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I absolutely loved photographing this gorgeous little family again. I met them back in April when we did their Spring mini-session and they returned in the Autumn for their next set of natural family photos with the kids. Autumn sessions are always one of my favourite because of the golden tones everywhere and that gorgeous Autumn sunshine. The kids had the best time playing in the leaves and running around. This session took place at Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex. I love the little stone house they have there and there are plenty of other great photo spots too. If you're interested in having a natural family photo shoot this Autumn, feel free to check out my family photography information page here. I also offer Autumn mini-sessions on fixed dates every year so keep an eye out for those on my Facebook and Instagram pages or get in touch to inquire about them here. These natural outdoor Autumn sessions are so much fun for the kids. It's a great way for them to let off some steam as well as capture some of those natural family connections too. If you want a full family session for one hour, we can do this at a location of your choice. It can be anywhere you love to spend time with the family or somewhere you know the kids will love and get the most authentic images from, such as the beach, a local park, a fun fair! I'm open to your ideas. How much fun would an ice-cream parlour be?! If it's the Autumn mini-sessions you're interested in then these are at a fixed location and last 30 minutes. So it's nice and brief and not too much for the kids to handle. Just get in touch for all the details on this years dates and location for these.

I had the best time meeting this gorgeous family last week for little Sofia's boho style newborn photo shoot at just 12 days old. Sofia is just the sweetest little thing with a full head or gorgeous dark hair. And she was a dream to photograph! Little model in the making. I was so excited when I arrived at Simona and Tom's beautiful home. It is decorated so beautifully with a minimalist boho feel and it's so homely yet stylish. Sofia's nursery is so pretty with neutral tones and boho rattan details. What I loved most about this session was how natural it was and easily it flowed. Simona and Tom were so relaxed and just trusted me to do my job. I love how well their simple and neutral colour outfits work for this newborn photo session. If clients ask me for advice on what to wear fro their family session at home, I always advise neutral tones and simple patterns so that the images remain timeless. I have been photographing newborns for around 7 years and recently I have updated my style to a more relaxed feel in the family home. My style is minimalist and concentrates on connection. I love working in peoples homes because the photographs reflect the families personalities and style and ultimately create more meaningful memories for them. I love the thought of the baby growing up and looking back at these images and seeing how her nursery once was. Normally my summertime is filled with weddings but during these exceptional times I have really been enjoying photographing families and babies. If you're looking for a natural newborn photo shoot at your home, I'd love to be a part of it. You can check out my newborn information page for more details and just get in touch if you would like the full brochure.

BEACH MINI SESSIONS IN ESSEX £150 for a 30 Minute session in Thorpe-Bay Essex. including 5 digital files Sunday 9th August 2020 Let’s make the most of this gorgeous Summer we are having! Thorpe Bay is such a lovely beach and was super quiet when I did these mini-sessions last week - it’s ideal for mini family/kids/pet photo shoots. I will be running 30 minute socially distanced beach mini-photo sessions all day on Sunday 9th August 2020. The location is Thorpe-Bay in Essex and is the perfect setting for a beach photo shoot for you and your family or just the little ones if you prefer or even your doggo! Session fees are £150 and include 5 digital files from your session. All you have to do is turn up with your family/dog at your scheduled time slot! It will be a really natural photography session in my usual un-posed style. It's nice and short so that the kids and dogs don't get bored. It's all about capturing those real smiles and family connections. So there is no stiff posing involved and the kids are free to run and play around while I capture your family memories. I find this is the best way to capture children's and dogs true personalities and get some authentic emotion into the session. These time slots will fill up really fast so do get in touch to book your slot now! The time slots available for Summer mini-sessions on Sunday 9th August are: 10am 10:45am 11:30am 12:15pm 1pm Your session fee of £150 includes 5 digital files in an online download gallery. Full payment is due upfront to book your time slot and reserve your space Additional fee required for families of more than 5 people. Contact me via the contact form to enquire about available slots and book your Summer Family mini-session. I cannot wait for the fun to begin!

SUMMER FAMILY SESSIONS IN ESSEX £150 for a 30 Minute session in Chelmsford Essex. including 5 digital files Sunday 5th July 2020 Let’s make the most of this gorgeous Summer we are having! I’ve found this pretty little spot in Chelmsford town which is ideal for mini family photo shoots. These sessions are usually £250 so if you’ve been looking to update those family memories, now is the perfect time! I will be running 30 minute socially distanced Summer family mini-photo sessions all day on Sunday 5th July 2020. The location is a little wild patch of greenery in Chelmsford town and is the perfect setting for a Summer photo shoot for you and your family or just the little ones if you prefer. Session fees are £150 and include 5 digital files from your session. All you have to do is turn up with your family at your scheduled time slot! It will be a really natural photography session in my usual un-posed style. It's nice and short so that the kids don't get bored. It's all about capturing those real smiles and family connections. So there is no stiff posing involved and the kids are free to run and play around while I capture your family memories. I find this is the best way to capture children's true personalities and get some authentic emotion into the session. These time slots will fill up really fast so do get in touch to book your slot now! The time slots available for Summer mini-sessions on Sunday 5th July are: 10am 10:45am 11:30am 12:15pm 1pm Your session fee of £150 includes 5 digital files in an online download gallery. Full payment is due upfront to book your time slot and reserve your space. Additional fee required for families of more than 5 people. Contact me via the contact form to enquire about available slots and book your Summer Family mini-session. I cannot wait for the fun to begin!

I've finally gotten around to blogging this incredible destination wedding shoot on the Amalfi Coast. This styled shoot was organised by the incredibly talented Nicola Dixon of Wild Ones. The rest of the amazing wedding suppliers that were involved in creating this Amalfi Coast wedding look are credited at the bottom. Photographing a wedding on the Amalfi Coast has been a dream of mine for so long that I knew I couldn't miss this opportunity. Italy is one of my favourite countries to visit and photograph and this trip was no exception. The venue was the beautiful Le Nereidi in Amalfi which has incredible panoramic views, a spectacular pool and even a church on-site if you wish to marry in there. We then went out on a boat with the couple in the early evening, and took a trip to Positano to capture that incredible coastal view in the background of their wedding photos. Positano is one of the most picturesque locations for a destination wedding on the Amalfi Coast. The shoot from the boat was ideal because from the coast in Positano you can't actually see the sunset. The styling was elegant, stylish and romantic and the perfect colour palette for a fresh summer feel for an Amalfi Coast Wedding. I can only imagine how incredible it would be to actually get married on the Amalfi Coast surrounded by your friends and family in awe of the beauty around you. It's easy to understand why this is one of the most popular locations for an Italian wedding. Amalfi Coast weddings are all about the coastal views, the sea and that relaxed Italian lifestyle. I have been lucky enough to visit various locations along the Amalfi Coast and there are so many idyllic spots to enjoy and photograph- such as Sorrento, Positano, Capri, Ravello, and Amalfi. The best time to plan a destination wedding on the Amalfi Coast is March through to October. I would love to photograph weddings in other locations along the Amalfi Coast such as Positano, Sorrento, Capri and Ravello. So if you're looking for the perfect destination wedding photographer to photograph your Amalfi Coast wedding, please do get in touch to check my availability. I am always itching to come back to Italy and photograph weddings! Suppliers involved in the styling of this Amalfi Coast Wedding Photography: Styled Shoot Workshop: Wild Ones Venue: Le Nereidi Amalfi Eventi Stylist: Love Story Events Italy Florist: Sass Flower Hair and Make up: Amy George Make Up Dress Designer: Half Penny London Bridal Shop: The White Closet Models: Megan and Trey Valdez Boat: Exclusive Cruises Ceramics: Ceramica Ruocco Stationary: Italy Wedding Accessories Chairs: Wedding Chairs and Co Tableware: G&G Party Service Linens: Andrea Riccio Wedding Solution

Outdoor Family Photography Essex The announcement that groups of up to 6 people can meet outside at a social distance means that I'm now pleased to be able to offer socially distanced outdoor photo shoots for families! I'm so excited about this as I've missed photographing families so much, especially with the amazing weather we have been lucky to enjoy this Spring. Of course, there are measures we need to put in place to ensure we all stay safe, so I've put together this blog post to help answer some of your questions and hopefully give you all the information you need. When can we book a socially distanced family photo shoot? I'm taking bookings for these sessions now and I have plenty of availability during the week or weekends at the moment with weddings still being restricted for the foreseeable future. Early evenings work really well when it's sunny because we'll capture that gorgeous soft golden light, which makes for magical and romantic family images. During the day is absolutely fine too though. Where will the sessions take place? The shoots will take place outside in open spaces. There are some lovely country parks and wild spaces in Chelmsford that I can recommend. Alternatively, if there is a quiet outdoor space that you know of, I am open to ideas. As long as we can easily maintain distance from each other as well as members of the public. Can I still order prints and wall art? My print lab partners are back up and running which is great news! So I am now offering my full range of printed products again. They are working to the normal turnaround times but delivery times may run on slightly delayed schedules. How much does it cost? These sessions cost £250 and include 5 digital files of your choice in an online download gallery. The session usually lasts up to an hour. You are of course welcome to purchase any additional images/ printed products you may like afterwards too. How can I book? If you have any questions at all or would like to book your socially distanced outdoor family photo shoot, please get in touch via my contact form here.

Looking for your wedding florist but not sure which one to go for? I’ve had a great chat with my good friend and amazingly talented wedding florist- Hannah Louise Flowers. She has a dreamy, romantic style of floristry and is she is so lovely and super creative. Check out all her advice for couples to consider when choosing their wedding florist and don’t forget to check out her website here. Soft and romantic floral creations by Hannah Louise Flowers Is there a specific style that you like to work in when it comes to your wedding floristry? I would describe my style as natural and pretty, I like using lots of different flowers and foliage’s in my designs so as to give an abundance of texture. It's so satisfying when you look at a bridal bouquet and you see something different from each angle, with lots of movement and little surprises at every turn. Can couples pick the types of flowers they have at their wedding? Yes of course! I always ask my couples if they have any particular favourites they would like to include and if there's anything they don't like. I find a lot of my couples aren't overly knowledgeable on the different varieties of flowers (which is fine!) so I always suggest some blooms that I think would suit their theme, colours and the season. I send out a mood board with all my quotes which has photos of the flowers I recommend so they can see what they look like and see how they all work together - I find this visual really helps bring it all together and get them even more excited about their wedding planning! Bouquet by Hannah Louise Flowers How does your process work from start to finish? When a couple first contacts me they usually ask for some more information about how it all works and some pricing, so I have an information sheet that I have put together which I send over. I also send a questionnaire and ask them to fill this out with some more details about what they're looking for. This helps me see whether their ideas and budget match up, plus helps me prepare some different ideas to show them to keep everything budget friendly without having to compromise on the look. I will then invite the couple to a consultation at my studio in Tiptree where we talk through their ideas, look at photos, try out vases etc and just really plan out their flowers for the day. Following this I put together their quote and a mood board with inspiration photos and some of the flowers I plan on using. Once they're booked in that's their flowers taken care of and then we will start finalising the details about six weeks before the big day. In the week leading up to the big day I will take delivery of their flowers and get to work on designing with them. On the big day, I will set up all their ceremony, tables, installations etc and deliver the bouquets/buttonholes to the bride/groom. And that's it! The whole process can take 1 year - 18 months and I always encourage the couple to follow me on social media during this time, it helps with the excitement levels! What sets you and your business apart from the other wedding florists? Because it's just me I offer a very personal service to my couples, nothing is too much trouble and I'm very flexible with changes to designs, colours, flowers etc. My studio has been described as a real-life Pinterest board so my couples love coming for their consultations and leaving full of ideas and excitement! Brides tell me they can always tell one of my bouquets in a photo; I've worked hard on my photography skills so that I can really showcase my flowers to their true potential. Danielle was the one who taught me how to use my camera and take lovely photos of my flowers so a massive thank you to her! She’s so talented and so comfortable to be around so you’re in good hands for your wedding! I think my background in design has given me a keen eye for detail and knowing what works well together, my couples are very trusting and usually let me choose what flowers I want to work with because they know I'll capture their vision. Danielle was the one who taught me how to use my camera and take lovely photos of my flowers so a massive thank you to her! She’s so talented and so comfortable to be around so you’re in good hands for your wedding! Hannah’s dreamy studio What experience do you have in wedding floristry? I got into floristry in 2013 when my brother got married and I helped with their wedding flowers, and I enjoyed it so much that I was enrolled in college the following week! I've always been creative and I have a degree in Graphic Design, but I've always been more hands on so floristry made so much more sense to me. I started working on my own weddings the following year and it has all grown from there. To date I have flowered over 130 weddings with weddings booked in for the next 2 years. Do you provide additional decorative items/ services? I have a small collection of items I hire to couples, including vases, candles, lanterns, milk churns, crates etc all of which can be viewed at my studio. Elegant and romantic wedding bouquet by Hannah What happens to the flowers after the wedding? I always encourage my couples to do something with their flowers after their wedding so that they don't go to waste. A lot of my brides want to preserve their bouquets in some way so I can recommend some companies that do this. With things like the centrepieces I suggest that they let their guests take them home - if they are hiring vases or containers from me then I will try and design the flowers in such a way that they can be lifted out of the vase at the end of the night so that they can be taken home. Another nice idea is to donate them to places like care homes and some of my brides have even laid their bouquet on a loved one's grave after the wedding. There are lots of options so they can be enjoyed for longer and don't just have to be thrown away. How important do you think it is, as a florist, to have worked at a wedding venue before? I think it depends on what floral designs the couple would like. If it's fairly simple in terms of just table flowers and bouquets etc then I don't think it's overly important, but if there's anything that needs to be constructed on site then it's useful to be familiar with the venue so I have a better idea of layout, measurements etc. At this point I have worked at most venues within and surrounding Essex, but if it was a new venue that I'd never been to before then I will often arrange a meeting at the venue with my couple to have a walk around. If your chosen supplier hasn't worked at your venue before though it's certainly not an issue, plus us suppliers love being able to work somewhere new! Flower details on the wedding reception tables by Hannah Louise Flowers What should couples expect to budget for wedding flowers? It really depends on how big a part they want flowers to play in their wedding - you can really get carried away with the flower bill ending up in the thousands! Some venues need more decoration than others, e.g. a big, plain marquee can really be dressed up whereas a gorgeous country house usually has enough character of it's own that the flowers should complement this rather than hide it. I would say my couples' average spend is between £1,500 and £2,500 though. How far in advance should couples look to book their wedding florist? I would say 1 year to 18 months is a good amount of time. Flower prices change daily at auction so it's often hard to predict prices 2 or more years in advance, plus I usually find couples change their minds a lot when they book things in too early! If there's a particular supplier you really want though, whether that's a florist, photographer, baker etc, then please do contact them as soon as you've booked your venue to express your interest and see what their policy is on early bookings. What areas do you cover? I flower weddings mainly in Essex and Suffolk, however I have also worked in London, Kent, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hampshire and even Dorset! I'm more than happy to travel some distance to a wedding (within reason!) as long as it isn't going to affect the flowers.

What are the benefits of having a Wedding Planner? So, you’ve decided to start planning your wedding and you’re not sure if you really need a wedding planner or not? I’ve had a great chat with my friend Hayley from Hayley Jayne Weddings and Events and hopefully we can help you make that decision! Hayley is a super talented wedding planner and has all the insight you could possibly wish for when it comes to planning your wedding. I’ve asked her lots of questions to show the benefits of having a wedding planner, the services she can offer and what to expect when working with her. Check out Hayley’s website here for more information and feel free to get in touch with her if you have any questions of your own or would like to inquire about her availability for your wedding. How important would you say it is to have a wedding planner? Well, I would say it's very important, but then I am obsessed with things running smoothly. I guess if you are finding the whole wedding planning process stressful and unenjoyable. Or, you are struggling to find suppliers that you would like to work with, then you would definitely benefit from working with a wedding planner . Another huge benefit that couples have when working with a wedding planner is on the big day itself. It's always a welcomed relief for couples to be able to relax and enjoy their wedding day rather than worrying about the days logistics. What Wedding Planning services do you offer? I offer a variety of wedding planning services which allows me to provide assistance to couples who are at varying stages of planning their wedding. My signature planning service is Full Planning. However, I also offer Partial Planning, On the Day Co-Ordination and Management as well as the Planning Platform, (which couples use when they require assistance with a particular element of planning their wedding, such as sourcing a supplier or budget assistance). Anne of Cleves Barn at a wedding co-ordinated by Hayley Jayne Weddings and Events What is your approach to Wedding Planning? I always provide a professional, calm and responsive wedding planning service to my couples, whilst never forgetting it is their special day. What experience do you have in wedding planning? I fell in love with weddings when I planned my own wedding almost 12 years ago. I loved how I was able to use my organisation skills alongside my creative flair. Following my own wedding, I retrained with the UKAWP to become a professional wedding and events planner. Shortly after, I began work shadowing fellow wedding planners as well as carrying out various work experience positions at wedding venues in Essex. I then went on to launch Hayley Jayne Wedding & Events and have loved working with engaged couples ever since. Rachel and Charlie having the time of their lives at a wedding planned by Hayley Jayne Weddings and Events Do you have a particular style of wedding that you love to plan? I adore relaxed, elegant and timeless weddings and also have a particular passion for marquee weddings. What parts, if any, of the wedding process are the couple solely responsible for planning? Couples tend to have varying requirements; however, I generally do not assist with Honeymoon arrangements and wedding rings. It is also the couple’s sole responsibility to arrange all civil and religious requirements for their wedding ceremony. Outdoor wedding ceremony set up by Hayley Jayne Weddings and Events at Old Brook Barn How many times do you typically meet couples during the wedding planning process? This will depend on the planning service that my couple have selected. If, for example, they have chosen my Full Planning Service, then I will always meet with them when we begin working together, which is normally our initial consultation. I would then carry out accompanied visits to their venue shortlist, as well as attending catering tastings with them and supplier meetings such as consultations with their florist & photographer. In addition to this we also have regular calls and a final planning meeting. What sets you and your services apart from other wedding planners? I really hope that my passion for planning and love of weddings sets me apart from other planners. I honestly adore my job and feel incredibly privileged each and every time a couple choose me to plan their wedding with them. I am also incredibly proud of the selection of wedding planning services I offer. I absolutely understand that each couple have unique requirements and therefore require assistance at different stages of planning their wedding. Personalised confetti cones If a wedding is planned to be outside, will you put a contingency plan in place in case of bad weather? Absolutely, there has to be a contingency plan in place. If my couples are planning to host any element of their wedding outside, I will always check with a venue as to what plans they have in case of bad weather on a wedding day. For couples who are planning a marquee wedding; we would discuss options such as connecting the washrooms to the main marquee with a connector tent and supplying umbrellas to guests as they walk from their car to the marquee, (to name a few). Do you work with a team? Yes, if I require assistance then I have a trusted network of experienced assistant planners to assist with the co-ordination of events. Wedding breakfast table set up by Hayley Jayne Weddings and Events How does pricing work when it comes to wedding planning services? Couples will be required to invest between 10%-15% of their wedding budget for my full plan service. My other services are priced depending on each couple’s requirements. So for partial planning it would depend how far along a couple are on their wedding planning journey and for on the day co-ordination and management I consider factors such as how many suppliers I will be co-ordinating, how many guests are attending and whether their ceremony and reception are being held within the same venue. All of my wedding planning services have a starting from price on my website. Do you take commission from vendors you recommend? No, I do not accept commission from any suppliers that I recommend. I feel that it is important for couples to know that I am recommending vendors to them because I believe that they are the best match for their wedding day, rather than because they pay me commission in exchange for a booking. What areas do you cover? I primarily plan weddings within Essex, Suffolk, Kent, Hertfordshire & Cambridgeshire.

Thinking about booking your Wedding Videographer but not sure where to start? I’ve had a good chat with my friend Mark from White in Motion Wedding Videography and we’re here to help! Mark is an amazing Wedding Videographer and I’ve worked with him lots over the past few years. If you’re looking for a natural and unobtrusive wedding videographer who’s also laid back and up for a laugh, Mark is your guy. You can check out his website here. And here’s an epic film created by Mark at Claire and Adam’s wedding we shot together last year. Enjoy… I asked Mark lots of questions related to wedding videography and the kind of things you may want to consider when choosing yours for the big day. So here goes. I hope it’s helpful!… Why do you think wedding videography is so important when it comes to a wedding? Having got married myself in 2015, I have seen the value of both Wedding Photography and Videography first hand. A lot of the time when it comes to booking a wedding, couples combine Photography and Videography together as the same medium, when in reality they are completely different and hold different values in the future. Photography has the ability to capture moments in time and allow you to display them wherever you like, in an album, on your walls or online, a constant and consistent reminder of a special moment in time. Wedding Videography I always feel, will mature more as the years go on, as children grow up and as people sadly pass away, video brings those old memories to life, the voices, the mannerisms, the smiles and the interactions. Wedding Photography and Videography go hand in hand as part of a way to preserve a couples wedding memories for generations to come. What sets you and your work apart from other wedding videographers? I think the key thing that sets me apart from other Wedding Videographers is although there are some amazing emotionally charged wedding films out there, personally my key intention is for you to look back on your wedding with a smile on your face and tears in your eyes. I want couples to look back and see the fun, excitement and happiness of their big day. So, in that sense my intent in filming your wedding is to concentrate on the interactions and the moments within your wedding rather than spending half an hour getting a nice shot of your shoes. Me and Mark loving life waiting for the bride's entrance How would you describe your style of wedding videography? My style of wedding videography is very much in the documentary realm, I use long focal lengths which means I can blend into the background, be discreet and capture moments without people realising they are being filmed. My whole approach relies on being discreet, so much so that the cameras I use are small and look like a photography camera, so people at a wedding usually just think I am taking pictures. Guests always expect a photographer so their guard is down... by using this type of equipment it allows me to capture natural shots. I always value natural over forced posing and fun over traditional. When it comes to the couple’s shots, again I simply let you do your thing as a couple and just film what happens... I won’t tell you to “put your hand on your husband’s shoulder and look lovingly into his eyes" unless you want me to of course? What does a typical wedding day look like for you as a videographer? If you have booked just myself to come and film your wedding day (I do offer the option of a second videographer too) then I usually arrive around 3 hours before the ceremony to capture all of the final bits of bridal prep. (Sorry guys but I usually go to Bridal Prep as it’s vastly more interesting than Groom prep haha). I then like to head to the ceremony location about 30 minutes before the ceremony. This allows me enough time to set up cameras properly for the ceremony, speak to the officiants to let them know I am super discreet and finally get some shots of the Groom looking super nervous! After the ceremony and whilst group shots are happening- I don't linger on the group shots too long because it’s just replicating what Danielle is doing as the photographer -so I use that time to get shots of the venue, the wedding breakfast room and most importantly guests interacting at the drinks reception. With regards to the couples’ shots, I usually prefer to just follow along with Danielle and let her lead in what she wants to do with you and then I just film around and capture all the natural shots. During the wedding breakfast, I leave you alone to eat in peace but I will be right there in the room to capture the speeches when they begin. Finally, when it comes to the evening reception, I usually stay for about an hour after the first dance to capture the vibe of the evening, however if it’s a good party I will stay later! The key thing is; on your wedding day I am super flexible. If you would like me to come earlier in the morning or not shoot bridal prep at all, I am in your hands. Similarly, if you have something later in the evening that you would like captured, like fireworks or sparklers, I am happy to stick around and capture it all. Me and Mark in action during the ceremony Are you able to capture both the bride and groom getting ready on the day? If both bridal prep and groom prep are happening in the same location then yes I can easily cover both bridal and groom prep, but be aware any time I am with one of you I may potentially miss things happening with the other. If capturing both bridal prep and groom Prep is important to you then I do suggest booking a second videographer as it allows me to essentially be in two places at once and capture more footage overall. How can couples plan their day in order to help you capture the best content? My whole mantra is just to film it as it happens, so I try and give the least amount of input into your day as possible, however there are some key things that always level up your wedding films. For example, if you would like me to capture you revealing your dress to family and friends once it’s on, then I would recommend doing that in plenty of time to allow me to get to the ceremony at least 30 mins before it starts. Getting into your dress earlier than you think you need to also relieves a bit of stress on the morning for you too. An amazing moment to capture on video that some couples choose to do is write a letter or card to each other. Being able to capture the emotion involved in each of you reading personal words from your fiancé is something that is always a great moment to capture. Speeches can be an integral part of your finished film and really drive the story of your video along, so ask anyone speaking to really think about their words, the meaning and its intent. The best speeches I have recorded are ones that are personal to the couple or partner, show feelings and don't linger too long. 5-10 mins for each speaker is always ample time if the speech is well constructed. The first dance... one thing I love is confetti canons! They always look amazing on film and in the photos. But most importantly as I keep saying is to just enjoy your day and I will capture it in a natural way. What happens during the couple portraits with the photographer? This portion of your day is where I really step back and allow Danielle to take charge, I usually follow along with Danielle but let her lead with whatever she wants to do with you as a couple and I can then just film all the natural bits of you together; the smiles, the interactions and the laughter. Very rarely will I ask you do anything specific and if I do it will most likely be to tell you both to "get closer" and stop acting like you are repulsed by each other haha. I keep it super natural and stand back and let you both have a few moments together alone away from your guests. Mark chuckling at the speeches What tips would you give a couple to make sure their wedding film is great on the day? This will be a quick simple list: - Keep Bridal Prep room as clean as possible. - Choose a large room with lots of natural light for your Bridal Prep room. - If you can and there is enough natural light, make sure all artificial lights in the Bridal Prep room are switched off; artificial light tends to make skin tones appear a little orange. - If your make-up artist sets up in a dark corner of the room, ask if you can move in front of a large window with natural light. Trust me your photos and film will look amazing because of the natural light. - Background music is great for the morning to get everyone in the mood, but if any important moments are happening like a letter reading, champagne cheers with your bridesmaids or dress reveals then turn the music off so I can use the natural audio and vocal reactions in the film. - Anytime you are walking, like down the aisle or through a confetti tunnel... walk twice as slow as normal, if you think you are walking slow, walk even slower, allow enough time for me and Danielle to capture those moments in all their glory and so they aren't over in 2 seconds. - As mentioned, ask people giving a speech to really think about their words, humour is great in a Best Man’s speech but caring words about the couple, bride or groom will always pack a punch in your final film. THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP though is just enjoy your day! Don't stress about things you can't control like the weather and relax knowing that you have booked suppliers that are well oiled machines when it comes to weddings and have done it 100 times before. Sit back, relax and enjoy every moment because your wedding video doesn't lie and if you are stress free and enjoying your day, it will show on film and look amazing in your final videos. What experience do you have in wedding videography? My experience started 11 years ago in corporate video working on big events and with important celebrities. I learnt quickly to work under pressure, adapt to situations effortlessly and how to handle and interact with people. In 2014 I was asked to film my cousins wedding, sadly her father (my uncle) was very ill with terminal cancer and only had a few weeks left. I filmed the day and got the video to my uncle 3 days before he passed away, he was bed bound and unable to speak but I am told when he saw the video, he gave a huge smile and put his thumbs up. That will stay with me for the rest of my life and from that point I knew I wanted to capture people’s memories and allow them to relive them over as many times as they like. It is so important to capture everything we can... fast forward 6 years and over 100 weddings and here I am. I love filming weddings, every single one is different and every wedding has its’ own story to tell. Not actually sure what’s happening here haha How big is the equipment you use? Will it be imposing on the day? As mentioned, I use the most minimal amount of equipment I can, usually you will see me blending into the background with just one tiny camera that looks like a photography camera, no huge rigs, tripods or drones. By stripping back my equipment it takes away any distractions and allows me to zone in on what’s happening around me. The least amount of attention on me, the better. My approach also lends itself well to small weddings. In 2019 I filmed weddings with 7 guests, 18 guests and 29 guests. Have you worked with Danielle as the photographer at a wedding before? And how important do you think it is to have a good relationship with the photographer? Unfortunately, yes! haha Just kidding. I love working with Danielle because I feel we complement each other well on the day. We have similar personalities and know what each other is looking to get out of the day. I consider Danielle a true friend now as well as a colleague. It's super important that both the videographer and photographer get on well on the day and also know how each other work and the style they shoot in, logistically this allows us both to capture the best moments on the day and also relieves some stress on your part that you know we get on and no fights will be breaking out on your wedding day! Haha What areas do you cover? If there is a party I am there! I have shot weddings all over the UK and Europe, if you are getting married on a beach in Hawaii or on top of a mountain in Norway, I will be there! Mark photobombing the couple shots Will the wedding video use dialogue from the day or just music? That’s completely up to the couple, I work with you before the wedding to understand what you want from your final film. Ultimately, it’s your wedding film so you have got to be happy with it. If you want dialogue I will put it in, if you want just music then that’s fine too. Each couple is different and that’s how I want each film to be too. Are couples able to pick their own music for the film? Music licensing in the UK is such a grey area, to put it simply you need a license per song to use in a wedding film. If you want to use popular chart music and share your film online then you need a commercial music license which sometimes start at £40,000 which I am sure your wedding budget doesn't stretch to! The good news is in the UK we have a few licensing websites in which the companies have bought licenses from artists to use their songs for use in wedding films and promotional videos. I have access to these sites and can choose any music I like from the site that I feel works well with your story. Most of the songs are from accomplished artists who have just not broken into the mainstream yet, which I think is good for couples because the songs are not well known and adds an individual aspect to your films. Usually I choose the music, purely because most couples don't know what they want but if you have a specific idea or genre of music you want, then all I do is send you the website links and you can sit down and go through tens of thousands of songs and choose. When can couples expect to receive their film after the wedding? The wedding films usually take about 10 weeks, although it can be a little longer in peak times. I edit every film myself and never outsource the editing, so with a personal bespoke touch I always ask couples to be patient. I have a dedicated page on my website that you can log into and see the progress of your films and the estimated date they should be ready. I know you are super keen to see your films and relive the day but I would never want to rush the editing just to get the films to you quicker. What should couples expect to budget for wedding videography? Quite simply; budget the same amount for your wedding videographer as you are for your photographer. The only thing you have after your wedding is the photos, video and memories... everything else disappears after the wedding or gets used up on the day. Photo and video is an investment not just another cost. How far in advance should couples aim to book their videographer? Again, photographers are usually one of the first things for couples to book and with wedding videos becoming more popular and shaking off the 90's VHS stereotype, us videographers are getting booked up earlier and earlier - especially on peak dates. So 12-18 months is a good time frame. If you have any more questions for Mark or would like to get in touch with him to enquire about your day, feel free to contact him via his website here.

Stylish Wedding Shoes Ok so I've seen a lot of wedding shoes in my time. It must be difficult as a bride to choose which shoes to wear for your wedding day when wanting both style and comfort. So I have rounded up my top 10 stylish wedding shoes for 2020-2021. Prepare for lots of swooning! Here we go…. Jimmy Choo Wedding Shoes - Image credit- Jimmy Choo 1. This year Jimmy Choo have to be the winners! I’m absolutely in love with their bridal shoe collection. So popular with stylish and fashion-forward brides and are totally glam for the wedding day. They can definitely be worn again too which is an absolute must for designer wedding shoes. I hear they may need breaking in beforehand, but once you've done that, they are pretty comfy to wear all day! Loeffler Randall Shoes - Image credit- Loeffler Randall 2. I cannot get enough of Loeffler Randall at the moment. They are a small, family-run business based in New York. From the special pleating process to the hand-knotted bow, their signature hand-crafted Emilia heels are made with love. Their designs are chic and romantic and can definitely be worn again too. Valentino Rockstud Caged Pump 3. Possibly my favourite shoe designer ever. Valentino. I swear these are the most comfortable heels I have ever worn and 100% worth the money when you can wear them not just on your wedding day but with any other outfit afterwards too. They bring a great style and a touch of luxury to your look. Charlotte Mills Wedding Shoes - Image credit- Charlotte Mills 4. Charlotte Mills wedding shoes are not only stylish but they have the sweetest little touches too. Each pair of their wedding shoes has an original silver sixpence as your ‘something old’, your new shoes are your ‘something new’, you also get an envelope as your ‘something borrowed’ which you return after your big day with a photo of your shoes, and your ‘something blue’ is the Charlotte Mills logo on the insole. They are all about luxury comfort so you can guarantee to feel comfy in these wedding shoes all. day. long. Winning. Emmy London Wedding Shoes - Image credit- Emmy London 5. Emmy London are another favourite of mine! They create luxury and timeless designs using only the finest materials and stunning hand-beaded embellishments. You have to check them out! Gucci Wedding shoes 6. Absolutely in love with any gold wedding shoe right now, but these soft leather gold Gucci’s are just stunning. They are seriously stylish and luxurious and obviously you have an excuse to get the matching bag too! Flordeasoka Wedding Shoes - Image credit- Flordeasoka 7. Flordeasoka are a relatively new Spanish designer who create the most gorgeous velvet heels. The muted tones of the colour palette in their collection is to die for! Freya Rose London Wedding Shoes - Image credit- Freya Rose London 8. Ok these can be pricey if you take the bespoke route but how insane are these Freya Rose London heels?! These luxurious and ornate heels are made with precious materials like mother of pearl, brass and sterling silver. They have a huge range of styles and more affordable options too. Dune Bridal Shoes - Left Image credit- Dune 9. Dune do a great range of bridal shoes for something stylish and a little (or a lot!) more affordable. I love these styles with the embellished ankle strap detail. ASOS Wedding Shoes - Image credit- ASOS 10. ASOS is always worth a look isn’t it! They have a vast array of shoes available so you’ll be sure to find something cute and affordable on there. I love these suede orange heels for a pop of colour! So that’s my top 10 stylish wedding shoes for this season. If none of those float your boat or you’re looking for something with a smaller price tag check out these other great high street options: Kurt Geiger Phase Eight Monsoon Jenny Packham Harriet Wilde and Rachel Simpson also have some great options! What bridal shoes are you going for on your wedding day?

Can't think of a better time to start blogging all my travel photos than a global pandemic and lockdown! Haha. It's actually so nice to look back and feel grateful for all the amazing memories I've been lucky enough to have in so many countries over the years. So let's start with Nerja in southern Spain. I visited in September 2019 to photograph the gorgeous Chantelle and Jordan's wedding at Hotel Cortijo Bravo- amazing venue by the way- if you're looking to get married in Spain. I stayed for a long weekend and explored the area with my lovely friend Carol. It was SO relaxing and calm (minus the drive from the airport to the apartment which should have taken 30 minutes but actually took 2 hours in the pitch black and involved me taking about 2709373 wrong turns haha), ridiculously cheap and had amazing tapas and drinks on offer. We stayed in a cute little airbnb apartment in El Capistrano Villages which was a little walk from town and the beach but was such a nice area. We took a stroll down to town and stopped at various places for tapas and wine. It was the best. The food is so good, and the tapas was £1 a dish with a drink?! We couldn't believe our luck haha. Carol also introduced me to the local drink- Tinto De Verano which we got hooked on and drank for the rest of the weekend. We also took a drive to Frigiliana one day. It's the prettiest little town with all white buildings and lots of cute little touches like plants and colourful doors. It's a really peaceful place and it's only a 15 minute drive from Nerja so definitely worth a look. There are some great restaurants with amazing views over the mountains too. I would love to come back to Nerja again sometime soon. It's the perfect location for a cheap and short distance getaway with sunshine, good food and wine! What more could you want?!

Sick of trawling through lots of dated and unflattering bridesmaids dresses online? Looking for bridesmaid dresses that will flatter your girls’ figures and bring some sass and style to your bridal party look? Look no further. I got you girl. Check out my roundup of the 10 best modern bridesmaid dress shops today. Hopefully it’s helpful and you find a a look that you AND your girls love. Jenny Yoo Image Credit- Jenny Yoo Official Creating a fresh take on modern silhouettes, playful patterns and charming textures, Jenny Yoo has some stunning made to order designs. They also have the most gorgeous and on-trend colour palettes available. Price range: £45-£300 Made and shipped from America but also available on other online retailers including Amazon. BHLDN Image Credit- BHLDN Extensive collection of modern bridesmaid dress designs available in a huge variety of styles and colours. They are inclusive of maternity dresses, plus size and all shapes and sizes. Their boho style collection is to die for too! Price range: £120- £265 Rewritten Image Credit- Rewritten Ready to buy and try on at home, these cool, contemporary bridesmaids dresses come in 10 different colours to suit all colour schemes. Rewritten create beautiful mix and match bridesmaids dresses and cool jumpsuits with a slight boho feel. They are inclusive of size and shape so there’s something to suit all your girls. Price range: £115 - £220 Grace Loves Lace Image Credit- Grace Loves Lace A stunning collection of luxurious lace and silk bridesmaids dresses. You can visit their sexy and feminine showroom in Hackney London to pick your girls’ style. Effortlessly sophisticated and timeless designs that can definitely be enjoyed again by your bridesmaids. Price range: £140- £370 an item. Needle and Thread Image Credit- Needle and Thread Absolutely LOVE everything about Needle and Thread. Their designs are soft and romantic with floral prints, embellished bodices and intricate detailing. I love that they are truly unique and you can mix and match styles. Price range: £198- £550 an item. Watters Image Credit- Watters Huge range of different contemporary styles and colours available. Bring your bridesmaids look up to date with their fresh and modern designs. There’s something for everyone with Watters. Price range: Unknown Adrianna Papell Image Credit- Adrianna Papell Available to buy in various department stores such as House of Fraser and John Lewis in the UK or order directly from their website. A huge variety of Art Deco style dresses with lots of embellishment and sophistication. Price range: £32- £350 Self-Portrait Image Credit- Self-Portrait Self-Portrait are one of my absolute favourite dress designers for all occasions. You’ll often see me wearing these myself on the rare occasion that I am a guest at a wedding! But their designs make trendy and modern bridesmaids dresses. You could mix and match or have all your girls in the same design. Their stylish dresses are made from innovative lace and luxury fabrics. Price range: £260 - £480 Monsoon Image Credit- Monsoon Monsoon is a great shop to get high street prices and good quality bridesmaids dresses. This season they have lots of beaded embellishments and swathes of heavenly tulle. Price range: £33 - £119 Phase Eight Image Credit- Phase Eight Another great high street designer with a lovely range of bridesmaid dresses available. From classic and vintage looks to more fresh and modern styles. Price range: £84 - £220 So that’s my roundup of the 10 best modern bridesmaid dress shops. If you’re still feeling stuck here are a few more you can check out: Ghost London TH&TH Half Penny London- Sister ASOS