I got to photograph Samantha and Grahams wedding over the weekend and what a pleasure it was. I had been the photographer at Sam’s sisters wedding last year (images) so we starting the day off knowing each other quite well already although this time, I started with Graham and this entourage before heading off to capture Sam’s preparations.

It always amuses me the way the Groom and Brides preparations are so different. The guys are all laughing and joking, sometimes to distract themselves from the commitment they are about to make but they are always dressed and ready to go in a maximum of 10 minutes (unless you include trying to tie a cravat, in which case it would be an extra 25 minutes!) Grahams preparations were no different, 10 minutes and they were all ready for portraits outside of their room at the Moat house in Acton Trussell near Stafford. Then on to the Brides where each and every decision is carefully thought out, each item has been picked specifically and along with hair and make up, we are quickly approaching 2-3 hours. The timings may have been a world away from the Grooms but the laughter and jokes were still in plentiful supply as the girls made their final adjustments before leaving for the church.

The Ceremony was held at Saint Peter Saint Paul’s Catholic church in Wolverhampton and reflected the love and warmth shared between the couple and their friends and family; unfortunately the weather wasn’t quite as warm so as soon as the ceremony was over Samantha and Graham jumped straight into their wedding car and headed to their reception venue near Stafford.

As soon as we had completed the few family group shots we had just enough time to make some great portraits of the couple then we were straight into the speeches and meal. Once the meal had finished my evening slideshow quickly became a crowd pleaser as the day and evening guests alike stood watching the wedding unfold as I had documented it. Peoples reaction to the slideshow is always fantastic, Im not sure if it is the speed I can get it ready, if its the size of the images (6ft) or if its just being able to watch the wedding again from a different perspective but we always hear very positive comments and it remains one of my most requested options.

The day seemed to come full circle as the evening was full of jokes and laughter peppered with a lot of dancing. Once again, it is always an honour to be recommended by a previous Bride, especially to a close member of her family but its more than just knowing a lot of people at the wedding. It’s conformation you’re not just doing a good job but that you are helping couples to remember their “one special” day for years and generations to come. (A bit cheesy I know, but its true).

Bride smiles before her wedding St Peter and St Pauls catholic church, Wolverhampton during the wedding Bride and Groom exchange rings during their ceremony in Wolverhampton Bride glances at the camera outside the Moat House in Acton Trussell Bride and Grooms first dance at the Moat house near Stafford Young boy tries to sing karaoke at the wedding reception Bride and Groom relax at the end of their wedding Bride and Groom outside the Moat House, Acton Trussell after their wedding.

Guests can view Samantha and Graham’s full gallery here
(Gallery is password protected, for access please contact the Bride or Groom)

Last weekend saw me back at the wonderful Kelham hall near Newark, Nottingham, for kelly and Gary’s fabulous butterfly inspired wedding. I had met Gary and Kelly some months ago and what struck me about them was how friendly and relaxed they both were, both with me and with each other. It may sound strange to say that but wedding planning can be a very stressful time so I am quite used to frayed nerves on the lead up to the wedding and there were still no trace of nerves when Kelly got back from the salon. An excitement swept through the whole house as the girls got dressed and continued as we left for Kelham.

Once at Kelham hall I was greeted by a slightly more nervous groom as he hurried around the venue making sure everything was just right before Kelly arrived. As soon as Kelly arrived and started to walk into the ceremony room the sun burst through the clouds and filled the room with dazzling sunshine, I’m not sure how they arranged such great timing but it certainly added to the proceedings.

After the wedding breakfast and speeches all of the guests made their way to the magnificent “Dome” room where Kelly and Gary had their first dance to an Ella Fitzgerald number sang by their daughter. I have never met a couple so comfortable with each other and I know they will have a long and very happy marriage together.

Groom & his daughter relax before the wedding ceremony Pageboy & bridesmaid before the wedding at Kelham hall Wedding party outside Kelham hall Bride and Groom married first kiss Bride and Groom portrait at Kelham hall, Nottingham Bride and Groom laugh after their wedding at Kelham hall Bride and Groom portrait at Kelham hall, Newark, Nottinghamshire Father of the Bride raises a toast after his speech Bride and grooms first dance

Wedding guests can log into the gallery here
Gallery is password protected, for access, please see Kelly & Gary

Last weekend saw my final wedding of 2011 and what a fantastic year it has been but more important than that was to go out on a high which is exactly what I did with the magical wedding of Sarah & Paul.

After starting the day with Paul at the Lyttelton Arms in Hagley, we took a brisk walk (in a chilly 3 degrees) up to St John’s Church while a lot of the guests travelled to the church via a coach. Paul was very excited all morning which slowly gave way to nerves as the ceremony time approached. Sarah arrived looking stunning in her white dress which really stood out next to her bridesmaids who were wearing a mid grey. As Sarah walked down the isle Paul looked back down towards her with one of the biggest smiles I have ever seen a groom give. As the wedding was in such close proximity to Christmas, Sarah decided to keep a Christmas theme running right through the wedding and it was a pleasant surprise to hear a number of Christmas carols sung during the ceremony.

After the service we stepped outside again to complete the few family photographs we had planned and while I was expecting the sun to have dropped I wasn’t quite expecting it to be so dark. Fortunately, because I try and use as little flash as possible throughout the day I have both a camera and a selection of lenses that are more than capable of capturing great images after the sun has set and so we completed the group photographs without issue (apart from me almost losing my voice!)

Once we arrived at the reception, we had just enough time to capture a few portraits before Sarah, Paul and all of their guests sat down for the wedding breakfast and speeches.

I had a fantastic time with Sarah and Paul and it is quite clear they mean the world to each other, what a great way to finish a wonderful year full of weddings.

Groom and his father walk to the church St Paul's church, Hagley prior to the wedding Groom looks back at Bride Bride and Groom in church Bride and Groom walk down the isle after their wedding Christmas tree as a backdrop to the Bride and Grooms portrait Bride and Groom at their wedding reception Bride and Grooms first dance with band in background

Guests of the wedding can log into the full gallery here
The gallery is password protected, for access please see Sarah & Paul

I wanted to share with you an updated version of the slideshow I created for Chillington Hall’s wedding open day.

I spent a few days at Saint Audries park near Taunton, Somerset for Elizabeth & Lee’s wedding last week and what a fantastic wedding it was too. I had been looking forward to it for a while as it was a bit out of the ordinary. Firstly I spent almost 3 days with the Bride, Groom and guests. Elizabeth wanted a really intimate wedding which felt more like a holiday with all of her friends (and me!) This gave me a lot of time to get to know everyone there which I really enjoyed. I was also shooting the entire wedding in black and white. I love black and white images and think they lend themselves very well to weddings as it is easier to see emotion and feelings when you strip away the colour but I had never attempted to cover an entire event in monochrome. It may seem a little strange having no colour images from your wedding but it fitted perfectly with the black and white theme for the wedding itself.

On the day of the wedding all the guys enjoyed a morning of Laser clay pigeon shooting, shame there was no break in the rain but it didn’t seem to dampen their spirits at all. Meanwhile the girls had cupcakes and Champagne, I certainly know where I would have rather been!

All the way through the preparations, Elizabeth was full of smiles and laughter and was soon ready for the wedding with the help of her bridesmaids. Lee waited nervously in the Orangery where the ceremony was due to take place, the light in here was fantastic as you will be able to see from the photographs below. The smiles and laughter continued all the way through the ceremony and for the rest of the day, right into the evening. After the first dance the dance floor was never empty and I was even treated to a few “dance off’s” (fortunatly I had been warned the guys were likely to get all competitive after a few drinks so I was ready, camera in hand!)

While a little out of the ordinary, I thoroughly enjoyed Elizabeth & Lee’s wedding and after spending so long with them and their friends I cant imagine their wedding any other way. I with them the best of luck for the future but I’m pretty sure they won’t need any luck.

St Audires park wedding, Clay pigeon shoot Bridesmaid prior to the wedding Guest relaxes prior to the wedding at St Audries park Bride and Brides laugh prior to their wedding Bridesmaid getting ready at St Audries park, Taunton Bride making final alterations prior to the ceremony Groom makes his way to the orangery at St Audries park, somerset Bride and Bridesmaids watch guests Groom waits as Bride arrives Bride and groom kiss during the ceremony Bride and groom laugh as they sign the register Bride and Groom celebrate being Man and Wife Bride and Groom outside St Audries Park, Taunton, Somerset Bride and Groom portrait at St Audries Park, Taunton, Somerset Bride and Groom laugh after their wedding breakfast The dancefloor at St Audries Park after the wedding.

Guests can log into the full gallery here
The Gallery is protected, please see Elizabeth & Lee for the password.

As the recommended wedding photographer at Chillington Hall, I will be attending this sundays open day and to show you how wonderful your wedding could be, I have uploaded this slideshow for you.

All images used in this short film have been shot at Chillington

Doors are open from 11am until 4pm, hope to see you there!

It’s always great to be recommended, not only does it affirm quality of service but it also means you get to see old friends from previous weddings. Marie & Rob’s wedding last weekend was no exception. This is the fourth wedding I have completed for this group of friends and it was great to see so many familiar faces and to catch up on whats been happening since we last met.

I started the day at Marie’s parents house in Shenstone, just down the road from where I used to live in Lichfield. After the preparations we moved on to St John Church, Shenstone. A wonderful little church full of great architecture. Rob is a fireman in Wolverhampton so as we arrived we were greeted by a guard of honour, They looked really good outside of the church bathed in midday sun.

After the ceremony we managed to dodge a couple of showers, we completed the group photographs and then on to Lea Marston hotel in Sutton Coldfield. During the speeches Rob got quite emotional but managed to hold it together to get through his speech and to pass on to his best men.

The evening saw the dance floor packed with guests dancing and singing away to the DJ and singer who did a pretty good job of getting the guests to sing along to some of the tracks. I had just enough time to take a couple of evening portraits of Marie and Rob before it was time to pack up the projector and make the drive home.

As with all of my weddings this year, Marie and Rob are ideally suited and are very much in love, long may that continue!

Bride and bridesmaid make final alterations before the wedding Wedding ring casts a heart shaped shadow The Best Man checks his appearance before heading to the church St John Church, Shenstone with guard of honour Bride and groom kneel after their wedding at St John Church, Shenstone Bride and groom at the alter after their wedding portrait of young girl during the speeches at the Lea Marston Hotel, Sutton Coldfield Groom gets emotional during his wedding speech Bride and Grooms 1st dance Evening wedding portrait with Bride and Groom at the Lea Marston Hotel

Wedding guests can view the entire gallery here
(Gallery is password protected, For access see Marie & Rob)

I joined Sarah and Andrew a few days ago for their stunning wedding at Chillington Hall in Brewood, Staffordshire and I don’t think I have ever laughed so much at a wedding. From the word go Sarah and her bridesmaids were playfully making me the butt of many of their jokes, something that continued through much of the day. It’s great when I can make couples feel this relaxed with me during their wedding day, even if it does mean I will be made fun of from time to time.

Sarah and Andrews Ceremony was held at Saint Peter & Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Wolverhampton, a building I had driven past on several occasions but never realised it was a church until now. Inside was quite a modern looking church but one that comes across beautifully in the photographs.

The reception was held at my local venue, Chillington Hall. I have written many times about Chillington, mainly because I am one of their recommended photographers so I am there quite frequently, but also because of the wonderfully photogenic building and grounds. I never like to repeat a photograph many times at different weddings, so being at one venue so frequently could be a real challange. Fortunately, Chillington offers so many different backdrops and locations I find it easy to get inspiration there.

Sarah and Andrew’s wedding was a fun, relaxed and informal event which I enjoyed photographing from start to finish. I will remember many things from the wedding, the laughter and jokes we shared in the morning, the best man producing some of the most amusing photographs during a speech I have seen all year, the great fireworks that rounded the night off but most of all, I will remember how well suited Sarah and Andrew are.

Close up of the Bride before her wedding Bride and Groom at St Peter & St Paul Catholic Church in Wolverhampton Convoy of wedding cars arrive at Chillington Hall, Staffordshire Bride and Groom in their wedding car drive to the lake at Chillington Hall Bride and her bridesmaids chat in front of Chillington Hall Bride and Groom pose on the great stair case at Chillington Hall, Brewood Bride and groom cut their wedding cake at Chillington Hall Bride and Grooms first dance in the marquee at Chillington Hall, Staffordshire Portrait of the Bride and Groom outside Chillington hall at night Fireworks light the sky at a wedding at Chillington Hall, Brewood

Guests at the wedding can log into the full image gallery here
(Gallery is password protected, for access please see Sarah & Andrew)

I joined Jenny & Richard last weekend for their wedding at St Benedicts Church, Wombourne & the Oak Farm Hotel in Cannock. As the guests arrived at the church Richard was looking a little nervous, not helped by one of the wedding rings trying to escape down one of the grates at the church. Fortunately the ring was recovered just just before Jenny arrived!

Jenny was greeted by her Bridesmaids and they were soon walking down the isle towards an emotional Richard. The service was fantastic and they were soon taking their first steps as man and wife. After a couple of portraits outside the church we had enough time to capture all of their guests throwing confetti and then on to the reception.

At the Oak Farm hotel near Cannock all of the guests were enjoying the late summer sun as we covered the few group shots (avoiding the fast moving bridesmaids as they ran and played on the grass) After capturing a couple more portraits in the picturesque  grounds of Oak farm it was time to move inside for the speeches and Wedding breakfast.

I was only with Jenny & Richard for a short time but it was easy to spot the two are made for each other and I wish them both well for the future.

Groom in conversation before his wedding at St Benedict's Church in Wombourne Bridesmaid and her father entering St Benedict's church, Wombourne Bride and her Father walking down the isle as the Groom nervously waits Bride and Groom sing the last hymn The first steps as Man and Wife Bridesmaids run and play at the Oak Farm hotel, Cannock Bride and groom pose in the grounds of the Oak Farm hotel in Cannock

Guests can see the full wedding gallery here
(Gallery is password protected, for access please see Jenny & Richard)

I recently photographed Lynne & Onkars wedding. For the second time this year it was a two day event. The first day we were at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Wednesfield for their Sikh ceremony and for the second day we were at the wonderful Somerford Hall in Brewood, just outside Wolverhampton.

This was my second Sikh wedding and just like the first, I really enjoyed it. The whole ceremony is steeped in tradition and very different to western weddings. Lynne looked stunning as she entered the Gurdwara and Onkar was grinning from ear to ear. I am starting to learn my way around things now so felt comfortable moving around the temple as there are many great spots to take photographs and I think the whole spectacle is enhanced by the bright bold colours being worn by the female guests.

As I arrived at Lynne’s parents house for the second day it was like being greeted by friends, I really don’t think I could have been made more welcome, Lynne’s Father even remembered how I took my coffee! Once again As Lynne got into her dress she looked fantastic, I thought we were going to have a few tears from her Dad but he managed to hold them back. Once we arrived at Somerford Hall Lynne continued her preparations upstairs while Onkar greeted his guests. The ceremony was held in the blue Ball room which is great as the light in there is really good as you will see from the ceremony photograph below. As soon as the ceremony was concluded the guests spilled out onto the patio to enjoy the afternoon sunshine.

The whole two days were fantastic, from being made to feel so welcome, the excitement and energy of the guests to the wonderful match of the Bride and Groom and to top everything off I was married at Somerford Hall almost 4 years to the day.

Bride prepares for her Sikh wedding Bride and Groom at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Willenhall Groom prepares to barter to enter the Brides home after his Sikh Wedding Brides preparations at Somerford Hall Bride and her Father just before her wedding at Somerford Hall Bride and Groom laugh during their ceremony in the Ball room at Somerford Hall Bride and Groom portrait outside Somerford Hall with their wedding car Bride and Groom portrait after their wedding Bride and Groom listen to Best Man's speech Bride and Groom evening portrait with amazing sky

Guests can view the entire wedding gallery here
(Gallery is password protected, for access please see Lynne & Onkar)