Aged eleven, Anna caught the same school bus as Simon who was a few years above her at school…so for a couple of years their paths crossed, but that was not where their story starts. They both progressed on to the same college where, you might think, they may have chanced upon one another, but no…this was not the beginning of ‘them’ either. So, off they went to University and only after this did they both find themselves working together…and it was then that they found themselves drawn together.  Their friendship grew roots that spread quickly and with the knowledge and comfort of similar childhoods and mutual friends, their friendship soon became more serious.

In the years that followed, they were side by side through the highs and lows of holidays, festivals, operations and houses and Simon decided it was time to let Anna know how much she was loved. After arranging for her to go on a spa day with friends, he decorated their home with petals, roses and balloons and, with a bottle of champage chilling, he drew her attention to a beautiful new piece of artwork; hidden in which were the words ‘Will you marry me?’ They celebrated, that evening, with family and friends and began their journey towards marriage.

I met Anna a couple of years ago when she was Bridesmaid for her very good friend, Lucy. I remember with absolute clarity the moment that she caught Lucy’s bouquet…and I crossed my fingers that our paths would cross again.

You can imagine my delight when Anna and Simon got in touch to discuss their wedding photography and after meeting up, drinking tea, and hearing all about their plans I was delighted when they asked me to photograph their wedding at Bartholomew Barn in Sussex.

I am so looking forward to sharing images from what I know will be a STUNNING day, but in the meantime, here are a few from their pre-wedding session in Southsea last month.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether a blind date is a good idea then I’m telling you now that the answer is yes…and if I wasn’t sure before, then Aimee and Ashley provided me with the definitive answer.

They met each other on a blind date, set up by a colleague, in 2011 and knew that there was no turning back. Within just a few short months, they were both sure that they had found the person they wanted to spend their life with and whilst holidaying in Turkey, last year, Ashley got down on one knee and asked Aimee to spend forever with him.

I was lucky enough to hear from Aimee after her cousin, Julie (a friend and past Bride) recommended me to her.  I couldn’t help but laugh as Aimee recounted that Julie had told her that she was under strict instructions to get in touch with me as she was adamant that I would be the photographer for her…. and I’m pleased to say it worked out that way.

Whilst they live some distance from the Isle of Wight, both Aimee and Ashley have strong ties with the Island and decided to return to Yaverland beach, last month, for their pre-wedding session. As luck would have it, my lovely Granny lives on the Island too so I was able to do my favourite thing and mix business with pleasure by spending a weekend on the Island for some family time AND photographing this wonderful couple.

It’s worth pointing out that when asked about each others qualities, they both listed being funny as one of their other halves main traits and I have to say, I really did laugh with these two.  They are the kind of warm, kind and generous people that you feel you’ve been friends with forever. I can’t wait to photograph their special day, in Bristol, next month!

There is nothing more special than being invited back to photograph a second wedding in a family you’ve already grown to love. Several years ago now, we had the huge pleasure of photographing Hannah’s sister’s wedding; that day still stands out one of my favourites…I remember feeling so welcome and touched by the closeness within the family, in fact, I recall being a touch emotional as we left that evening!   Needless to say, when Hannah got in touch to say that she wanted us to be a part of her journey, there was no way that I was going to miss it…plus, I couldn’t wait to see her family again!

Hannah and Tom married at Gorse Hill, an intimate and elegant manor house set in beautiful countryside in Surrey. It was really important to Hannah and Tom to find a venue that felt true to them, somewhere that would feel homely and relaxed whilst maintaining a feeling of luxury. Gorse Hill delivered on all counts, the staff were welcoming and helpful and being a De Vere Hotel, all their family and friends could stay at the house as well!

I love that Hannah and Tom’s personalities really came through,  the flowers had to be Daffodils, Hannah’s favourites, Tom looked fabulous in a tweed suit (very him!) and the table plan was designed around the Hannah Wrendale Woodland theme…with the top table being the Owl table…as Hannah is, I quote, a ‘little bit obsessed’ with Owls.  Gorse Hill did a great job of making the day personal to Hannah and Tom and wrapped it up with a fabulous cheesy disco.  Everyone knows I love a cheesy disco…and yes…I did have a bit of a boogie!

Right, less wedding chatter and more wedding photography!

Enjoy!

P.S  If you’re marrying and are on the hunt for a photographer, I would love to chat with you about how I can help to make your photographic journey a fabulous one.  You can get in touch via my contact page!

Ooohhh dear. All my excellent intentions of keeping up to date with my blog have gone a bit awry, which I feel TERRIBLE about given that Katherine and Matt are marrying at the END OF THIS WEEK!! Eeeek!!

These guys came to me after being recommended by another lovely couple that I’ve photographed (big shout out to Mr & Mrs Peacock!) and I am SO ridiculously thankful. From the moment this lovely couple appeared on my doorstep, I have thought the world of them…this is possibly because they didn’t seem to recoil at my unusual business attire (I’d been thinking more about strawberry picking than client meetings when I dressed that morning!) and they didn’t bat an eyelid as they carefully picked their way across my living room floor… that resembled a dinosaur graveyard! If that weren’t enough, they then happily sat and drank tea and told me about their relationship and how they got engaged whilst being interrupted by my rather excitable 3 year old. I feel I should add a little disclaimer here….we had only recently moved house AND I still had a young baby in tow….and my office was still a dumping ground piled high with boxes….and…umm…..I’m normally MUCH more ‘together’, honest! Fortunately, Katherine and Matt realised the circumstances were a tad unusual and we chatted easily and laughed plenty and when they got in touch to say that they were sure I was the girl for them I was just over the moon.

When we met in Salisbury, near the Christmas market, for their pre-wedding session and I was further assured of how much I like spending time with them as they heartily encouraged my cake eating and laughed in slight amazement at how excited I got when they were being all cute in front of the camera…I did a little dance and gave an exciteable whoop and it all ended in hysterical giggles and a few odd looks from the people in the nearby children’s play park!

Right, less of my chit chat and more pictures….here they are. They’ll be back on the blog soon (I promise!) as I share with you what I know will be a magical wedding.

Enjoy!

When Lizzi moved into the small village of Lockerley as a child, she was almost certainly unaware that her chance meeting with Tim, at the school bus stop, was set to alter her path through life.  They became childhood sweethearts and journeyed into adulthood side by side to where they are now-blissfully married.

When I asked Lizzi when it was that she knew that Tim was ‘the one’, she couldn’t recall, saying that it had been too long ago to remember.  Tim answered much the same, admitting that the precise moment when he knew that she was the one for him was ‘a bit of a blur’.  The truth is, most likely, that Lizzi and Tim grew together from the childhood and that their hearts had entwined before their heads had a chance to recognise that they were falling in love.

When I asked them to sum each other up in three words Lizzi said that Tim was creative, attentive and stubbon(!) and Tim shared that Lizzi is generous, thoughtful and barmy.  Yes, he used the word barmy…I love that.  It was clearly knowing and loving these qualities in her that he felt compelled to let Lizzi know how he truly felt and it was whilst holidaying in France, overlooking the picturesque town and river, that Tim asked his best friend and soul-mate to be his wife.  

In the week before Christmas, Mr.C and I had the huge privilege of documenting this beautiful day in all it’s festive wonderment.  These guys had planned a romantic day with lots of sparkle and Christmas cheer and from the gentle muted pinks and greys of the bridesmaids to the glorious festive decorations scattered throughout the day – this really was a feast for the eyes and soul.

Thank you, both, for inviting us into your lives and to share this special day with you…you ended our 2015 with an absolute sparkler! xx

With special thanks to:
Venue: Trafalgar Park @ Downton
Catering: Red Herring
Floristry: Judith Searles
The Dress: By Phil Collins at Anya Bridal
The Suits: Hired from Moss Bros
The Bridemaid Dresses: From John Lewis
Hair: By Charlie Cass and Poppy Money
Make Up: Charlotte Elizabeth Thompson
Invitations: Tricia Armitage (the Bride’s aunt)
The Cake: Beth Drinkwater @ Tailored Treats
Entertainment: Decade

Engaged?  Looking for a happy go lucky, non-stop-smily, wedding-o-holic photographer?  I think I might be your girl.  Do get in touch – I’m booking 2017 weddings now and have a few 2016 spaces left too!!!! 🙂