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.
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!
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!)
Pre-Wedding Pictures London at Skinners Hall. This was where we met Kristina and Stefan earlier in the year to talk about their Wedding plans. As this was their chosen Wedding Venue and we had not been to this stunning Venue before it was nice to meet up and see it before the Big Day. Stefan got in touch with us last year to ask if we were able to photograph his Wedding in the Spring this year. We photographed Stefan’s Brother’s Wedding in 2012 at Braxted Park, so were delighted to be asked to photograph Stefan’s Wedding. During our visit to Skinners Hall, we were able to take a good look at the wonderful rooms and view the outside where they planned to have things going on. After discussing the timetable for their Wedding Day we took a few pictures of the two of them. We are looking forward to their Wedding immensely.
It was great to be back to the wonderful Wedding Venue Fennes for the Spring Wedding of Alison and Mark. Arriving at Fennes we went unto the Bridal Changing Room where Alison and the Girls were getting ready. Preparations were going smoothly so we got on with taking pictures of Alison’s details and accessories in the Fennes Suite. Returning to the girls we captured a few getting ready pictures in between watching for Mark to arrive. Unbeknown to Mark he was being picked up at his Hotel by www.delboyvan.co.uk as a surprise Wedding present from Alison! We definitely wanted to be around when he arrived at Fennes as did Alison! Making sure Alison was unseen in the Fennes Suite when the moment arrived worked well. Alison carried on with her preparations afterwards. Mark got out of the van grinning from ear to ear, he was clearly delighted by the surprise.
The Bridesmaids and Alison continued getting ready whilst Mark had some pictures taken with the van as well as with members of his family. As the Guests arrived they mingled in the Gold Room. Alison looked lovely in her Wedding Dress, and the Bridesmaids looked nice in their Bridesmaids’ dresses, and when everybody was ready we took some pictures. 
Afterwards Alison went downstairs and had a quiet moment with her Father in the Library before seeing the Registrars. The Wedding Ceremony was in the Pavilion and afterwards everyone made their way upto the front of Fennes for the Drinks Reception. Alison and Mark had a little time for socialising whilst we took a few requested pictures of Guests with the del boy van and then got on with the requested family group pictures. All these pictures went fine.
A little later on we took Alison and Mark for a short walk around Fennes for their pictures before ending up in the Gold Room for the confetti. Such nice pictures! The Wedding Breakfast was in the Pavilion and the Speeches followed. Before the start of the evening celebrations we took Alison and Mark for a few evening pictures around Fennes including the ‘heart’ picture.
The cutting of the Wedding Cake followed a little later and then their First Dance. Alison and the girls did a special dance afterwards to the Guests as well. After photographing this and happy with our coverage we said our ‘goodbyes’. Alison and Mark, you are such a lovely couple, and it was a pleasure making Fennes Wedding Photographs with you, we captured some great pictures, thank you.
We met Kelly and Ben one afternoon a couple of months ago for their Dedham Engagement Shoot. Dedham is on in ‘Constable Country’ on the Essex/Suffolf border. It is a lovely setting along the River Stour for a walk as well round about in the village of Dedham. We chatted as we walked and stopped occasionally for some pictures. The daffodils were out and these made a nice foreground to a couple of pictures. Happy with the results we then went to the Essex Rose for tea! Kelly and Ben are getting married in the summer at the wonderful Wedding Venue, Fennes.
What a wonderful start for our 2017 Wedding Photography! We travelled to Polhawn Fort, Cornwall which is a lovely Wedding Venue. Jennifer and Tom were recommended to us by Jennifer’s brother, Mike and his wife Sam, whose Wedding we photographed in 2011 at Crabbs Barn, Kelvedon.
We met with Jennifer and Tom at Polhawn Fort the evening before the wedding to familiarise ourselves with the venue. We arrived early on the morning of the Wedding day to find the Venue looking completely different after lots of work dressing it from the couple and their families. There was lots to photograph in and outside the fort! Jennifer was with the Bridesmaids, very relaxed and enjoying chatting with the girls, whilst hair and make-up preparations were taking place.
Tom was making sure final details were all in place for the Civil Ceremony before he went downstairs to one of the rooms to get ready. We moved between Jennifer and Tom as to what was happening in both rooms. After capturing Tom’s preparation pictures, Tom and the Groomsmen then got dressed and ventured upstairs to where the guests were arriving. It was starting to rain but not so much to stop us taking the pictures of Tom and his Groomsmen outside. Meanwhile, the girls were getting ready. Space was tight upstairs with all the Bridesmaids getting ready together with Jennifer but we squeezed enough room to take some pictures. It was soon time for the Ceremony.
The setting was lovely, so atmospheric, with candles and petals lining the way into the room. With Tom waiting for his Bride, the Bridesmaids and Flowergirl led the way. Jennifer holding her Dad’s arm followed on. Once the Ceremony was over, everybody stayed in the Fort and socialised. Waiting to see what the weather was going to to do, we got on with some informal pictures of the Guests. Jennifer and Tom wanted a couple of pictures once the rain started to ease off. Armed with an umbrella, off we went. Starting off under the Gazebo for a couple of pictures, then a couple in the grounds with the umbrella. The rain then stopped enough for a few outdoor shots without the umbrella!
Jennifer and Tom are a very relaxed couple and took everything in their stride happily, so plans were changed to taking the pictures later, with fingers crossed on the weather side of things! The Guests sat down for Afternoon Tea which was scrumptious and afterwards it was time for the Speeches. These were good, laughter and fun galore and we captured some great reactions, despite laughing ourselves whilst trying to take pictures! Whilst this part of the Wedding was going on the rain had stopped completely so now was the chance to go outside for a few family groups. Once the requested pictures were complete we did some fun bridal party pictures which were definitely fun! Jennifer and Tom together with the Bridal Party were up for a walk to the beach! Wellies on and off we went! We had great fun on the beach ending up with some great pictures of just Jen and Tom whilst the others headed back. 
We were able to take some nice pictures of just the two of them in such a wonderful setting and with a glimpse of the sun in the sky. When we returned to the Fort a short time later the Hogroast was in full swing. After this Jenn and Tom then took to the dance floor for their First Dance and were then joined by their Guests. The evening celebrations had begun! During the evening we took some informal pictures of the Guests. To finish our coverage of Jennifer and Tom’s wonderful Wedding Day we took a couple of pictures around the Fort and a couple of night pictures with the lanterns.
Thank you’ to all of the Bridal Party for their involvement throughout the day, especially on the beach. Lovely to see some familiar faces, Mike and Sam, we missed you but look forward to seeing you soon. As for Jenn and Tom, a massive ‘thank you’ too, you are such a lovely couple, so relaxed and a joy to work with, we loved your day of Wedding Photography at Polhawn Fort.
We met with Lucy and Joe at the end of last year for a chat about their Wedding this year and for their Engagement photo-shoot. After chatting and happy with all the details for their Wedding Day, we went out for a few pictures locally. Lucy and Joe are getting married soon at St Peter’s Church, Great Totham and then having their reception at Layer Marney Tower.
This was our first Houchins Wedding Photography and we loved it! Christmas time as well! We have wanted to work at Houchins for ages but when asked previously we have always been already booked. We arrived at Houchins for Rachel and Daniel’s Winter Wedding on a misty day. First of all we went to the Farmhouse and met up with Daniel. He was relaxed and about to get ready. Going upstairs we went to find Rachel and the girls, which wasn’t hard, actually we just followed the sound of voices and laughter! The girls were having a great time with lots of preparations going on. Whilst I got on with taking pictures of Rachel’s details and accessories, David went back to see Daniel and his Groomsmen.
After the champagne pictures with Rachel and the Bridesmaids, they all got dressed. As this was happening Daniel was having a few pictures taken with his Groomsmen. Once Rachel was ready and looking amazing, we took a few pictures of her with the girls and Rachel’s Parents. Then it was time for Rachel to meet with the Registrars. After this, the Registrars went over to the Barn and we had a few minutes for Rachel’s Bridal portraits in the Farmhouse. The Bridesmaids led the way afterward to the Wedding Barn ready for the Civil Ceremony. 
Following the Ceremony Rachel and Daniel spent time with their Guests during the Drinks Reception. Rachel and Daniel wanted some group pictures which we managed to take outside being not too cold or dark! We had to work quickly in the failing misty light but we managed to do take a variety of pictures. Later for Rachel and Daniel’s ‘together’pictures we went to the Farmhouse and used the rooms inside especially the lounge with the Christmas Tree and doorways for some lovely pictures. 
During the afternoon we captured some informal pictures of the Guests, whilst they were socialising . The Speeches were before the serving of the meal at the Wedding Breakfast. After the Wedding Breakfast finished the Evening Guests started to arrive and the evening celebrations began. After Rachel and Daniel’s First Dance they were joined on the dance floor by many of their Guests. A short time later the Guests made their way outside lining the paths and lighting their Sparklers. Great pictures! Finishing with a couple of pictures of Rachel and Daniel outside Houchins completed our photography coverage. 
It was a lovely day Rachel and Daniel, we thoroughly enjoyed it! It was nice to see some familiar faces and to work again with Taylor who was running the day for Rachel and Daniel. As for Houchins, a splendid Wedding Venue. We look forward to working there again soon.
Wedding Photography Smeetham Barn for Christina & Paul’s Winter Wedding. First of all we travelled to The Old Rectory House, Great Waldingfield. Wow! What a place. The House and the grounds are wonderful. Christina was getting ready in the house with her Bridesmaids. Preparations were going well. All the girls were relaxed, enjoying their time together. With hair and make-up completed the Bridesmaids got dressed and then helped Christina. Having space made for some nice pictures.
Once Christina was dressed we took some pictures of them in the room before going downstairs. At the bottom of the stairs Christina’s Parents were waiting for her. They had not seen her at all that morning so they were looking forward to the first look at her fully ready for her Wedding. Some nice moments. We stepped outside to take a few pictures before leaving them and driving to Smeetham Hall Barn. We met with Paul, his Best Man, Ben, Ushers, Luke and Ben and his Parents when we arrived. The forecast for the weather was not brilliant so we quickly got on with taking their pictures outside. Guests were arriving so they greeted them whilst we took a few pictures. They then all made their way into the Barn for the Ceremony. Christina arrived and after meeting with the Registrars waited a few minutes in the Marquee before then going into the Barn. After the Ceremony, the Drinks Reception was held in the Marquee, where everyone socialised, so we took some informal pictures. As it was raining, the requested group pictures were taken later in the Barn with a few of Christina and Paul outside. 
Under cover outside we took a few smaller group pictures as well as some picture of Christina and Paul. Christina really wanted a picture by the gates when you come down the drive to Smeetham Hall Barn, no problem. We collected our car from the car park , Christina and Paul got in and off we went! Although it wasn’t far, they would have got rather wet if they walked! 
Returning to the Barn, Christina and Paul had a little more time with their Guests and we took an ‘everybody’ picture, before it was time for the Wedding Breakfast. The Speeches were before the meal was served. After the Wedding Breakfast the Evening Guests arrived. Christina tossed her bouquet to the waiting ladies who had congregated on the dance floor. 
Afterwards Christina and Paul cut their Wedding Cake and took to the dance floor for their First Dance. A few evening pictures of the two of them finished our coverage of their Wedding Day. A lovely day!