Ribbesford, with a lavish reception at Park Hall Estate.
I met up with them a little while ago for some practise shots and a good chat about the big day. I'm currently all packed and ready to go for tomorrow, and I can't wait for the wedding. I'm also really excited to have the wonderful Carole Kelly with me to shoot the wedding. We're a great team.
Oh there'll be NO rain tomorrow. It's going to be glorious!
Mark & Leanne's Wedding at Dodmoor House, Weedon
Added Saturday 15th May 2010
I remember sitting in Mark and Leanne's living room, in their lovely Northamptonshire village cottage, chatting about their wedding. I'd taken off my shoes automatically in such a perfect home, and as we were talking about albums, somebody grabbed my toe! It was of course little Mia, their altogether lovely little girl, happily playing on the thick soft rug.
They are just the sweetest little family, and it was a joy to share their special day with them and all their loved ones in February.
Leanne's a lot of fun, and she kept coming up with funny things to say while everyone was busying about her. Leanne honey, you were indeed, completely flawless!
Mark has a quiet dignity to him that draws people to trust and respect him. I do. And Leanne clearly adores him. She couldn't wait to get over to the church just to see her groom.
I had to laugh. The roads from the house to the church are slightly 'country' and Leanne had visions of Glastonbury-like mud preventing their nuptials, so she borrowed a couple of TOP spec land rovers to make sure she could get to her man on time!!
Now! Dodmoor House!! I flipping LOVE this place. It's just my idea of the perfect wedding venue. I've never been here when it hasn't rained, and somehow we always manage. These steps (and the patio table I'm standing on) are great for a huge group photo, and there's enough space in the main barn for smaller ones.
Cutest little bridesmaid!
Don't they look wonderful together? I thought so.
So happy.
So many awesome shots at Dodmoor House, and I've never even BEEN outside to the lawns or the magic tree! I could've shot you two all day, but I had to let you get back to your adoring guests of course.
A very proud Mom and Pop.
Can I just give a shout out to Beci Lamb, the wedding coordinator we had at Dodmoor. She was fantastic and her team looked after everybody faultlessly. And from a totally selfish perspective, she was so helpful in making sure I could get the shots I needed to, and dealing with the rain. I hope I can work with her again soon.
I wanted to show you this, because Leanne and her girls are enjoying some of the pictures from the day on the macbook. Some customers like to keep the photos a big surprise until after the honeymoon which is fine, but I'd really recommend letting me do a slideshow for your evening, as it's usually very entertaining, and actually provides a nice little moment for you to reflect. As I'm editing during dinner, I often see the earlier pictures and think "woah, that was just today?" The day flys by, and the slideshow is a nice little way to look on your whole day and feel happy!
I love this, it says "WE DID IT!!"
Chris and Natalie's Engagement Shoot
Added Thursday 13th May 2010
I always think being asked to take another photographer's photograph has got to be a compliment! Whenever I need photos of myself and I ask one of my competitors friends to do it, they don't seem to like it.
So I didn't know it until we met up a little later on, but Natalie (of Chris and Natalie fame) is starting out in business as a wedding photographer. Check her out here. Haha, did I just like to another wedding photographer on my blog?? :-) Natalie and I actually shot a wedding together on the 1st of May and it was so fun to shoot with her.
Speaking of shooting with her... remind me to tell you how they met ;-)
The wedding will take place in Natalie's family home town of Honeybourne. Isn't Honeybourne the nicest name for a place? Don't you all just want to go and live there? It probably wouldn't be half as nice as it is if we all did, so let's just visit for now.
The reception's at Alveston Manor, and there's a reason we're mucking about on a fire-escape. I'm going to need it for a group photograph. Come to think of it, I haven't actually checked if my insurance covers 'falling off hotel roofs'.
Doesn't this look like a great place for a wedding reception? It is GOING to be beautiful and sunny and everyone will be enjoying the day on this lawn with their drinks and their favourite happy couple.
Craig and Jess at Polhawn Fort
Added Wednesday 12th May 2010
Most of my weddings are reasonably local, simply because that's where people find me. But every year I photograph a few weddings in more remote places, because the (fabulous) bride and groom want me for their big day and ask if I'm willing to travel. And for a couple as sweet and fun as Craig and Jess, I'd go all the way to Plymouth if I had to.
Polhawn Fort, to be precise, was the location of their beautiful wedding. I'm actually in the middle of editing their wedding photos right now, but because I'm so bad at keeping up to date with my blog, today you're getting the shots from their oh-so-awesome engagement session.
Craig and Jess are such happy people, and we laughed so often and easily as we walked around their amazing location taking photos. This is the side passageway from the fort to the gardens...
I always try to tell people they can dress up however they want for these engagement sessions, and Jess totally knocked it out of the park here, don't you think?? You know what, play this by Kinobe while you're reading, and you'll see why I think Jess looks like a bond-girl.
On our travels we were joined by Tassi, the cutest doggy in the world.
Can't tell you how long I've wanted to photograph a wedding by the sea! I'm eternally grateful to you guys for giving me my first! And now we've already done it, I can say how incredibly chuffed I was that we got down onto the beach on the big day. But that's for another blog huh?
Jess, you are SO gorgeous!
Pretty shoes!!!
Inside the fort are many interesting features. The building feels like a bit of a maze actually, you have to go up to go down, go around to get out, that kind of thing. It's utterly unique and I LOVE it.
Oh Bingo.
And then we "slipped into something more comfortable" (boom boom) for a stroll down to the beach...
Told you, we laughed more than is probably professional for a client-professional relationship. Well, like that's what this is anyway!
:-)
Apparently Tassi had never been to the sea before. And she took to it like a dog to water.
Knowing what a wally I am, I probably told Jess at this point to "make like a mermaid!!"
I'll leave you with a picture of a soggy doggy, and a very happy couple. Craig and Jess, let's pretend for a second we don't already know how absolutely FABULOUS your wedding was, haha, and let me say thank you for having me down on the beach to document your happiness and your love. Can't wait to show you the finished photos!! x
David & Carina's Wedding
Added Monday 10th May 2010
David and Carina were recommended to me by a previous customer. If I look, I can see them hiding out in the back of some of Stephen and Helena's wedding pictures in 2008. Since we met properly to chat about their wedding, I've really enjoyed working with Dave and Carina. They're such fun people, who cut their own path in life, and are loved by a great many people.
Here we are at home, with Gaelle and Sara making some finishing touches!
Dan and our third bridesmaid Kylie. These lovely two are getting married soon and I'm secretly angling for the job ;-)
Over at St. Michael's, Aynho, David and his best-lady Sam are waiting. He's such a gentleman isn't he?
Dum dum da-dum!!
Eric walks his girl up the aisle...
At the end of the service, David read a moving poem to his wife.
From one car to another, we boosted these battery-powered beauties to head off for some photos...
It was a beautifully decorated and served wedding reception, and I was so chuffed to be included on a table right in the middle of the action! I've never added so many friends on facebook as I did after this wedding, I can tell you!
Hang on... what's all this?? :-)
Yeah girls! Work those wellies!!
A quick family portrait of my favourite people! Helena's called me a creep so much whenever I say nice things about her, that when I actually pulled out my official business cards that evening and showed her that she and Stephen really are on the back of each one, she seemed pretty stunned, and then went round getting everyone to take them!! Thank you guys again for being such great customers, and saying nice things about me to Dave and Carina! And Freddie too Lol, hey buddy.
Dave is actually a professional DJ, amongst many other talents, and I half wondered if he would be able to resist a turn on the decks (or the ipods, or whatever they've started doing since my totally relevant sound-engineering degree became completely useless!) The evening was certainly looking like a lot of fun when I finally left!
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