Wedding photography Hothorpe Hall - Liz and Jonny are married!

Liz and Jonny were married at Hothorpe Hall today in a day filled with sunshine (lots), tears (a few), and laughter (lots and lots).

Their wedding ceremony was at noon, followed by drinks and photos, their wedding breakfast, and then a late afternoon blessing conducted by Rev'd Barbara Routley. And plenty of time to spend with them after their blessing and before their evening guests arrived.

These few 'sneak peak' images are just a hint of their day; from the little touches (the bow on the back of Liz's lovely wedding gown, Jonny's Superman cufflinks and 'quiet' shirt), to the poignant looks (Liz and her father as they came in to the ceremony), and the sheer exuberance of Liz's laugh.

Thanks to all at Hothorpe Hall and toastmaster extraordinaire, Alan Cockayne.

Congratulations Liz and Jonny! I can't believe that you were that camera shy couple I photographed eight days ago!!

A little bit of learning

No matter how skilled or otherwise you are at photography there are so many opportunities to learn and improve your craft, whether attending structured workshops, getting together with other like minded photographers, or simply getting out there and taking pictures.

On the more structured side of things I had two fabulous days, one after the other, last month.

Firstly, an MPA (Master Photographers Association) regional meeting one Monday afternoon saw a seminar led by Louise Sumner, with Louise directing a vintage styled shoot around an old bus station in Nottingham.

Straight after that meeting it was down to Bristol for a day long speedlight mastery workshop the very next day with Damien Lovegrove where, along with three other delegates, we learn a lot more about off camera flash and specifically speedlights triggered by pocket wizards. And lots, lots more which I've been putting to practice to start introducing into some of my shoots.

The following are a few images from the two sessions, firstly around the bus station in Nottingham ,and then from the next day's workshop around the docks in Bristol:

Wedding photography Kettering Park Hotel - Deborah and Mark are married!

Wow, what a fabulously sunny day yesterday was as Deborah and Mark were married at Kettering Park Hotel. It was probably the warmest day of the year so far, quite a contrast from their pre-wedding portrait session the week before Christmas when there was snow on the ground and the temperature was -5!

They were surrounded by family and friends as Deborah was given away by her son Bobby, and then they and their guests were entertained by a Scottish Piper while they had drinks in the garden.

We snuck outside with them after their wedding breakfast to take advantage of the falling sun which made for some lovely backlighting. Here’s a little preview of their day:

Congratulations Deborah and Mark! We'll look forward to catching up with you after your honeymoon.

Wedding photography Oakham and Rockingham Castle - Lucy and Michael are married!

Lucy and Michael married earlier today at Lucy's old school chapel - Oakham School Chapel - with their reception following at the wonderful Rockingham Castle.

Lucy looked stunning in an Alan Hannah bridal gown as they were married by the Reverend Alex Aldous, who then swiftly changed to drive them down to Rockingham Castle in a beautiful vintage Jaguar!

We had the pleasure of working for the first time with their videographer, Barry Weare, and thankfully, along with Barry we had been tipped off about the surprise that was to come part way through their drinks reception as Lucy, Michael and their guests were entertained by a very skillful aerobatics display.

Here's an early taster of their day which, hopefully, they'll see before they fly off to Brazil for their honeymoon:

We left them dancing the night away to their fabulous band, Stak It Up.

What a fabulous day! Many congratulations Lucy and Michael!!