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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.

What a year 2018 has been! I have been the busiest ever photographing lots of beautiful weddings and fabulous families. It has been pretty epic! I have been lucky enough to meet some really special people that I will never forget working with and will hopefully see again in the future. So many amazing couples and beautiful families and lots of repeat clients too- which is AWESOME! Thank you all for your support, you've been incredible and I have honestly enjoyed every second of working with you all. I am one lucky lady to have such an incredible job that shares so many unforgettable moments at truly momentous and special moments in so many people's lives. Being self-employed is not all rainbows and working a few hours a day from your sofa in your pjs! It can be tough and very testing working long hours and having a lot of pressure to meet deadlines and ensure the best possible service that I can for each and every one of you. BUT you all make it SO worth it. You are the BEST clients! I have been overwhelmed with all your kindness and welcoming natures, I have made some lovely friends and can't wait to see how your journeys continue through the years. So I just want to say THANK YOU ALL. I wouldn't be here today without you and I am truly grateful for allowing me to share your special moments with you. Thank you also to the wonderful Nicola Drummond who has been an amazing assistant and second shooter this year. I couldn’t have done it without you. It has been so lovely having you and I wish you an amazing 2019 on your journey with Nicola Drummond Photography. I have also met some amazing second photographers and second shot for other fantastic photographers and met other small business people this year which has been so lovely and amazing to get to know other people in the industry! This includes Emma Hare Photography, Michael O’Sullivan Photography, Sam and Louise Photography, Nicola Dixon Photography, Emma Gosling Photography and Lucie Watson Photography to name just a few! Thanks for all your help and for teaching me new ways :) I cannot wait to see what 2019 brings my way with another bunch of incredible people who's stories are just beginning! Year 5 of Danielle Smith Photography is looking very exciting! Here is a round up 2018 and some of the amazing stories I have been a part of. Take a look for yourselves at how beautiful and awesome this lot are... Click the arrow to play video

The Hospitium Wedding Venue- York I have been so excited about Eleanor and Paddy's Autumn wedding at the Hospitium in York since they booked me last year! Firstly, I had never visited York before and my gosh is it a stunning location! Having grown up and spent a lot of time and memories in York, Eleanor knew she wanted to come back and getting married at the Hospitium. The whole town is so historic and quaint, it really is a magical place to be. And the venue and gardens are simply perfect for an Autumn wedding! After meeting and photographing Eleanor and Paddy at their pre-wedding session last year, I knew their wedding was going to be right up my street. We got to know each other a bit more and we got along so well- which meant I was even more excited to be a part of their day! So when the day finally came around, the colourful orange and brown leaves were taking over the Hospitium and Museum Gardens and the Autumn feel was just amazing. I'm sure it's exactly what they envisioned when they booked their October wedding. Even the rain didn't hinder their big day! Eleanor and Paddy decided to meet before the ceremony so that they could walk down the aisle together. I absolutely love this idea as it meant they could support each other as the nerves kicked in! The Hospitium in York has the most stunning ancient ceremony room and the interior with it's huge columns and pretty twinkle lights- it made it the perfect Autumn setting for their wedding. It was such a beautiful service and it was so lovely to see these two are so clearly perfect for one another, tie the knot! Afterwards we headed outside and braved the cold for some photos. The drinks reception took place in the Hospitium gardens and it was stunning. It was such a happy vibe- surrounded by all their favourite people. Eleanor, Paddy and I went for a walk around the gardens to capture some gorgeous photos of them together. We had to photograph the backdrop of St Mary's Abbey ruins because - just look how amazing they are!! I had the best time photographing these two- they laughed and smiled and pulled silly faces and were just themselves. Which is what this is all about. After dinner, the speeches went down well and one of Eleanor's talented bridesmaids- Alice, had created a whole dessert table for the wedding and my gosh did it look and taste incredible! The party kicked off afterwards and I think it's safe to say everyone had an amazing evening! Thank you SO much to Eleanor and Paddy for having me. It really was the best day at the most perfect Autumn venue that is the Hospitium. You two have been so much fun to work with and I have loved every minute. I hope you love this little sneak peek of your incredible day. I cannot wait to share more with you both soon. Love Danielle xx Venue: The Hospitium Grooms Attire: Moss Bros Groomsmen Ties: The Savile Row Co Florist: Family DIY! Caterer: Bradshaws of York Cakes and Dessert Table: White Rose Bakes DJ & Sax & Bongos: Jonny Ross Music If you’d like to see Eleanor and Paddy’s pre-wedding session at Battersea Park in London you can take a look here. And if you’d like to inquire about your wedding photography, I’d love to hear from you! Tell me all about your plans here.

Royal Automobile Club Wedding Venue Oh my goodness. Where do I start?! Everything about Hannah and Mark's wedding was right up my street! I was like an excitable child all day photographing this one. Mark from White in Motion Films is witness to that haha. Firstly, Hannah's Kenneth Winston dress was simply incredible. It's everything I could ever dream of in a wedding dress! Lots of tulle layers, delicate and modern lace embellishment, champagne colour and stunningly elegant all day. An absolute dream to photograph and I imagine to wear too. Although, Hannah did go all out and have a second dress for the evening! Partying comes first and obviously she needed to make sure she could pull out the dance moves all evening in a non-restrictive dress! haha The morning was super chilled and Hannah may be the most relaxed bride I've ever met! Nothing phases her and everything ran to plan. I'm sure Mark was feeling a tad more nervous than she was at this point! They married at the stunning St Mary's Church in Wimbledon where Hannah has lived and grown up. I have to say Mark was in absolute bits when he saw Hannah walking down that aisle and I can't blame him. She was an absolute picture and a moment I will never forget. The service was beautiful and everyone congregated outside the church afterwards to wish the newlyweds congratulations. As Hannah and Mark drove off in their vintage car to the Royal Automobile Club for their reception, all the guests jumped on the red London buses to meet them there. The RAC club is a stunning building in Pall Mall and has vintage cars and incredible paintings throughout. Hannah and Mark were lucky enough to have their drinks reception on the gorgeous terrace outside, overlooking London which was a real treat. And the reception room was so grand and well decorated. I was blown away with all the fanciness! After the dinner and speeches, just as the sun was going down, we thought it would be madness not to go for a little walk around Pall Mall to capture some evening shots with Hannah and Mark. It's times like this that I really see what an incredibly beautiful city we live in and feel so lucky to live so close to it. It was absolutely gorgeous to see the sun going down and the city lights illuminating over such a pretty part of town. Hannah and Mark were super chilled all evening and really enjoyed spending a bit of quiet time together before the party kicked off when we returned to the RAC Club for the first dance. They had an awesome band called Flo Collective and everyone got stuck in on the dance floor- I can't imagine it was empty for a moment afterwards. What an incredibly elegant London Wedding at Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. Also, see if you can spot the twin stunt double standing in for Mark when he got bored of group photos haha. Big thanks to Emma Hare Photography for second shooting with me on the day! And always a pleasure to work with Mark from White in Motion Films. Church: St Mary's Church, Wimbledon Reception Venue: RAC Club Dress Designer: Kenneth Winston Dress Boutique: Tilly Trotters Brides Shoes: Jimmy Choo Hair & Make up: Zoe Hickman Menswear: Slaters Buses: London Retro Bus Hire Florist: Flowers by Brian Kirkby Cake: Up and Rise Favours: Cancer Research Band: Flo Collective Videographer: White in Motion Second Photographer: Emma Hare Photography

Langtons House Wedding Venue I had the loveliest day photographing Faye and Tom's wedding at Langtons House wedding in Hornchurch last week. I honestly don't think I have ever met two people more happy than these two on their wedding day. They did not stop smiling and laughing all day. It really was amazing to be a part of. Right from the start Faye and Tom wanted to keep their chilled garden wedding low key. They invited their closest friends and family, kept the bridal party small and organised and prepared pretty much the entire day by themselves- with the help of their awesome friends and family. It was perfect and exactly how they wanted it to be. Faye's very talented Dad created all of the flowers- including Faye's stunning flower crown! What a masterpiece! I absolutely love it and it suits Faye perfectly. I wouldn't expect anything less than an array of colour in her hair and a gold sequin dress from her! I'm so glad she went with her heart and decided to skip the traditions and wear what really reflects her personality. I was absolutely blown away when I saw her! And I'm pretty sure Tom was too :) The ceremony consisted of the pair of them smiling and giggling the whole way through, and me feeling very lucky to have such an awesome job. Afterwards, despite the September winds picking up, it was a stunning day and everyone gathered in Langtons House gardens to greet and congratulate the newlyweds. Faye, Tom and I went for a walk around the grounds, which everyone knows I absolutely love at Langtons House! The gardens were stunning as always and I spent the whole time smiling and laughing with Faye and Tom as we chatted and they enjoyed spending some time alone together, before the reception kicked off. The chilled garden wedding reception took place at Faye's Nan's lovely home. They had set the garden up with marquees and tables and chairs for everyone to enjoy the home made buffet and mingle and enjoy some drinks. It felt really old school, like I would imagine weddings were back in the day- a Registry office and then back to a family home for the reception. It was super chilled, completely stress-free and everyone seemed like they were having the best time celebrating with Faye and Tom. I love how personal and chilled the garden party was. Everyone seemed to chip in to help organise all the parts of the day. They had one friend working hard on the buffet and another had created their stunning cake which was absolutely DELICIOUS! When the evening party kicked off they ordered pizza and donuts- what more could you want? And the dancing began. Faye and Tom, I just want to thank you both so much for being so welcoming and kind on your wedding day. Your family and friends are awesome and you're so lucky to have such a great bunch of supportive people around you to begin your married journey together. I felt like part of the family on the day and I honestly had the best time working with you all. You two make me so happy, your energy and contentment is infectious and it's so clear for everyone to see that you are perfect for each other. I wish you all the happiness for your journey together and I hope to see you again in the future. I hope you love this little sneak peek of the day!! Eek so much more to come. Love Danielle xx Venue: Langtons House Cake: Le Moulin

First Birthday Photo Shoot at Home Amelie's Mum Zoe wanted to remember and celebrate her baby's first birthday milestone with a natural in-home photography shoot. Amelie was a little darling and seemed to enjoy every second! She was an absolute treasure to work with and has a real cheeky character. The first year is such a great age for this style of photo shoot at home. I was able to capture Amelie's little personality so well and she enjoyed being able to play and laugh while I took natural and informal photographs of her, in her own environment. These photographs were taken with natural light from the windows in the master and guest bedrooms. It's such a simple set up but it really is the best way to capture those cheeky first birthday personalities. Having the photo shoot at your home makes it so much more personal to you as well. Zoe mentioned that they are thinking of moving house soon so it's such a nice way to capture and remember some of your memories in baby's first home before you move on to a new chapter in your lives. Thank you Zoe for choosing Danielle Smith Photography and for inviting me into your home to help celebrate your little girls first birthday. I have photographed quite a few first birthday celebrations recently and I really love them. It's such a cute age to remember and cherish with photographs. If you haven't seen it already it's definitely worth checking out Ivy's first birthday photo shoot at home too. If you're thinking of having a first birthday photograph session at your home too, get in touch to find out my availability via my contact form. Here are just a few of my favourite photographs from Amelie's first birthday photo shoot at home. How cute is little girl?! Seriously, I can't get enough of her cheeky, adorable little face!

Brewerstreet Farmhouse Wedding Venue I couldn't wait for Caroline and Frankie's DIY wedding at Brewerstreet Farm last weekend! Essential Couture did a lot of the decor and when I saw it- I was blown away! The marquee looked incredible with the tall rustic faux flower centre pieces and the floral mirror table plan was stunning too. Brewerstreet Farmhouse is a beautiful family-owned house in the Surrey countryside. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous and a marquee is set up in the grounds for the reception. It's a fantastic set up and I loved the layout and the welcoming nature of the owners. Caroline had some awesome bridesmaids that looked after her all morning. I was so choked when they gave Caroline her beautiful gift from Frankie- a box full of little surprises- including a cute little box- full of rolled up notes labelled '10 reasons I can't wait to marry you'. Frankie you little heart melter! And the icing on the cake was a gorgeous Tiffany bracelet for her to wear on the day. But can we just take to minute to say- WOW! Caroline how are you SO incredibly stunning??!!! You are like a real life princess! I have complete hair envy and your make-up was incredible! Everyone was blown away when you walked down that aisle in your stunning dress- I don't think Frankie could believe his luck. The ceremony was so heartfelt and Caroline struggled to keep herself together but I'm sure she will remember those moments in a warm place in her heart forever. Ok guys, I've said it before and I will say it again- EVERYONE NEEDS CONFETTI CANONS IN THEIR LIFE!! Just awesome. Also, how pretty do the bridesmaids look in pink? And of course the talented Caroline created all of the bouquets herself. Is there anything this girl's not good at?! We spent some time exploring the gorgeous gardens at Brewerstreet Farmhouse taking natural photos of Frankie and Caroline as they shared their mornings shenanigans with each other and got excited about seeing everything come together for their guests. The speeches were so so heartfelt and I felt myself getting choked again hearing all the lovely stories about the two of them. Caroline and Frankie are both so lucky to have such loving families and friends around them. It's clear for everyone to see that they are very special to their loved ones. Caroline being Columbian, I knew this was going to be a vibrant day! All of the guests were so much fun and full of life. The Mariachi band kicked off the evening reception and everyone loved it. It was a beautiful moment to see Caroline and her father dance to one of their songs. Then- the columbian shots came out! And I will leave it there haha. Thank you so much to Caroline and Frankie for having us. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVED every minute and I'm sad that it's over. BUT when you renew your vows, I'm there! haha I cannot wait to share more memories with you both from this day, but for now, here are just a few moments from your fun and relaxed summer wedding at Brewerstreet Farmhouse... Big shout to my talented assistant and second photographer Nicola Drummond for being awesome as always <3 Venue: Brewerstreet Farmhouse Dress: Enzoani Dress Boutique: Helena Fortley Bridal Shoes: Dune Decor: Essential Couture Hair and Make-up: Dee Glam Grooms Suit: French Connection Groomsmen: Moss Bros Bouquets: Caroline Cake: Heart of Cake London White Taxi Photo Booth- Mega Booth Marquee: Super Event Caterer: Super Event Mariachi Band: Mariachi El Mexicano

Northbrook Park Wedding Venue Well what can I say? Saturday was simply INCREDIBLE! I knew Amy and Josh's wedding was going to be the exact kind of elegant and stylish wedding I love to photograph but honestly, I couldn't have dreamed of a more perfect day. From the moment Amy said she was wearing Valentino shoes for her wedding, I was like 'yes, this is my kind of girl!' haha! But seriously, Amy and Josh thought of everything and all the little details made up the most perfect, romantic and stylish day I could ever imagine. Amy's lace Pronovias dress was breathtaking! And I'm so pleased she powered through the day with her epic cathedral veil on (even though it was so heavy and kept getting caught on everything) because... well, just look at it! To say she looked stunning- is an absolute understatement! After a nerve-racking morning and everyone arriving at the church in one piece, the ceremony was perfection. I know Amy blew everyone away when she walked down that aisle and Josh just about held himself together ;) It was so lovely to see their two gorgeous children -Alby and Sam take part in it too. When I arrived at Northbrook Park I literally could not believe the beauty of the place! It oozes romance and sophistication and both myself and my assistant Nicola fell in love instantly! We were swooning over EVERYTHING. The rustic buildings, the Orangery, the reception room, the gardens- the PEACOCKS?! How many wedding venues have peacocks getting involved in the day?! It was such a beautiful touch. The speeches were awesome and everyone had a good laugh and cry which always pulls on my heart strings! It was so lovely to hear all the stories of these two coming together and particularly hilarious stories about Josh from the best men! The rest of the day just flowed and it was the perfect upbeat atmosphere. Everyone got involved on the dance floor and I loved seeing Amy's father- daughter dance with the most proud Dad in the world that day. Big thanks to Nicola- my amazing assistant for helping out on the day! Here are just a few of my favourite moments from Amy and Josh's elegant and stylish wedding at Northbrook Park... Dress: Pronovias Shoes: Valentino Jewellery: Ivory and Co. Make Up: Jacinta Spencer Florist: Vicki Evans Menswear: Marks and Spencer Venue: Northbrook Park Caterers: Caper & Berry Cake: Emily Jane Cakes Lighting, DJ and Dance floor: Wow Factor Events Band: Pop Rocks If you're planning your very own elegant and stylish wedding and like my natural style of photography, feel free to get in touch and check my availability for your date. I'd love to hear all about your plans!

West Street Vineyard Wedding Lucy and Dan married at the incredibly beautiful West Street Vineyard on Friday. Their relaxed, summer wedding took place in the late afternoon and was so chilled all day. Despite everyone almost melting in the heat, it was the most perfect outdoor ceremony. Lucy got ready at a really cute little cottage called the Firmin's Bakehouse Holiday Cottage just down the road from West Street Vineyard. They had the cutest and most unusual chickens running around the gardens! I couldn't believe how chilled Lucy and all of her girls were when I arrived to photograph bridal preparations! They were all so relaxed and completely prepared for the day ahead. Firstly, how incredible is Lucy's lace back Mark Lesley wedding gown?! It is the perfect style for her and she looked breathtaking in it! Lucy and Dan had also organised the sweetest camper van to collect Lucy and the bridesmaids from the cottage and drop them off at West Street Vineyard. The rust-orange colour looked so beautiful in the sunlight. As always, West Street Vineyard was perfectly decorated and looked absolutely stunning in preparation for the wedding. It was a small, informal affair and I loved how relaxed the whole day was. Due to the intense heat, everyone had brollies to shelter from the sun during the outdoor ceremony, which actually made for very pretty photos! haha When Lucy walked down the aisle with her very proud Dad, she looked simply stunning. Dan is one very lucky man! The pair of them could not stop smiling the whole way through the ceremony! It was so beautiful- and they even wrote their own personal vows which I loved. After nearly choking on a ton of confetti! haha Lucy and Dan chilled in the sun and spent some time mingling with their guests whilst I captured some informal candid photos. Lucy and Dan opted for a relaxed summer BBQ menu which is such a great idea for an informal and intimate event. West Street Vineyard is the perfect location for everyone to enjoy their meals as the sun goes down. The speeches were so funny and started the evening off perfectly. We saved Lucy and Dan's relaxed couple photos until the late evening because not only was it too hot during the day, but also because sunset makes for much prettier light in such a gorgeous outdoor venue. There rest of the evening continued the relaxed atmosphere and chilled vibes. The first dance took place outside on the pergola where the couple said their vows earlier in the day and it was the perfect beginning to the evening party. Thank you so much to Lucy and Dan for having me! You two have been so lovely to be around, you constantly have big smiles on your faces and it's clear for everyone to see that you two are perfect for one another! I wish you all the best and I cannot wait to share more photos with you from this relaxed, summer wedding at West Street Vineyard. I hope you love this little sneak peek! Cottage: Firmin's Bakehouse Holiday Cottage Venue: West Street Vineyard Dress: Mark Lesley Dress Boutique: Bird's Bridal Hair: Amanda Croak Make-up: Tracy Walls Menswear: TM Lewin Florist: Eternal Bloom Cake: Sweet Peas Campervan: Classic Cool Camper West Street Vineyard Wedding Venue West Street Vineyard is such a gorgeous wedding venue. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting a relaxed and informal wedding celebration in a stunning and rural setting. The vineyard is so well looked after and looks stunning particularly during the summer months when the vines are looking full and lush. It is an absolute dream location for an outdoor wedding and it reminds me of Italy every time I go there.

Swarling Manor Wedding Venue Stacey and Tom married on the HOTTEST day of the year in the history of time I think!! It was a sweaty one- especially with the boys in their tweed suits to fit in with the English Country theme they had planned for over a year! haha But it was an outdoor ceremony at Swarling Manor in Kent and it really couldn't have been more perfect. It's the first time I have visited Swarling Manor and it's a stunning farm venue with a gorgeous manor house and cottages, and a ridiculous amount of land and gorgeous gardens to explore. I absolutely loved it! There's so much space and I loved what Stacey and Tom did with it. Stacey got ready at home and it was a very relaxed morning, despite the VW camper breaking down on the way there! Fortunately they had a replacement one at the ready and Stacey was cool as cucumber about it! I absolutely loved the wild flowers Stacey chose for her bouquet and detailing. They were a mixture of deep reds, pinks and lilacs and were the perfect addition to the English Country theme they had going on. The dress was just stunning and Stacey's amazing figure really pulled off the light, slinky fit she went for. Her deep red hair and matching lipstick really finished off her look and she looked truly breath taking! Tom is definitely a very lucky husband! The outdoor ceremony was beautiful and they even read their own personal vows to each other which I always love! They exchanged roses as a sign of their love which the help of the cute page boy and flower girl. Afterwards, everyone retired to the gardens where they had set up games and hay bales for people to sit on and enjoy the sunshine. drinks were flowing, canapés enjoyed and the band were rocking it. I was loving the summer farm vibes! Stacey and Tom are clearly into their cars and trucks because not only did they have the VW camper for the bridesmaids to travel to Swarling Manor in style, they also had an incredibly beautiful convertible vintage Bentley for her and her Dad to arrive in. But Stacey's Dad- Steve also had a surprise up his sleeve for them. After the ceremony when they thought they were going for a drive in their vintage car, there was a gigantic American truck waiting for them! haha I have never seen anything like it, the size of it was unbelievable! It was a picture to see Stacey's face. She absolutely loved it. She is a bit of a self-confessed truck girl and has always had a huge interest in them so this really was the best surprise for them both. They went for a ride in the truck which was nice for them to have some downtime alone together, which can be a rarity on a wedding day! The marquee was set up beautifully for their afternoon tea. They continued the English country theme with bunting, lots of gorgeous wild flowers, and vintage tea sets. Also, how beautiful is the cake?! We saved the couple portraits for after dinner so that it was cooler for Stacey and Tom and the light was softer and prettier. It was 100% worth it. The light was perfect by this time, the temperature had dropped and there was a storm brewing! We went for a walk around the grounds and it was so chilled and really enjoyable. I absolutely LOVED working with Stacey and Tom- they are such a laugh and were super relaxed all day- which I think you can see from the photos. They were having the best time and we absolutely loved capturing it for them. As we headed back to the wedding party, the skies fell down just as people were enjoying the garden games and everyone made a dash for cover! The evening party kicked off with the first dance and everyone got involved and joined the dance floor! I saw some awesome moves before I left them to enjoy the rest of the night! Thanks as always to my assistant Nicola Drummond on this beautiful wedding. Venue: Swarling Manor Hair: Kirsty Taylor Make up: Make up Box Kent Dress: Morilee Florist: Hedges & Flowers Cake: Rebakers Cakes DJ, Lighting & Dance floor: Kent Discos Cars: Bryants Beauford Carriage Co Afternoon Tea: Vintage Style Teas Celebrant: Alexandra Harrison

South London Relaxed Newborn Baby Photography I had the best time meeting this gorgeous baby girl named Perrie, a couple of weeks ago. She was just 3 weeks old and was an absolute dream to photograph. And just look at all that hair! I am jealous. I wish I had that much hair! haha Perrie was an absolute treat and pulled some of the cutest faces I've ever seen! She's such a pretty girl and her eyes are stunning. Mum Leanne was also looking incredible! Seriously, I don't know you do it with a newborn baby, but you look great Leanne. Leanne and Jon welcomed Perrie into their small flat in South London. The flat is beautiful and we made good use of all the window light. The main rooms I use for these sort of images are the master bedroom and Nursery and a bit in the living area too. So when you're thinking 'oh gosh, our flat is so small, I don't know how she will take photos here' Don't panic! These sessions are all about your life at home with your brand new baby. It's supposed to reflect you and your home, and I work in small areas a lot. It's not a problem at all! I love the use of florals during this session- it really brings out Perrie's girly features and she just looks SO cute in that pink floral baby grow! Here are just a few of my favourite images from this relaxed newborn baby photography session in South London. ] If you're considering a relaxed newborn baby photography session at your home and have yet to book your photographer, feel free to drop me an email via the contact form. I would love to hear from you and photograph your newborn baby when he/she arrives. Family and parent photographs are a big part of it too but if you'd rather focus on your baby, that is absolutely fine too. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

What to do if it rains on your Wedding Day This is a question that I get asked all the time! What do we do if it rains on the wedding day? Being in the UK, this is always a risk unfortunately! Haha but don't worry. Even rain isn't going to spoil your big day. I have put together a few tips and ideas to think about if it is forecast to rain on your wedding day. I have photographed a LOT of weddings and there has been many rainy ones so I am more than prepared for this. I keep an eye on the weather and forecast throughout the day if it is due to shower so that we can plan your day around it and hopefully still be able to go outside and get some lovely photos during a dry spell. It's all about time management! Wait for a dry spell between showers If the showers hold off we can nip outside for 15-20 minutes (taking umbrellas with us just in case!) to capture some bride and groom portraits of the two of you. This may be the only opportunity you get to have some photographs of the two of you in the grounds of your beautiful wedding venue so I would 100% recommend it during a dry spell. You never know how long it will be dry for, so make the most of this opportunity! This photo was taken in-between showers on this stormy day in June Umbrellas If not, EMBRACE the rain! Grab an umbrella and get out there. This is the one day that you will have to get these natural photographs on your wedding day so don't let the weather stop you. It's all part of your wedding story and it's unique to you. You can get some AMAZING photos in the rain! And if we have umbrellas, you shouldn't get too damp. It's so worth it. If you guys are up for it, I am up for it :) It's completely up to you and if you'd rather not risk getting wet, I completely understand! If its drizzling, we could even use the umbrellas, take them away for a quick shot, then pop the umbrella back over you again to keep you as sheltered as possible. This photo below was taken like this! Take shelter from the rain I will have a look around your venue and see if there is an area that we could use for photographs that is sheltered from the rain. usually a big tree, or an open barn works well so that you still have beautiful daylight but keep as dry as possible! Indoor Photos If it's super wet and we can't get outside during the reception, I can scout out some nice spots inside your venue/church for some couple portraits of the two of you. Light is key, so I will often use natural window/door light for these. This photo was taken inside the wedding venue making use of the natural light from the window. Group photos can usually be captured indoors if it's raining. I will find the best spot for light and space for these. Wait until after your wedding breakfast If it's heavy rain throughout your drinks reception, you could always wait until after your dinner if it's due to stop/slow down or even pop out between courses to get some quick photos of the two of you. Daylight is key so it depends on the time of year and what time your wedding breakfast is to be served but during Spring and Summer this is usually possible, as the days are longer. Trust me I am used to working in these situations and I can always offer advice on your wedding day on your best options if the weather is proving to be wet. If you'd rather stay indoors and keep dry that is absolutely fine, but I always find that just a few outdoor shots work really well and my couples never regret taking a few minutes to do this if it is raining! Finally... Don't panic! This is the day you've planned for so long and have been looking forward to for probably over a year. Enjoy it! On the day, a bit of rain will not spoil a thing. Have a blast!