12/12/2009
If ever a couple couple were made for each other, it is Neil & Emma! Ripley Castle was the venue for their festive season wedding. Ripley Castle is a beautiful location at any time of the year, but as Christmas approaches it is even more spectacular. A great day and evening with a lovely couple!
Ripley Castle near Harrogate, Yorkshire.
Neil & Emma seal there wedding vows at Ripley Castle.
Neil & Emma are married!
After exchanging rings, they have finally done it!
Having fun with Neil & Emma and the Bridal Party.
Neil & Emma and the Bridal Party at Ripley Castle
Emma & Neil’s wedding cake was a little different. White chocolate with raspberry mousse or dark chocolate with chocolate fudge. Gorgeous!
The wedding cake!
14/11/2009
An autumn wedding with a difference! Richard and Gillian are both farmers and their wedding was a genuine country celebration. Their ceremony took place at Plumtree Chuch, Nottinghamshire with the reception at Richard’s family farmhouse home in the village with a huge marquee inside a barn! Gillian arrived at the church with her father on the back of a vintage tractor, obviously her Dad’s pride and joy, and the couple left for the reception in Plumtree on the same tractor. Fortunately, the weather was kind and we all had a great time.
Gilliam and Dad arrive at Plumtree Church and are greeted by bridesmaid Rachel.
Richard & Gillian leave Plumtree church after their wedding ceremony.
Having a laugh at Richard's expense!
14/11/2009
A trip down to Gloucestershire is always a pleasant break and to spend time in the company of such a great couple as Lisa and Lewis and their guests was an added bonus. Their ceremony took place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Stroud, followed by their reception at the very nice Calcot Manor Hotel. A great, fun Gloucestershire day!
Lisa and Lewis tie the knot at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Stroud.
Lisa and Lewis having fun at Calcot Manor Hotel.
Lisa & Lewis take their First Dance at Calcot Manor Hotel.
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
