Lynn & Stephen's Engagement Shoot at the BBC Scotland Props Department
Lynn: "Stephen and I have an idea that we thought we would run past you... My mum has a friend who works for the BBC and when I was younger she introduced me to the BBC prop store - you may have heard of it? It's the most amazing place, it's basically a warehouse with aisle after aisle of clutter, things from various tv programmes and films. It also has a costume department with everything from ball gowns and tuxedos to flapper dresses and flares. It reminds me a lot of the underground part in the ministry of magic from Harry Potter! What do you think of shooting there?" Me: "Well, yes - of course! What's not to love about shooting in a prop department?!"
Here are the results of that shoot a couple of months ago.... a truly beautiful and very much in love young couple and I very much enjoyed shooting their wedding in October. A blog posting to follow of the wedding pictures.
The last wedding of the year! Nathalie + Demetris in Marylebone
Ok, so I have been very rubbish at writing my blog recently. So much has been happening from starting a book project in Eastern Europe to many, many weddings, the launch of a new beer brand amongst other things, so... I am going to start from the last job of the year and work my way backwards trying to catch up on all the amazing things I have been shooting and lovely people I have been working with. Saturday was the last wedding of 2012 for me and it was just a taster of the full event in Cyprus in July. Nathalie and Demetris tied the knot officially at Marylebone Town Hall in front of their gorgeous little boy Oscar, and a handful of family and friends. I caught them as they came out of the ceremony and went with them for a few pictures at the rather grand Landmark Hotel just across the road.
I've known Nathalie for about 7 years now and photographed her pregnancy with Oscar and look forward to working with her on her gorgeous new online boutique Youchka.
Nathalie looked utterly ravishing in Dolce & Gabbana white lace, and was stylishly cool about not everything running exactly to plan. I absolutely cannot wait for the big event in the summer.
Teva & Neil's Engagement Shoot (in my garden)
Since moving into my gorgeous garden flat near Chalk Farm earlier in the summer I've been musing about how I can shoot in it. It's quite little but has a wonderful range of textures and backdrops and light sources. Teva and Neil, who live in Brisbane, Australia but are getting married at Southend Barns in Chichester in February came round today for a cup of tea and to chat about their wedding details and as the sun was streaming in through the French windows I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to try the flat out as a location.
It was the first time I had met either of them but they were so warm and friendly from the moment they came in, and so affectionate with each other I knew they would be a delight to photograph. Such natural smiles and ease in front of the camera.
Ellen & James' Wedding at Stowe Gardens
I love a mix of cultures at weddings and James' (English) and Ellen (American) were keen to emphasise theirs at their wedding in Northamptonshire last month with a red and white theme (complete with surprise American waistcoats for James and his best man Alex, who is also married to an American). They were married at James' family church in Potterspury by the same vicar who christened James. The reception was held at Stowe Gardens, a National Trust property, in front of The Temple of Venus. Given that it was the most beautiful September afternoon the reception was held outside overlooking the lake and stunning grounds. I hopped on a golf buggy with Karen the coordinator, and James and Ellen to explore some more of the estate and take some gorgeous pictures of them.
I hear a lot of speeches but the speech made about Ellen by her bridesmaid Melissa was an impressive testament to Ellen's rather extraordinary life and positive impact she's had through various development projects. When she first emailed me I had been intrigued by the 'ellenincongo' email address so it was wonderful to hear out of the mouths of her best friend and then her father about some of her adventures.
Flowers - by a friend
Car - owned by Steven and Mia Murray. Steven was James' boss five years ago and kindly offered the car's use for the wedding. Like Ellen the car has spent many years of it's life in Africa. Called the Lily Beament, she is a Silver Wraith made in 1953
Zest Group organised the marquee and the food - they run all weddings at Stowe on behalf of the National Trust
DJ Apex provided the music
Cake by Chrissie of Chrissie's Cakes - she doesn't have a website but she is based in Milton Keynes and her number is 01908 312365
The custom made waistcoats were made by Waistcoats Direct
Wine from Avery's Wine in Bristol
The champagne, J Lassalle was chosen by Ellen, James, Alex (his best man) and his wife Mia on a trip to Champagne. After sampling 29 different champagnes this was selected. It's made by three generations of women, two of whom they met on their trip. When they bought the champagne, they gave them their first wedding gift, 12 hand blown glasses with their house crest engraved on them.
Salon Live at The National Theatre
Back in May whilst on yoga retreat in Formentera I met, over supper, a lovely woman called Helen Bagnall who told me about an event she had been running with friend Juliet Russell since 2008; Salon London. This has now become London's best cultural monthly showcase of specialists from the worlds of scent, the arts and psychology. The salon was an Italian invention of the 16th century and was a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, both to amuse and to refine one's tastes and increase knowledge, often consciously following Horace's definition of the aims of poetry, "either to please or to educate"
Helen and Juliet have effectively reprised this format to create a series of fascinating events that never fail to surprise and delight. My first outing at private members club Adam Street featured the writer of Rainy Brain, Sunny Brain, Professor Elaine Fox explaining why you are a glass half-full or a glass half empty sort of person. An awesome session by Rough Trade's Lucy Tesco offering samples of the soundtrack of the summer, and then mind reader Philip Escoffey who kept us guessing for days after.
The last session was featured as part of the Inside Out Festival at the National Theatre to investigate more about Marianne Elliot's production (now sold out) of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, based on Mark Haddon's novel adapted by Simon Stephens.
The speakers included Marcus Chown, known to many as the Cosmology Editor for the New Scientist, will be explaining the secrets of life, the universe and everything and for one brilliant transcendent moment you will understand the quantum world Staff Director Katy Rudd explored the workings of the theatre using lots of interactive audience participation and mathematician David Speigelhalter OBE Professor of Public Understanding and Risk talked the real numbers behind uncertainty, leaving you able to interpret statistics like a pro.
See here for details of the next event. See you there... x
Amber & Dominic's Wedding at The Dorset Square Hotel, London
It was all slightly last minute, Emma Freemantle, a fabulous stylist friend called me up - I hadn't spoken to her in years - asking if I was available for her friend's wedding. I was? Brilliant! A central London wedding - Marylebone Registry Office, where my little brother tied the knot only last year - followed by an intimate event at the brand new Regency townhouse that is now The Dorset Square Hotel. I didn't have a chance to meet Amber before the wedding but I knew that with Emma styling her, she wouldn't be short of fabulous. In fact everything was fabulous; from the Philip Treacy hat, to the Christian Louboutin heels, the bright red Donna Karan frock which hugged every gorgeous inch of Amber's 7 month bump - even the make-up artist Kat who looked eerily similar to Frida Kahlo. The wedding was all super informal with the bride and groom getting ready in the suit together before walking arm in arm the 5 minutes to the registry office. After the ceremony it was back to the hotel for high tea in The Potting Shed Bar and Restaurant, cocktails and feet up before an evening meal in the same location. The team behind the hotel were fantastic and the food delicious. If you are ever looking for an extremely good value London hotel then this place is really great, the rooms are quirky and original and it has all the intimacy of a small boutique hotel.
Robbie & Anna's Wedding at Ardkinglas House, Loch Fyne
Every now and again, a wedding comes along that the wedding gods have really smiled on, and everything falls into place most perfectly. This seemed to happen for Anna and Robbie. A beautiful, quirky couple with a charming little girl, they married on Loch Fyne at isolated historic Ardkinglas House that was so gorgeously styled it felt like a fashion shoot. The sunshine unexpectedly came out at the right times and enabled them to marry outside under the open sky surrounded by only close family and friends. The day really felt quite magical and it was a privilege to have been part of it. After supper everyone donned wellies and coats and headed down to the edge of the loch to pass The Quaich, a two-handled cup containing whisky that was passed round the guests allowing them to propose individual toasts to Anna and Robbie to wish them well.
You can view the full album here - the password is Robbie's surname.
Ian & Rachel's Engagement Shoot at Leadenhall Market
I hate being late and I hate having to rearrange things unless absolutely essentially so I very nervously contacted Ian after we had settled a date in the diary for our engagement shoot to ask tentatively if he would mind if we met on the Sunday morning rather than the Saturday afternoon. Why? Because in the time between arranging their shoot and the actual day I had foolhardily committed to spending my Saturday rowing 21 miles down the Thames from Docklands to Richmond in an old Navy tug rowing boat with a team of volunteers in The Great River Race on behalf of HASTE, a charity which raises funds for educational projects in Africa.
Thankfully Ian and Rachel are charming, flexible people and realised that having me rush straight from my race to their shoot was not ideal! By Sunday morning I was rested and raring to go and delighted to finally meet them both having previously only spoken on Skype. They were the perfect couple to photograph - smiling and natural from the first shots. We had a great time wandering through the near deserted city around the dramatic Lloyds building and onto Leadenhall Market. It was inspiring to shoot in more of a cityscape rather than a park - so many interesting backdrops, colours and textures. I left them at lunchtime to continue their wanderings around London whilst I collapsed into a big comfy sofa with my boyfriend at Shoreditch House for a Bloody Mary and roast to recover from the weekend.
Laura & Alan's Wedding at Oran Mor
Laura came to me through a mutual friend; the best kind of referral. I was even more delighted when I met her and discovered that she was absolutely gorgeous! She told me she was getting married at Oran Mor where I waitressed there when I was still studying so I knew the venue well. The auditorium is a dream wedding venue with celestial ceiling mural by Alasdair Gray one of Scotland’s largest pieces of public art and grand stained glass windows as it once was a church and is now a venue containing restaurants, bars and nightclub.
I photographed their pre-wedding shoot at the university a few months back - you can see the results here...
I didn't know Laura but I soon came to know that she is highly organised! I was extremely impressed at her attention to detail - a good sign that a wedding is going to run smoothly - and it did. I met up with the bridal party at One Devonshire Gardens, one of my favourite hotels in Glasgow where the girls were getting ready and then headed onto the very intimate ceremony held up in the gallery in the uppermost point of Oran Mor, accompanied byApollo String Quartet. Afterwards we risked the rain and headed out to the botanic gardens but were hampered by a massive downpour and had to hid in the glass houses - along with the rest of the tourists.
Back at Oran Mor all the evening guests were arriving for the meal. There were some wonderful speeches, particularly from Rosaria, Laura's best friend and maid of honour who spoke so dearly of her friend. Laura is truly one of those people who is both beautiful on the outside and on the inside - her friends were testament to her kindness but so too were all the personal touches at the wedding; the thank you cards, the roses for the guests, the basket of useful things in the bathroom.
Towards the end of the evening we were treated to a line up of Laura's talented musical friends including Rosaria who belted out some awesome opera. It was all such a wonderful day - the type of wedding I left thinking I wouldn't have minded being a guest.
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Lucy & Graeme's engagement shoot in Islington
I lost count of how many times Lucy and I had tried to arrange their engagement shoot but with this disastrous summer I was really keen to hang in there until we had a beautiful evening. We had a great location picked out; the canal near their home in Islington and I knew that given the right day it would look fabulous. We hadn't even met by the time I knocked on their door last night but when Lucy opened the door looking utterly gorgeous and floaty in a beautiful summer dress I sighed happily at the prospect of shooting this very lovely couple. This perfect evening made me even more jealous of my American wedding photographer friends who take this amazing light for granted every day! Hopefully they will be lucky again on their wedding day in September on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Vicki, Alan, Lewis and Brooke at Pollok House
When Vicki and Alan booked me they asked if for their engagement shoot they could include their children Lewis and Brooke which of course I was more than happy to do. Although toddlers do NOT stay still for a second! A photographer needs lightening reflexes or a bottle of calpol. And their moods swing quicker than lightening! Lewis was charming though and it was quite adorable they way he was so caring towards Brooke. We did the shoot at the stunning Pollok House and gardens just outside Glasgow.
I think it's great that kids can be involved in their parents weddings and I look forward to another loch-side wedding next month where (weather pending) Vicki and Lewis will be arriving for the ceremony in Callendar by boat.
Lorna & David's Engagement at the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow
I've really crammed a lot into my recent weekend in Glasgow, 1 pre-wedding consultation, 2 engagement shoots and a wedding. I love visiting Glasgow and enjoy getting to use some of my favourite locations for engagement shoots. I met Lorna and David for a coffee in Heart Buchanan on Byres Road before heading over to The Botanic Gardens for a little stroll around. Their wedding is in just two weeks time in Loch Lomond which I'm very much looking forward to.
Mudrunner at Eastnor Castle
For all those people who think my life is all glamour, travel and beautiful models I wanted to blog about a recent job which I did with a good friend and colleague Colin Baldwin. Colin and I worked together years ago at a marketing company and set a precedent for crazy trips and adventures back then when we drove together in a 7.5tonne truck to Paris to put on an event for Umbro to launch their photographic book celebrating football; One Love by photographer Levon Biss. Since we've both become photographers I've been to Monacco and Camp Bestival with him and most recently was for his event photography company 'Peachy Snaps' to cover the Mudrunner event at Eastnor Castle. We attempted this job a few months ago but it was cancelled at the last minute due to very extreme weather. Quite a relief since we'd experienced the extreme weather all night in our teepees up on the hillside and had virtually no sleep between us. But the repeat event which was held over two days earlier this month was perfect conditions. 3,000 competitors turned up for the adult (10k cross country) and children (5k) races, many repeating the course on both the Saturday and Sunday.
My position was to capture as much of the action as possible at the start and finish point which were perched up on the hillside with a fabulous view over the estate. Spirits were high and everyone had a smile on their faces. From nervous excitement at the start to exhausted exhilaration as they staggered over the finishing line. Kids as young as 5 (one little girl had been waiting for 2 years to be old enough to compete!) completing the race alone or with a parent or friend. I was itching to be running myself and it's definitely on my 'to do' list.
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Rosie and Brad's Somerset Wedding
Rosie and I have been friends from when we were about 13 and I arrived at her school in the middle of the second year. Everyone else had already found their friends and I was all gangly and shy and awkward. She took me under her wing and became my best friend. We both ended up going to university in York; she to study philosophy, politics and economics and me to study english and history of art. In the first year we lived together, partied together and rowed together - getting up at the crack of dawn to hit the river. We've always stayed in touch but our lives took very different directions as we got older. Whilst I headed for London for a somewhat frivolous career in marketing and events, travelling around the world putting on parties and encouraging people to drink more of my client's brands, she took a more serious direction into the RAF and our meetings became less.
But she has always been a true friend and it made me so happy to be able to photograph her wedding to Brad (whom she met in the RAF eight years ago) as they were married in Somerset at St Peter's Church, between their new home in Pylle and her family home in Barton. The sword party as they exited the church was pretty exciting - I've not photographed one before - the men were super handsome in their uniforms.
The reception was back at their home - a newly extended farm cottage with a field for her horse, and chickens in the garden. The marquee was beautifully decked out and the surprise show was Morris Dancers (very west country!) who entertained the guests who had to huddle in the marquee away from the rather extreme winds and then torrential rain than let loose after the ceremony.
I was rather lucky to have my partner Christian second shooting with me for part of the day - we've recently started doing more work together and it's really quite exciting to see how complementary our styles are....
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Flowers by Mundy's Florist
See the full link to the gallery here. Password is Brad's surname.
Kate + Alex's outdoor island wedding on Arran
Having holidayed on Arran for many years with her parents owning a holiday cottage there, getting married on the island was an obvious choice for Kate. Bravely they made the decision to do the ceremony outside and whilst England was enjoying the jubilee in torrential rain and wind, Arran awoke to calm seas (thankfully as I was on the first morning ferry - the ferry takes 30 minutes from Ardrossan) and sunshine breaking through. I was blown away when I saw the location for the ceremony - the walled garden sits at the foot of Brodick Castle which is perched on the hillside overlooking the sea. steeply sloped a pathway ran from the castle down through the garden to the foot of the hill where a stone circle with rambling roses surrounded a sundial.
Kate arrived and was led by her father for the long walk through the gardens watched all the way by Alex (secretly praying she wouldn't trip on the steep path!) It was a stunning site and by far the most dramatic entrance I've seen at a wedding. The ceremony took place within the circle with the guests standing in a tight circle which made the whole ceremony feel incredibly intimate.
After the ceremony they had afternoon tea and champagne on the lawn then headed back to Auchrannie House Hotel for the reception.
Kate and her bridesmaids got ready at Orwin Cottage and Alex got ready at Rowanbank Cottage. I stayed at The Glenartney guesthouse on Arran and Burnfoot House in Ardrossan the night before.
You can view the whole gallery here. Password is Guinan.
Nick + Pip's West Country Wedding
It gets a little difficult to take pictures when you are wiping an emotional tear or two away but that's what I've undertaken the past few weekends when a couple of dear friends have finally tied the knot (although not to each other...). I met Nick about 6 years ago and have many happy memories that this blog doesn't have room (or licence) for. I was so excited that he asked me to photograph the wedding - I hadn't even met his fiancé at this point as it had all been a rather whirlwind affair starting on the dance floors of the London Scottish reeling clubs. I was utterly charmed when I met Pip - she lights up the room with a smile that seems unending. And that smile, along with Nick's stayed firmly put from the moment I arrived at her mother's house in Tisbury to the final twirls on the dance floor back at Nick's beautiful family home at Milton on Stour.
The ceremony took place at the spectacular Palladian style New Wardour Castle which discretely houses a rather grand and cavernous Roman Catholic chapel.
After the ceremony the guests went on ahead Nick and Pip had some time together with me for photos and then a leisurely drive back to the house, after a quick champagne stop, where the guests were waiting for the car to pull in and shower them with confetti. With the sun out everyone was able to mingle on the lawn over champagne and canapés for a couple of hours before heading into the marquee as the sun dropped. The speeches were, and I know I am biased but, nothing short of excellent. Heartfelt, honest, funny and utterly endearing. Cue more tears...
The full album of images with all the guest pictures are here. The password is Mason.
I can't wait to see the new Mr and Mrs Mason back in London very soon xxx
Yoga at Formentera Yoga
Danny + Suzanne's Engagement Shoot at Wisley Gardens, Surrey
I first met up with Danny and Suzanne on a cold December evening back in 2010. They had found me online and decided to book me. Since I last met them I have done well over 40 weddings and happily they have been following my blog and have seen how my work has developed since they originally booked me. But I love that they saw something in my work even back then when I was just really starting out, and in fact still at college when we met up (I may not have mentioned that at the time!) So, we met up on Wednesday morning, early so that I could rush to Bristol airport for my flight to Marseille, and spent a lovely couple of hours at Wisley Gardens, chatting about their plans for their wedding in Croydon, and then photographing in the blooming grounds before the bank holiday families started arriving. The morning really confirmed how important it is for me that I genuinely like my clients; it hardly feels like work when I get to spend time with interesting and warm people who I would choose as friends.
Paul + Teresa's Wedding in Greenwich
I had never been to Greenwich before so I was actually quite stunned by the grandeur of Old Royal Naval College, Wren's 'twinned-domed riverside masterpiece'. One of the aspects of wedding photography I love is the exploration of such fascinating buildings all around the country from castles in Scotland to Oast houses in Surrey. Paul and Teresa live in Greenwich so were keen to keep the wedding local, with Teresa's family coming in from Ireland. The wedding took place 5 minutes walk away at Our Ladye of the Sea on Crooms Hill and after the ceremony all the guests were able to walk back through Greenwich Park to enjoy some champagne outside and within the colonnades.
The meal was served in The Queen Mary Undercroft with it's high vaulted ceilings. It was a thoroughly lovely day and a charming couple who were so wonderfully relaxed throughout.
You can view the full album from this wedding and purchase prints here. The password is Paul's surname.
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Dress: Johanna Hehir London
Catering: Leith's
Flowers: Manchesters
Simon + Tanja's Wedding in Aviemore
Aviemore holds a very special place in my heart and I have been going up there for many years so I'm always happy to have a reason to make the 10 hour journey up there to stay with my good friends the Micklethwaits who own and run Inshriach House and Estate. Simon and Tanja made the move 18 months ago from London life to take over Simon's family business to become the third generation to run Pinebank Chalets, turning their life from the daily commute to daily snowboarding.
The wedding took place at the idyllic St John's the Baptist Church, Rothiemurchus. Tanja and the bridal party got ready at the Highlands Hotel and arrived in a 1964 Humber Sceptre MK 1 courtesy of Ross at The Dell of Abernethy and Morris Minor white Cabriolet from Bygone Drives. As they arrived a handful of snow fell - it was all very pretty and romantic.
You can view the full gallery of images and purchase prints here. The password is Pinebanks.
Credits:
Food by Good Highland Food. We ate roasted red pepper, sweet potato, chilli and coconut soup with oak bury crusty organic bread followed by rare roast fillet of Caithness beef with red wine jus, fondant potatoes and parcels of fine beans and Morayshire carrots. To finish we had panna cotta with a strawberry compote and homemade shortbread.
Flowers by Country Harvest, Kingussie
Dress by Dress 2 Impress, Inverness by San Patrick
Shoes by Irregular Choice
Tipis by Highland Tipis
Hair by The Retreat, Aviemore
Make-up by Kate Higham
Ale by Cairngorm Breweries
Djs were Owen and Gordie from The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore