04/11/2009
Hinchinbrooke House in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, is an unusual and spectacular venue. James & Karen chose Hinchinbrooke for their wedding reception, their wedding ceremony took place a Thomas a Beckett church in Ramsey. Hinchinbrooke House has a long history, having been built around a nunnery dating back to the 13th century. It was a breezy autumn day, Karen’s veil was taken by the wind outside the church!
Karen & James leave Ramsey for Hinchinbrooke House!
Karen & James leave for Hinchinbrooke – minus Karen’s veil!
Kicking up the leaves!
Autumn can be a great time of year for weddings, the weather is often warm and breezy.
Karen at Hinchinbrooke House
Karen posing on the ornate staircase at Hinchinbrooke House. Overlooked by a portrait of Oliver Cromwell (who played there as a child!).
20/10/2009
Trudi and Paul chose dramatic Peckforton Castle in Cheshire for their wedding reception. Peckforton is one of those venues that offers opportunities for creative wedding photography at every turn. The building is a creative wedding photographer’s delight with nooks and crannies everywhere. Although the day was very wet and dull, Trudi was unphased and intent on having a great time. This was one of my (and the couples’) favourites. There will be more to follow when I have processed the whole wedding.
Trudi at Peckforton Castle.
19/10/2009
This can be one of the most frustrating parts of a wedding ceremony from a professional wedding photographer’s point of view, especially in England. Church of England ministers and Local Authority-employed Registrars seem to be completely divided and often incoherent over what I, as the official photographer, should be allowed to do when it comes to the signing of the Register. The marriage ceremony is their responsibility and the church, hotel room or other venue is their domain. I am a professional photographer and I respect their position, but my aim is to record your day as unobtrusively and artistically as possible. Every part of that day belongs to you, it does not belong to the photographer, videographer, minister, verger or Registrar. As a full-time professional wedding photographer of well over a decade, I have seen all of the other bit-players on that list behave unprofessionally at weddings. No doubt each of those has encountered an unprofessional photographer and that is certainly the reason behind the current shambles of divided opinion amongst celebrants.
Quite simply, some Registrars and ministers will allow me photograph the signing as it happens, which allows me to create believable documentary images. Then there is the type of celebrant who, for reasons best known only to themselves, will not allow any photography and insist on me setting the shot up with a mock register and a biro for the couple to grip and then grin inanely at each other for the camera, after the event.
The point is, if you want a genuine documentary record of your wedding, then tell the Registrar or Minister that that is what you want and insist upon them allowing me to do the job for which you are paying me. You can even tell them that I don’t actually photograph the entry on the register page. I, of course, am a professional. I will continue to politely introduce myself to your celebrant on your wedding day in order to find out what their ground rules are. I will always abide by whatever rules they see fit for that particular day in the knowledge that the rules will change by the following week. Clear as mud, isn’t it?
19/10/2009
Lovely Hambleton Hall overlooking Rutland Water was the choice of Julia and David for their wedding. After a very intimate civil ceremony, the couple and their guests enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of Hambleton Hall and the superb views over Rutland Water.
David and the guys going to greet the wedding guests.
David and the guys.
Julia is escorted by her Father as David turns to see his Bride!
Julia & David meet each other's gaze on their wedding day at Hambleton Hall.
Such a beautiful dress, (and bride!) as this deserves to be shown-off!
Julia showing off her beautiful dress in the Pavillion.
16/10/2009
The Fire Service (James) and the Police (Sam) came together for their Saturday wedding at Noseley Hall! The recent spell of good weather has been a real bonus, let’s hope it continues. The happy couple had a civil ceremony followed by a blessing in the chapel within the grounds of beautiful Noseley Hall, in the heart of Leicestershire. A good, fun day with a lovely couple.
James and Best Man before the ceremony.
Sam in preparation for her wedding ceremony.
A Last minute adjustment by James's Dad!
Sam & James exit the chapel after their ceremony.
Sam & James pose for a photograph on the jetty at Noseley Hall
15/10/2009
Langley Priory in Leicestershire is a beautiful, secluded venue. It’s the hidden jewel of the East Midlands, Sarah & Steve also had lovely weather, what more could a couple want for their wedding day! Their guests were entertained by a wonderful classical vocalist during the signing of the register and the whole day had an calm and relaxed atmosphere. Congratulations, Sarah & Steve, you are a great couple and it was a pleasure to share your day.
Sarah looking radiant as she makes her way to the ceremony at Langley Priory
Sarah & Steve share an intimate moment at Langley Priory.
The Chinese Bridge, Langley Priory.
08/10/2009
Susie & Matt’s wedding ceremony took place at the very pretty Thurnby church, just outside Leicester. After the couple and their guests had time to mingle outside the church and enjoy each others company, we all left for Sutton Bonington Hall for the reception. I’m no stranger to photographing weddings at Sutton Bonington. It’s a beautiful Queen Anne style house with a wonderful ambience. One of the great benefits for couples who book Sutton Bonington Hall for their wedding ceremony, reception or event is that they have exclusive use of the house and it’s delightful secluded gardens. It’s a very relaxing place to spend time and the food is superb. Susie & Matt made a great choice in Sutton Bonington Hall!
Susie & Matt are Husband and Wife!
Susie & Matt at Sutton Bonington Hall
07/10/2009
Couples who are actively seeking the services of a wedding photographer would do well to read this article on the BBC News website and think carefully about who they choose to photograph their wedding if they want to avoid incompetent or rogue traders.
The article illustrates perfectly why only a Qualified Master Photographer should be considered to photograph their wedding. Wedding photography as an industry is completely unregulated in the UK. Anyone can buy a camera, set up a website and call themselves a ‘professional wedding photographer’ without the requirement to provide proof of photographic ability, training, qualifications, integrity or insurances. The Master Photographers Association is the premier qualifying body for full-time professional photographers in the UK. Other trade societies exist, but the buying public need to be aware that, in some cases, the ‘qualifications’ offered by some of these ‘Societies’ are completely bogus and misleading.
Full Members of the Master Photographers Association who fail to qualify within 12 months of joining are kicked out of the MPA. There are stringent criteria that must be met to become a Qualified Master Photographer and all members must abide by a strict Code of Conduct. There are three levels of professional qualification: Licentiate (LMPA) is the basic entry-level that indicates that the applicant can produce a competent service and marketable images. Associate (AMPA) displays advanced artistic and technical photographic ability with an obvious ’style’. Fellowship (FMPA) is the highest professional qualification that can be achieved by a small number of elite Master Photographers who are at the absolute peak of ability and artistic distinction in the professional industry.
If you want to avoid having your wedding day ruined by an incompetent part-time wedding photographer, choose one with genuine professional qualifications against their name: LMPA, AMPA or FMPA. If the ‘photographer’ does not display the MPA logo and is not qualified by MPA, avoid them. Choose a Qualified Master Photographer!
01/10/2009
Daniel & Catherine’s wedding took place at East Leake Church with their reception being held in a large marquee at Catherine’s parents home. The couple took some time out from their guests to go to Stanford Hall for a photoshoot where we had some great fun creating a nice set of images for them.
Ceremony
Daniel & Catherine
16/09/2009
Lisa & Lindsay tied the knot at Southport Town Hall with an intimate civil partnership ceremony with only their immediate families and a few close friends present. The reception that followed took place in a huge marquee with over 250 guests. The girls’ sense of fun and meticulous planning paid off – everyone was treated to a fun-packed and entertaining time.
Lisa & Lindsay arrived in a New York Cab and that set the scene for the rest of the day….
After the ceremony, the girls wanted to have photographs taken around Southport. It’s an interesting town with a combination of Victorian and modern architecture, Southport Bridge and the Old Bank are contrasting examples.
The girls arrived in style at their reception by helicopter! They were escorted to their guests by two ‘Naked Butlers’ to everyone’s delight!
The evening entertainment was top-drawer and the band were amongst the best with a great repertoire and light show. The marquee rocked!
Thanks Lisa & Lindsay, it was a wonderful day and a privilege to share it with you!
