Author: davidislip

Smeetham Hall Barn Wedding Photography for Amy and Tom

Smeetham Hall Barn Wedding Photography for Amy and Tom

Smeetham Hall Barn Wedding Photography for Amy and Tom was on a lovely late spring day! We arrived at Amy’s Parents home first of all which was where Amy was getting ready with her Bridesmaids. The sun was shining and the forecast was it would be getting hotter as the day went on. Amy was in the final stages of her hair and make-up being finished so we got on with taking the pictures of Amy’s Wedding Dress and accessories. Ellie and Katie, the smaller Bridesmaids arrived a little later on. Once hair and make up ‘getting ready’ pictures were completed the girls watched as Amy opened her present from Tom. Time for the girls to get dressed and then Amy’s Mother, Lindsey, and Amy’s sister Robyn assisted Amy to get dressed. Amy looked wonderful! The garden looked fabulous and when Amy was ready we all went outside. Although it was only late morning it was now very hot and sunny everywhere but we took some pictures outside. Finishing these we left to go to St Bartholomew’s Church, Wickham Bishops. Tom was there with his Grooomsmen together with Norah, their Flowergirl and Daniel, their Pageboy. There was lots to do at the Church as always but everything was running smoothly. The Guests made their way into the Church for the service and it wasn’t long after that Amy arrived. During the service Daniel stepped up at the right time to hand over the Wedding Rings, a nice moment. After the service Amy and Tom came out of the Church, had a brief few minutes with their Guests before we got on with taking a few pictures. These were kept to a minimum as space was limited, there were many Guests and there would be time to take some more at the Wedding Reception at Smeetham Hall Barn. So, as the Guests threw confetti over Amy and Tom as they left the Church, Ian of Nixons Cars was waiting to take them on their journey. Smeetham Hall Barn looked absolutely wonderful as we arrived, basked in sunshine! The car dropped off Amy and Tom at the House right where the Drinks Reception was being held. After a couple of car pictures Amy and Tom mingled with their Guests whilst we captured informal pictures. Amy and Tom’s requested family pictures were taken in the shade of the trees which was appreciated by all concerned! Thank you Robyn for all your help! After Amy and Tom’s ‘together’pictures and before the Wedding Breakfast we took an ‘everybody’ picture. Coverage of The Speeches followed the Wedding Breakfast. A superb Speech was delivered by Matt,Tom’s Brother and Best Man which produced many many laughs!Whilst the guests were enjoying the evening sunshine, we whisked Amy and Tom away for a short while to get a few more pictures. Once the Evening Guests had arrived Tom and Amy took to the dance floor for their First Dance. Amy, Tom and ourselves were delighted later on with the sunset pictures to finish off. Happy with our results of a splendid day we then said our ‘goodbyes”. Thank you to Sue Whittle who was a Guest at this Wedding who recommended us to Amy and Tom. Sue ran a Photography business in Witham a few years ago and it was lovely to see her again. Thank you to Amy and Tom for all your hard work in making your Wedding Day go really well, it was such an memorable day!

July 19, 2017
Mersea Fun Engagement Session

Mersea Fun Engagement Session

It was lovely to see Katy and Sean again, this time for their Mersea Fun Engagement Session. We met one evening at one of our favourite places and theirs, the Beach Huts at West Mersea. We love the colours! It was a dry but cool evening so we kept things moving a little a bit quicker than usual but we still achieved wonderful Mersea Fun Engagement Session. A drink in the local pub followed while we discussed the details of the wedding day. We are looking forward to Katy and Sean’s Wedding at Moreves Barn, Sudbury, in the next couple of months.

July 16, 2017
Colchester Children Portraits

Colchester Children Portraits

Rowhedge, Colchester children’s portraits was our next lovely job. We met with Alexandra, her Father and Grandma one morning in Rowhedge to take some portraits of Alexandra. As we all know children grow up so fast and at times it is nice to have something to remember them by. These pictures of Alexandra were not taken to mark a special occasion, just an opportunity to record what she is like now. We went for a walk along by the River, although it was a rather breezy morning! That didn’t matter though, we just found places out of the breeze. Alexandra was a star, a lovely girl and a pleasure to photograph.

July 12, 2017
Fennes Wedding Photography for Maxine & Ben

Fennes Wedding Photography for Maxine & Ben

Maxine and Ben booked us for their Fennes Wedding Photography. Arriving at Fennes it was overcast but the forecast was that the weather was going to break. Maxine and Ben really wanted an outside Ceremony so the decision was made to go ahead and fingers were crossed. It wasn’t long before the sun was out which enhanced the setting for their Wedding. Maxine was getting ready upstairs with her Mother and the Bridesmaids. In another room Ben was getting ready. Preparations were going well were going well for both of them and once the men were ready they headed off downstairs and outside.

Ben and his Groomsmen had a few pictures outside and inside Fennes House then they carried out their duties of greeting the Guests. Maxine was soon ready for her ‘ready’ pictures together with the Bridesmaids. The Drinks Reception followed the outdoor Ceremony and everyone enjoyed socialising in the sunshine and being entertained by a magician.We got on with taking the requested family pictures and a few Bridal Party pictures later on. Leaving the Guests we whisked away Maxine and Ben for a short session of pictures on the Bridge and through the Bluebells. Everyone congregated in the Gold Room just before the Wedding Breakfast for the confetti throwing. The Wedding Breakfast was held in the Pavilion and the Speeches followed. A bouncy castle provided entertainment afterwards for the Bride and Groom as well as their Guests! The break between the speeches and evening celebrations allowed us to create Maxine and Ben’s special pictures which they requested involving the bridal party as well. These pictures were fun to do as well with everyone being extra relaxed! Finishing off with Maxine and Ben’s evening pictures inside Fennes we then returned to the Pavilion. Maxine and Ben cut their Wedding Cake and then took to the dance floor for their First Dance. After good weather during the day a sunset was not to be, so instead we took a couple of night pictures. This finished our coverage their Maxine and Ben’s Wedding Day. Thank you Maxine and Ben for an enjoyable and rewarding day also to the staff who make Fennes Wedding Photography a pleasure.

July 9, 2017
Cressing Temple Barns Wedding Photography for Janine & Richard

Cressing Temple Barns Wedding Photography for Janine & Richard

Janine and Richard booked us for Cressing Temple Barns wedding photography. It was a dry bright although windy day when we arrived at Cressing Temple. We met Richard with his Parents and made our way over to the house where the Ceremony was going to take place. After taking a few pictures of Richard and then a couple of him with his Parents it was soon time for him to see the Registrars.

Janine, driven to Cressing Temple by her Father, arrived a short time later. Janine and Richard’s daughter Grace had had a sleep in the car and was a bit surprised at what was happening when she woke up! We captured the moments and with the minimum fuss were able to take a few pictures of Janine, her Mother and Father and Grace. After seeing the Registrars, Janine took her Father’s arm and went into the room for the Ceremony. The walled garden provided a beautiful backdrop to some pictures afterwards. A few requested pictures were taken followed by a few of Janine and a few of Janine and Richard together. In between these pictures we captured some informal pictures of their Wedding. It was soon time for Janine and Richard to be on their way to the Wedding Reception so it was time for us to say our ‘goodbyes’. Janine and Richard wanted to have a small relaxed Wedding celebration and that is just what it turned out to be. It was a pleasure to work with this lovely family for Cressing Temple Barns Wedding Photography.

July 7, 2017
Engagement Photo shoot for Laura & Alex

Engagement Photo shoot for Laura & Alex

Laura and Alex came to see us again one afternoon a few weeks ago for their Engagement Photo shoot and to talk about their forthcoming Wedding. After a chat and discussing how their wedding day would run we went off for a short while along the banks of the river to take some pictures of the two of them. We are looking forward to Laura and Alex’s Wedding at Crabbs Barn, Kelvedon in the summer.

July 6, 2017
Baby and Family Pictures for Sarah and James

Baby and Family Pictures for Sarah and James

Having photographed their wedding it was now time for Sarah and James to have some baby and family pictures. They asked for some pictures of their baby daughter, Eliza and some of them as a family. We arranged a convenient time and made arrangements to go and see them at their home. When we arrived two week old Eliza, was settled, but not knowing how long this would last we got on straight away with the job! Managing to take them in one quick session made a refreshing change. We have recently had quite a few sessions that take a little while waiting for the baby to be content. It’s no problem either way, we are just happy to take the pictures. It was lovely to see Sarah and James again, we were their Wedding Photographers for their Wedding at Fennes in 2013. Meeting Eliza was lovely too, we hope to see them all again soon.

July 5, 2017
Skinners Hall London Wedding Photography for Kristina & Stefan

Skinners Hall London Wedding Photography for Kristina & Stefan

David and I were so looking forward to Kristina and Stefan’s Wedding at the wonderful Skinners Hall, London. We had visited the wonderful Skinners’ Hall a few months previous but as always on the day of the Wedding it was nice to be there well ahead of the expected.

It was a warm but overcast day and we had our fingers crossed it would remain, the outside being an important part of the plans as well as the inside. Arriving at Skinners’ Hall we were warmly welcomed by the staff and then were left to go about our job. Going into the Library upstairs we met with Stefan who was enjoying the calmness of the day! After a few words with him we then went off to find Kristina. Kristina was with her Mother having her hair and make up done downstairs in one of the rooms. After capturing a few pictures we left them to it for a little while whilst we went off to see how other things were progressing. Stefan’s Parents had arrived so he had left the Library to greet them and sort out a few arrangements. This worked really well as we could then take pictures of Kristina’s Wedding Dress and Accessories as well as Stefan’s attire which were in the Library. Moving between the two rooms worked well for us and it wasn’t long before Kristina’s preparations were complete and she went to get dressed. Stefan was finishing his preparations elsewhere, then had some pictures taken. Once Kristina was ready and just before other members of Kristina’s family joined her we took a few pictures. The wonderful setting of the Library worked well for all these pictures. Guests were arriving and socialising outside in the lovely Courtyard before a little later taking their seats in the Outer Hall. Kristina and Stefan wanted to have an informal relaxed Wedding and chose to see each other before the Wedding and walked down the stairs and into the Outer Hall together for the Ceremony. Afterwards the Drinks Reception was held outside. The Roof Garden provided a beautiful area for socialising as well as for some requested family pictures and of course plenty of informal pictures. We took Kristina and Stefan for a few minutes around the property for a few pictures of them together. We were spoilt for choice with so many areas around the property but also careful not to take too much time. Getting them back to their Guests with minimal time away was important to the couple. The magnificent Banqueting Hall was where the Wedding Breakfast was going to take place. When it was time the guests made their way into the Hall. Before the meal Stefan made a Speech which was warmly received. After the meal took Kristina and Stefan outside for a few evening pictures. The Courtyard was perfect for these.Returning, Kristina and Stefan cut their Wedding Cake and then took to the dance floor for their First Dance. Just before we finished our coverage we took a couple of night pictures. What a fantastic day! Kristina and Stefan, you are a nice couple, you had such a memorable day, thank you for letting us be a part of it. It was so lovely to see Laura and Jonathan(Stefan’s Brother) again, who were married at Braxted Park, Essex, in 2013 and used us as their Wedding Photographers. It was nice to meet Laura & Jonathan’s daughter Alisa who was a wonderful Flowergirl! Thank you for the recommendation. Finally, a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone at Skinners’ Hall, especially Indre, who is the Co-ordinator, it was nice to meet you again and a pleasure to work with you. Party Ingredients, the meal was amazing, thank you!

June 30, 2017
Photos by the river for Vanessa & Malcolm

Photos by the river for Vanessa & Malcolm

One afternoon a couple of months ago Vanessa and Malcolm came to see us for some Photos by the river and to talk about their Renewal of Vows Ceremony at The Fennes Estate in the summer. Although we had met Ness and Malcolm before they now had more details to give us about their big day. This get-together also gave us the opportunity to create a few Photos by the river as a pre-wedding practice session.

June 27, 2017
Layer Marney Tower Wedding Photography for Lucy & Joe

Layer Marney Tower Wedding Photography for Lucy & Joe

Layer Marney Tower Wedding Photography for Lucy and Joe was on a beautiful Spring Day. Our day started at Crowne Plaza Resort Five Lakes.Lucy and Joe were both getting ready. After saying ‘hello’ and a few words with Lucy and the girls, David went off to see Joe. I stayed with the Lucy and the girls and captured the action as it happened as well as taking pictures of the details and accessories. There was a lot going on but all was calm and collected. Joe had a couple of pictures taken before he and his Groomsmen left to go to St. Peters Church, Great Totham. Whilst this was happening Lucy and the girls were on the balcony in the room with their glasses of champagne having their picture taken before getting dressed. It was important for Lucy to see her Father’s reaction when she was dressed and the time as always was going very fast. With the help of her Mum and Bridesmaids this was achieved quickly and we had a little time for a few other pictures before we had to leave. St Peter’s Church, Great Totham was where the marriage was taking place and once we arrived we took some Guest arrival pictures, as well as a few of Joe and his Groomsmen.Waiting at the Church were the Flowergirl Estelle-Rose and Ben,the Pageboy, who were eager to see Lucy arrive at the Church gate. After getting a glimpse of her they rushed back to the Church Door to surprise her. The String Quartet played as Lucy then took her Father’s arm and went into the Church. Outside the Church after the service Lucy and Joe just wanted a few pictures taken as they wanted to get back to Layer Marney. The Guests climbed aboard the Layer Marney Bus as Lucy and Joe were driven to Layer Marney Tower. The Drinks Reception was held outside in front of the Tower so the Guests took a drink and when Lucy and Joe arrived at the bottom gate they made their way down there. Lucy and Joe wanted to walk upto the Tower with the Guests blowing bubbles over them and this is what happened.Some nice pictures. Lucy and Joe had time to spend with their Guests during the afternoon as well as us taking the requested family group pictures. During the afternoon Alan Nunn, the Magician and Arioso String Quartet provided the entertainment. Later whilst we took Lucy and Joe for a walk around the grounds of Layer Marney the children plus their Mums and Dads went into the Barn to see the lambs. If wanted they could give the lambs their milk which some did. When we returned the Guests made their way into the Long Gallery for the Wedding Breakfast. Lucy and Joe were announced in and they took their seats at the top table ready for the meal to be served. The Speeches followed and once this were finished we made a dash outside for the sunset. Phew! We just made it in time for some nice pictures. We finished with some evening pictures in front of the Tower before going inside. The Band was ready so Lucy and Joe took to the dance floor for their First Dance. After taking a few informal group pictures of the evening it was time for us to say our ‘goodbyes’. A long day but a most rewarding day and a nice Wedding. It was nice to see Julia of W. Flowers and to meet Michelle of Bumblebee bridal (little did we know at the time we would be seeing and working with each other on several Weddings this year!)

June 25, 2017