Helen and Leigh really embraced the country location of their wedding at the Mill at Gordleton in the New Forest yesterday with lots of beautiful decorations and fresh flowers. Not only is this one of the prettiest wedding bouquets we’ve seen, everything you see here is in season in the UK at the moment, so it’s an eco-friendly bunch too! Lots more to follow soon…

At the start of this month we had an enquiry from Leigh and Doug asking whether it would be possible to arrange a post-wedding portrait shoot somewhere near to Bournemouth. Their wedding took place in Yorkshire last year and although we weren’t on their radar for that event, they got in touch after wanting some shots to put up in their home, taken where they both went to University.

We knew we’d have to work quite fast if we wanted to fit this in before the winter set in and it would be too cold venture out in a strapless bridal gown. So, after a couple of phone calls we arranged to meet up for the first time on the morning of the shoot. Leigh had sorted it for her hair to be made-up by a friend and after an introductory coffee and a quick change we bundled them into our car and set off for our afternoon adventure.

Poor Leigh and Doug must have thought we were absolutely mad when we suggested we take the Noddy Train (or as Leigh calls it, the “Wally Trolley”) down to the beach. I have to say, I did start questioning our own sanity when we piled into the mini children’s carriage, complete with mini chain to stop us from falling out. Of course, if you’ve ever been to Hengistbury Head you’ll know what a real hidden gem it is. With so many nooks and crannies, amazing beach huts and sand dunes it’s a photographer’s dream. We didn’t take the Noddy Train back up to the car, instead, opting to walk back and duck into the woods as we went.

So many couples, when we meet up for the first time, express concern over how they will look in front of the camera, or how well they will take instruction. This shoot just emphasised to us that it doesn’t matter whether you’re experienced in being in front of the camera, or if you’re unsure about posing. If you relax, have fun, trust your photographer and don’t take things too seriously you will end up a winner.

From our point of view, it was also such a luxury to be able to take our time for all to be able to enjoy the portrait experience. On a full wedding day we always try and visit a lovely location if we can, but there’s always the pressure to get back to the party as soon as possible. Whether you didn’t have the budget on your own wedding day, didn’t have the time to get out to a favourite location, or if you want some shots in a setting very different from your original wedding venue we think this alternative shoot is a great idea.

Here are some shots from our post-wedding shoot around Hengistbury Head and Sandbanks, Poole. We laughed, we shivered, we ate cookies and we got jumped on by a damp, crazy Springer Spaniel, but I think it was worth it!

Hope there’s one here you’ll be proud to put on your wall, Leigh and Doug.

Today we spent the whole afternoon with Leigh and Doug who got in touch with us to arrange a post-wedding shoot around the delights of Dorset.

By no means newly-weds, Leigh and Doug got married up North eighteen months ago, but wanted to be able to don their wedding gear again and make the most of the beautiful locations we have down near their old Uni town. Although it’s been a sunny day it’s also been flippin’ freezing. They were both incredible sports and with a spare hoody, Ugg boots and the odd cheeky cookie to keep them going they braced the chilly Autumnal day to take directions from us and gave it 100%. Here’s a little peek at what we got up to…

L+D, you were true champs and thanks for all the malt loaf!