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.

VICTORIA & DAVID'S HOUCHINS WEDDING

Victoria & David's Wedding at Houchins marked my second visit to this modern Essex barn venue in Coggeshall. It's become a firm favourite of mine. There was so much to love about their wedding. Bagpipes, kilts, an incredible 4 tier silver wedding cake, giggly flower girls, the bride singing to the groom and some superb trouser splitting dance moves! Congratulations again to Victoria & David.

Credit where credit is due. Check out Victoria & David's awesome supplier list at the end of this blog post.

Victoria & David's Awesome Supplier List
Bridal gown - Jenny Packham
Bridesmaids dresses - ASOS
Florist - Botanical Shed
Hairdresser and makeup artist - Boe Wright
Cake baker - Cookie Delicious
Caterer - Limeberry Catering
Scottish Piper - Peter Flockhart
Band - Rockit

Looking for more Essex Barn Wedding Venue inspiration? Check out Lucy & Aaron's Gaynes Park Wedding.

VICTORIA & CHARLIE'S MOOR HALL WEDDING

Victoria and Charlie were married at Moor Hall Wedding Venue in Essex. It was my first visit to Moor Hall, even though it was very local to me. Moor Hall is a quaint modern wedding venue tucked away within Aveley, surrounded by pretty gardens and woodland. I love this venue and it's a joy to photograph at. Beautiful venue, fun atmosphere, plus Jodie and the whole Moor Hall team are absolutely superb. Victoria was a bridesmaid at a previous wedding of mine. So it was lovely to be there to capture her wedding day. And see the familiar faces of her close friends Tom and Mary who's wedding at Layer Marney Tower, I photographed in 2016. 

Victoria and Charlie's fantastic wedding supplier team are listed at the end of this blog post.

Cheers to Victoria and Charlie as well as their gorgeous two boys. Thank you for sharing your wedding day with me.

There is so much more to see. For more wedding inspiration, check out the Layer Marney winter wedding of Victoria and Charlie's close friends, Tom & Mary. 

Victoria & Charlie's Awesome Supplier List
Venue - Moor Hall
Venue decorator - Eden Florist
Wedding planner - Jodie Gray from Moor Hall
Florist - Maria Baker
Makeup artist and hairdresser - Boe Wright
Cake baker - Sophie Stratford
Bridal Gown - Belissima
Bridemaids dresses - Chi Chi
Groom's suit - M&S
Caterers - Leave It To Us
DJ - Love2Groove
Light Up Letters - Little Big Things

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
 

ELLINGHAM HALL WEDDING

Back in June, I headed up to Northumberland for the wedding of Chris and Laura at Ellingham Hall. It is a stunning stately home set in a very tranquil unspoilt area of the county. With beautiful bedrooms within the home and cottages on site for guests to stay overnight, it really is a fantastic venue for a wedding. There is even a treehouse in the grounds! So much thought had been put into the whole wedding, from the pre-wedding BBQ the night before, through to a vintage cocktail van and personalised activity boxes for the children. And I must not forget the stunning room decor and the confetti cannons during the first dance! Thank you to Teresa Cunningham who assisted for this amazing wedding.

STEVEN & RACHEL'S BLAKE HALL WEDDING

Here we go. My first wedding feature for 2017! I have a lot of catching up to do since the birth of baby Broad number 3 in the summer! I thought I would start with sharing some images from Steven and Rachel's Blake Hall wedding. Actually, it's pretty nice to look back at their bright, sunny and colourful wedding whilst it looks very dreary outside my office window at this point in time. The sunflower bouquets by Halo Blossom are just the cheery inspiration I needed! Enjoy have a look through this wedding. And happy new year!

Venue - Blake Hall
Florist - Halo Blossom
Makeup artist - Brittany Cason
Hairdresser - Lois Norman
Cake baker - Pinkface
Bridal Gown - Confetti & Lace
Bridesmaid's gown - Bridesmaids Boutique
Groom's suit - Anthony Formal Wear
Reception band - Articulate Music - Free to Roam
Evening band - Articulate Music - Soul Beat

TONY & KRISTINA'S MOROCCO WEDDING

Last month, I travelled to Marrakech to photograph Tony and Kristina's wedding in Morocco. We have known each other a long time, so it was an honour to be asked to capture their wedding. Plus Morocco is on my bucket list of places to visit so I didn't need to be asked twice! Their venue, Le Palais Paysan, is a beautiful stylish boutique hotel in the South of Marrakech. Wedding planners Boutique Souk helped Tony and Kristina organise their dream wedding. The hotel looks out towards the Atlas Mountains. It's like an oasis in the Moroccan desert. Kristina's wedding dress, made by Tarik Ediz, was jaw dropping. Their wedding was full of decadent decor with hints of Moroccan detail. Their candlelight dinner by the pool at night was unique and personal. They partied well into the night...or should I say the next morning. And it didn't stop there. The weekend was rounded off with a pool party and BBQ the following day. Their handsome son was a superstar all weekend, chuffed to receive his own wedding ring during the ceremony. Thank you to Jay Anderson for being an awesome camera wingman as always! Congratulations once again Tony and Kristina from the whole Broad family. 

STORY BEHIND THE LENS: MY GRANDMOTHER

The sleeping baby in this photograph is me! Taken before I turned one with my maternal grandmother, mother, aunt and youngest brother.

It is the only photograph I own with my grandmother and I together. She passed away shortly after this photograph was taken. It’s not an award winning photograph. However, it is the most precious photograph I own.

I felt an immense sense of loss throughout my childhood. All my friends had grandparents who were integral role models. They had close relationships with them – they laughed together, played together, ate together, learnt together, existed together. They didn’t need photographs to remind them of their bond as they were creating real memories in the here and now. I envied these relationships. I wanted that for myself, whilst knowing it would never happen. That time had passed.

I did have this one photograph though. It travelled with me everywhere – university, my first flat, my first family home. I am eternally grateful to my elder brother for taking this photograph, and to my mother for printing it and putting it into an album. It gives me comfort. Looking at it makes me both sad and happy. This single photograph influenced my own parenting decisions, which have ensured that my own children were close to their grandparents and built memories of their own. Many of these memories I have captured on camera too.

This is the power of photographs. They evoke powerful emotions. This is why a camera means much more to me than most. I feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility to capture your memories in a way that is true, honest and real. The tears, the joy, the laughter, the beauty of it all.

Life is precious. Let us capture it. Let us relive it. Let us share it. Let us never forget.

ZOE & ADAM'S NORTH HILL FARM WEDDING

There was so much to love about Zoe and Adam's wedding.  The atmosphere was completely relaxed and I do rather love a tippee wedding. I had been looking forward to visiting Hertfordshire to photograph this North Hill Farm Wedding. The farmlands are beautiful, gorgeous views in every direction. They chose to have an outdoor ceremony and the weather was absolutely perfect. Sunshine and not a single drop of rain!  From body painting to the street food, dream catchers to cacti, and bow ties to the gold styling, I loved it all! Congratulations again Zoe and Adam. Thanks for choosing me to be a part of your day.

NATALIE & SHARDARNE'S HOUCHINS WEDDING

During their wedding, these guys made me cry, not once by twice! That takes some doing and is a reflection of the beauty and power of their marriage. I had been looking forward to working at Houchins Wedding Venue. They opened as a wedding venue only two years ago. Natalie got ready in Houchins farmhouse, a stunning Grade 2 listed building full of character and space for some guests to stay overnight.  I started the day with Natalie, whilst Jay started the day in Braintree capturing the final stages of Shardarne getting ready with his bestman and ushers. After an emotional ceremony at St Peter ad Vincula Church in Coggeshall, we headed back to Houchins for the wedding reception. I love how Natalie and Shardarne made their day truly their own. It was lovely working with some familiar and new faces too including Sally from Halo Blossom florists, Wedding Planner Sian from Busy Brides and Limeberry Catering to name just a few. I have to say a special mention must go to Get Gospel Choir, finalist for BBC Gospel Choir of the Year, who were absolutely superb during the church service. So that's enough from me, here are the highlights from Natalie and Shardarne's Houchins Wedding!

NATASHA & STEPHEN'S GOSFIELD HALL WEDDING

As Essex country house wedding venues go, Gosfield Hall is quite spectacular. It was once a Royal residence and much of it's unique history has been retained throughout the grounds. Natasha and Stephen's Gosfield Hall wedding was a day to remember although their cute daughters stole the show as it was very much their day too! Here's a preview of their beautiful day. Congratulations again to Natasha and Stephen!

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

LOU & PAUL'S CRONDON PARK WEDDING

Today on the blog is the Crondon Park Wedding of Lou and Paul. Another one of my favourite Essex barn venues. I first met Paul at a local business networking meeting a few years ago. It was one of those moments when you click instantly. A top guy with a sense of humour not all too dissimilar to my own. So I was chuffed when Paul's fiancé got in touch to chat about photographing their wedding. Honestly, I was over the moon. There is something very special about getting to photograph the wedding day of such an awesome couple, also knowing that I could ensure they would be well looked after throughout the day. I started the day at Greenwoods Hotel where Lou got ready in the company of friends and family. Whilst my trusty second shooter, Jay, met up with Paul and the groom's party at the cottage at Crondon Park. We had a great time in great company all day. Lots of giggles, smiles and few emotional tears too. Check out the highlights from their day.

DEBBI & DANNY-LEE'S OLD BROOK BARN WEDDING

Today's feature is Debbi and Danny-Lee's Old Brook Barn Wedding from last summer. I had the help of my trusted photography angels, Jay Anderson and Helen Taylor, for this wedding as baby Broad decided that I should head off to hospital for her arrival! In the meanwhile, Debbi and Danny-Lee had a fantastic day as they had a gorgeous outdoor wedding at one of my favourite boutique barn venues, Old Brook Barn in Navestock Essex. One of the highlights had to be the bouncy castle! After all it is not very often we get to see the bride and groom on a bouncy castle competing with the kids!

RACHAEL & OWEN'S PONSBOURNE PARK WEDDING

Rachael and Owen held their wedding at the Ponsbourne Park Hotel in Hertfordshire. It was a brilliant day. We had tears, smiles and a lot of laughter. Thank you to all of Rachael and Owen's family and friends for making myself and Jay feel so welcome throughout the day. 

And of course, thank you to Jay Anderson for being my camera wingman (twice in one weekend). Congratulations to newlyweds Rachael and Owen! Enjoy your next adventure as Mr and Mrs!

Suppliers
Venue - Ponsbourne Park Hotel Hertsfordshire
Florist - Pippa Bryce
Hair and makeup artist - Sarah at Jacsar Beauty
Cake - Mother of the Bride
Bridal gown - Bridal Outlet
Bridesmaids' gowns - David's Bridal
Groom's suit - Moss Bros
Wedding singer - Joe Boshell

MICHELLE & JOHN'S FRIERN MANOR WEDDING

Michelle and John's wedding at Friern Manor was a beautiful intimate affair. They were surrounded by their close friends and family in one of Essex's stunning countryside wedding venues. It was quite a sentimental occasion for me, as Michelle and I went to both primary and secondary school together. And as life would have it, we lost touch after leaving school. Good old Facebook brought us back into the same social media circle! I was honoured that Michelle asked if I was available to cover her wedding. What an honour it is watching a childhood friend get married to the love of her life. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to capture their day, from the nerves, the laughter and the tears. Thank you to Jay Anderson for being my camera wingman. Congratulations Michelle and John! Cheers to the new Mr & Mrs!

Suppliers
Venue - Friern Manor Country Hotel
Venue decorator - Finishing Touches
Makeup artist - Laura Jane Neroni
Hairdresser - Hayley Atrill
Cake - Scarlett Heart Weddings
Florist - The Orchid Rooms
DJ and Singer - Arran Harding
Bridal gown - Bridal Shop
Bridesmaid gown - Matchmaker Bride Brentwood

MARY & TOM'S LAYER MARNEY WEDDING

Tom and Mary's wedding at Layer Marney Tower kicked off my 2016 wedding season in style. Wedding photography at Layer Marney is an absolute joy. It's a beautiful castle set in stunning gardens, overlooked by scenic views.

Tom and Mary booked me last year following a recommendation and it was a pleasure being part of their day. Their wedding ceremony was held at Mary's childhood church St Joseph's in Upminster. Following the ceremony, we drove to Colchester for the reception.  Thank you to Jay Anderson for being my wingman and assisting me throughout the day. Congratulations Tom and Mary once again, it was a truly memorable and stunning day. Here are some highlights from their day.

Suppliers
Venue - Layer Marney Tower Colchester Essex
Florist- Pinks of Upminster
Makeup - Olivia Sandy
Bridal and bridesmaids gowns - Confetti and Lace
Groom's tailoring - Jack Bunneys
Singer - Luke Burr
Videography - Rideout Films