Wedding Preview: Clare and Andy
September 5, 2010 | Posted Under: Bournemouth, Bournemouth photography, Dorset photography, Seaside, Wedding Photography | 4 Comments
The skies were blue and the sun was baking for the wedding of Clare and Andy yesterday. It was a fun packed day which kicked off at the Royal Bath Hotel for wedding preps, then onto Bournemouth Town Hall and finished off at the end of the pier at the Key West restaurant and bar. We did the Bournemouth circular, waving at everyone from the polished VW Split Screen van and Beetle.
Clare and Andy made the most of being by the beach on their wedding day with a full-blown seaside theme. They even brought along their own lollipop props for their photos and we took some of their group shots on the deckchairs. Being at the end of the pier was a dream come true for these two. Clare is so obsessed with piers they’ve invented their own sightseeing hobby which they call “Piering”. They take it VERY seriously.
We were honorary members of the Piering Club yesterday and here’s a preview from our day. It was a great privilege.
Categories: Posted Under: Bournemouth, Bournemouth photography, Dorset photography, Seaside, Wedding Photography | 4 Comments
The Wedding of Kathy and Mark at Lady St Mary Church and The Cumberland
August 25, 2010 | Posted Under: Bournemouth, Bournemouth photography, Dorset photography, The Cumberland Hotel, Wedding Photography | 5 Comments
On a wet Saturday not long ago we headed over to Wareham for the wedding of Kathy and Mark at Lady St Mary Church. Kathy grew up in Wareham and her family are from there too so her Mum and Dad’s house played host to the bridal preparations. Kathy and her bridesmaids were still at the hairdressers when I got there but I was made to feel so welcome. Kathy’s Mum had put on a very generous buffet too to keep us all going throughout the morning. Bridal preps are so much easier with pork pies and Pringles to keep you going!
Once back from the hairdressers the girls piled into the kitchen to get ready en masse around the table. There was an excitable atmosphere.
When I walked into the house this pretty dress greeted me and I started snapping. Little did I know that this was just the ‘back up’ dress if things got a bit too heavy and full-on for Kathy later on in the day. The main dress was lucky enough to fill a room of its own upstairs. You’ll see why later!
Meanwhile, while I was snapping up dresses and scoffing on sausage rolls Ian met up with boys at the pub to shoot some of their preparations too.
The donning of the dress (actually a corset and a full skirt) required a full team of willing Bridesmaids to help with the hoop.
Kathy said a prayer for the rain to hold off so it would be dry enough to take some couple shots around Wareham after the ceremony.
Kathy and her Dad waited for a horse and carriage to pick them up and take them to the church whilst I piled in with the Bridemaids in their limousine.
We were only allowed to shoot for a little while during the ceremony and had to stay at the back for the most part of the service. We got all the essentials, though.
After some family shots in damp but tolerable conditions, Kathy changed into her sandals so we could walk around the beautiful gardens of The Priory Hotel without sinking her stilettos into the grass. That little morning prayer did the trick!
We liked this archway when we walked around The Priory Hotel for Kathy and Mark’s wedding preps so we went back.
After a good little play Kathy and Mark enjoyed a horse and carriage ride through to Sandford where they met their car to take them the rest of the way to the The Cumberland Hotel in Bournemouth. Following them in our car we can vouch they made an impressive tailback. Apologies if you were travelling along the A351 that day.
Whilst guests enjoyed their reception drinks I had some time to photograph the pretty table settings.
One guest got their very own goldfish! I promised him he could go on our blog if he posed nicely. Thanks Sebastian The Fish!
Very pretty cake.
and pretty knife too.
Kathy reads the engraving in her wedding band out to her girl friends.
Time for dinner.
The speeches took place after the main meal but before the dessert.
It was getting late in the day by then but we just managed to squeeze in some beach shots before it got dark. Kathy had to sit in the front seat and I literally piled her dress on top of her. Maybe we need a bigger car for times like these.
Mark’s shoes were ace so they deserved some attention too.
The Bride and Groom wanted some shots of their room and the four poster bed but our timing was RUBBISH. Brian, (The Cumberland’s excellent Wedding Co-ordinator) was just in the process of throwing petals on the bed when we all walked in and spoilt the surprise. Sorry Brian!
After Kathy had managed to get rid of all the sand from our beach shoot it was time for the First Dance.
We have to say, the DJ and Compere, Richard Welsh did a fabulous job of getting the party started and revving everyone up for dancing and kudos to the Groomsmen and the Bridesmaids they went along with it.
Congratulations Kathy and Mark and thank you for a very fun day x
Categories: Posted Under: Bournemouth, Bournemouth photography, Dorset photography, The Cumberland Hotel, Wedding Photography | 5 Comments
Wedding Prep Shots: Natalie and Justin
August 17, 2010 | Posted Under: Bournemouth, Bournemouth photography, Dorset photography, engagement, Langtry Manor, Portraits, Wedding Photography | 4 Comments
Next month we’ll be making our way back to Langtry Manor for Natalie and Justin’s wedding where we’re all holding out for an outdoor ceremony on Langtry’s beautiful lawn. Natalie and Justin really want to take some time out on the day to get down to the beach for some seaside couple shots.
As it was such a beautiful evening when we met up with them for their wedding prep we all jumped in the car and headed over to the promenade for some test shots. I eagerly rolled up my leggings and threw my flip-flops aside to wade in and make the most of the high tide. I wish I could find an excuse to do a shoot in the sea like this every day.
Categories: Posted Under: Bournemouth, Bournemouth photography, Dorset photography, engagement, Langtry Manor, Portraits, Wedding Photography | 4 Comments
The Wedding of Kara and Ryan at The Chine Hotel, Bournemouth
August 17, 2010 | Posted Under: Bournemouth, Bournemouth photography, Dorset photography, The Chine Hotel, Wedding Photography | 2 Comments
Last week we shot the wedding of Kara and Ryan just up the road from us at The Chine Hotel. It was a sunny, warm day, perfect for guests to enjoy the vast grounds for the day’s BBQ and drinks reception. Things kicked off early for me with some bridal preps at the hotel where the room was bustling with excited family and friends.
The bride, Kara.
Mother of the Bride!
Instead of a bouquet, Kara’s bouquet was a pretty floral ball!
Meanwhile, downstairs Ian caught up with the Groom, Ryan.
The ceremony room was packed with enthusiastic guests.
After the ceremony everyone piled outside in the rear garden to enjoy their drinks and we did some family shots there too.
Always time for a tongue-in-cheek shot whilst waiting for guests to gather themselves together for the formals. Those glasses did the rounds.
Once the room had been turned around we managed to grab some table shots before it was time for the BBQ to start.
After the guests had finished their meal we made our way down to Boscombe beach for some late afternoon snaps on the sand. It was still fairly early so there was quite an audience! The Chine has a really nifty gateway down to the seafront though. It was lovely to be able to take a leisurely stroll down with our Bride and Groom rather than pile into the car.
We took a few more on our way back up and then we left Kara and Ryan to empty their shoes full of sand and enjoy the rest of their day.
