Spring wedding in Wellington Barn

20/04/2012 by Anna.

Hasna and Lee were married in Wellington Barn on 8th April and here are some of their images from the time we spent with them.

The weather was better than expected on the day and we didn’t need to use the umbrellas that we had in the car.

The car bringing the bridesmaids got a little lost trying to find Wellington Barn and so the flower girls whiled away the time spying on the guests!

The rose petals strewn so beautifully by the same flower girls with the bride and groom in the distance.

I like to take formal pictures of the signing of the register and then step aside to let the guests ‘have a go’. I much prefer the more relaxed expressions that usually arise from this.

It’s amazing the look of relief on almost every couple when they walk out from the ceremony!

Luckily the weather was good enough to all go outside for taking pictures. I still used quite a lot of flash to ensure that the sky was not burned out.

While I was getting through the formal group shots Simon, my assistant and second shooter, managed to get some gorgeous relaxed images of the children.

Is this a relaxed formal shot?… I think that’s what I’ll call this style!

Simon again - he got a series of shots of this interaction.

It will be a few months before the lovely wild flower meadow is looking good but it was a bonus to have the rape flowers giving some colour.

Hasna’s dress had some amazing detail and the bouquet was gorgeous.

Isn’t it a beautiful dress?

I used the plain black wooden walls as a backdrop so that the bride and groom became the main focus.

It works well when zooming in on some close ups.

The fence is a good prop and helps to draw the eye into the picture.

By this stage the guests were all getting into their seats so there was more space to take pictures in front of the building.

The speeches were held before the wedding breakfast; it might not be the venue’s favoured arrangement (the food is sitting waiting!) but I love it as we can get another whole series of shots like this one.  And we also learn a little more about the couple that we’re photographing, which is an added bonus.

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A Wedding in Beautiful Bibury

11/04/2012 by Anna.

Just over a week ago I photographed the wedding of Helen and David in The Swan Hotel in Bibury. The very warm March weather that we had had the week before had just broken but in the end we had some lovely, although much cooler, sunshine on the day.

Yes, it was April Fool’s Day!

As the wedding party was just close family, both the ceremony and the wedding breakfast were held in the library at The Swan Hotel.

We were all so grateful to have good weather as it meant that drinks could be taken outside in the lovely gardens of the hotel.

Even with a few people you still have to have the confetti thrown!

The sun was very harsh and it was the middle of the day so I chose to do all the group shots with the sun behind the group.

We also made the most of any shade we could find.

A very seasonal shot! The gardens have the Coln river as a boundary with an additional stream and are really pretty.

We took Helen and David out of the garden and out to the main tourist area of the village to get some more pictures by the river.

A bit of processing magic on this one!

And some very obliging ducks!

Helen is not keen on having her picture taken - it doesn’t make sense, does it?!

Such a beautiful location.

The library set up ready for the wedding breakfast.

A relative had made the wedding cake - a reference to punting along the river in Cambridge where David and Helen were students.

We enjoyed the excuse to go and explore Bibury prior to the wedding for photography potential and to go and photograph the wedding on such a lovely spring day. Have a wonderful future together, Helen and David.

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Another winter wedding

14/03/2012 by Anna.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this wedding - my assistant and I also had to act as witnesses as no guests were invited. Richard and Natasha wanted a quiet wedding by themselves in Devizes register office followed by some photographs taken around Devizes.

Natasha comes from St. Petersburgh, had recently retired and moved over here to be married to Richard - quite a big change in life for her.

I stood at the back of the room to take some pictures during the ceremony trying to be as quiet as possible.

Natasha looked beautiful and I used the window light and a lovely sofa in the room to take some bridal portraits of her after the ceremony.

Richard bought the bouquet for her as a surprise and they were a stunning colour match with her outfit.

I had spent some time walking around Devizes the previous week finding good spots for photography so I had it all planned out where we would go. When Richard asked if we could stop for a little wedding picnic I thought we may as well start where I planned we would park the cars in a little residential close near to the canal (my father-in-law lives there). I don’t know what the neighbours thought when the champagne came out together with a picnic bag with smoked salmon sandwiches and cake and chocolate! Richard had prepared it all and even brought along extra glasses for me and Lexy. Such a gentleman!

Picnic over and tidied away we went for a walk, starting with a stroll down Quaker’s Walk.

These unposed shots are a good way to relax the couple, resulting in more natural expressions… and it’s more fun!

Next stop was the Wharf in Devizes. I chose several locations around the Wharf which were different enough to give a completely different feel to the images.

For this picture I used off camera flash as the lighting was rather flat. Lexy had a busy time, holding the couples’ coats during the photography, and holding either the reflector or the flash.

It was very brave of Richard and Natasha to share part of their wedding day with complete strangers but we had such a lovely time. You really don’t need to spend a lot of money to make a special day - a little bit of imagination and romance does wonders!

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Winter wedding in the snow

12/02/2012 by Anna.

Last weekend I photographed Martin and Jenny’s wedding at Wellington Barn, near  Calne.The wedding ceremony was not until 4pm and the weather was just as forecast, with the snow starting to fall as we were all gathering

I was hoping for a beautiful sunset when taking some outdoor pictures and we intended to take the group pictures outdoors before the light faded, but by the time the ceremony was over the snow was blowing around everywhere. Jenny and Martin would not have had many friends left if we had dragged them outside! However, we HAD to take some bride and groom shots in the snow…

My golf umbrella came in useful just to keep the worst of the bitter wind away from the newly married couple.

These pictures were all taken in pretty quick succession; I had a lovely warm down jacket on and was fine but poor Jenny was starting to feel the cold!

We decided to take some more inside where it was lovely and warm.

This was the last natural light image we could take as the light was fading fast, but I had speedlights and a large soft box with me for the group photo’s.

The groom, best man and usher having fun!

It felt very cosy in Wellington Barn with the blizzard outside.

We left as the wedding breakfast started and managed to negotiate the slippery roads to get home safely. I’m so pleased that Martin and Jenny were game enough to make the most of the weather on their winter wedding day. Good luck with the baby!

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Winter Wedding at The Matara Centre

21/12/2011 by Anna.

At the beginning of this month I photographed Callum and Sue’s wedding at The Matara Centre in Gloucestershire. It’s a lovely, quirky place with so many places to take pictures whatever the weather.

For early December the weather was very kind to us and it was mild and dry enough for the service to be held outside.

However, once the ceremony had finished everyone was very happy to go inside for drinks and canape and to warm up a little!

After a little time inside warming up, during which time I could take candid shots of guests and the room decorated ready for the wedding breakfast, I persuaded everyone to go outside again for some group shots and confetti shots.

This covered cloister area has a lovely light for taking small groups.

And then we let the guests go inside again while I took some bride and groom shots.

Sue now donned her wellies  for a walk outside to a tree dedication in the grounds.

Then we all made our way to a wishing tree where you tie on pieces of ribbon whilst making a wish - lovely!

The wedding breakfast was afternoon tea with a delicious mixture of savoury and sweet, all beautifully presented and the room was quite stunning.

Can you guess what one of Callum and Sue’s hobbies is?… a friend had made these beautiful cakes. It seemed such a shame to cut them… but it has to be done!

I love the curtain of lights along one wall of the room - a very welcome addition for such a dark month.

It was such a lovely, relaxed party to celebrate Callum and Sue’s union and we loved being a part of it.

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A wedding in beautiful Lacock

28/11/2011 by Anna.

At the end of October I photographed the wedding of Victor and Anna in Lacock church followed by a reception at Stanton Manor Hotel.

The lovely autumn weather was continuing with plenty of sunshine.

I started off in Neston with the preparations and here the 3 bridesmaids are relaxing with a little champagne.

Mother and sister are helping Anna into her dress here with the usual pulling of straps and ribbons!

Proud father pops his head around the door to see how things are progressing.

This was made with a bit of tweaking in Lightroom and Photoshop.

As the house was an old cottage with low ceilings and fairly small windows I seated Anna to maximise the light in the room falling on her. I carry flash and diffusers around with me but will always try and use natural light first.

As the groom was preparing close to the church I managed to get to take a few pictures of him before he left for the church, again using what natural light I could find.

I stayed at the back of the church for much of the service but with both a wide angle and a longer focal length zoom lens I can vary the pictures I take.

For the more formal pictures it’s good to use flash. I use a very strange diffuser on the flashgun which looks a little like a clear yogurt pot!

A private moment for the newly married couple.

We took quite a few pictures outside the church as it is a lovely location.

While the guests travelled to Stanton Manor Hotel for the reception drinks we had a little walk around Lacock.

As I teach wedding photography at Lacock Photography (www.lacockphotography.com) just up the road from here, I know where to find the best light here, and luckily the sun stayed shining for this little session by the brook.

Lacock is a busy tourist village, so we had to work quickly to take these images inbetween the dog walkers and bemused tourists crossing the bridge!

Here we are in Stanton Manor Hotel in Stanton St. Quinton - a lovely old building near J17 of the M4.

The rooms were beautifully decorated with autumn colours and fresh foliage on the window sills.

The wind had picked up by this time, so poor Anna was starting to feel a little chilly! But at least we had the garden to ourselves as most of the guests were inside next to the roaring open fire.

This was the perfect time for outdoor photography with lovely late afternoon sun.

I like to vary the more formal wedding images with some impromtu moments.

Taking a dip?

A beautiful bride…

and a gorgeous groom!

We managed to drag a few guests away from the fire to throw the confetti. I like to get down low for these shots to get the waving hands in!

Look at that lovely colour sunshine!

My last picture just before everyone started the wedding breakfast and I headed for home with my stash of full memory cards.

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Wedding at Crudwell

07/08/2011 by Anna.

Last Tuesday I photographed the wedding of Andie and Susanne at Crudwell church followed by a small reception at The Rectory Hotel.

The couple live in Germany and have a small son but were back in the UK staying with relatives.

The bride wore a beautiful 1950’s style simple dress and was carrying cala lillies - very elegant.

This was my first time inside Crudwell church, which is a lovely building.

Little Leslie Anton was not happy away from his mother so he joined her for a short time for a cuddle.

I got a series of lovely images like this during the signing of the register.

There were few guests present but they managed to spread a lot of confetti around!

The happy couple.

The Rectory Hotel in Crudwell has some beautiful gardens as well as lovely interiors.

The fish ponds are particulary popular with the children…

… but also are wonderful for photographers!

We were lucky with the weather and it was hot and sunny most of the time.

A lovely family picture in the gardens.

A game of football was perfect for Leslie Anton.

I had to use flash to light the group so that the building in the background could also be correctly exposed.  Choosing a  professional photographer for your wedding should mean that he or she can cope with any lighting situation that arises.

Mmm what a tasty starter!

This was such a lovely casual, relaxed wedding and I’m so pleased I was there for some of it and could take images that will give pleasure for the rest of the couple’s  lives and onwards.

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The Wedding of Ian and Gemma

21/07/2011 by Anna.

Last Saturday I headed off in the pouring rain and dark skies, not forgetting my 3 ivory golf umbrellas in the car for the wedding party photographs, heading for Gemma’s bridal preparations in Great Somerford.

Gemma was happy and relaxed, enjoying her girly morning with her bridesmaids.

Rain wasn’t going to dampen the spirits of this day!

Almost ready - doesn’t she look gorgeous? Shortly before we were ready to leave the rain stopped and by the time the bride arrived at the church the sun miraculously came out and warmed us. Which was just as well as we had to wait around as the organist hadn’t turned up. A last minute stand in was found but the music had to be collected so the service started around 30 minutes late!

Receiving the ring.

The reception was at Wellington Barn in Calstone, near Calne. This was taken by a small window in an otherwise dark room.

The bridesmaids inspecting the ring…

and the groomsmen doing their stuff!

The wild flowers in the meadows are amazing this year - so tall and dense.

The guests were by this time all seated waiting for the entry of the bride and groom - it’s a good time to take pictures without guests everywhere!

Well, we would still have taken pictures outdoors in the rain, but isn’t it so much better when the sun shines? I hope the rest of the day was as joyful.

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Wedding at Cumberwell Park, Wiltshire

23/06/2011 by Anna.

Last Saturday we started the day at The Ivy Pub in Heddington! The 6X stayed in its barrel and the only alcohol served was champagne as bottles were opened to celebrate the marriage of Leighton and Jodie.

Jodie’s parents run the pub and so the bridal and bridesmaids preparations took over the pub for the morning - wonderful!

The bride’s dress was hung from the beams together with the 2 adult bridemaids’ and 3 children’s dresses.  In front of one window was the make-up station and the hairdressing was done with the aid of light from another window. What a lovely, atmospheric  place for photography!

Here little Darcy has noticed the neighbours starting to gather to get a glimpse of the bride and the arrival of the car.

Meanwhile the groom is looking contemplative at Cumberwell Park.

The deed is done!

After a brief shower the rain held off for the rest of the afternoon, so we were very lucky and could be outside to enjoy the wedding garden.

The room next to the main dining area had been made into a children’s creche, run by Elf Sitters - a mobile creche and baby sitting service (www.elfsitters.co.uk) where the children could play and relax.

This was taken in the main foyer of Cumberwell Park.

A friend of the bride and groom had ‘dressed’ the main room upstairs and it was absolutely stunning.

We now climbed into our golf buggies and headed across the golf course to a lovely lake in the grounds for some bride and groom photography.

Perfect weather with lovely, cotton wool clouds and sun!

As luck would have it Jodie’s favourite tree is a weeping willow.

Back in the club house and we were waiting for all the guests to be seated before ‘the entrance’.

Rather unconventionally the groom’s father gave a very short speech, mainly to relate to everyone how he had forgotten his handkerchief in the morning and so had snipped off the end of his tie to have the required bit of fabric sticking out of his jacket pocket. It’s good to laugh!

It was a lovely day, Jodie and Leighton, and you deserve many happy years together.

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Wedding in Steeple Ashton

28/05/2011 by Anna.

After weeks of dry, sunny weather we woke up to rain on the morning of Nick and Kerry’s wedding! I packed my 3 ivory golf umbrellas in the car ready for the worst the weather could bring, but in the end the sun shone and it was warm and lovely.

The marriage ceremony took place in the stunning Steeple Ashton church in Wiltshire.

It’s an impressive church isn’t it?

The reception was at Wellington Barn near Calne, which was beautifully prepared, as usual.

The bride and groom arrived long after all the guests as their driver got a little lost on the cross country journey, but I think they quite enjoyed driving around in this!

Kerry had fun with all her bridesmaid friends.

The wildflower meadow was not in full bloom yet but the countryside is still beautiful, with the downs making a wonderful backdrop.

As the guests were all getting seated we had a little more time for some photography outside.

I hope you enjoy your wedding pictures, Nick and Kerry.

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