A Well-Deserved Break

This weekend I'll be shooting Amanda and Toby's wedding and then dashing off for a well-deserved break. At least, it's supposed to be a break but I'll be packing the camera and lights along with the other holiday gear as we cross the water to Ireland again. While away, I'm going to be shooting a civil partnership ceremony in Co. Cork for Eithne and Helen, and no doubt there will be an odd portrait to capture here and there. So if all's quiet on the blog for the next fortnight, you can rest eay in the knowledge that there'll be some new images to look forward to when I get back.

In the meantime, I thought I'd post these three shots of the band - Stax - that played at Eve and Christian's wedding at the beginning of August. Very good they were, too. If you're looking for a lively band with a great repertoire and plenty of energy then check out their website: www.menfromstax.com

See you all when I get back,

David

Amy & Alex's Big Splash Of A Day

August, with its long long days of shimmering heat and stifling humidity, lazing around with family and friends in bubbly conversation, enjoying cool drinks on the lawn: where o where art thou? Poor Amy and Alex, they might have paddled their way from St Peter's and St Paul's in Flitwick to Moreteyne Manor. The torrential rain played the role of uninvited guest at yet another of this year's weddings. But you know what? It couldn't put a dampener on Amy and Alex's big day, not a bit of it! The wet stuff may have been tumbling out of the sky, but this was undoubtedly one of the most cheerful weddings I've had the pleasure of photographing.

Moreteyne Manor is chosen by wedding couples for many reasons. It's a lovely venue with friendly and attentive staff. Shame we couldn't get many pictures in the garden, but this flyer served as a splendid backdrop for Amy and Alex's rings:



Amy looked absolutely stunning in her bridal gown:



As the time to leave for the church approached, she shared a tender moment with Dad:



Meanwhile, Alex's mum checked all was well with his outfit as he awaited Amy's arrival:



It was necessarily a bit of a dash for Amy and Dad along the church footpath, ably assisted by beautiful bridesmaid Catherine and a thoughtful chauffer:



The shelter of the church was much appreciated by all and a bit of hearty singing soon allowed everyone to set aside any concerns about the weather. It was an excellent service, conducted with great humour by the parish vicar:



I usually shoot the newly-weds in the church door whie standing outside, but this perspective is a great variation on that theme. It was a special moment as Amy and Alex emerged as husband and wife:



Once the wedding party was safely under cover at Moreteyne Manor, we took a series of portraits at the main entrance. At this point, I should thank Dave for being kind enough to hold a brolly over my camera so I could capture my images without worrying about water getting into the lens. Dave, you did a great job - as this, my favourite image of the day, shows:



What can I say about Ben and James, Alex's Best Men and brothers? It's best to let this photograph do the talking, I think. This was a part of their speech that they gave, expressing their feelings for Alex "through the medium of modern dance":



... which Alex appeared to appreciate:



Finally, in the early evening, I took a few extra portraits of Amy and Alex as their evening guests arrived. I think Alex was still thinking about the modern dance when I took this one:



Not sure what Amy had on her mind here - if you know, answers on a postcard to Amy and Alex, Deepest Devon:



And so ended another wonderful wedding party. Amy and Alex had a fantastic day, and I'm sure they'll enjoy a great marriage together - it was to all who attended that they are cut out perfectly for one another. Congratulations to you both on tying the knot and my very best wishes for a long and happy life together.

David

Eve & Christian's Fun-Packed Wedding

The rain was pounding off the tarmac as I plodded up the M1 on Saturday morning and it looked like Eve and Christian's wedding would be held amidst a flood. But, hey, guess what? For once, the rain relented and gave way to beautiful blue skies and sunshine; and the weather really matched the mood of this fun-packed wedding.

The wedding took place at the stunning Fawsley Hall in Northamptonshire. Eve prepared for the big day in a fantastic suite which made an elegant setting for her bridal gown:

This next image just makes me laugh. Look how much at home Eve has made herself - not only with the surroundings but also by making the most of her attendants (Catia in this case). Eve looks like she could enjoy this sort of service every day!




Eve look absolutely wonderful in her gown:



Christian had some portraits taken in the Grand Hall, a very fine setting indeed for a groom:



At Fawsley, the guests are afforded a great view as the ceremony unfolds:



Afterwards, Eve showed off her new ring to the obvious admiration of her friends:



The weather meant I was able to shoot lots of wonderful images outside. This one shows the bride and some of the guests enjoying the sunshine. To give a different perspective, I shot this image through the wrought iron gates at the entrance to the driveway:

While their guests enjoyed the Pimms and lemonade, Eve, Christian and I took a stroll through the grounds and captured a great set of images. Here's one at the entrance to the main house, which also features in the following image taken with the whole bridal party:

Regular visitors to this blog will know that I like to have a bit of fun at a wedding. Recently I showed an image of a bride with her friends where some of the guys had encouraged the girls to flash a bit of leg. The results were, well, let's just say slightly disappointing - though admittedly it was a bit cold that day. Eve and her friends were quite the opposite, though. Having captured a view of this scene square on, I decided to go for a different angle - you can almost hear the infectious toot and hoot of the Can-Can above the laughter:

The speeches were full of laughs, too. Christian especially had everyone in stitches, not least his bride:

And finally, to the first dance and this image of the loving newly-weds:

There's no doubt about it, this was a wedding crammed full of fun. I had a great time with Eve and Christian, and their family and friends were wonderful to work with, too. Congratulations to you both for a really great wedding day. I wish you both a fun-packed and very long life together.

David