LISA & DAVID'S HOUCHINS WEDDING

Top notch speeches, a saxophonist, a hot air balloon and a whole lot of dancing! I was back at Houchins Wedding Venue in July for the summer wedding of Lisa and David. We were treated to some pretty glorious weather all day including a beautiful golden hour and sunset after dinner. I have shared a few highlights from their day, but in all honesty, I found it extremely hard to keep it short. So here goes, check it out.

David & Lisa's Awesome Suppliers
Florist - Elisha Floral Design
Cake baker - Pink Face
Caterer - Limeberry Catering
Videographer - Philip Smith Visuals
Bridal gown - Wed2B
Bridesmaids dresses - ASOS
Groom's suit - Marks & Spencers
Musicians - Saxophonist Rob Mach
DJ - Nick Geiss

KAT & JAY'S OLD BROOK BARN WEDDING

Here we are. Kat and Jay’s Old Brook Barn Wedding. It was a corker! Five months on and I am still talking about it! The children were amazing. The music was on point. The venue nailed it. Kat and Jay were obviously very cool! Oh my word, we just loved it. I could go on, but probably should stop talking so you can actually look at the photos!

As forecasted, it rained for most of the day. Like I always say, it’s not about the weather. It’s about the people. We will have a great time no matter what is going on in the skies. And we truly did. The team at Old Brook Barn are superb, putting their wet weather plan into action nice and early. They dressed the barn for a beautiful indoor ceremony and drinks reception.

The Function Band were in residence for the whole day. By that, I mean, this incredible dynamic showband, started playing prior to the ceremony, through the drinks reception, played setups during dinner and hit the dance floor hard in the evening. They know how to raise the roof. You can see for yourself in the images. They are an absolute joy to work alongside. Before dinner had even been served, they had everyone dancing on their chairs!

What a day! Every single minute was filled with awesome memories. I can’t thank Kat and Jay enough for having myself and Tianna along to capture the day the best way we know how.

Kat & Jay’s Awesome Supplier List
Venue - Old Brook Barn
Showband and DJ - The Function Band
Florist - Isla Alice Flowers
Bridal gown - Maggie Sottero
Catering - Limeberry Catering

HANNAH & ELLIOTT'S SANTORINI WEDDING

I am really excited to share highlights from Hannah and Elliott’s Santorini Wedding earlier this year. Photographing a destination wedding on the beautiful Greek island of Santorini has been on wish list for quite some time. This amazing opportunity arose, where I was able to photograph not one by two weddings with Teresa Cunningham out in Santorini. I covered the perspective of the groom, whilst Teresa covered the bride.

For those of you that have been watching closely this year, you may have spotted that I have been transitioning from using Canon gear to Fuji at weddings. This destination wedding was an ideal opportunity to road test my Fuji gear in a different climate. Fuji cameras and lenses are significantly smaller and lighter than any other equipment I have used. I was able to genuinely travel much lighter, and also take my ninja shooting skills up to warrior level.

I have always loved travelling, even as a child. I am that person ahead of you in the passport queue who politely asks for a stamp in her passport. I still get a kick from flicking through my passport and totting up the country stamps. It’s a life long ambition to run out of pages before a passport expires.

I have been lucky enough to have photograph destination weddings in Morocco and Portugal. I will be heading out to Ireland next year for another. Cheers to more adventures and more cool stamps in our passports!

CHERYL & DANIEL'S BLAKE HALL WEDDING

Venue - Blake Hall
Florist - The Blue Dandelion
Makeup artist - Oya Bullock
Bridal gown - Stella York
Bridesmaids' gowns - Dessy
Groom's suit - Moss Bros
DJ - Piano DJ

DAISY & RUSSELL'S GAYNES PARK WEDDING

This was my first Spring wedding of 2018. Daisy and Russell's Gaynes Park Wedding was superb. Perfectly timed, just as the winter was coming to an end and Spring was in sight! No rain or snow. Gaynes Park is a lovely barn venue in Essex and was an ideal setting for Daisy and Russell who both got ready at the venue and held their ceremony and reception there too. Here's are some highlights from their day!

NATASHA & PETER'S QUENDON HALL WEDDING

"Just wanted to say thank you so much again. You made us feel so relaxed and the photography felt like fun - it was as though you were just another member of our friends and family."

A fun filled Caribbean Indian fusion wedding. That was the theme of Natasha and Peter's Parklands Quendon Hall Wedding. After a brief chat on Instagram, I knew I was in for a treat. We had glorious sunshine, a beautiful rose gold colour theme and plenty of banter to keep the day upbeat and light hearted. Full of fun, shared love, and laughter, it was a pretty awesome day! Check out Natasha & Peter's awesome supplier list at the end of the blog post!

Natasha & Peter's Awesome Suppliers
Ceremony flowers - Ismay Williams
Reception flowers - Essex Flower Walls
Makeup artist - Makeupology
Hairdresser - Sarah Wade
Caker baker - Bakealicious Jan
Videographer - Third Reel Films
Bridal gown - Wed2B
Bridesmaids dresses - ASOS
Groom's suit - River Island
Musicians - Adam Amor & Stacey McCarthy
DJ - DJ Anju

TOM & LOUISE'S OLD BROOK BARN WEDDING

I have been meaning to share this wedding for months now. It's Tom and Louise's Old Brook Barn Wedding. Hidden gem, perfectly describes this venue. Nestled away in the Essex countryside, it is one of my favourite barn venues. We had sunshine, rain, belly laughs and bittersweet tears. Loved every minute.

MOOR HALL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

The sun was out and everyone was smiling for Moor Hall's Wedding Open Day last weekend. This was an extra special occasion as it was the venue's very first open day attended by Moor Hall's recommended suppliers, including myself. A very talented, skillful and cheery bunch, working alongside the Moor Hall team, we came together to give all the visitors a friendly welcome.

I don't usually take any cameras along to wedding fayres or open days, but in the spur of the moment as I was skipping out the door I decided to grab a camera that was all charged and ready to go.  Well, I am really glad that I did. The venue looked absolutely stunning and the new outdoor ceremony area is incredible. An eye catching addition to this already beautifully landscaped Essex wedding venue. I am very proud to be a recommended wedding photographer at Moor Hall and thank Jodie and the team for welcoming me on board.

That's enough chatter from me, look at the photos below yourself showcasing Moor Hall Wedding Venue and the wonderful work of all the recommended suppliers involved.

Awesome Suppliers
Venue - Moor Hall Essex
Venue decor - Wedding Styling & Hire by Love Lavish
Catering - Relish
Letter lights, flower wall and table plans - Little Big Things
Florist - Daisy May's Flowers
Wedding stationery designer - Design Hub
Cake - Occasions Cake Studio
Hair stylist - Hair by Sarah Wade
DJ & entertainment services - Funkbox Productions
Pianist - Zoe Alexandria

GROUP SHOTS DON'T HAVE TO BE BORING

Sometimes group shots are formal. Sometimes they are not. The choice is completely yours. If you want group shots of your family and friends for the mantelpiece, then we can make it happen.

The most important thing is to make sure you have built time into your wedding day so that we have sufficient time to do your group shots. If you are not sure how much time to leave, please ask me before you pin down exact timings with your venue. I will happily give you a bit of guidance.

So if you are thinking about whether or not to include group shots in your wedding day, here is a bit of inspiration.

EMMA & MICK'S SWYNFORD MANOR WEDDING

Emma and Mick's Swynford Manor Wedding was a very memorable day for me. I had been looking forward to photographing my first wedding at this recently renovated Cambridgeshire venue. It has a wonderful luxurious decor and feel to it. We were treated to some beautiful spring weather, sunset and sparklers after dark! Superb day!

Capturing your guests truly enjoying themselves on the dancefloor is something I love to do. Don't miss my forty perfect dance moments captured at weddings during my travels in the UK and Overseas!

Emma and Mick's Awesome Supplier List
Makeup artist - Dani Rose
Hairdresser - Angel Cox
Florist - Tollys Flowers
Bridal Gown - Essence of Australia
Bridesmaids dresses - Sorella Vita
Groom's Suit - Moss Bros
Wedding car - Bentley Spur (Wallis & Sons – Cambridge Wedding Cars)
Ceremony Venue - All Saints Church Cottenham
Reception Venue - Swynford Manor
Caterer - Swynford Manor
Band - Get Carter
Venue decorator - Covers By Gill
Videographer - White Dress Films

CHARLOTTE & RICK'S MOOR HALL WEDDING

In the autumn, I returned to Aveley in Essex for another Moor Hall Wedding. This time it was the turn of Charlotte and Rick to get married. It was a beautiful day for so many reasons. Their three children were superb all day long, making me smile and laugh out loud. Not for the first time, there were familiar faces in the crowd. Guests from previous weddings as well as couples who have come to me for family portrait shoots too. It is becoming quite a regular occurrence. I owe many thanks to everyone for their continued support, kind words and for recommending me to your colleagues, friends and family.

For more Moor Hall Wedding inspiration, check out Victoria and Charlie's Spring wedding.

Charlotte and Rick's Awesome Supplier List
Florist - Flowers by Tracy
Hairdresser - Vanilla Rooms Hornchurch
Bridal Gown - Lottie Lew
Bridesmaids Gowns - Bromley Brides & Debenhams
Groom's Suit - Jack Bunneys
Wedding cars - PL Taxis
Caterer - Relish
Cake baker - Boutique Cake Studio
DJ - Love2Groove
Videographer - Spotlight Weddings

JAMES & RACHEL'S ISLINGTON TOWN HALL WEDDING

I always look forward to an Islington Town Hall wedding.  The ornate town hall set amongst the urban streets contributes to a very modern, cool atmosphere. Rachel and James had a relaxed intimate wedding at Islington Town Hall in November. Following, we headed to The Chapel Bar with their friends and family for their chilled out after party. Of course, being in London, we travelled on a traditional double decker red bus. Congratulations again to Rachel and James. 

From the city to the beach, for something a little summery check out this engagement shoot on Mersea Island Beach.

James and Rachel's Awesome Supplier List
Makeup artist - Lisa Weal
Hairdresser - Sami Page
Bridal Gown - Monsoon
Bridesmaid's dress - Monsoon
Groom's Suit - Anthony Formal Wear - Billericay
Ceremony Venue - Islington Town Hall London
Reception Venue - The Chapel Bar
Caterer - The Chapel Bar
Cake baker - The Chapel Bar

40 Perfect Dance Floor Moments

A friend asked me recently how many weddings have I photographed. It dawned on me that I didn't actually know the answer but it wouldn't hurt to work it out. So I looked back and was surprised when the total came to 140! I have witnessed 140 couples get married across the UK and beyond. That is pretty cool!

With that in mind, it feels like a great time to pick out some of my favourite moments, starting with the dance floor.  For any couples who can't decide whether or not to have a photographer stay for the first dance and beyond, right here are 40 reasons why you should. Forty moments captured on camera from first dances with Elvis to brides getting their feet wet, to beer pints being spilt or guests doing the caterpillar! I love them all!

These are memories that everyone should have captured of their wedding day. Be sure to tell your family and friends to not be shy. Dance like no one is watching!

Get in touch to tell me about your wedding plans and to book your date in my diary.

VICTORIA & DAVID'S HOUCHINS WEDDING

Victoria & David's Wedding at Houchins marked my second visit to this modern Essex barn venue in Coggeshall. It's become a firm favourite of mine. There was so much to love about their wedding. Bagpipes, kilts, an incredible 4 tier silver wedding cake, giggly flower girls, the bride singing to the groom and some superb trouser splitting dance moves! Congratulations again to Victoria & David.

Credit where credit is due. Check out Victoria & David's awesome supplier list at the end of this blog post.

Victoria & David's Awesome Supplier List
Bridal gown - Jenny Packham
Bridesmaids dresses - ASOS
Florist - Botanical Shed
Hairdresser and makeup artist - Boe Wright
Cake baker - Cookie Delicious
Caterer - Limeberry Catering
Scottish Piper - Peter Flockhart
Band - Rockit

Looking for more Essex Barn Wedding Venue inspiration? Check out Lucy & Aaron's Gaynes Park Wedding.

VICTORIA & CHARLIE'S MOOR HALL WEDDING

Victoria and Charlie were married at Moor Hall Wedding Venue in Essex. It was my first visit to Moor Hall, even though it was very local to me. Moor Hall is a quaint modern wedding venue tucked away within Aveley, surrounded by pretty gardens and woodland. I love this venue and it's a joy to photograph at. Beautiful venue, fun atmosphere, plus Jodie and the whole Moor Hall team are absolutely superb. Victoria was a bridesmaid at a previous wedding of mine. So it was lovely to be there to capture her wedding day. And see the familiar faces of her close friends Tom and Mary who's wedding at Layer Marney Tower, I photographed in 2016. 

Victoria and Charlie's fantastic wedding supplier team are listed at the end of this blog post.

Cheers to Victoria and Charlie as well as their gorgeous two boys. Thank you for sharing your wedding day with me.

There is so much more to see. For more wedding inspiration, check out the Layer Marney winter wedding of Victoria and Charlie's close friends, Tom & Mary. 

Victoria & Charlie's Awesome Supplier List
Venue - Moor Hall
Venue decorator - Eden Florist
Wedding planner - Jodie Gray from Moor Hall
Florist - Maria Baker
Makeup artist and hairdresser - Boe Wright
Cake baker - Sophie Stratford
Bridal Gown - Belissima
Bridemaids dresses - Chi Chi
Groom's suit - M&S
Caterers - Leave It To Us
DJ - Love2Groove
Light Up Letters - Little Big Things

MILLIE & BILL'S OUTDOOR LANGTONS WEDDING

What an amazing privilege it was for me to photograph Langtons very first outdoor ceremony during 2017! We had fantastic weather for Millie and Bill's outdoor Langtons wedding. Millie and Bill got married in The Orangery within Langtons gardens. It is a beautiful Georgian structure which was converted especially for this special occasion. The day was full of smiles, laughter and a few tears too during the speeches. The images tell the story. Millie and Bill's chose amazing suppliers to help create their wedding, which are all listed at the end of this blog post. Take a look and toast to Millie and Bill!

Don't stop here. Planning an outdoor wedding? Then you need to check out Zoe and Adam's tipi wedding at North Hill Farm.

Millie & Bill's Awesome Wedding Supplier List
Ceremony location - The Orangery, Langtons House
Reception location - Langtons Hall, Langtons House
Florist - Daisy May
Makeup artist - La Charlemagne
Hairdresser - Shelley Fairs
Groom's suit - Jack Bunneys
Bride's dress - Serenity
Pianist - Danny Mills
Band - Scooby
Caterer - Leave It To Us
Videographer - Simply Wedding Movies
 

ELLINGHAM HALL WEDDING

Back in June, I headed up to Northumberland for the wedding of Chris and Laura at Ellingham Hall. It is a stunning stately home set in a very tranquil unspoilt area of the county. With beautiful bedrooms within the home and cottages on site for guests to stay overnight, it really is a fantastic venue for a wedding. There is even a treehouse in the grounds! So much thought had been put into the whole wedding, from the pre-wedding BBQ the night before, through to a vintage cocktail van and personalised activity boxes for the children. And I must not forget the stunning room decor and the confetti cannons during the first dance! Thank you to Teresa Cunningham who assisted for this amazing wedding.

STEVEN & RACHEL'S BLAKE HALL WEDDING

Here we go. My first wedding feature for 2017! I have a lot of catching up to do since the birth of baby Broad number 3 in the summer! I thought I would start with sharing some images from Steven and Rachel's Blake Hall wedding. Actually, it's pretty nice to look back at their bright, sunny and colourful wedding whilst it looks very dreary outside my office window at this point in time. The sunflower bouquets by Halo Blossom are just the cheery inspiration I needed! Enjoy have a look through this wedding. And happy new year!

Venue - Blake Hall
Florist - Halo Blossom
Makeup artist - Brittany Cason
Hairdresser - Lois Norman
Cake baker - Pinkface
Bridal Gown - Confetti & Lace
Bridesmaid's gown - Bridesmaids Boutique
Groom's suit - Anthony Formal Wear
Reception band - Articulate Music - Free to Roam
Evening band - Articulate Music - Soul Beat

TONY & KRISTINA'S MOROCCO WEDDING

Last month, I travelled to Marrakech to photograph Tony and Kristina's wedding in Morocco. We have known each other a long time, so it was an honour to be asked to capture their wedding. Plus Morocco is on my bucket list of places to visit so I didn't need to be asked twice! Their venue, Le Palais Paysan, is a beautiful stylish boutique hotel in the South of Marrakech. Wedding planners Boutique Souk helped Tony and Kristina organise their dream wedding. The hotel looks out towards the Atlas Mountains. It's like an oasis in the Moroccan desert. Kristina's wedding dress, made by Tarik Ediz, was jaw dropping. Their wedding was full of decadent decor with hints of Moroccan detail. Their candlelight dinner by the pool at night was unique and personal. They partied well into the night...or should I say the next morning. And it didn't stop there. The weekend was rounded off with a pool party and BBQ the following day. Their handsome son was a superstar all weekend, chuffed to receive his own wedding ring during the ceremony. Thank you to Jay Anderson for being an awesome camera wingman as always! Congratulations once again Tony and Kristina from the whole Broad family. 

STORY BEHIND THE LENS: MY GRANDMOTHER

The sleeping baby in this photograph is me! Taken before I turned one with my maternal grandmother, mother, aunt and youngest brother.

It is the only photograph I own with my grandmother and I together. She passed away shortly after this photograph was taken. It’s not an award winning photograph. However, it is the most precious photograph I own.

I felt an immense sense of loss throughout my childhood. All my friends had grandparents who were integral role models. They had close relationships with them – they laughed together, played together, ate together, learnt together, existed together. They didn’t need photographs to remind them of their bond as they were creating real memories in the here and now. I envied these relationships. I wanted that for myself, whilst knowing it would never happen. That time had passed.

I did have this one photograph though. It travelled with me everywhere – university, my first flat, my first family home. I am eternally grateful to my elder brother for taking this photograph, and to my mother for printing it and putting it into an album. It gives me comfort. Looking at it makes me both sad and happy. This single photograph influenced my own parenting decisions, which have ensured that my own children were close to their grandparents and built memories of their own. Many of these memories I have captured on camera too.

This is the power of photographs. They evoke powerful emotions. This is why a camera means much more to me than most. I feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility to capture your memories in a way that is true, honest and real. The tears, the joy, the laughter, the beauty of it all.

Life is precious. Let us capture it. Let us relive it. Let us share it. Let us never forget.