As promised after my tantaliser yesterday, the second course of images from Andrew and Philippa’s wedding. After a couple of hours in the gallery with me selecting their final images, I am loading a few more from their Hampshire Wedding on 10th April. They had a tricky task in order to keep the flow of the story of the day, which is why it is so important that I ask my clients to come and view the images with me so I can advise and guide. Although I am a firm believer in the less is more theory, there is nothing worse than seeing clients compromise the story within their final selection. They are encouraged to be bold in their selection – not necessarily opting for the safe conforming option but to get an animated balance of storytelling and art. Thankyou Mr & Mrs Booth for being wonderful clients, your book is going to look quite beautiful..

Just a tease of a couple of shots from a recent wedding. Philippa and Andrew’s was a day of four seasons at Warsash Church in Hampshire, with the sun on our backs as we came out of church followed my a dramatic rain storm as we hot footed it to Warsash harbour. I seem to be blessed with brides who are unphased by anything that the weather throws at them! Thankyou to Philippa for embracing the storm!

You can also book in for our future summer dates:
June 2nd Studland
July 21 The flower field at Hatch
August 7th Pythouse Walled Garden
Ausugst 12th Flower Field of Hatch
I’m sure I will also fit another couple of dates in over the year around Autumn time.
I’d be very interested to hear if anyone would like to host a portrait day at their home or a particular location close to your heart – a special place that your family like to visit etc.

Just to keep everyone up to speed on dates for forthcoming portrait days. There is no fee for the shoot on these dates and we have some new and gorgeous locations. Bring the dog, bring granny grab a picnic and make a day of it! You do need to book in as these days are very popular and get booked out – we only have two slots left for the West Bay beach shoot on April 28th so drop me an email if you would like to book in.
Dates as follows:

28th April the beach at West Bay
12th May Pythouse Walled Garden
21st July The flower field at Hatch
7th August Pythouse Walled garden
12th August The flower field at Hatch

Not wanting to categorise myself in any box with regards a particular genre – I like to think I adapt as a photographer to the situation rather than manipulate the situation to fit within my way of working or the finished piece. But the beauty of working in different areas of photography means you can take something and use it in unchartered territory – it’s only when you are put in that new position that those skills used in every day photographic life raise their heads and are the difference between getting what you want – or not. Observation, communication, sensitivity – getting that balance of respect for the subject yet containing the strong passion and hunger to create something powerful.
Having been searching for some time, an outlet to expose the images in what should be a sensitive but powerful way, I am so delighted that Firecracker is showcasing my work. A handful of the images are available as Special Edition fine art prints, please do get in touch if you would like further information on this or other aspects of my work.

After the Grosvenor showcase on Thursday we hotfooted it to London on Friday to the great venue that is the British Film Institute for the prestigious BIPP National awards where I was nominated & awarded a bronze award in the wedding category for an image I took last year at Pythouse Walled Garden

If you’d like to take a peek at the full set of winning images they can be viewed at the BIPP.
Awards always cause discussion, that is the beauty of photography, in fact any art. It is subjective and personal. The judges chosen are all highly qualified in their fields and represent all genres of photography. Having been on the panel in previous years, I know how a judges true passion is revealed when discussing images. If you entered but weren’t successful, it doesn’t mean you are not good enough, you can use it as a springboard to work hard at your skill and come back next year with something amazing…..
Sadly we couldn’t stay for the rest of the night as I was spending the next day with one of my students, Paul O’Donnell for a shoot at Chettle House. Paul has come into the industry after years as a trader (photography is far more chilled…) and is passionate about refining his skills. Chettle provided some great backdrop for Paul to grasp the use of location. light and theme. Stylist Lauren’s daughter was hanging out with us so I took the opportunity to keep her busy and grabbed a few shots of her in front of a walnut table, (made for a great backdrop)

and Lora being made up in between sets…

So the perfect end to the week being Mothers Day on Sunday – and some special time with Lauren and Evie. After a shaky start (they forgot the teabags….), wine and homemade scotch eggs at the Beckford and a walk around the Fonthill Estate. Lauren made the perfect roast dinner (whose to care she forgot to peel the potatoes, they are healthier with skins on…!). I consider myself wholly lucky to have two beautiful, funny daughters that I consider my best friends.

Paris explains:
“Perhaps this is not going to be your most confident moment of the day; or perhaps you’d just like something a little different from your best Disco Style. I can help you choose the right music, I’ll teach you steps that you feel most comfortable with, and then I’ll rehearse them with you, until you are ready. Then you’ll walk out on to that Dance Floor and, with your partner, capture the romance of the moment. I promise you, it will be alright on the night.” Regards, Paris.

Our specialist hair creatives are Sloanes, one of the Aveda Concept Salons based both in Salisbury and now with their gorgeous new salon in Shaftesbury. Those of you familiar with Aveda will be aware of their strong ethos of encouraging well being through an organic method, protecting ourselves yet protecting the planet with its sensitively cultivated products.
Sloanes specialist stylists will be on hand to advise and demonstrate the very best in wedding hair to suit you and your style.

Now, I love cars, I love driving. But forgive me if I call anything earlier than 1940, a Rolls Royce. But there is really no other way to travel than with these guys – take a look at RRelite’s site…
RR Elite has been formed around one of the South’s most beautiful collections of motor vehicles. Early in 2011, one of Europe’s most successful entrepreneurs graciously offered his private collection of vehicles to be available for Weddings, Proms, Special events, Film, Television, Product launches and charitable organisations. These vehicles are too magnificent to be kept out of sight.
If it was me, I would be arriving in the Aston Martin and leaving in the Scooby Doo mystery machine… very cool!
See you Thursday x

In general, blokes don’t do wedding fairs – they stand around like lemons with their hands in their pockets and for once, they will be agreeing with everything you say. It is, on the whole, a fairly painful experience for them… But we think it’s important that you both come along together if you can – you’ll be making some important decisions about the best day of your lives and we encourage you to make them together – just let him know that complimentary Prosecco and canapes are being served by the Grosvenor and of course the restaurant downstairs will be open for dinner with Michelin starred chef Mark Treasure at the helm for those of you reluctant to go home and cook after a day at work.

The beautiful boutique Hotel Grosvenor is holding it’s showcase on Thursday 15th March and with our help,have secured some wonderfully individual suppliers from the area to form a small group of must haves for your wedding. We have selected who we feel is offering something a little different in their areas of expertise and who hold experience in their field to ensure your wedding is totally stress free..

Over the past ten years, Elsie Florence has collated a stunningly beautiful range of vintage china to embellish any table with grace and trend.

Vintage wedding

Founder of Elsie Florence, Sara Kirkby offers a wholly bespoke service which enables her clients to select any quantity of china, vintage linens and accessories. Her eye for design and detail offers her clients a styling and coordination service which will ensure that those ideas and images you had in your mind are seen to fruition.

Wild Paeony are my weakness – I make sure all my friends, family, clients and complete strangers know that I have a soft spot for this shop and what comes out of it – just in case…. In fact one of my lovely students sent me a bouquet through Wild Paeony just last week which graces the gallery beautifully. Anna and Vicky produce natural, country chic floral bouquets and displays and within their very obvious flare for design is an element of wild beauty in their work. All their flowers are selected according to the season and as with all the suppliers we have chosen, that bespoke look is central to their service.

The Faithful Elephant – well yes I am biased. I shot their new promotional pieces for Alison and Deborah last week. To be honest, there was very little photographer input as the skirts sold themselves to the camera. These sumptuous tutus and silk bridesmaids dresses are what every little girl (and I count myself as one) want to spend the day in. Monsoon have nothing on these guys – they look amazing either just with the tutu or with one of the gorgeous silk dresses over the top. Match them up with little ballet pumps, traditional bridesmaids shoes – or even DM’s, they just work. Another add on to the Faithful Elephant is the new tweed waistcoats and caps for paige boys as demonstrated here – sending the cute factor off the scales..
You want pictures…? Oh go on then..

I have been a fan and supporter of Lisa Notley for many years – we have kind of grown together, our paths crossing at various weddings over the years. What I love about the way Lisa works is her incredible creativity and consistency, not just in her cake mixture, but in that she always comes up with something visually beautiful.
I caught up with Lisa briefly while she was setting up the cakes for Elli and Tom, and despite the enormous amount of work and tight deadline I’m sure she worked to that day, she didn’t fail to put everyone at ease with her lovely warm character.

Lisa specialises in creating beautiful and delicious wedding cakes, from her farmhouse kitchen in the heart of the Dorset countryside. Every one of her cakes is designed to suit the individuality of each bride and her wedding. She provides a personal,
friendly and professional bespoke service, from your consultation through to
delivery and setting up of your wedding cake.