Fun Harbour Hotel Wedding | Bristol

by louiseemily | 11 Oct 2019 | Wedding

“OMG the photos are incredible – you did such an amazing job for us!”

Hev & Tom

Bristol harbour hotel & spa wedding

Heather and Tom got married at the amazing Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa. I love the Harbour hotel group, their styling is always spot on and distinctive. The Bristol hotel is actually a Grade II listed building that was originally 2 renovated banks. It maintains many period features and the ceremony room that Heather and Tom married in was actually an old vault! The huge room where they had their evening reception is absolutely stunning with a beautiful super high domed roof. Also, I ate in the restaurant and it was lush so basically – go and check it out!

. The Gold bar

We ventured outside for a celebratory tunnel of clapping, followed by some group shots on the very busy Corn Street where there was a market happening! We then went up to the gorgeously stylish Gold Bar. It is the photo backdrop of dreams! Much fun and drinks were had and the gang made their way back down to the ceremony room which had been turned around for their wedding breakfast and speeches.

THE PARTY

Now, I’m well known for my party loving ways. I’m almost always the last to go home (FOMO anyone?), but holy moly do this lot know how to party! Because they’d only had a select gathering for the ceremony they had one of their friends dress as a jodge and many witnesses were brought in to prove their wedded worthiness – it was brilliant, hilarious and completely entertaining. Followed by shots, dancing and more shots.

congratulations Heather & Tom

two less fish in the sea

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Farm wedding near Guildford

by louiseemily | 26 Sep 2019 | Wedding

Farm wedding near Guildford

IF YOU LOVE COWS THEN YOU’LL LOVE THIS BARN WEDDING!

Sadie and Damon got married in 2019 in Guildford and was followed by a reception at the Barn at Cross Farm in nearby Shackleford, with grumpy highland cows and gin appreciation details to keep guests entertained.

THE CEREMONY

The ceremony took place in Guildford Registry office which I really like as the main entrance is so pretty. The room itself is small and cosy and perfect for that intimate feel. Something Sadie had her heart set on was walking down an aisle and because the room doesn’t have one, they created one for her! CUTE.

After the ceremony, we travelled to the reception, which was such a great time for the newly married couple to have some time to let it sink in and have a minute together, and I got some beautiful photos of the venue. The weather for this barn wedding was fresh and sunny, and the rain held off until the guests sat down to eat which was excellent timing!

THE BARN WEDDING

The reception was held in the gardens of Cross Farm barn. The venue is perfect for weddings because it has really pretty grounds, plenty of parking, and it’s got such a rustic vibe, especially with the pet highland cows!

Sadie and Damon really wanted a picture with the cows who were family pets and apparently very friendly. One completely steered clear of us but the other seemed game. So the bride and groom hopped on a gold buggy with the owner wielding a stick *just in case* – whilst me and Sarah my second shooter that day strolled over the field to join them. As we joined them, it became pretty clear that Dougal the cow was completely unimpressed and even worse, was offended by the bride’s white dress. We spent a terrifying couple of minutes with the owner assuring us all was fine and as it looked as though Dougal was about to charge, we made a run for it. Which with hindsight was probably the worst thing to do but you know…. TERROR TAKES OVER!

Anyway, you’ll see the award winning pic in the album below, you can decide for yourselves if you think it was worth the trauma haha!

I loved this barn wedding, it was great fun and was a really lovely day. If you’re getting married and looking for a wedding photographer, get in touch.

GET IN TOUCH

Here’s Sadie & Damon’s barn wedding story in their words

How did you two meet?We met through a friend, very randomly on a night out in Horley (near Gatwick airport) and just completely hit it off. I stupidly didn’t ask for his number but Damon managed to track me down on Facebook.

Tell me the proposal story…In our early days we went out in London quite a bit on nights out and days touring the city, but my staple was wearing flat shoes walking around and then stopping to change into heels if we were going somewhere fancy. This one time in Leicester Square for New Years Eve, I sat on the wall and changed from my flats to my heels and folded my flats away in my bag (these shoes were amazing!) It’s all about the comfort. Anyway, on the day Damon proposed, he had organised a day out in London, he told me we were going somewhere in Leicester Square. So once we got there he told me to look around and guess where we were going…but I couldn’t figure it out. He then told me we were having afternoon tea at Scoff and Banter in the Hampshire Hotel. AMAZING! So I sat down on the wall to change my shoes, in the same spot as I had done before. I was so focused on changing my shoes that when I turned around Damon had the ring in his hand. Obviously I then cried. The Afternoon Tea was AMAZING!!!!!

What were your favourite moments from the wedding? Seeing everyone’s faces when they walked into the reception room, I’ve had so many comments about all of the little details which makes all the hard work worth it. Seeing my dad’s face when he came to take me down to the car – priceless. The band – just amazing! The food – just incredible.

Tell me about the dress! Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the ONE? I found my dress at Elderberry Brides in Basingstoke, after an awful experience a few weeks before. I think I tried on roughly 6 dresses, I didn’t have that ‘princess moment’, I didn’t cry when I found ‘the one’. I tried my dress on 3 or 4 times and kept looking back at it when I tried other dresses on, which kind of told me that that was actually THE ONE! No-one prepared me for that, so I wasn’t 100% sure. Everyone tells you you’ll know when you try it on but it just wasn’t like that for me. I can’t really say I loved the dress during all of the alteration appointments as I still couldn’t visualise myself in it properly. But once I had my final fitting I fell in love with it!!

Did any of your vendors stand out to you? List any vendors here and feel free to share your experience. Oh My Gosh, Dani @thecuratedkitchen was just incredible! The canapes, the afternoon tea! Her staff and the service was just all faultless. I am still getting comments now about how nice it was to have something different.

How was working with me on your wedding day? YOU WERE AMAZING!! You and your colleague just smashed it. The photo’s are beautiful. You controlled the group photo’s brilliantly, cracked jokes and were very bubbly. I can imagine it’s quite difficult getting people to where you need them but you had the patience of a saint and are very persuasive.

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Gorgeous Lainston House Wedding | Winchester

by louiseemily | 24 Aug 2019 | Wedding

“THE PHOTOS ARE FANTASTIC, THEY ARE EXACTLY WHAT WE WERE HOPING FOR! CAN’T RECOMMEND ENOUGH.”

Lisa & James

Lisa and James got married last summer at the beautiful Lainston House House, which is a stunning 17th century luxury hotel near Winchester. It was a gorgeous day and the sun shone all day long!

Getting ready

Lisa got ready with her Mum and bridesmaids in one of the huge bedrooms, and the atmosphere was full of excitement. James sent over a card and present which had everyone in tears – I’m sure that was the desired effect. The girls then walked together to get to the ceremony. James got ready at the hotel too with his brother and groomsmen. The group made their way downstairs and greeted the early guests whilst making their last minute suit adjustments!

The outdoor ceremony

The ceremony was a beautiful service in the grounds of the venue. A gorgeous outdoor ceremony with Lainston House as the backdrop was the perfect setting for the two to get married. During the ceremony they had several beautiful readings from friends and family. It was emotional and so beautiful. They ended the ceremony with a first kiss as Mr & Mrs and there was a big cheer from all of their guests as they made their way down the confetti tunnel.

The afternoon

The reception was out in the garden at the venue. They chose Lainston House because it has gorgeous grounds and you are given a private area which makes you feel like you’re the only ones at the venue. It was a super stylish wedding, I love shooting Lainston House weddings because the photo ops are endless.

Lisa & James had a drinks reception in the afternoon, and the sort of party everyone hopes for in the evening. I just loved being involved in Lisa & James’ wedding. I had done their pre wedding session a few months before and we got on brilliantly so I just knew their day would be full of fun, love and laughter. They decorated the venue with fairy lights and it worked perfectly, because it made the 17th century barn come to life and gave it a lovely warm and magical vibe.

Lisa & James

Lisa wore a Pronovias dress and James wore a suit from Moss Bros and they looked so classy. They met at Uni and have been together for 10 years. They got in touch with me during their planning and their enquiry made me laugh. On meeting them, they said they wanted a relaxed photographer, and I loved that they seemed so much fun.

The couple says that if you’re planning your wedding, the biggest piece of advice they could give you is RELAX, and I think they did that perfectly!

Lisa and James’s wedding was everything I love about weddings and just the happiest occasion. Here’s their wonderful day!

If you’re planning a Lainston House wedding, get in touch as I’d love to hear from you!

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Colourful wedding | Athelhampton House

by louiseemily | 16 Jun 2019 | Wedding

IF YOU HAVEN’T GOT 1000 PAPER CRANES AT YOUR WEDDING THEN WHO EVEN ARE YOU?

Bryony and Tom got married on my 40th birthday (I know I know, I don’t look a day over 39) at incredibly beautiful Athelhampton House, which is a stunning Tudor visitor attraction in Dorset with the most gorgeous gardens. It was such a happy day and the sun even made an appearance after a very dubious rainy start!

Bridal prep

Bryony got ready at the little cottage in the grounds with all her girls and her Mum, and the atmosphere was full of excitement. Bryony had had her heart set on an outdoor ceremony and when the day came it was pouring with rain. Although visibly devastated, she trooped on and when the sun came out I was so happy for her. Seeing her walk around the corner and realise that it was exactly how she wanted it was lovely. Tom got ready at home with a couple of friends and their gorgeous pup Oscar who looked very dapper in his little bow tie.

The ceremony

The ceremony was a beautiful service in front of the main house. During the ceremony Bryony’s mum and Tom’s sister both did readings which were just lovely and so personal. Oscar was a bit put out at not being asked to do a reading and joined in in his best voice!

After the ceremony

The reception was out in the garden at the venue. I love shooting garden weddings because the colours of flowers are ever changing and there’s always so much choice for photo opportunities! Me and Rach my second shooter were in our element!

They had lawn games in the afternoon, and a photobooth and DJ in the evening who had a really cool slideshow of piccies of B&T going on the front of his set up.

It was such a lovely day, really chilled and lots of happy faces. They decorated the venue with 1000 homemade paper cranes that Bryony’s dad had made and it was really breathtaking seeing them all up in the conservatory because they were so beautifully done. To be honest, I loved it so much that if I ever get married I am DEFINITELY jumping on that bandwagon!

The details

Bryony wore a Diane Le Grand dress and Tom wore a suit from Minster Designs in Wimborne and they looked beautiful. Bryony’s flowers were from the fabulous Laura at Sweetpea in Blandford and the incredible cake was from Sugarmouse Bakery in Bournemouth.

Bryony and Tom’s wedding was just the happiest occasion and everything I love about weddings. Here’s their gorgeous wedding!

If you’re planning a garden wedding, get in touch!

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Relaxed pub wedding | The Mill at Elstead

by louiseemily | 7 Jun 2019 | Wedding

SUCH A FUN AND CHILLED WEDDING AT THE MILL AT ELSTEAD IN GODALMING FOR KELLY & PAUL

When Kelly and Paul first got in touch with me about their awesome wedding at the Mill, I was so excited – I’ve worked there before and know how lovely it is. They were planning a relaxed pub wedding with a live band, lots of kids and lots of general merriment. Kelly sounded like the loveliest person and I couldn’t wait to shoot their wedding!

Bridal prep

I started shooting at a beautiful air bnb round the corner where the girls were getting ready together, and it was really exciting, because everyone was in such a good mood. Kelly wore a Mark Lesley dress and the bridesmaids wore dresses from Mix Bridal and they all looked GORGEOUS.

The wedding

The wedding took place at the Mill at Elstead pub, and was a gorgeous ceremony in the room upstairs. They had a beautiful reading, which brought pretty much everyone to tears. The pub had been decorated with lots of greenery too which looked beautiful. After the ceremony there was a big cheer from everyone, and then we did a confetti tunnel outside.

The afternoon

It was a bright and sunny day, which was glorious. While the guests ate canapes, the couple mingled and laughed with their friends. We had a quick portrait session but Kelly and Paul were itching to get back and celebrate with their guests! We then went in for dinner and a few speeches which covered ALL the emotions!

The party

During the reception they had a live band, which went down a storm. Kelly had told me all about the band and it was clear she was totally over the moon with her decision. And I don’t blame her at all – the band kicked off the party and everyone hit the dancefloor. I always find a live band are the PERFECT way to fill the dancefloor from the get go!

I left Kelly & Paul dancing and singing the night away and I’m sure hangovers were in full force the following day! Ah well… sign of an awesome day if you ask me!

Here’s the photos!

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Rhinefield House Hotel Wedding | New Forest

by Louise | 9 May 2019 | Wedding

SUNNY MAY WEDDING AT RHINEFIELD HOUSE IN THE NEW FOREST – CLAIRE & DUNK

Claire and Dunk got married at the grand Rhinefield House, in the New Forest, this May. It was a stunning outdoor wedding, with glorious sunshine and the best entrance to the wedding breakfast I’ve ever seen.

Bridal Prep

Claire got ready at home with her bridesmaids, and some family, and there was such an exciting vibe. All the girls were beautifully made up by Helen from Made Up and got ready together with Claire. She wore a Maggie Sottero Dress, and looked absolutely incredible. The group then hopped into a posh minibus to get to the ceremony. Claire’s Dad surprised her with a super flash car to drive them so they could arrive in style.

Groom Prep

Dunk got ready at Rhinefield House and was lucky enough to get early access to the Bridal Suite so the lads could get ready in comfort! He wore a Moss Bros suit and looked v sophis. The boys then relaxed with a beer to greet the guests in the bar before the girls arrived.

The ceremony

The ceremony took place in the venue grounds at the Doric Temple. The ceremony area was outdoors, which was perfect for the surroundings, because it was a beautiful sunny day. The ceremony began with a beautiful reading, and finished with the couple dancing back down the aisle together. It was a gorgeous ceremony, full of so much love and lots of cheer.

After the ceremony, we took some time out for photos, which is such a great time for the newly married couple to have some time to let it sink in. Then we did some family photos, which was really chilled out. I got some lovely couples photos around the grounds and in the forest – the redwood trees are the perfect backdrop! The weather was all sunshine and blue skies, which was a welcome relief after the previous week’s weather!

The reception

For the reception, the couple had set up lawn games in the garden and a magician to provide some entertainment and everyone really enjoyed it. Everyone was then called in for dinner, and it was the best entrance I have ever seen. Claire and Dunk walked in to Sweet Caroline playing and the whole room were singing and swaying along, which was absolutely ace! It was such a great idea. They had speeches after the meal, which were brilliant – very amusing and had the whole room roaring.

The evening

After the meal was finished, everyone got straight on the dancefloor, and the party got started. The hilarious Johni from Real Event DJs kept everyone entertained all evening. This lot know how to party!