I often shoot on my birthday these days and it was a pleasure spending the day with Shannon, Chris and their family and friends at Ryde Castle and a short excursion to Fishbourne for a portrait shoot. Debbie usually acts as a videographer at weddings but on this day she was second shooter and assistant. I think she enjoyed the roll.
Childhood sweethearts, Rachel and Matt must have dreamt about this day for years. We had the pleasure of filming Rachel's sister Stacey's wedding a couple of years ago and were delighted when Rachel and Matt decided to book us for both video and photography.
Preparations were in Cowes. The wedding was at The Church of St. John the Evangelist, Sandown and the reception was held at Sandown and Shanklin Golf Club.
As a wedding photographer it is so important to stay true to you own style but still be inspired by the work of others. I see so many pictures, these days, from "young" photographers that feature couples leaning their foreheads together evoking thoughts of rutting stags. Or just looking so sad on their wedding day. I prefer for my photography to evoke joy and happiness and a natural edge, but still have an element of art to them. Using candid photography to capture people as themselves. I prefer to use natural light where possible but if I need to use a flash to make my images clear and vibrant, I will do so.
But everyone has their own taste and that is vital for engaged couples to have choice. The Isle of Wight is the most saturated wedding photography market in Britain but also has a vast array of talent. I am keen to improve my techniques and status. I entered some photographs with a view to gain membership to the British Institute of Professional Photography, partly because I wanted an independent critique, from my piers, of my wedding work. Imagine my delight when my photography and the way my business is run was considered to be good enough for provisional membership. The next stage is honing my techniques and gaining the letters LBIPP after my name. 2018 is my year and that will benefit our customers while I strive to keep improving my work at their weddings.
So the first wedding of 2018 to give me an opportunity to indulge in my new found ambitions was that of Freshwater couple, Sophie and Gareth. I had never shot a wedding at All Saints Church in Freshwater before, even as a videographer. It was ironic that the wedding was to be shot in a place called Freshwater as plenty of the stuff was landing on our heads for the earlier part of the day. In fact rain was to he a bit of a theme for photographing Sophie and Gareth as it chucked it down at their pre-wedding shoot as well. But it certainly didn't dampen anyone's spirits.
A great day was had by all.
Ella and Piers decided on a festive wedding and were blessed with sunshine for the day. Albert Cottage is steeped in Victorian history. A legacy the hotel is clearly very proud of. A special marquee was constructed over the courtyard for the Courtney's plethora of loving family and friends - hopefully that affection us abundant in these photographs.
Emma and Ryan can be seen a lot - behind the scenes at weddings. Emma with the outstanding catering service, All About Catering. Ryan is a talented guitarist with Cornerstone and more recently, The Outfit.
The picturesque setting for the wedding was Barton Manor near Osborne. Both Emma and Ryan got ready there, in separate cottages, before heading for the marriage ceremony at St Mary's Church in Cowes.
It was a very breezy day. With both bride and groom having long blonde hair, there was a lot of action during the portrait shots.
Naomi got ready at her mum's house in Wootton, surrounded by her entourage of bridesmaids, page boys and expert wedding hair guru, Donna Jones. Nathan was ready to meet his bride and was amazed to see her in her stunning dress.
The ceremony was one of the most joyous occasions I have ever witnessed at Northwood House. The love between them was very evident and I hope that the fun the couple had on a day they will cherish forever, is clear in these photographs.
Sam got ready at North House in Cowes, a beautiful hotel and took a horse and cart journey for the rest of her day with Ali at the splendid Northwood House.
This year we recruited our younger daughter, Isabella into the team and she was very busy at Hayley and Paul's wedding. The day started off with bright sunshine while Hayley and the girls got ready. The wedding was at the picturesque church in Newchurch. Just after we all arrived at Brading Roman Villa for the reception the heavens opened and the torrential rain was so heavy it caused the marquee to leak.
I always feel quite honoured when a mainland couple book me to photograph their wedding. The amount of choice for photographers on the island is overwhelming in itself, let alone those available in England. Laura and Aaron brought their families to West Wight for a small but charming wedding at the Apple Farm. Laura rented a cottage in Calbourne to prepare for the day. The only dampener (literally) was the weather...
A busy day for us with Debbie filming another wedding I had to direct the video production of our staff videographer Chris and my daughter Isabella along with filming myself. Along with that I was the official photographer as well. We began the day at the bridal preparation venue; a couple of hundred yards from the ceremony venue at Wroxall Chruch. The reception was held at Shanklin Conservative Club and we went to Shanklin Beach and the park in Shanklin Old Village for portrait shoots.
The beginning of July 2017 was the hottest time of the year. Nicole had initially booked us to video her wedding 3 years previously but had to postpone for a year and her original photographer, Neil Hunt, was not available on her new date so I adopted the task of photography and I was delighted to do so. I enjoyed are regular messages during the long wait for this wedding. Nicole would often ask me for advice and one of the the things she asked me for was ideas on possible venues for her to get ready on the morning of the wedding. She felt her flat was too small so I suggested the beautiful Albert Cottage and she agreed.
Beautiful sunshine from the outset as David and Alice got ready for their wedding day at The New Holmwood Hotel in Cowes. It is always a pleasure to photograph a couple so deeply in love.
It is always and adventure leaving the island shoot a wedding. Nottingham was the location for Jess and Tom's Alice in Wonderland themed wedding and it was wonderful to be part of that adventure.
The first time Jess and her mum Sharon saw herself full 'brided' up... quite an emotional thing!
Mark's proposal to Charlotte was on stage at a packed Shanklin Theatre and was publicised on social media so it was a real treat for us to get the opportunity to share this lovely family's big day. Which was dedicated to the memory of some absent relatives.
This was woven by the bride!
Time out to pay their respects and lay a bouquet of flowers
Wedding video montage...
After 30 years of marriage Jackie and Paul decided to renew their vows. Prior to the wedding the couple were able to provide me with their original wedding video on VHS. It was great fun being able to incorporate some of that original recording into the new video produced by us.
We arrange a pre-wedding portrait shoot with our couples to build a rapport with them and to obtain a print for the signing card we provide the the reception guests to scribe good will messages, and from that meeting I knew we would get great results on the renewal day as Jackie and Paul are so clearly in love.
The whole event took place at Yelfs Hotel in Ryde.
The video montage...
The lovely McDonald family made Debbie and I very welcome all day. We began in a beautiful lodge at Woodside Coastal Retreat in Wootton with the girls. Things didn't quite run to schedule and we had to leave for the ceremony at Ventnor Botanic Gardens while the bride was still getting ready however the bridal transport was an hour late so we could have stayed.
The wedding was very much a family affair with children Grace and Louie joining in the sand ceremony, orchestrated by Jenni Law. The weather turned after the ceremony but it didn't dampen the mood
The video montage...
We didn't get an awful lot of luck this year with weather but the gods were smiling on Lucy and Craig at the end of August. We began our day shooting the family preparations in Newport before heading off for the ever popular Lakeside Hotel and Spa. Deb and I adore being part of weddings. Always an absolute joy, even if it is hard work. Each one is different, has its own personality. This one I would judge as being delightful.
As a photographer I was so happy when I got home and saw the results. This is just a small sample of the day which was also covered by Debbie as videographer.
The video montage...
It was my privilege to be hired for photography only by the Carline family, meanwhile Debbie and Chris filmed a wedding on a boat.
Emma stayed the night at Bourne Hall in a lovely apartment where the whole wedding was staged.
The day started gloomy, so the decision was made to have the ceremony in The Oyster Room but almost as soon as it was put in place, the rain stopped...
Dad checks his speech, again...
I think we can tell what he is thinking from this photo...
When the registrars arrive things begin to become very real...
Radiant ladies...
Michael can hardly wait...
You are now, legally, husband and wife...
First post wedding family portrait...
This swan was keen to photobomb so Gema helped it out...
Confetti at the gazebo where the ceremony was originally supposed to take place...
A photobombing Hoverfly this time..
Bride and Groom enter their wedding breakfast...
Chill out before the speeches...
The speeches were transcripted to Spanish and English for all guests to follow...
Time for some more relaxed photos...
Gema admires our signing card and photo taken at the pre-wedding shoot...
The evening ends with our pop-up fun photo corner...
The video montage...
Hot sunny weather was forecast but as usual, not accurately. Richard and Catrina were already married so arrived at the church together.
Then back to Mum's for small gathering
Spectacular sunshine was with us from the outset. We began the day, bright and early in Carisbrooke with the girls as they started getting ready for the day. Priority, of course was... Switch the TV on.
Off to Freshwater Bay for photos by the beach and a big surprise for Abby from a late father...
Meanwhile, Steve is waiting at The Apple Farm with the boys...
The Bride and her entourage arrive...
Back to Freshwater Bay for portraits...
Back to the Apple Farm for family shots...
Reception.
More portraits before the evening party...
The sun was a friend all day but eventually it was time to kiss it goodnight x
The video montage...
The catholic church in Cowes was the first port of call on this sunny April Saturday.
Bridesmaids arrive looking pretty in pink.
The arrival of the bride
Signing the register
Married life begins.
The Royal Hotel, Ventnor.
The video montage...
This was an island wide wedding which began in Newport and Clare and her posse of bridesmaids and attendants getting ready with the help of Lynsey-Marie Lamothe and Donna Jones.
On to the Apple Farm for the wedding itself...
Then off to Ryde Castle for a party
Our fun photo corner...
The video montage...
It is always a treat to leave the island sometimes and have an adventure; although a 300 mile car journey is quite extreme. The way up was hampered by several traffic jams and we didn't get to our hotel in Durham until 1:30am on the day of the wedding. The next day we were greeted by miserable rain as we made the half hour drive to Blyth where the bride was getting ready at her mother and father's house.
A toast to the bride
Dad was not prepared to see his little girl looking so stunning
It was raining hard at the church
The vicar took a selfie
Off to the blustery but now dry beach
The bridesmaid all had their lucky knickers on
The guest's transport was a few hundred miles away from home, as were we...
Reception time...
Feeling the love for his new mother in law
The beach portraits were in doubt in the morning but the weather, thankfully improved
Evening party
A wonderful, unforgetable weekend for all concerned
Rain didn't dampen the spirits of the Ammie and her posse of bridesmaids as she prepared for a big day she had waited and planned for so long.
Even the Prosecco cork had the bride's initial on it
Never waste a drop of bubbly!
Bridesmaids were told to look angelic... But to some it came natural
A hug from mum
The groom and his gang...
Pageboy
It takes team work...
And support...
Showtime!
Ring delivered - Harry Potter style!
Speeches
Competion to catch the bouquet was fierce
Time to take the bride and groom away for a portrait shoot
Time to cut the cake
Time to get on the dance floor
A sunny day was an unusual bonus, the way the weather has been this summer. It was an early start for us at Jayne's house and preparations were well under way.
The dress was waiting upstairs...
Flowers arrived from David
And from Blushing Blooms
Blushing Bloom's love to add a personal touch...
Jayne had a captive audience as she arrived dressed for her wedding...
David was a little nervous...
The bride arrives
Speeches
Cake time...
Off to Appley for a protrait shoot
Evening celebrations
Fun photo time
The video montage...
Early start for Debbie and I. 8:30 we arrived to begin filming (Debbie) and photographing Leana and her bridesmaids getting ready.
The dresses were waiting patiently...
And so was the bubbly...
Soon everyone was ready...
Even the boys...
The bride arrived on time but the groom was late.
Time to celebrate
With family and friends
Time to cool down with a paddle (Debbie's idea)
Then we took the couple away for a private shoot in Gurnard...
Back to the New Holmwood just in time for the first dances...
Then off to the beach to enjoy the stunning sunset...
And finally some boto-footh (as it isn't a photo booth) fun.
A good day was had by all and we finished at 10:30pm. Here is the obligatory wedding video montage - provided to all weddings...
I have finally moved into the teenies and invested in Zenfolio but there is a long way to go until it is up to scratch. So much material still to upload but there are now some albums to view.
Please if you like what you see - say so.