This was the wedding of Karen and Tim and was what we call a ‘referral’, meaning it was booked on the recommendation of a past client.  We photographed the wedding of Peter (Karen’s brother) and Vicky back in 2009 (click here to see blog post).

Starting the day over in Kenilworth, I dropped Sarah off with Tim and his groomsmen and then made my way over to meet up with Karen and her bridesmaids before moving onto Avoncroft itself.

This was a cold but very bright winter day – so bright in fact that the couple opted to have the curtains drawn in Avoncroft’s main Guesten Hall to avoid everyone having to squint during the service!

As with all winter weddings, we’re a bit more mindful of time than during the summer.  It’s important we get the couple out for the photos of them alone as we won’t have a chance later on due to the light disappearing so early.  Of course at Avoncroft this is no easy task as it’s such a large site and with so many varied and interesting photo opportunities to take advantage of.  Karen and Tim had pushed back the time of their food so we could make the most of the afternoon sunlight and we were rewarded with a lovely winter sunset behind the iconic Avoncroft windmill.

A big thank-you to Karen and Tim for keeping us fed during the day – hope you like the pictures!

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In contrast to how we cover a wedding, I attended just for a couple of hours.  Enough time to get some family group photos and the service itself in Wren’s Cathedral.

This was a really lovely event to cover and it was great to see a few familiar faces again.  Here’s a few pics from the day…

Sarah and Paul booked us earlier this year.  The wedding itself was held at SS Mary & Bartholomew church – a stone’s-throw from Hampton Manor itself.  The vicar, Duncan Ballard was very welcoming and was happy for us to work unimpeded.  This really does make a huge difference to the quality of photos we are able to get and is in such start contrast to the attitude of some of the clergy/officiants we come across.

Although cold outside, everyone was a good enough sport to  stay out long enough for us to get the formal group photos completed before we took Sarah and Paul off on their own.  We timed the session just right as we had some glorious golden-hour light to work with.

The fabulous cake was by Pam and Norma of The Red Cake Company (who, incidentally, made the excellent cookies for our own wedding in October).

Entertainment by singer/songwriter Hannah Atkins.

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This was a slightly shorter than usual coverage day for us, but we were still there to get some of the morning preparations and more importantly to Laura and Tim – the evening ceilidh dancing.  With all the day’s events happening at Highbury, we had no driving around to worry about either.

Though the sun didn’t make an appearance, the rain held off and there was plenty of autumnal colour in both the gardens and the predominantly red colour palette  chosen for the wedding.   The day was full of colour and detail, with thematic images of owls and maple leafs throughout.  There were some really lovely touches, such as the RSPCA contributions as favours.

Laura and Tim themselves were great fun to work with and we’d like to extend a big thank-you to the couple for looking after us on the day and being sports!

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After dropping Sarah off at a local pub to meet up with Sam and his groomsmen, I made my way to Billesley Manor on a gorgeous Autumn morning.  Billesley is a really lovely venue, with a fine manor house and well-kept gardens.  Inside it tends to be quite dark, especially the room used for civil services, but with me upfront and Sarah covering the view from the back and upstairs from the balcony, we got some great coverage of the service.

After a few quick formal family photos we took Sam and Yvonne for a tour of the grounds.  As we were now definitely in Autumn, there wasn’t going to be chance for another ‘couple’ session using natural light later in the day, so it was great to be given ample time to make the most of the outside of their venue.  Later on in the evening, we set up a few shots with lighting both inside and outside the venue once the daylight had gone.

Following the meal and speeches and first dance, everyone made their way outside to play with the sparklers, followed by a great firework display.  At this point we said our goodbyes to the couple, leaving them to enjoy the rest of their reception evening.

A big thank-you to Yvonne and Sam for not only looking after us on the day, but also being such fun to work with.    Hope you like your pictures guys…

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April and Rhys had already got married abroad, but held a blessing ceremony and celebrations at the fabulous Ettington Park Hotel, in rural Warwickshire.

This was a very small, intimate event, with just a handful of family and friends attending and we made the most of the available time in Ettington’s beautiful grounds.

Here’s a few pictures from the day.

Rob

Clare and Adrian booked us in May last year and found us through their friend Vicky, who’s wedding we shot two years ago this month.  Adrian is Australian but moved to the UK some time back where he met Clare.  So, as part of their theme for the day, they incorporated many different Aussie elements, including flowers such as Kangaroo Paw and Banksia, ‘proper’ Australian beer and even real Vegemite!

For us, this was also the first wedding Sarah and I have shot as husband and wife 

Enjoy the pictures…

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They’d chosen Nuthurst Grange to host their wedding – a venue that is very local to us but one we’ve only started working at this year.

This was a really lovely wedding to work on.  Eve and Alan are great in front of the camera and even though nights were starting to draw in, we managed to get two separate ‘couple’ sessions with them, though we did the second between main course and pudding   The evening fireworks were supplied by Solihull Fireworks.

Thanks to Eve and Alan for looking after us on the day!  Here’s a few pictures from the day, hope you like ‘em.

They chose two venues we’re very familiar with – St Alphege Church on Solihull High St and Hogarths, just outside the town centre in Dorridge.

Toastmaster: Colin Bruton

Entertainment was provided by saxophonist Rob Mach

A big thank-you to Emma and Adrian for looking after us – hope you like your previews!

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We worked at Somerford once last year and it’s a place we’ve wanted to return to ever since.  It’s a lovely old country mansion, with plenty of light, space and character, all with a contemporary edge.  As a wedding venue it works beautifully and is well run. We look forward to returning again.

Sonia and Danny’s day was a lively one – as you’d expect with lots of children running around!   A big thank-you to Sonia and Danny for keeping us fed and watered – much appreciated!

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