There are loads of things I love about Dawn and Mike’s wedding. The cute little page boys in their bow ties and Converse trainers, the ‘first look’ photos of the bridemaids seeing Dawn in her dress for the first time, the soft pastel colour scheme, the stunning Cotswold Hotel and Spa and the FUNNIEST best man’s speech ever!
Congratulations Dawn and Mike xx
On Halloween last Autumn I had the pleasure of photographing Lucy and Tony’s wedding at Stanton Manor Hotel near Chippenham. We were blessed with a sunny day and were able to make the most of the beautiful hotel gardens. Lucy and Tony chose a rustic/vintage theme for their wedding day, details included a vintage suitcase for cards, china teacups, hand carved wooden decorations and a restored vintage tandem.
We made the most of the light and had some fun with the tandem, I then captured some portraits of Lucy and Tony in the garden amongst the fallen leaves as the sun was beginning to set.
I have wanted to take part in a workshop for a while; to develop both my photographic and styling skills but to also meet like-minded professionals in the wedding industry. When I saw the Illuminated Collective Workshop advertised I knew it was an opportunity not to be missed.
The workshop took place last May at the stunning Barnsley House in the Cotswolds. The aim of the day was to bring together beautiful styling with photographers who are interested in working with film.
As soon as we arrived at the venue we received a warm welcome from the organisers Jessie Thomson (styling), Ashlee Taylor-Barnes and Holly Rattray (both Fine Art Film Photographers). Every attendee was presented with a welcome pack, containing a range of goodies including discount vouchers for other wedding vendors, which was handmade in a lovely pastel fabric.
We enjoyed fresh coffee and croissants as we read through our packs and introduced ourselves. Then the fun really began… the 16 attendees were divided into 2 smaller groups, enabling us to have plenty of time and space in the grounds of the hotel. The day was divided up into ‘details’, ‘engagement portraits’, ‘bride and groom’ and ‘bridal’ portraits. Jessie and her team made great use of the stunning grounds and as the sun shone down on us I realised just how lucky I was to be part of such a fab day.
We had gentle guidance from Ashlee and Holly to help us with posing the couples, if we needed it. Working in smaller groups meant we were able to bounce ideas off each other and get to know the other attendees well. When I received my scans back from UK Film Lab I was delighted with the results. I used a mixture of Portra 400 and Fuji 400 (Full list of vendors at the bottom of the page)
Vendor/ Suppliers:
Illuminated Collective: www.fineartwedding.com
Mentors:
(Photography) Ashlee Taylor Barnes: www.taylorbarnesphotography.co.uk
Jessie Thomson (Stylist) – JessieThomson Wedding and Events: www.jessiethomson.co.uk
Holly Rattary – Belle and Beau Photography: http://belleandbeaublog.com
Assistant Stylist – Georgia Westwood: www.westwooddesign.co.uk
Venue – Barnsley House: www.barnsleyhouse.com
Florist – The Rose Shed: www.theroseshed.co.uk
Linen – Table to Dine For: www.tabletodinefor.com
Stationery – Juliet Grace Design: www.julietgracedesign.com
Cake – The Natural Cake Company: http://thenaturalcakecompany.co.uk
Bridal Boutique – The White Rose Bridal: www.thewhiterosebridal.co.uk
Engagement Dresses –Maids to Measure (from The White Rose Bridal): http://www.maidstomeasure.com
Wedding Gowns– Johanna Hehir (from The White Rose Bridal): http://www.johanna-hehir.com
Hair Accessories – Kelly Spence (from The White Rose Bridal): www.kellyspence.com
Jewellery – Astley Clarke: www.astleyclarke.com
Crockery, Cutlery, Glassware – Helene Millot: http://www.helenemillot.com
MUA – Nina Norman: www.ninanorman.co.uk
Hair – Nicholas White: http://www.nicholaswhite.co.uk
Goody Bags – Lizzy May Design: www.lizzy-may.co.uk
Looking for a relaxed setting for your special day? Look no further than Buckettsland farm in Hertfordshire, the scene for Claire and Tom’s wedding I was honoured to photograph last August. The farm consists of a series of converted Victorian stables, one of which hosts a swimming pool and hot tub where Claire and her bridesmaids spent the night before the big day. When I arrived at the farm the sun was shining and I captured bride-to-be Claire relaxing before the bridal preparations began.
Claire wore a long Grecian style dress from Coast, shoes by Kurt Keiger and carried a stunning bouquet full of roses, peonies and bunches of lavender. Tom’s blue suit complimented his vintage Ted Baker shoes perfectly and their beautiful little boy wore a cute little kilt in Tom’s family’s tartan. The ceremony was conducted outside in a nicely secluded part of the farm surrounded by trees and afterwards guests were treated to village fete games including hook-a-duck, a coconut shy and mini golf.
Claire and Tom asked their family and friends to take part in a ‘bake off’, bringing either a sweet or savoury treat to be judged by the bridal party. The details that Claire and Tom had planned from the games, bake-off and cute jars of sweets as favours were an absolute pleasure to photograph. If you missed their wedding on Rock My Wedding click here to see a full list of suppliers.
