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Fun Boho Wedding at Marks Hall Estate After officially tying the knot on Monday, Melissa and George had planned a huge fun boho style wedding with a celebrant and their lovely boys- Roman and Raphael and all their friends and family present. It was AMAZING! Rock the Day styling transformed the barn at Marks Hall Estate into a boho heaven. It was insane!! I absolutely loved the string boho chair backs, the long tables and all the little details. Melissa has obviously worked so hard to create a boho styled wedding and it really paid off. I was blown away with it all. Melissa's Grace loves Lace dress completed the boho feel with the long lace, draping sleeves and off the shoulder neck line. She looked incredible but in a really effortless way. They had their fun boho outdoor wedding ceremony at the beautiful Marks Hall Estate in the gorgeous sunshine. They even had a fun sand ceremony which involved Melissa and George and their two kids pouring colourful sand into a jar to symbolise their entwined and everlasting family. It was a really lovely touch and a great way to get the boys involved. There was a real party feel all day and the music was obviously a very important element for them. They had an amazing singer playing the keyboard during the ceremony and throughout the meal which was great fun and kept everyones spirits up even whilst they were sitting down. After the ceremony we went for a ride on the buggy around the beautiful grounds of Marks Hall Estate to capture some shots in the stunning gardens. The kids couldn't have been less interested in having photos with Mum and Dad at this point but we managed to get some lovely natural photos of them altogether in the end! Patience is key haha. Melissa and George's entrance into the barn was pretty epic as they danced their way to their seats and their whole bridal party entourage joined them- partying along the way! SO MUCH FUN After a really relaxed and informal BBQ dinner, the speeches began. They were such good speeches and had everyone laughing and crying all at the same time. As soon as the formalities were over- it was time to really PARTY! The music they chose was amazing and right up my street- Old school RnB all the way. Fortune band were amazing and got everyone on the dance floor. We witnessed some awesome moves before we called it a night and let everyone enjoy the rest of the evening unencumbered by photographers haha. Here is just a snippet from Melissa and George's fun boho wedding at Marks Hall Estate... Huge thanks to Sally Faith Photography for all your hard work second shooting. Amazing Wedding Suppliers: Venue: Marks Hall Estate Styling: Rock the Day Styling Dress: Grace Loves Lace Veil: Grace Loves Lace Earrings: Joanna Reed Hair and Make-up: Bridal stylists- Sana Murani Shoes: Rachel Simpson Bridesmaids Dresses: TH & TH Groomsmen Attire: Topman Page boy outfits: Mark Darcy Florist: Miss Fleur Floral Design Cake: Leah Hardy Donuts: Mamas Donuts Celebrant: One Love Ceremonies Guest Phone Box: Voice Messaging Company Stationery: Hey Draw Me Band: Fortune Band Second Photographer: Sally Faith Photography Videography: Rideout Films Photo Booth: Rock the Day Styling MARKS HALL ESTATE WEDDING VENUE The Coach House at Marks Hall Estate is a stunning brick building with original oak beams surrounded by beautiful gardens and wild blooms. It is set within 200 acres of garden that make up the Marks Hall Estate. It really is a stunning place to get married. I love that you can make the Coach House your own and decorate it any way you wish. It worked so well for this fun boho styled wedding but it can also work for so many other styles too. You can check out the Marks Hall Estate wedding venue website here.

Elegant and Romantic Wedding at Lapstone Barn I've been looking forward to Rachel and Sam's elegant and romantic wedding at Lapstone Barn since they booked me 18 months ago! When I met them all that time ago we got on so well and I just knew it was going to be the elegant and romantic wedding that I love to photograph with lots of laughter and a focus on just having a great time. Lapstone Barn was actually still unfinished when they booked the venue, but I knew it was going to be incredibly beautiful when it was completed! And it does not disappoint. This gorgeous stone Barn in the heart of the Cotswolds is simply stunning. And even the weather was on their side after a miserable week of rain- the sun came out to play. Millie Richardson Flowers transformed the barn into an elaborate display of elegant and romantic wedding blooms which was insane! The flower displays were so stunning and really finished off the look of the barn, especially the huge hanging hoop display. Rachel looked INCREDIBLE in her Pronovias Epico gown with delicate lace and silky off-the-shoulder sleeves. The classic and elegant colour scheme was kept neutral with touches of pinks and lots of greenery. LOVE. Of course, Rachel and Sam's beloved dog Luna had to make an appearance on the biggest day of their lives. I'm pretty sure this was the highlight of Sam's day haha. You couldn't wipe the smile off his face if you tried and all he kept saying was "This is SO amazing!" They also chose to have Roast beef for dinner and designate a 'carver' for each table which was great fun and definitely something different. I loved the personalised aprons! All of the speeches were so good and had everyone in tears of laughter. The amazing sunset was the perfect end to the perfect day before the evening party began and everyone let their hair down! Rachel and Sam thank you SO much for having me and my awesome second photographer Chloe. We had such a great time photographing you and your crazy, lovely friends and family. I hope you love this little preview of your day. There are so many more amazing memories to come... Wedding Suppliers: Venue: Lapstone Barn Dress: Pronovias Hair: Natasha Quigley Hair Make-up: Love Make up and Beauty- Louise Buxton Shoes: Dune Bridesmaids Dresses: Phase Eight Groomsmen Attire: TM Lewin Florist: Millie Richardson Flowers Cake: Hop Bakery Wedding Favours: Masons Oil Company Stationery: Brand Four Violin: Matthew Flannagan Sax and Dj: Otis Lawrence Second Photographer: Chloe Mary Davis Videography: Andrew Collin Photo Booth: Proper Booth Lapstone barn wedding venue Lapstone Barn is a gorgeous stone barn wedding venue set in the Cotswolds. It is such a gorgeous location surrounded by farming land which is so peaceful and private. It is the perfect Cotswolds wedding venue for an elegant and romantic wedding.

The Old Parish Rooms Wedding Anna and James married at the Old Parish Rooms in Rayleigh, Essex this weekend and it was just perfect! I have had the pleasure of working at the Old Parish Rooms a couple of times and I must say, it's such a beautiful, intimate wedding venue. The Old Parish Rooms is very quirky with some gorgeous original features of the school house, combined with a fresh modern touch. Anna and James were very much interested in a natural style of photography for their wedding. They decided to go for minimal group shots and allowed me to capture their day as it unfolded, which I LOVED! It's so nice to have a couple trust me so much with their wedding day and allow me the freedom to capture it in such an authentic way. I absolutely loved Anna’s Madison James Bridal dress. The detailing on it was unreal and so delicate. She looked absolutely stunning!! I also fell in love with her choice of pastel coloured wild wedding flowers with a pop of bright pink for the bouquets and decor. The florist- Blume Lifestyle- based just down the road from the Old Parish Rooms is very talented! I loved the simple and elegant style for the wedding decor. This venue doesn’t need much adding to it’s charm, so the flowers and table decor was plenty. Thank you Anna and James for having me share your special day with you both! It was an absolute treat and you are both so easy to work with and so much fun to be around. It was a true pleasure. Here are some highlights from the day... Wedding Suppliers: Venue: The Old Parish Rooms Dress: Madison James Dress Boutique: Paverly Bridal Hair and Make-up: Emma Victoria Shoes: Harriet Wilde Bridesmaids Dresses: Willow and Pearl Groomsmen Attire: Hawes and Curtis Florist: Blume Lifestyle Cake: Finesse Cakes Wedding Favours: Honeywell Bakes THE OLD PARISH ROOMS WEDDING VENUE The Old Parish rooms is such a gorgeous intimate wedding venue in Rayleigh. It has a fresh, modern interior set in an old school house on Hockley Road in Rayleigh.

Alice in Wonderland Wedding Theme Wow. What can I say?! I am absolutely blown away. What an incredibly beautiful, emotional, extremely hot! and all round fabulous day for Megan and Richard. I am so pleased the day they had been planning for so long went so perfectly well for them. I have never known a couple to put in so much personal hard work and physical planning and organisation all by themselves- with a bit of help from family and friends of course. When I met Megan and Richard well over a year ago and they were explaining that they were going to do pretty much everything themselves- from planning, decor, and even the catering and the cake AND having the reception at their own home! I was thinking are these two mad?! haha But honestly, they pulled off the most incredible Alice in Wonderland themed wedding with afternoon tea and they DID NOT MISS A THING. They had it all. They are lucky enough to have a fabulous garden space for a marquee and a cute little church across the road- so it was the perfect set up. Megan's eye for detail is unbelievable. She had this amazing vision of a vintage style wedding with Alice in Wonderland touches, loads of flowers and all the little details you can imagine- and they managed to create it perfectly. I could not believe that the pair of them had constructed every little bit of decor that you see. And I mean EVERYTHING. They customised all the lamps above the tables, created incredible eclectic centre pieces, collected all the vintage tea cups themselves over time and this absolutely stunning marquee set up is the result. Even some family members built the bar for them from scratch!? I mean- who does that?! haha These two are so dedicated when they have a vision and they are so talented in putting it all together. They are truly inspiring! They have even started their own event hire/planning and catering company as a result- check them out- Strawberry Rose Events. If their own wedding is anything to go by- they are AMAZING. The morning was great fun and the girls were still placing the finishing touches in the marquee before the ceremony. Megan looked absolutely insane in her champagne colour Brides Dress Revisited Gown. You can tell how blown away her girls were when they saw her! It was a very emotional church service but Megan held it together and it was such a beautiful ceremony. After the service, we headed straight to The Hop Shop at Castle Farm lavender field down the road in Megan's beautiful little vintage car. This girl's style is on point! It was insanely HOT in the open field. But it was so worth the trip. The lavender field was in full bloom and it was simply stunning. Back at the reception, everyone enjoyed a wonderful afternoon in the garden and awed at the incredible Alice in Wonderland wedding reception decor and creativity. Megan and Richard had organised a delicious afternoon tea spread with a buffet and amazing towers of cakes with a little help from their team. It was so perfect for such a hot day too. The speeches were incredibly emotional and I struggled to hold it together myself! Megan and Richard clearly have a very special group of family and friends around them that they are so grateful for. It was really touching to hear all about them and their stories. After the formalities had finished, the evening flowed, the drinks flowed and the party started. The sunset was beautiful and I think everyone was glad when the temperature finally dropped a bit! They had an amazing band called Kristian Baker Music who got the party going and kicked the evening off to a good start. Megan and Richard, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for being so lovely to work with. You made me feel so welcome and looked after me all day and I am truly grateful for that. As I said before- you two are such an inspiration and your hard work and dedication is admirable. It's so obvious that you are an incredible team together. I am so pleased and feel blessed to have met you both. I wish you a lifetime of happiness and all the best on all your adventures together. Love Danielle xxx Amazing Suppliers: Event Design: Strawberry Rose Events Dress: Brides Dress Revisited Shoes: Roland Cartier Hair: Vanity London Grooms Suit: Gresham Blake Florist: Denise Thompson Catering: Strawberry Rose Events Cake: Strawberry Rose Events Stationery: Strawberry Rose Events Photo Booth: Magical Times Marquee: EH Events and Marquees Reception Band: Violet Jive Evening Band: Kristian Baker

Gaynes Park Wedding Photography When I met Helen and Joe a couple of months ago for their pre-wedding shoot, I knew their wedding was going to be an absolute blast. They were so laid back and just up for a laugh the whole time. The wedding sounded awesome and I knew it was going to be an epic day and a wicked party all round. The elegant wedding was hosted at the stunning venue that is Gaynes Park. With a back drop like Gaynes Park with the gorgeous orangery, the beautiful gardens, epic views from the driveway and the pretty barn for the reception - the wedding was always going to be a an absolute stunner. Helen and Joe went for a really elegant wedding theme of white flowers with greenery and really soft blue/grey colour for the bridesmaids and decor. The groomsmen's tuxedo's complimented the elegant feel of the day and I think Helen's vision came together amazingly. When I saw Helen's Pronovia's dress- I can't even describe how blown away I was. I just knew she was going to have an incredible dress but I could not imagine a more delicate and beautifully crafted wedding gown. The colour and detailing is just epic. And when she put it on- OMG. What an absolute babe. Joe is a very lucky man haha Helen you look insane! When you walked down that aisle everyone was in awe, and I think Joe almost collapsed haha. Even though his drawing of what he thought the dress looked like was almost spot on! haha The ceremony was great and these two just laughed all the way through. Joe kicked off the dancing early with some sort of robot dance and as you can tell by Helen's face she was pretty impressed! haha Even the weather was perfect and the guests got to enjoy the gardens during the drinks reception. I knew it was going to be a good party as soon as the confetti was thrown- because their friends and family went crazy! haha. The day was all about the good food, good drinks and good times. It really was perfect. After the delicious dinner, the party kicked off and the atmosphere was buzzing. Everyone was up for a good time and couldn't wait to get these two on the dance floor for the first dance they were dreading haha. They absolutely smashed it and the evening festivities continued with an epic band and everyone killing it on the dance floor- especially Joe haha. Huge thanks to Emma Hare Photography who second shot for me at Gaynes Park. You were amazing as always! Helen and Joe, thank you SO much for having us! We literally had the best time with you both, and your friends and family were so much fun. Thank you for being so welcoming and such a laugh to be around. You're both awesome and you really do make the best couple. I hope you love this little sneak peek of your elegant wedding at Gaynes Park (ok I may have shared too many- but you guys! Look how epic your day was!! I couldn't not.) Have the best time in Santorini (Jealous much) and I cannot wait to share more with you soon. Love Danielle xxx Suppliers: Venue: Gaynes Park Event Design and Lighting: Mediterranean Occasions Dress Designer: Pronovias Hair: Clare Louise Hair Make up: Abbey Owen Groomsmen Attire: Suit Supply Florist: Hannah Louise Flowers Caterer: Galloping Gourmet Acoustic Musician: Tom Thornley Band: Electric Soul Club Second Photographer: Emma Hare Photography Videographer: Alex Thraves GAYNES PARK WEDDING VENUE Gaynes Park is a stunning traditional wooden barn and modern orangery wedding venue in Epping. The grounds are simply stunning and the accommodation is fresh and modern. It has the most beautiful long aisle through the walled gardens and the orangery is a beautiful bright space to hold the ceremony. If you are looking for a romantic and elegant wedding venue with a stunning orangery in the Epping countryside- Gaynes Park is your venue.

Spring Wedding in a Barn Venue I had the most gorgeous day photographing Jolene and Sean's wedding at Cooling Castle Barn in Kent. It was early April and I absolutely LOVE this time of year at Cooling Castle because there is so much blossom! It is just the prettiest backdrop. Jolene had the most beautiful Ronald Joyce wedding dress. It was a subtle pink tone and had exquisite lace embellishment and flower details all over. She looked incredible! She went for classic white flowers with greenery and they were the perfect compliment to her dress. The ceremony was so lovely and the barn looked gorgeous. Even though we had April showers we still ventured outside to capture some lovely photos of Jolene and Sean in the gardens. And it was SO worth it. As always Chic Weddings and Events did an amazing job of the decor in the barn and the blossom trees on the tables look gorgeous. They had singing waiters who were AMAZING! They really got the party going and everyone got up and got involved with the singing. SO much fun! The music for the evening was also really important to Jolene and Sean. They had Sound Plan for the band and they were great. The party was amazing and it was a great start to a great evening. Amazing wedding suppliers: Venue: Cooling Castle Barn Event Design & Lighting: Chic Weddings & Events Dress Designer: Ronald Joyce Dress Boutique: Christina K Bridal Boutique Hair: Hannah Dudley Hair Make up: Sophie Brown Shoe Details: Rock My Shoes Groomsmen Attire: Moss Bros Florist: Chic Weddings & Events Magician: Trevor Cline Photo Booth: Giggling Genie Sweet Cart: Sugar Sweet Events Band: Sound Plan Videographer: Philip Smith Visuals

Tipi wedding with Festival Vibes in Essex Claire and Adam were lucky enough to tie the knot this weekend at their lovely home in Billericay, Essex. Having been a long family friend of Claire's for many years and having photographed her Mum's wedding last year, I was so chuffed and excited to be asked to photograph her and Adam's Festival style Tipi wedding this year! I've been to many Chisholm parties over the years so I knew Claire and Adam's wedding was going to be a banger! haha. The theme was colourful festival vibes with a tipi marquee, glamping, an awesome mariachi band, ice-cream, BBQ food and plenty of prosecco, obviously! When they booked their wedding 18 months ago they never could have dreamed that the Easter bank holiday weekend was going to be an absolute scorcher! The weather couldn't have been more perfect for a festival style tipi wedding. When you have 9 bridesmaids you have to expect some sort of chaos during the morning! But that wasn't the case at all. The girls were so chilled and the morning was all laughs whilst getting ready. It was so lovely to be a part of and Claire looked insane in her lace dress and cathedral veil! Also- how beautiful are the colourful bouquets?! The couple married at their local church in Downham which is such a beautiful location and is surrounded by yellow fields and views for miles. After a lovely service, Claire and Adam jumped in their quirky little Tuk Tuk and we headed for a local woodland where the ground is covered in bluebells for a little walk and a few photos. Back at the Tipi, the party really got going when the mariachi band turned up and surprised the guests with their brilliant entertainment. It doesn't take much for this lot to get involved and join in with the singing and dancing! haha I love that Claire and Adam didn't feel the need to follow traditions and really made this festival style tipi wedding their own! They wanted everyone to feel relaxed and enjoy a good drink, good food and a good dance all night long- and that is exactly what happened. I honestly don't think it could have gone any better for them. All the hard work and planning really paid off to create this epic festival wedding at their own home. Claire and Adam, I am so pleased for you both! The day was insane and I'm in awe of you both for pulling off such a brilliant day. Thank you so much for having me share it with you both, I loved every minute and feel so grateful that I got to share it with such a fabulous bunch of people. Here is a little sneak peek of your festival style tipi wedding! I cannot wait to share more with you soon! Amazing to work with such awesome suppliers: Videography: White in Motion Assistant: Sally Faith Photography Tipi & Glamping: Events Under Canvas Dress Designer: White Rose Bridal Dress Boutique: Grace & Lace Bridal Shoes: Charlotte Mills Hair: Hair by Jade Make-up: Holly Sheens Beauty Ice cream Bike: Ice Cream Dreams Groomsmen Attire: Jennis & Warmann Pizza: The Pizza Box Photo booth and Transport: Hello Tuk Tuk Ltd Caterer: Brad Simpson Events Band: 22nd Century

Beach Wedding Photography I'm so excited to finally share this amazing styled wedding shoot on the beach in Llangennith, Wales! It was THE most amazing magic created by Nicola Dixon from the Wild Ones Community and her crew of talented suppliers that took part to make it all come together so well. I was so looking forward to capturing some wedding photography on the beach with Toni and Lewis Prothero- the gorgeous couple featured. It being early April last year, we were unsure what the weather was going to be like, but it ended up being the HOTTEST day of the year so far and I finished the day with a sunburnt head and absolute buzzing from all the amazing photos we managed to capture. The style Nicola and the team were going for is boho beach wedding photography. The flowers by the incredibly talented Issy and Bella Floral Design are just insane! A combination of varying shades of pink and deep red create a really unique and vibrant look. They created Toni's beautiful boho flower crown as well as the unique circular backdrop piece and all the other floral prettiness you see here. The wedding dresses and separates created by E&W Couture are just incredible. I love that their bridal dresses are unique and informal and comfortable! The detail and craftsmanship is so beautiful. What I would do to sport one of these! The first outfit Toni worse is a 2 piece- top and skirt. The boho style crop top is made from guipure lace and has an open back with tassel ties. The pink dress is called 'Freya' and is a tulle gown with hand embellished gold appliques. It is perfect for a boho styled beach wedding. These dresses are made for the stylish and alternative bride and they have so many pretty pieces to choose from. The styling was all put together by Couture Events in Hereford continuing the boho beach vibes. The table set up and decor was so beautiful. Check out the beautiful wedding photography on the beach below… It looks like another country right? How is this even in the UK?! Llangennith beach is absolutely gorgeous and I would recommend a visit there to everyone. OK are you planning your beach wedding yet?! Because this whole set up is absolute goals right?! Drop me an email via my contact form if you're planning your beach wedding and would be interested to hear more about UK or destination wedding photography with me. I cannot waaait for this year's destination weddings that I have booked in and hopefully we can create some more insane beach wedding photography in other countries too!

Unique London Wedding Venues Choosing your ideal wedding venue is no easy task! When you’re looking at a city as large and varied as London it must feel like searching for a needle in a haystack! As the UK’s capital it’s no surprise that there are hundreds of wedding venues across the city. From grand mansions to tiny dark pubs there really is something to suit everyone. So, when you’re starting to plan your wedding, where do you even begin to look for your perfect spot?! Don’t worry, I’m here to help! I’ve pulled together some of my favourite cool and unique London wedding venues for you to take a look at. You never know, your dream wedding venue might just be in this list! Blank canvas Want to make your wedding completely and utterly unique? Then you definitely need to take a look at one of London’s many blank canvas wedding venues. Somewhere you can bring in all your own decor and really make your own. I’d highly recommend checking out The Old Parish Hall. It’s a versatile space and large blank canvas which allows you to add your special touches. The Old parish hall is the perfect space for couples looking to put their own stamp on their wedding venue and let their personal style shine through. Winchester House is another gorgeous light and airy blank canvas venue that is definitely worth checking out. Striking design If there is one thing London does well it’s modern design! Some of my favourite recent architecture is dotted throughout the city centre and you can celebrate your wedding in so many of the amazing buildings. A recent venue I was lucky enough to shoot a wedding in was The Gherkin. Yes, you really can celebrate your wedding in this striking and iconic building. The Gherkin is instantly recognisable and so contemporary. Imagine toasting your love looking out over the city or saying I do in front of those incredible windows! Searcy’s at the Gherkin Wedding Reception- Image by me- See full wedding gallery at The Gherkin Here Sunset at the Gherkin Wedding Reception - Image by me- See full wedding gallery at The Gherkin Here Another wedding venue I love for its iconic design is the Barbican Centre, I can’t think of anything more stunning than standing up in front of your nearest and dearest surrounded by lush tropical plants! Full of history One of my favourite things about London is the sense of history wherever you turn. There are buildings and places within the city that have seen and experienced so much. One beautiful venue is St Dunstan in the East. Hidden behind towering office blocks, right in the heart of the city this tranquil space is the perfect place to celebrate your love (and London!) The church was originally built around 1100 and survived the Great Fire of London before getting severely damaged during the Blitz. In the 1970s it was turned into a public park and now you can hold your wedding reception in the beautiful grounds. I don’t think you could find somewhere that more encapsulates London’s past! St Dunstan in the East Wedding Reception - Image by me- See full wedding gallery at St Dunstan in the East here. St Dunstan in the East - Image by me- See full wedding gallery at St Dunstan in the East here. If you’re a real history buff then why not think about getting married in one of the city’s many museums? The Horniman Museum is a great venue. It opened in 1901 and now has three unique and hugely different spaces inside for your to hold your wedding. I absolutely LOVE The Orangery space. The Horniman Museum Wedding - Image by Jonny Donovan Horniman Museum Wedding Reception Room - Image by Jonny Donovan Luxurious splendour! Nothing says wedding like getting married in a grand manor and enjoying champagne on a reception or terrace. Luckily London has plenty to offer if elegant and luxurious is your thing! From the RAC Club which is a private members venue hire, to the beautiful surroundings of Chiswick House and Gardens. I really don’t know how you would choose just one venue! RAC Club at Pall Mall. Image by me- See full wedding at The RAC Club here The RAC club’s beautiful roof terrace for hire. Image by me- See full wedding at The RAC Club here A real beauty is Syon Park, it takes my breath away. Surrounded by acres of parkland the dramatic architecture would make an amazing backdrop to anyone’s day. Known as one of London’s ‘last great houses’ it is grand, classical and simply stunning. Utterly unique Looking for somewhere that has a real wow factor? Then two of my choices would be the Groucho Club or Asylum Chapel. Perfect for cool cats, the Groucho Club is one of the best known private members clubs in London, perhaps even the world. Not many people know that you can actually hold your wedding there and that’s what makes it even more unique! Super stylish and so contemporary it will seriously impress everyone you invite. What can I say about the Asylum Chapel? Unique doesn’t quite do it justice! A bombed out chapel that has been turned into an arts space, it also regularly hosts atmospheric weddings. Lit by candlelight the ceremonies held here are nothing short of magical. If you can imagine yourself getting married here though I’d get in quick, it gets booked up years in advance! Check out this amazing video at The Asylum Chapel by Hushabye Films by clicking on the image below Wedding Video at The Asylum Chapel by very talented Hushabye Films Wine Bar London has an array of beautiful wine bars that make fantastic wedding venues. The Clarette in Marylebone does AMAZING food and drinks and is super classy for a small and intimate wedding. The Clarette. Image by me- see full gallery at The Clarette here. The Clarette’s intimate hire space. Image by me- see full gallery at The Clarette here. Another that looks particularly beautiful is Dead Dolls House in Islington. They have on offer a selection of rooms available for private hire which are all equally stunning with unique decor in each they are visually beautiful without little extras needed in terms of decor. A London pub If you want a good old British wedding then you can’t beat a pub venue! Down to earth, guaranteed great food and drink, what more can you ask for?! Whilst most pubs aren’t licensed to hold a wedding ceremony, many couples do ‘the legal bit’ in one of London’s many registry offices before heading off to a pub to celebrate and get the party started. The Peasant and The Depot are two fantastic pub wedding venues that are worth taking a look at. The Peasant Clerkenwell- Image by Maja Tsolo The Peasant Clerkenwell- Image by Maja Tsolo

Family Photo Shoot Making Pancakes What's the best day of the year? Christmas? Birthday? Anniversary? WRONG!! Pancake day is THE BEST day you guys!! Come on, how can you beat a good pancake mixed with all the fun of making them yourself? Plus ALL THE TOPPINGS. That's why I was so excited about this family pancake making photo session at home. The kids were totally up for making a big pancake mess and then decorating and eating their sweet creations. Such fun! And such a great way to make family memories. How many great memories do you have of making pancakes as a kid with your parents? I literally love those memories and it reminds me of all the good things about being a kid. So we got cracking and the kids did a great job of weighing out the ingredients and knocking up the mix- then Nanny had to come to the rescue because we failed to have a whisk anywhere in the house haha. It was almost a pancake disaster with lumpy mix! But obviously Nanny has ALL the kitchen utensils at hers so she popped round to the rescue. Mum flipped the pancakes- and for her first time ever, she did a pretty good job! We all know how it could have gone terribly wrong haha. When the pancakes were ready the kids went for ALL the toppings! I'm taking syrup, strawberry sauce, sugar, chocolate drops AND squirty cream. I literally don't think there was a topping Jenson didn't go for on his haha. And Lexie being Lexie spent ages carefully arranging each chocolate drop and sprinkle and using the sauce to create a pancake masterpiece. Here's all the fun we had capturing this family pancake making photo shoot at home. I can't wait for pancake day now!! What's your favourite topping?

I don’t often share my personal holidays on here but I would love to start doing this more so that you can get to know me better and I can share hopefully some useful experiences with you! So last year I was lucky enough to travel to Dublin, Morocco, Dubai (again lol) and Zagreb in Croatia. I like to get about! In May, we booked a weekend to Dublin but unfortunately I spent 99% of the time drinking gin so I only actually took one photo worth sharing with you haha. And obviously it’s of a pub. Because that’s where I was- all weekend, when I wasn’t drinking gin in the airbnb we had. I wasn’t alone by the way lol! I went with my boyfriend Michael and my Brother and sister in law. It’s the first time Michael and I had been to Dublin and we can’t recommend it enough. We had such a good time and the people are so friendly and always up for a good laugh. I will definitely be going back at some point. Although- EXPENSIVE guys. Be prepared to spend cash! In June we had a lovely week in Agadir in Morocco. We went to an amazing crocodile sanctuary which was so interesting and extremely close up with the crocs! It was a brilliant experience that i wold recommend to anyone whilst visiting Agadir. They also had a beautiful cacti garden which had so many amazing exotic plants to see. The views from up the mountains are amazing and I would highly recommend this too. Other than that we took it easy and enjoyed the sunshine by the pool and watching the beautiful sunsets. We stayed at RIU Tikida Palace Agadir which was beautiful. In September we went back to Dubai AGAIN! I think we’ve been 4 times now?! But there is always new stuff to do and always great food and great hospitality. Plus- you cant beat the weather- although it can be a bit too hot for my ginger skin! haha This time we tried out a new hotel called Rixos the Palm which was amazing- although it is a little far if you’re planning to go into town or do various other activities. On this particular trip we went to Abu Dhabi for a day trip which was awesome. Whilst we were there- obviously we had to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. What an incredible place! It is SO beautiful and the craftsmanship on all the finishing touches blew me away. Also, I don’t have photos because I was too busy enjoying the show- but we also went to see La Perle which is an amazing aqua theatre show! The use of water and the acrobatics and production are on another level! And finally in December we went to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia to enjoy the biggest Christmas markets I have ever seen! It was so pretty and the atmosphere during the evenings are amazing with lots of hot drinks and food to choose form as well as live bands performing on stages throughout the city. The decor around town is unreal! They really go to extreme lengths to make this Christmas market something special and people visit from all over Europe to enjoy them. We also visited a fun museum called The Museum of Illusions. These are the random photos at the end that we had good fun with in the museum haha. So that’s 2018 for yoU! This year I have a hen do to Mykonos planned which I cannot waaaait for! It’s been on the lost for a long time so it will be one to enjoy for sure. I also have a few days in Portugal planned for a lovely wedding that I am photographing in May which I’m sure will be beautiful! Let’s see what other travels 2019 brings!

Couple's always ask me 'would you recommend us having a pre-wedding photo shoot?'. And if they've already booked one- 'what should we expect from our pre-wedding session?' So I've put together this really useful blog post to help answer all of your pre-wedding session questions! I hope you find it useful and if you have any other questions or ideas for me, I'd love to hear them. Just drop me an email at danielle@danielle-smith-photography.com Why should we have a pre-wedding photography session? Pre-wedding photo shoots are such a great way for us to get to know each other a bit more before the wedding day. It's super chilled and we can chat along the way. It gives you a great chance to feel comfortable in front of the camera if you're feeling a little nervous about the idea on your wedding day. It's also really enjoyable! I know- you don't believe me right? You couldn't think of anything worse than having a couples photo shoot in public? Honestly, so many couples say this to me but by the end of the session they always say how much they've enjoyed it- a surprise to themselves! But also, that they feel really relaxed around me as well as the camera and that they have no worries about the wedding day itself now. We can always choose a quiet location for you- so that there are not too many people around. I have lots of availability during the daytime on weekdays which is generally a great time for a pre-wedding session as most people are at work/school etc during the day- so many places are quiet. What should we expect from our pre-wedding Photography session? Once you arrive at the chosen location for your pre-wedding photo shoot, we catch up and go for a little walk around and explore. We can chat about the wedding plans or everyday life and just get to know each other a bit more! Your job is only to relax and enjoy yourselves! This is where I work my magic! Don't worry about how to 'pose' or what to do. I work in a very laid back manner and I want you to enjoy the experience and have fun with each other. For me, it's all about capturing your connection as a couple- so I won't ask you to do anything ridiculous or uncomfortable. I want you to be YOU. And that's the only way to capture natural photos that really mean something to you. Having said that, I can guide you through the session gently making sure you're looking fabulous and making sure I get the best shots of you both. When should we book our pre-wedding session? The best time to book in for your pre-wedding session is usually Autumn- Spring time. These times are quieter for weddings so I will have a lot more weekend availability for you to choose from. Plus- they are stunning times of the year for couples pre-wedding sessions! I absolutely LOVE the colours of Autumn. The golden tones and soft sunlight is just the best between September-November and it's usually not too cold around these times still. Winter is lovely because you get to wear snuggly warm clothes and cosy up together to keep warm. Also, I LOVE snow sessions- so if you're feeling adventurous I'm always up for scheduling in a session during these times! Snow is so much fun and pretty unique as it doesn't happen too often! Spring is another favourite because the days become longer, warmer and more sunny and colourful, which is so refreshing at that time of year! Also the parks and outdoors spaces begin to bloom and look super pretty too. I will generally need 3-4 weeks notice at a minimum to make sure I have availability to book you in for your pre-wedding photography session. In terms of how far in advance you should book from your wedding- I would suggest a minimum of 2 months prior- a lot of couples book me 6-8 months prior so that they have plenty of time to use the photos for invites, wedding decor and gift ideas too. How much does a pre-wedding session cost? The session costs £350 and lasts up to an hour at a location of your choice. This includes all of the edited digital files from your session in an online gallery for you to download and keep. You can expect to receive 15-20 images from your session. What should we wear for our pre-wedding session? Always wear suitable clothing for the time of year and the weather. It will be difficult for you to relax and enjoy it if you're freezing to death! haha Also, it always feels more natural to match your clothing to the environment in which your session will take place. So if you're planning a natural session in the park- wear something casual that would normally wear for a walk round the park. And if it's rainy/muddy consider wearing some cute wellies and bringing a brolly! Always wear something that is 'you'. You'll love your images much more if you feel comfortable in what you're wearing and feel good about yourself. In terms of colours- coordinate but don't match! You don't want to clash with each other, opt for colours that compliment each other, muted colours are great and create a soft and romantic feel. Try to avoid busy colours and big slogans as this can be distracting in the images. Should we bring anything to our pre-wedding session? You don't need to bring along along to the session- just your lovely selves! It's best to leave your handbag/ scarves/ jackets etc that you don't want in any photos either at home or in the car. Otherwise we are forever looking for somewhere to dump them along the walk. So it's safer to leave them locked away. And for the guys- also empty wallets, phones etc from your pockets to avoid seeing them sticking out in the photos. Also, you are more than welcome to bring along your cute pets! It's always fun to get your cute pupper involved especially if they are a big part of your life. It can make these photos even more special for you. Don't forget to bring along a lead, some water and their favourite treats (in case they need bribery haha). What if it rains on the day of our pre-wedding photography session? This is always a question that comes up for the pre-wedding session and the wedding day itself. I always say embrace it! We can't control the weather so we shouldn't let it stop us from enjoying the session or you from enjoying the best day of your lives! If it's just a little grey and drizzly- it's usually not a problem. Grab a brolly and some suitable shoes and go for it! It can still make for some really lovely photos. It actually rained on and off during this session! If it's a complete downpour for your scheduled pre-wedding session- then usually it's best to re-arrange as it probably won't be so glamorous or enjoyable for you! haha Unfortunately the actual wedding can't be re-arranged due to a bit of rain but don't worry! Usually we can find a nice indoor spot to do your photos or simply wait for a break in the rain throughout the day and pop outside when we can! It's pretty rare that it's impossible to go outside at all on a wedding day. And again- a bridal umbrella can make some really cute photos anyway! What if it snows?! YES- Let's do it. As long as it's safe for everyone to get there, I am up for it if you are! Where should we have our pre-wedding session? I always suggest you have a think about the location and consider if there is a special place that you both enjoy spending together or maybe a location that has a special meaning to you? Maybe the place you had your first date or the place you first met? Would you like a rural feel to your shoot? Or perhaps something more urban or even a beach side/woodland adventure? I love it when the photos are specifically meaningful to the couple because it makes them more sentimental and special to them. If you are stuck for ideas here are a few good ones to consider: Local park- simple but popular! A nice relaxed walk around a pretty park can make a great photo shoot. Beach- I absolutely LOVE beach sessions! So much fun and great to embrace the weather and location if we get the opportunity. I love the idea of a couple not being worried about getting wet and really enjoying their time together in a beach location. Home- I really love the idea of photographing a couple in their everyday environment- just chilling at home- maybe making pancakes together or any other everyday activity that you enjoy! Lavender Field- I would LOVE to do this! Lavender fields are so pretty and there are a few around Essex/London to consider. Lavender blooms from June-July- so be sure to schedule this in with me in advance if you would like to give this a go. Here are a couple of local ones to Essex and London: https://www.hitchinlavender.com/ http://www.mayfieldlavender.com/ London- I love a city pre-wedding shoot! There's no place like London and there is so much variety and opportunity to explore! We can either go for the industrial vibe or a more elegant- chic feel like Kensington or St-Pauls. Forest- There are so many beautiful woodlands around and they make a great backdrop particularly during Spring and Autumn. I know a gorgeous location in Romford wheres the ground of the forest is COVERED in bluebells for a couple of weeks during April every year. This time gets super busy for these sessions, so make sure you book in advance if you're interested in this! Autumn is just as pretty with the orange and yellow tones filing the woodland. Your proposal location- always a special one! Let me know if this is something you'd like to explore- I love to hear proposal stories! Gardens- I love to photograph in pretty gardens when they are blooming. Just a note to make you aware that some locations and parks will need a permit to take photos- so this is something to bear in mind when considering your location- as the permits can be costly. But I'd love to hear any ideas you have and we can go from there! What would we do with the photos after our pre-wedding photography session? Lots of couples print the photos to put around the home as usually they've not had a professional photo shoot together before so it's nice to have some nice photos to put up. Another great idea that I see a lot of couples do is use the photos for their 'Save the Dates' or wedding invites. They can also be used as decor on the day or on the order of service if you're having printed copies in the church. Prints also make great gifts for the parents! You know they can't get enough photos of their kids! The digital files are also a great thing to keep and just know that you have them and can print them/ make a scrap book or whatever whenever you like! So those are my pre-wedding session tips! I hope you found them useful- but the main thing to remember is enjoy yourselves! It's not often we get to take time out in our busy lives to just enjoy each-others company so treat yourselves and make it a 'date'. Go for lunch first, chill, and enjoy the day- you'll be surprised how much you enjoy the day. If you haven’t booked your pre-wedding session yet and are interested to find out more- just drop me an email at @danielle@danielle-smith-photography.com. Sessions are currently £350 for an hour and include all of the edited digital files in an online gallery for you to download and keep.