Pre-wedding shoot - Ben and Carla

Yesterday evening I met up with Ben and Carla from Fleet, Hampshire who are getting married at Warbook House in Eversley in May. Despite the fantastic weather forecast for the week, it was a little dark and gloomy outside, but at least it wasn't raining and as long as they were happy shooting outside then so was I!

I always meet the couple before their wedding to finalise timings and preparations for the big day and if they request a pre-wedding shoot then I'm more than happy to do this at the venue.. A pre-wedding shoot is a great way for any couples nervous about being photographed, the chance to relax and have a bit of fun....and to realised....it really isn't that bad! We walked around the venue stopping at different places to take some photos, chat about poses that worked and ones that didn't. It's always nice to spend as much time with a couple as possible, getting to know them better and making them feel more relaxed. I believe as a photographer you take better photos if you know just a little bit more about your subjects.

We finished in the conservatory with some drinks as we ran through the wedding day. Great end to the evening.

Looking forward to the big day!

Lauren x

Photos coming very soon!!

John and Lizzy 19.03.11

It was a bright and sunny day for the wedding of John and Lizzy. Teresa and I arrived at Lizzy's parents house in Finmere, Buckinghamshire to be greeted with calmness and smiling faces. We were straight to work after the initial meet and greet so started upstairs with the dress, hair and make-up. The dress was gorgeous so we had no trouble taking stunning photos of this, after this we covered the shoes, flowers, jewellery and cards. Lizzy seemed to be very happy with how the day was progressing and was in her dress in no time thanks to Gen, her Maid of Honour. After Lizzy was in her dress we all headed out into the front garden for some individual shots. Lizzy and the Bridesmaids just took it all in their stride!

Teresa and I then headed literally 500 yards up for road to the church where we met John, the Best Man and the Ushers all ready greeting guests. As things were running to schedule we took them away for 10 minutes to photograph all the guys in the suits....I think secretly they all loved jumping around for some of the shots! ;)

We then headed back towards the church, I waited outside for the Bride....who was early! While Teresa was taking photos of the wedding party inside. The ceremony was perfect, very personalised and emotional with some great readings by guests. The sun was still shining so we started with a confetti shot.....and not 'any' confetti shot at that!.....Imagine a confetti shot.....with cannons, yes....that's exactly what it was! Lizzy's parents thought it would be better to have the group shots in the church grounds which we had no problem doing so started calling out the groups. This lasted for around 15 minutes ending with a big group shot of the whole party.

After this, the Ushers ushered the guests back to the reception while we took a few more shots with just John and Lizzy. We then headed back to meet the guests at Fawsley Hall in Fawsley, Northamptonshire. The venue was stunning, set right in the heart of the countryside, so after having a quick scout around for locations we took the couple for 30 minutes of couple shots. It wasn't hard to find some great places, and both John and Lizzy seemed at ease in front of the camera and after receiving the compliment 'You have made it really fun for us' .....you've got to doing something right!

We then give the couple time with their guests, so I took photos of the wedding breakfast room, while Teresa took candid shots of the guests.....we then found out Lizzy wanted to throw her bouquet - (yay!) There was a little competition at the front of the mass of girls but in the end it was one of Lizzy's Bridesmaids who caught it!

The speeches were before the meal and were very funny and a delight to photograph. No one looked nervous and the guests looked like they were enjoying themselves!

We left the wedding party as they were about to start their first course.

Have a great honeymoon!

Lauren and Teresa x

Supermoon 19.03.2011

Did anyone see the 'Supermoon' on Saturday night? It's the first one in about 15 years and we won't see one again  for another 20! Luckily we were on our way back from a wedding so we stopped to capture it...enjoy! :)

Mike and Kim 23.12.10

Today was the wedding of Mike and Kim at Wasing Park in Aldermaston. Dawn and I arrived just before 12 to walk around the venue and scouted for potential shooting locations in the snow and ice! Neither of us had shot a wedding in the snow so we were both excited although a little cold at the prospect! We found Kim and her Bridesmaids getting ready in one of the rooms while the guys had gone off shooting for the morning. The girls were in high spirits while Christmas songs played in the background....'Snow is falling.... All around us......' Dawn and I photographed all the build up, then we went upstairs to the Bridal suite to take shots of the shoes and dress. Everything looked gorgeous and was laid out so well we hardly had to touch anything!

After this we met the guys who were all ready and took some shots outside as it started to snow lightly.....they had a great time shooting and were looking forward to the day ahead :) After this Dawn and I went back upstairs to photograph Kim getting into her dress, and then all their individual shots of them looking so stunning. After this we headed to the ceremony room where we found a nervous Mike chatting to guests. After introducing ourselves to the registrar, I headed up to the front of the room and Dawn stayed at the back. This is one great reason for having two photographers at a wedding because you can shoot at two great advantage points. The ceremony itself was full of laughter, emotion....and putting the ring on the wrong hand......!!!? This was swiftly corrected! The couple looked so happy and there were some lovely readings.

There was still enough light outside so we decided to start the group shots as soon as the ceremony ended. Usually we would give the couple 30 minutes or so with their guests when the ceremony ends to chat and have a drink but given that the light was fading fast we had to be flexible and move things around. I didn't know whether the wedding party were so excited about getting through the group shots or whether the freezing temperatures had something to do with it, but we whizzed through these as everyone was so great at getting in the right shots!!

After the group shots we then took Mike and Kim away for some couple shots. Kim was an absolute legend......she wanted to carry on with the photos even though everyone else was freezing and I could hardly feel the shutter I was pressing.......it might have had something to do with the fact I ended up taking shots lying in the snow....... well...if you want 'that' shot!! After spending quite a great deal of time outside we briefly went to the Bridal suite to warm up and finish shooting.
We then all headed back to where the drinks and canapés were being held. While Dawn took candid shots of the guests, I went to take some shots inside where the wedding breakfast was being held. After this the couple and guests sat down for their meal.

After the meal we photographed the speeches which were a mixture of laughter and humiliation for the groom.....nice pictures Mike.....we then photographed the cutting of the cake, and the first dance!

We left the happy couple rocking and a'rolling to the live band with their guests.

Have a great Christmas!

Lauren and Dawn x

Front cover of Bucks and Berks Your Wedding Magazine!

It's not everyday you get to have front cover of a popular wedding magazine, but here we are! December and Januarys front over of 'Bucks & Berks Your Wedding' Magazine. The image was taken in August this year featuring Alastair and Lisa as the happy couple.

The shot took a little while to shoot because we needed to get the light, and veil just right and involved me halfway up a ladder but it was well worth it! The image also features on our website.

Well done team!

Lauren x

http://www.yourberksbuckswedding.co.uk/

Matt and Jess 22.10.10

We arrived at Jess' parent's house to a commotion of girls, mum and dad all getting ready for the big day. Jess and her Bridesmaids were putting their make up on in the lounge so Teresa and I after photographing this went up stairs to photograph Jess' dress, shoes and flowers. While doing this, although it wasn't suppose to rain....surprise, surprise it did! So after capturing Jess' getting into her dress while being helped by all her Bridemaids in a small room (!) We took their individual shots inside, which ended up looking fab!

After this Teresa and I drove to the church, parking in Newbury town centre and then finding Matt greeting guests as they arrived. The church was fantastic, full of character and history and made for some great external shots. Although we weren't allowed to take photos during the ceremony :( ........ I did manage to sneak one or two of them kissing and walking back down the aisle! By this stage the rain has stopped so we took some of the group shots Matt and Jess had requested at the church. Everyone was full of laughter and thanks to Teresa and Matt's sister Hayley we were able to whizz through these with ease.

After we had asked the wedding party to head to Ufton Court for the reception, Teresa and I took the happy couple around the church for some couple shots. After which we all headed back to the reception. I must admit I had never been to Ufton Court and was blown away by the stunning scenery, photography opportunities and helpful staff. After arriving Teresa and I did a quick scout round and decided where we would shoot the rest of the group shots and Matt and Jess' shots. We then went back inside to capture the candid shots of guests chatting and drinking.

We were doing really well for time so we give Matt and Jess 35 minutes with their guests before shooting a few more group shots and a confetti shot outside in the Sunken garden. After this we took the couple through the grounds for their couple shots. I love doing Autumn weddings as the colours of the leaves, against a Brides dress looks so amazing, so it was well worth being outside in the cool air for an hour in a t-shirt!

After this we all headed to the Barn for the Wedding Breakfast and captured the very funny speeches before leaving the couple to enjoy the rest of their evening. A great day had by all!

Have a fab honeymoon, see you when you get back.

Lauren and Teresa x

Reception venue: http://www.uftoncourt.co.uk/cms/

Nick and Emma 03.10.10

Today was the wedding of Nick and Emma, and although the weather forecast has predicted rain all day we were really hoping this wasn't going to be the case. Teresa and I arrived at Emma's parents house, in the rain......but the mood inside was full of excitement. We started photographing the shoes, dress, and flowers before photographing Emma having the back laced up on her wedding dress. Although this was going well, it was taking 3 of them to do it. Admittedly, (but not from experience!) lacing up a wedding dress doesn't look to be the easiest job in the world, unless that is, you have Teresa who has helped Brides countless times before.......and today was no exception! She had it done within minutes.......surely there must be some world record she could go for?!?

After taking Emma, her bridesmaids and her Mum's individual shots, Teresa and I headed to the church to meet Nick. By now the rain had stopped and the clouds were starting to clear....surely the weatherman were wrong! Nick seemed pretty calm as he chatted to friends and family. We took him outside for some quick photos, then Teresa went up to the front of the church to get into position for the service. I was outside waiting for Emma to arrive by horse and carriage. The church service was full of laughter, readings and singing and was enjoyed by all. As everyone left the church we lined them up for a confetti shot before asking the wedding party to make their way to the reception. We then took a few photos of the happy couple outside as the sun shone :)

We then all headed to Rivervale for the reception. Teresa then started taking candid shots while I headed into the wedding breakfast room to take photos of the cake, and tables. Soon after we started the group shots, which sadly had to be done inside but Rivervale is so light inside that it didn't dampen the mood. After completing the list of shots, ending with a big group shot outside in the courtyard (it stopped raining!!) We then took Nick and Emma away for some couple shots. This lasted about 40 minutes before we had them back for their wedding breakfast.
After photographing the speeches, which were scheduled for between and main and then dessert we left the couple as they were starting their desserts, ready for the fun evening ahead.

Best wishes to the both of you!

Lauren and Teresa x

Check out Rivervale Barn at: http://www.rivervale-barn-weddings.co.uk/

A note of thanks :)

It's always really great to receive feedback from recent wedding couples. We have to admit we don't really boast about 'thank you's' we receive but we thought this one deserved to be uploaded!

''Hi Lauren,

We just want to thank you for the service you provided for our recent wedding at The Elvetham. You and your assistant were absolutely fantastic and we were pleased you could be involved in our special day.

We spent a long time looking for a quality photographer with whom we could feel completely at ease with and we certainly found this with you. You also did a superb job in getting everyone organised for the group shots which I'm sure is never easy!

Nadia and I also appreciate the time you spent with us and staying for the cutting of the cheese cake.

The day itself couldn't have gone any better and even the sun was shining! We were so happy with how it all went.

We can't wait to see the photos and look forward to receiving these from you shortly.

Many thanks,

Geoff and Nadia''

Brett and Sam 04.09.10

Today was the wedding of Brett and Sam, a very special wedding as I have known Sam since junior school so I was really honoured when they asked me to photograph their wedding. They both lived in South Africa but decided to hold the wedding in Hampshire - luckily the weather was perfect!

I started at the church and met a smiling Brett who was trying to organise Skype so the folks back in South Africa could also watch the church service.......the wonders of modern technology! During this time I was outside, took a few shots of the church and the guests as they started to arrive.

Sam arrived just after her Bridesmaids, smiling and laughing - really enjoying the day already. We all walked up to the church then I went inside to capture them entering. The ceremony was lovely full of smiles, hymns and readings. You could tell Brett and Sam were really happy :)

As the wedding party left the church I lined them up on either side and the happy couple walked through while the guests threw confetti - I think I remember Sam saying 'That was fun, lets do it again!'. As the weather was so good, and the church grounds were stunning I decided to do the group shots at the church. The wedding party was fairly small so we whizzed through these, ending with a group shot. The guests then started to make their way to the wedding reception while myself, Jo (one of the Bridesmaids) and the couple stayed behind to photograph the couple. It was so much fun, and we were doing really well for time......Sam your a natural in front of the camera!



I then followed the couple, who were driving themselves to the petrol station.....yes you read that right...... a petrol station....and then onto the Basingstoke Country Hotel. The couple arrived to be greeted by their guests and a glass of champagne. I was then able to take the photos of the cake and wedding breakfast room before the guests entered and everyone sat down for their meal.

After photographing a stage cake cutting I left the happy couple to enjoy the rest of their evening.

Best wishes to the both of you!

Lauren xx

Geoff and Nadia

Dawn and I arrived at Elvetham Hotel in Hampshire and found Nadia in a room full of girls sorting out makeup, hair, shoes, and dresses! As everyone was so busy, Dawn and I cracked on with the photography :) There's a fantastic balcony outside the Bridal suite at Elvetham so we used this for the shoes, flowers and individual shots of Nadia and her Bridesmaid. The dress was in another room tucked away from anyone so we shot this inside. When she was ready, Nadia looked fantastic in her dress and we were really touched when the mother of the bride give us a box of chocolates - bless!

After taking all the photos we needed we went downstairs in search of Geoff who was busy greeting guests and organising the final touches for the ceremony. We were able to take a few photos of our happy Groom outside before setting up in the ceremony room.

The ceremony was beautiful, full of laughter, readings about dinosaurs (!) and even an acoustic version of 'Chasing Cars' performed by Geoff's brother. After this, Dawn and I lined up the wedding party on either side of the path who then threw confetti on the newly married couple as they walked down. We were doing great for time so we give the couple half an hour with their guests to enjoy the sunshine and canapes. During this time Dawn took candid shots outside while I went into the wedding breakfast room and took photos of the favours, tables and decoration around the room.

We then gathered everyone round for some group shots, finishing with a group shot of everyone.......done and dusted in 15 minutes! I then took the couple and the ushers and bridesmaids further inside the gardens to try a shot I hadn't done before. I love experimenting and being creative so after briefing everyone and a bit of setting up we completed the shot and the result is below - Thank you for everyone's patience, I think it was worth it ;)

After this we walked around the grounds taking shots of the happy couple, before having them back on time for their receiving line. We then left them to enjoy their meal (thank you for our hot meals) and after photographing the speeches, which were very very funny - just Imagine the Groom's head as a mask worn by the whole wedding party.........we took some photos of family and friends by the wedding cake and the cake of cheese.

Dawn and I left the happy couple and their guests to enjoy the rest of their fantastic evening. - photos coming soon!

Have a super honeymoon!

Lauren and Dawn x