RICH & MANDY'S WEDDING AT BINGHAM RIVERHOUSE

Rich and Mandy’s wedding at Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond London had me smiling from ear to ear. This pair did not stop smiling and it was infectious. The vibrant flowers, location by the river and the dance floor action was brilliant. The day started with an intimate civil ceremony and was then followed by a humanist ceremony led by Brighton based celebrant Roxy Hayde. It was my first visit to the Bingham Riverhouse for a wedding. I am looking forward to getting a back there as it was wonderful, and the chef and his team were absolutely superb.

Mandy & Rich’s Awesome Supplier List
Photography - Anesta Broad Photography
Venue and Catering - Bingham Riverhouse Richmond
Celebrant - Roxy Celebrates Love
Florist - Emporium London
Groom’s suit - Edit Suits
Bridal dress - Rembo Styling
Bridesmaid dresses - Rewritten
Hairdresser - Lucy St John
Band - Nexus

For more London wedding inspiration, check out Amy and John’s wedding at Stoke Newington Town Hall and The Old Church.

WEDDING CEREMONY - QUESTIONS TO ASK

Whether you have already chosen the date and location for your wedding ceremony or still deciding, there are plenty of questions that you need to ask the person conducting your ceremony including a few about wedding photography. I asked friends, family and my past couples what questions they asked when planning their own wedding ceremonies.  Everyone was very generous in sharing questions and experiences, so much so that I had a tough time narrowing down a top ten. Instead I settled on the top twenty questions to ask whoever is presiding over your service!

1. Can you talk me through what to expect before and during the ceremony?

2. What do we need to provide before the wedding (for example, birth certificate)?

3. Are we required to take any premarital or religious classes prior to the ceremony?

4. How much does the ceremony cost?

5. How long does the service take? The average length of a church wedding ceremony is 45 minutes, however, ceremonies in a registry office can be just 20 minutes long.

6. How many guests can the church/venue accommodate during the service?

7. Where will everyone stand/sit during the ceremony…bridal party, readers, etc?

8. What are the legalities? A friend explained how her ceremony took place in a 700 year old chapel which was bound by ancient rules and customs.  Written permission was required from all members of the choir/organist in order to have a videographer. Fortunately, this didn’t cause a problem. Always check about copyright of any music needed, ask if venues have legal permission and relevant licenses to play the songs that you would like.

9. Can guests park at the ceremony location? “It may sound a bit practical but it’s handy to know about parking as the church we used had people to direct parking and they kept areas clear for us to arrive and leave.”

10. How can we personalise the ceremony? There are often opportunities for you to make your service personal to you from customising your order of service to writing your own wedding vows. Remember to ask for ideas and examples.

11. Is there another ceremony booked immediately before or after ours?

12. For an outdoor ceremony, what is the backup plan in case it rains?

13. Are there musical instruments available for use such as a piano or organ? Are there any bylaws or restrictions on when the church bells can be rung?

14. Can we have a rehearsal and who should attend?

15. Are there any photography or videography restrictions? Do you allow the use of flash photography? Some registrars or vicars object to the use of flash photography and have strict rules about when photos cannot be taken such as during the vows or at the signing of the register. Always check beforehand so that you and others can be prepared.

16. Where and when can photos be taken?

17. What is the cancellation policy?

18. What time before the ceremony can we have access to decorate?

19. Can we take our flowers from the ceremony venue to the reception venue?

20. Are we allowed to throw confetti?

21. And one more for luck and my personal favourite, which came up more than once…can you have tissues at the ready? “We had someone leave a bottle of water and some tissues in the front pew of the bride’s side of the church as bridemaids don’t have pockets or handbags!”

NICOLA & JASON'S OLD BROOK BARN WEDDING

Sunshine, chilled out and a whole lot of smiles was the general vibe of the day. Back in the autumn I photographed Nicola and Jason’s wedding at Old Brook Barn in Navestock Essex. When Nicola and Jason first contacted me about their wedding, they explained that they wanted a very relaxed style of photography and they didn’t want lots of formal stage photos. It was more about capturing everyone having a good time in a candid way.

Nicola literally smiled from ear to ear the entire time, and in her gorgeous alternative glittery dress she was glowing. I spent just three hours with Nicola and Jason that day but I left buzzing. Their happiness was infectious.

After the drinks reception, all the guests went inside the barn for a BBQ catered by Limeberry Catering whilst Simone played the saxophone on the barn’s veranda.

For more barn wedding inspiration, check out Katy and Tim’s wedding at Old Brook Barn.

See more wedding inspiration on my Instagram feed and feel free to pin your favourites on to your Pinterest Board. If you are looking for a wedding photographer who is more about capturing your day in a natural, fun and unobtrusive way, then you are in the right place. Get in touch and tell me about your plans.

CONFETTI SHOTS THAT ROCK

Confetti shots are awesome. They remain one of the most iconic and requested wedding photographs. I love a confetti shot, especially the ones that are vibrant and full of laughter. Here are my top tips for getting the best wedding confetti photographs.

Plan ahead

To get that perfect confetti shot, it is worth planning ahead and nailing a couple of my top tips. I promise, when you see your confetti photos, they will rock and you will be glad that you did!

CONFETTI SHOT DURING THE DRINKS RECEPTION OUTSIDE OF OLD BROOK BARN IN ESSEX

Bring lots of your own confetti

Go large or go home! Provide the confetti for your guests and tons of it!. Guests rarely bring confetti to weddings any more, so provide plenty and put it in containers that people can easily use. Big baskets will do, so that people can grab large handfuls and there will be less wastage of packaging too. Two handfuls per person is the minimum amount to aim for.

OUTDOOR CONFETTI SHOT AT THE REID ROOMS ESSEX

Talk to your venue to find out their rules

Check with your venue(s) if and where confetti is allowed. Some venues will have restrictions on where confetti can be thrown especially if they are venues accessible to the general public or if they have wildlife on the grounds to protect.

CONFETTI thrown AFTER an elegant OUTDOOR WEDDING CEREMONY IN SANTORINI GREECE

natural dried flower petal confetti outside the wedding celebration tent at jimmy’s farm in suffolk

Plan for indoors and outdoors

Confetti shots don’t have to be outside. Check with your venue. Some are happy to help orchestrate confetti shots indoors before your reception dinner, or allow confetti cannons for your first dance which look pretty awesome by the way. Think creatively of how to make it fun and get others involved.

white heart shaped CONFETTI INDOORS AFTER THE CEREMONY AT PARKLANDS QUENDON HALL ESSEX

gold CONFETTI CANNONS DURING THE FIRST DANCE AT HOUCHINS ESSEX

Throw like you mean it

It’s confetti. What can possibly go wrong?! I always give the guests a few tips on how to throw confetti to get the best effect….including check the wind direction! We want your photos to have the wow factor. It helps massively if people don’t have drinking glasses and handbags on them, or at the very least not in their throwing hand! Basically we are trying to avoid handbags, beer and wine being thrown instead of confetti (trust me, it’s happened). No guest wants to be that person who threw red wine at the bride by accident!

Think about the different styles of confetti

Most venues prefer natural confetti, such as dried rose petals, which are kinder to the environment. We recommend choosing a medium sized biodegradable confetti. Too small and it won’t photograph well. Too big (such as fresh rose petals) and if falls like bricks. We want volume and for it to flutter!

Don’t lose heart if your venue(s) doesn’t permit confetti. There are other creative options. Guests could blow bubbles, throw dried leaves, or wave streamers or pompoms. There is plenty of fun to be had and there is more than one way to do it!

BUBBLES AND CONFETTI AT ST GERMAIN CHURCH NEAR BLAKE HALL ESSEX

Choose your confetti colours wisely

Think about the colour of your confetti. General rule of thumb is choose dark or bright vibrant colours if you are throwing confetti in an area that is light/airy and open. Choose light colours if your background or environment is dark.

real rose petal wedding CONFETTI on the grand staircase at LAYER MARNEY TOWER IN colchester ESSEX

Don’t run. Walk slowly.

Walk slower than normal. You’re not trying to race to the end to get it over and done with. You want to enjoy it, let your guests embrace the moment too, giving your photographer plenty of time to capture the actions and expressions.

colourful Wedding Confetti Photographed after the outdoor ceremony at North Hill Farm in hertfordshire

Smile and keep your head up

The temptation is to lower your head when confetti is being launched. It’s a perfectly natural defensive reaction. We want you to do the complete opposite. Keep your head up, belly laugh until your stomach hurts, and most of all, enjoy the moment!

CONFETTI OUTSIDE OF CLISSOLD HOUSE IN STOKE NEWINGTON LONDON

LARGE GROUP SHOT INCORPORATING CONFETTI IN THE GARDENS AT MOOR HALL IN ESSEX

So if you are looking for a wedding photographer who can creatively organise and capture confetti photos, then get in touch to tell me more about your wedding plans.

RIHAM + SCOTT SOFITEL ST JAMES HOTEL WEDDING

I feel very fortunate to have built up a supportive network of professional photographers across the UK, many of whom have become close friends. We team up for shoots, weddings and events, provide emergency cover, business support, training and share the occasional glass/bottle of prosecco whilst mocking each other’s mini-golf skills.

Today’s post are highlights from a London wedding that I second shot for industry colleague Lucie Watson. Thank you Lucie for letting me share these photographs.

My role on Riham & Scott’s wedding day was to capture the perspective of the groom getting ready at his hotel, and provide alternative views and moments throughout the day. The endgame being my photographs complement Lucie’s resulting in the couple receiving an awesome hand curated gallery of images to remember their unique wedding day.

Scott and Riham got married in an Coptic Orthodox church a short walk away from Scott’s hotel.

Scott and Riham held their wedding reception at the Sofitel London St James Hotel.

After speeches and dinner, Riham and Scott cut the cake on the centre of the dancefloor so all of their guests had a good view, and then had their first dance.

For more winter wedding inspiration, check out Kath and Jim’s London wedding at the In and Out Club.

See more wedding inspiration on my Instagram feed and feel free to pin your favourites on to your Pinterest Board. If you are looking for a wedding photographer who is more about capturing your day in a natural, fun and unobtrusive way, then you are in the right place. Get in touch and tell me about your plans.

POSTPONING A WEDDING: JESSICA & PETER SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE

I had no immediate plans to talk about Coronavirus Covid-19 on here, because frankly, I can’t imagine that I want to be reminded of this unsettling time when I am scrolling through my website reviewing the past year. Rather unexpectedly, I had a change of heart. The last seven weeks have bought a strange blend of realism and optimism with a heavy splash of confusion thrown in for good measure.

I could never have foreseen just how 2020 was going to play out. The year started with the painful loss of my Dad. Just as I started to breath a little easier, visualising a different family norm, Covid-19 came and wiped out the plans that I had thoughtfully curated for the year in a bid to bring some positively and security into our household.

It’s been a whirlwind but strangely also feels like the longest 7 weeks of our lives! I refuse to use the term “new normal” as it suggests our current status is permanent and I remain hopeful that this is not the end of life as we know it. Life adjustment, yes. New normal, no.

The event and wedding industries, like many others, have been hit hard. For so many couples, who were due to get married during this pandemic, they are having to postpone or cancel their weddings. I completely understand that whilst we are in the same storm, we are not in the same boat. Every persons situation, priorities and concerns are different. I am invested in every single one of my couples and I endeavour to be as supportive as I can. As it stands, working closely with my couples, I have rescheduled 23 weddings so far!

What I really came here to talk about wasn’t my experiences, but actually provide some insight into how one of my couples have coped with postponing their wedding. Let me hand over to Jessica and Peter to share their experience of postponing their wedding. Their honest words are both inspiring and reassuring.

Big cheery hello to Jessica and Peter

1. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR SITUATION

We had our wedding booked for April 18th, it was a short engagement as we've already been together for 5 years and neither of us wanted to wait any longer to get married! We planned a town hall wedding close to where we spent a lot of our early dates in Islington, with about 80 guests invited. Planning had mostly been stress free and we had everything sorted within about 6 weeks.

2. WHEN DID YOU FIRST START TO THINK THAT YOU MAY POSTPONE?

Probably around late February, but we were still naïvely hopeful that all of this would blow over by April. It wasn't until mid March, with only 4 weeks until the big day, that we informed all of our guests that we were postponing.

3. WHAT MADE THE DECISION CERTAIN FOR YOU IN THE END?

Aside from confirmation from the Town Hall that they would be closed until at least the end of May, we thought about how it was not worth risking anyone's health for our wedding. It's really important to both of us to have our grandparents there, and they would not be able to attend with any social distancing in place.

4. WHO DID YOU CONTACT FIRST TO TALK THROUGH POSTPONING YOUR WEDDING?

We sent emails to all our suppliers on the same day, the key ones being the town hall, reception venue and of course our photographer! We also contacted our wedding insurance to discuss what needed to be done and what conditions had to be met.

5. HOW DID YOUR SUPPLIERS REACT?

I think we've been exceptionally lucky, we had lovely responses from our suppliers and their flexibility and understanding has really taken a weight off our shoulders.

6. WHAT WAS THE REACTION FROM YOUR GUESTS?

We have had really kind responses from our guests, pretty much all of them had already guessed that we would have to postpone, and both of our families have been supportive of our decision. 

7. AS A COUPLE WHO HAVE BEEN THERE, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER COUPLES THINKING OF POSTPONING THEIR WEDDING?

Don't be afraid to reach out to friends and family to support you, and make plans to do something fun together on the date that you originally planned to get married. We got dressed up and had a stay-at-home dinner date.

8. HAVE YOU SET ANOTHER DATE?

We have a date set for June 2021.

9. HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW THAT YOU HAVE POSTPONED?

Now that the original date has come and gone we're feeling a bit more relaxed and pragmatic about it. We would rather be staying safe and healthy. We were both fine on the day itself, which came as a surprise to both of us. We're pleased we didn't feel sad all day or spend it crying. We already have our outfits ready, now it's just a matter of staying safe (and in shape!) until the new big day!

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Wedding planning: Check out my top tips on how to get the best confetti photographs!

POSTPONING A WEDDING: LIZ & LUKE SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE

The topic of wedding postponement remains high on the agenda at the moment. The majority of my scheduled weddings for 2020 have been forced or have made the choice to postpone to late 2020 or 2021. The decision for many was complex and not easy.

There is currently no certainty on when weddings will be permitted in the UK. However, when the government does announce the guidelines specifically on weddings, myself and others across the wedding industry are preparing for the real likelihood that weddings will slowly return but with restrictions in place on both ceremonies and receptions. This is likely to include restrictions on guest numbers, social distancing measures and even the possibility of the need for wearing masks. For now, we can only wait.

In May, Jessica and Pete kindly shared their experience of rescheduling their wedding to 2021 which was originally due to take place in mid-April. Today Liz and Luke are sharing their experiences too and I extend a great thanks for taking the time to help other couples who are also grappling with wedding postponements at the moment.

Big cheery hello to Liz and Luke

1. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR SITUATION

Planning for 6 months, we had a pretty short turnaround between engagement (Sept 2019) and the wedding (planned for 1st May). Roughly 100 people all at one venue.

2. WHEN DID YOU FIRST START TO THINK THAT YOU MAY POSTPONE?

Initially we were keen to have it regardless. We underestimated the severity of the situation. When the decision was made to limit numbers at social gatherings it became clear that it was going to be taken out of our hands. Our Hen and Stag dos were cancelled pretty much within the same couple of days. 

3. WHAT MADE THE DECISION CERTAIN FOR YOU IN THE END?

We felt there would have been worry in the air for everyone there and we would have hated for our wedding to be the cause of any of our loved ones getting ill. 

4. WHO DID YOU CONTACT FIRST TO TALK THROUGH POSTPONING YOUR WEDDING?

We contacted our venue about a week before the decision was made to postpone in mid March. At that time they assured us things were not likely to be moved/cancelled! 

5. HOW DID YOUR SUPPLIERS REACT?

All the suppliers were excellent, very understanding and we've been able to have everyone originally booked for our new wedding date.

6. WHAT WAS THE REACTION FROM YOUR GUESTS?

Similar to the suppliers, very positive and we think a lot of people recognised it was inevitable. One of the best things to come out of the postponement was that Luke's sister (and one of the bridesmaids) arranged for our guests to send video messages which she collated into one video. We were able to watch this on the day our wedding was due and it was incredible - such happy messages to receive which made us feel excited for the new date rather than sad we weren't getting married.

7. AS A COUPLE WHO HAVE BEEN THERE, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER COUPLES THINKING OF POSTPONING THEIR WEDDING?

Try and focus on how short a few month's delay it is in the context of spending the rest of your lives together. 

8. HAVE YOU SET ANOTHER DATE?

Yes later in the year (Dec 2020)

9. HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW THAT YOU HAVE POSTPONED?

The season of our wedding has changed a lot but we've been so lucky in that nearly everything we had planned will still be relevant for December. We are, like everyone, excited for lockdown to be over and for some semblance of normality to resume. We know that there are people who have been affected a lot more by Coronavirus than we have and we are just feeling grateful that we will still be able to get married.

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Get inspired. Check out Ruth and Juan’s outdoor wedding.

See more wedding inspiration on my Instagram feed and feel free to pin your favourites on to your Pinterest Board. If you are looking for a wedding photographer who is more about capturing your day in a natural, fun and unobtrusive way, then you are in the right place. Get in touch and tell me about your plans.

KATH & JIM'S WEDDING AT THE IN & OUT CLUB

This is Kath and Jim. And this is their winter wedding at The In and Out, Naval & Military Club in the heart of London’s St. James’s Square. Kath and Jim’s wedding was my last of the year. Another whopping 38 awesome weddings photographed in 2019! Kath and Jim were guests at Mel and Phil’s wedding last December. Ten months later, it was their turn to get wed and make some cracking memories in the process.

We didn’t let the rain deter the day. Confetti was thrown indoors during the drinks reception, and the images were absolutely perfect capturing the fun and joy of the moment.

Dinner was held in the ornate Coffee Room after dark.

After dinner, the party moved to the ground floor for drinks and dancing.

Kath and Jim’s Awesome Suppliers
Ceremony and reception location - The In and Out, Naval & Military Club London
Wedding planner - Mark Daly
Makeup - Philippa Louise
Hairdresser - Sarah Howard
Florist - Ginger Lily
Bridal dress - Jesus Peiro
Groom’s Suit - Reiss
Photography - Anesta Broad Photography
Caterer - The In and Out Club
Cake baker - M&S
Photobooth - Haven Events
Entertainment - DJ Julian

For more winter wedding inspiration, check out Mel & Phil’s wedding at Clissold House in London

See more wedding inspiration on my Instagram feed and feel free to pin your favourites on to your Pinterest Board. If you are looking for a wedding photographer who is more about capturing your day in a natural, fun and unobtrusive way, then you are in the right place. Get in touch and tell me about your plans.

MEL + PHIL'S CLISSOLD HOUSE WEDDING

I had a full December of winter weddings. All were completely different and amazing. First up, I was back in Stoke Newington for Mel and Phil’s London wedding at Clissold House. #melwedsphil These guys need to be my neighbours. There, I have said it. Not even sorry. They had me at “there will be lots of cheese”.

In the evening we headed over to the West Reservoir Centre for speeches, vodka, thai food, cheese and epic dancing. Hats off to those guests who tore up that dancefloor. You know who you are. Absolute legends. A mention has to go to Mark Daly Events who was Mel and Phil’s wedding planner. I am in complete awe of his skills and he is so lovely, a joy to work. Here are some of my favourite photos of the day. Enjoy!

AMY & JOHN'S STOKE NEWINGTON TOWN HALL WEDDING

Amy and John’s wedding at Stoke Newington Town Hall was an affair to remember. There is something awesome about London in the summer. The day started at the Rose and Crown pub were Amy and John got ready. Then we headed across the road to Stoke Newington Town Hall, full of art deco character, for their ceremony.

After the ceremony we skipped over to Clissold Park for their family photos and a short stroll before settling down in the quirky The Old Church for dinner and dancing. Enjoy some highlights from their day.

GROUP SHOTS DON'T HAVE TO BE BORING

Sometimes group shots are formal. Sometimes they are not. The choice is completely yours. If you want group shots of your family and friends for the mantelpiece, then we can make it happen.

The most important thing is to make sure you have built time into your wedding day so that we have sufficient time to do your group shots. If you are not sure how much time to leave, please ask me before you pin down exact timings with your venue. I will happily give you a bit of guidance.

So if you are thinking about whether or not to include group shots in your wedding day, here is a bit of inspiration.

JAMES & RACHEL'S ISLINGTON TOWN HALL WEDDING

I always look forward to an Islington Town Hall wedding.  The ornate town hall set amongst the urban streets contributes to a very modern, cool atmosphere. Rachel and James had a relaxed intimate wedding at Islington Town Hall in November. Following, we headed to The Chapel Bar with their friends and family for their chilled out after party. Of course, being in London, we travelled on a traditional double decker red bus. Congratulations again to Rachel and James. 

From the city to the beach, for something a little summery check out this engagement shoot on Mersea Island Beach.

James and Rachel's Awesome Supplier List
Makeup artist - Lisa Weal
Hairdresser - Sami Page
Bridal Gown - Monsoon
Bridesmaid's dress - Monsoon
Groom's Suit - Anthony Formal Wear - Billericay
Ceremony Venue - Islington Town Hall London
Reception Venue - The Chapel Bar
Caterer - The Chapel Bar
Cake baker - The Chapel Bar

40 Perfect Dance Floor Moments

A friend asked me recently how many weddings have I photographed. It dawned on me that I didn't actually know the answer but it wouldn't hurt to work it out. So I looked back and was surprised when the total came to 140! I have witnessed 140 couples get married across the UK and beyond. That is pretty cool!

With that in mind, it feels like a great time to pick out some of my favourite moments, starting with the dance floor.  For any couples who can't decide whether or not to have a photographer stay for the first dance and beyond, right here are 40 reasons why you should. Forty moments captured on camera from first dances with Elvis to brides getting their feet wet, to beer pints being spilt or guests doing the caterpillar! I love them all!

These are memories that everyone should have captured of their wedding day. Be sure to tell your family and friends to not be shy. Dance like no one is watching!

Get in touch to tell me about your wedding plans and to book your date in my diary.

MILLIE & BILL'S OUTDOOR LANGTONS WEDDING

What an amazing privilege it was for me to photograph Langtons very first outdoor ceremony during 2017! We had fantastic weather for Millie and Bill's outdoor Langtons wedding. Millie and Bill got married in The Orangery within Langtons gardens. It is a beautiful Georgian structure which was converted especially for this special occasion. The day was full of smiles, laughter and a few tears too during the speeches. The images tell the story. Millie and Bill's chose amazing suppliers to help create their wedding, which are all listed at the end of this blog post. Take a look and toast to Millie and Bill!

Don't stop here. Planning an outdoor wedding? Then you need to check out Zoe and Adam's tipi wedding at North Hill Farm.

Millie & Bill's Awesome Wedding Supplier List
Ceremony location - The Orangery, Langtons House
Reception location - Langtons Hall, Langtons House
Florist - Daisy May
Makeup artist - La Charlemagne
Hairdresser - Shelley Fairs
Groom's suit - Jack Bunneys
Bride's dress - Serenity
Pianist - Danny Mills
Band - Scooby
Caterer - Leave It To Us
Videographer - Simply Wedding Movies
 

LUCY & AARON'S GAYNES PARK WEDDING

The 2017 wedding season is well underway. To kick off we have Lucy and Aaron's Gaynes Park wedding. 

Lucy and Aaron got married at All Saints Church in Epping. After the ceremony everyone made the short drive to Gaynes Park. We were treated to beautiful sunshine all day. Top marks to the father of the bride, Aaron and the bestman for brilliant speeches! Excellent comic timing as well as heart felt sentiment throughout.

Gaynes Park is one of those venues that has it all. A beautiful bridal cottage, a honeymoon suite, overnight accommodation for guests, stunning barns and gardens as well as capacity for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. It is a joy to photograph weddings here. 

Florist - The Willows Flowers
Venue - Gaynes Park
Venue decorator - Mediterranean Venue Stylists
Makeup artist - La Charlemagne MUA
Hairdresser - Laura Anne
Groom's suit - Jack Bunneys
Bridal gown - Paverly Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses - The Bridesmaid Boutique
Band - Cellar Door
Singer - George Pelham
Wedding Car - Premier Carriage Wedding Transport
Caterer - Galloping Gourmet
Cake baker - The Cake Doll
Videographer- Premier Wedding Videos

GREENWICH ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

I spent a lovely morning with Natalie and Shardarne for their Greenwich engagement shoot. It's been a while since I have ventured over to Greenwich but it's always a joy to wander around this part of London. Especially as the historical Cutty Sark and Naval College make beautiful backdrops. Here are a few of my favourite shots from their London engagement shoot.

BOROUGH MARKET ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

Last month, I met up with Rachael and Owen for their pre-wedding shoot at Borough Market. It was a quiet Sunday, giving us the freedom to roam the streets whilst chatting. Here is a preview of their London engagement shoot.

REID ROOMS WEDDING ON NEW YEARS EVE

This was my second visit to The Reid Rooms to photograph a wedding. As an Essex based wedding photographer I get to visit venues all over the county. The Reid Rooms is high on the list as another favourite. There is a large beautiful cottage on site for the bride and groom to get ready without bumping into each other. In addition the cottage contains a handful of rooms for guests to stay overnight. Dan and Allison got married on New Years Eve and we were blessed with a few beautiful sunny spells. Being New Years Eve, there was still a little festive spirit in the air and Christmas decorations around the venue too! Congratulations once again Allison and Dan!

WEDDING ALBUMS - BEAUTIFUL, CREATIVE AND MODERN ALBUMS

I love to see couples ordering wedding albums from me, as it still remains my favourite way of showcasing photographs.  I enjoy designing albums that are unique to every couple. I work with two professional album makers who only work with professional photographers. You won't find their albums on any high street.   This blog post is about one of the album choices that I offer - digital albums.

Digital album

My most popular album is a digital album, also sometimes known as a layflat or storybook album. These albums are made in the UK. All albums have a leather or leatherette cover, the pages are thick and lay flat enabling images to be printed across the spine from one edge of the page to the other so no image is obscured.

12x12 Green leather cover with names and date debossed

Professionally printed album with thick pages

Album pages lay flat enabling images to be printed unbroken across the spine

Album design

All albums are packaged in a presentation box and delivered direct to your home.  There are a few choices for you to make at the start of the process:

• First choose your album size, either square 12x12 or landscape 12x16.
• Choose the colour of your cover.
• Decide on the style of cover you would like. Choose from 4 different options - Plain with your names embossed, photo cover, a metallic cover or acrylic glass front cover.
• Choose matt, gloss or metallic printed paper
• Choose between 60-100 images from your gallery for your album design. 

From here I will be able to design your album layout and send you a draft to approve, before sending the design to print. Orders generally take 4-5 to arrive from the date of ordering.

Duplicate 6x6 parent albums can be ordered at the same time as your main album. which make perfect gifts for family members.

12x12 Black leather cover album with photo and METALLIC cover

10x14 Navy Leather album with names debossed on the cover

Album pages lay flat enabling images to be printed unbroken across the spine

MAIDENS BARN WEDDING

Today's feature is a wedding at Maidens Barn in Essex. I first met Michelle and Richard last autumn at a wedding where Michelle was a bridesmaid. I was thrilled when Michelle and Richard asked me to photograph their own wedding. Maidens Barn is a venue nestled in the Essex countryside in High Easter near Chelmsford. The venue is exclusive to its couple on their wedding day. It's a beautiful venue and the staff team are fantastic to work with. Whilst Michelle got ready with her bridesmaids in Chelmsford, Richard got ready at the Saracens Head Hotel in Great Dunmow. It was a pleasure to once again work with professional makeup artist Olivia Sandy who I highly recommend to all my brides. Thanks again to Louise James who came to assist me during the day.