Sarah attended Queen’s College Oxford as a student and knew from the moment Tom proposed in New York that this was where she wanted to marry – it’s a stunning venue with so much scope for photograhy, I hope I get to shoot there again.

I’ve shot many weddings in Oxford and love shooting there.  It’s not without it’s complications.  Oxford College chapels are laid out differently to many others with the congregation facing each other on opposite sides of the room rather than facing towards the front as is traditional.  I was rather unlucky that the man in charge on this occasion refused to let me shoot from the front – which meant me shooting from a side pew.  My good friend and fellow wedding photographer Caroline had asked me a while ago if she could come out with me on a wedding, just to watch.  So knowing she was coming along, I asked her to second shoot during the ceremony so we could at least vary the angle.  It worked very well.

Tom and Sarah had taken my advice early on and employed the skills of the excellent Bernadette at Dream Occasions to help them with their wedding planing.  The couple both have busy lives and this was a great solution -  they told me the decision to hire a planner turned out to be a god-send.  I’ve worked on many weddings over the years with Bernadette and not only is she very organised, she’s also great at design.  The design of Tom and Sarah’s wedding was very personal to them.  They are both big rock/metal fans and a girlie pink, vintage theme just would not have suited them.  Sarah’s colours of red and black were striking and worked really well with the existing red leather chairs in the dining hall.  I thought the personalised M&M’s were very rock ‘n’ roll, as were the table names which were all types of guitars.  Tom is an excellent guitarist and Sarah has also dabbled, so these names were perfect!

So without further ado – here they are!  My day started very early with the boys at the barbers.

Sarah looked really stunning.

Married!

Sarah’s floral arrangements were by Joanna Carter

Their cake was by Scattercake

Sarah’s beautiful dress was Treasure by Maggie Sottero

Tom’s suit was from Pronuptia at Hatton Garden

The music was provided by DJ collective – Sliding Vinyl

During some of the dancing, we stole a few moments to make use of the way the beautiful building of Queen’s College was lit.

It’s the first time I’d heard “Number of The Beast” By Iron Maiden at a wedding! 

Tom and Sarah – YOU ROCK!

Congratulations! Tom & Sarah – enjoy Bali.

If you were a guest at the wedding you can register to see all the photographs once the bride and groom have seen them.  Click Here

 Feel free to make any comments below.

Kerry x

To see Sarah & Tom’s engagement shoot – click here

Felicia and Delroy had planned a wedding in the north of town.  A ceremony at St Ann’s church, followed by a reception at The Grand Palace, Tottenham.

It was a very relaxed affair  and the day was full of laughter and happiness.

Here’s some favourites!

So cute!

Congratulations Felicia & Delroy!

If you were a guest at the wedding you can register to see all the photographs once the bride and groom have seen them.  Click Here

It was my first time at Osborne House and I took the time the day prior to the wedding to take a tour of the grounds and house itself.  As a former home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert it is naturally steeped in history.  If you ever get the chance to visit the English Heritage run property then do so; it’s fascinating and gave me just the inspiration I needed to photograph Tom and Lizzie’s day.

The relationship  between Queen Victoria and Albert is one of the great love stories of the 19th century, so what could be a more appropriate place to hold a wedding than in the home they once shared together.

The wonderful thing about Osborne House and its grounds is the sheer variety of moods this fantastic location envokes.  Tom and Lizzie used this to their advantage.  The house and grounds immediately surrounding it are grand and stately – they held their drinks reception in the sunken garden, which was quite formal and elegant.  Following the drinks reception, all their guests were transported by vintage bus to Osborne House’s private beach.  They continued the party on the private beach where the wedding breakfast was held – in this case, a barbecue right on the sand.  This was wonderfully relaxed and informal and gave the day the perfect mix of elegance and fun.

Queen Victoria said in a letter to Sir Robert Peel on 22nd June 1845 “We are more and more delighted with this lovely spot….the combination of sea, trees…the purest air, make it a perfect paradise.” 

I couldn’t agree more.

Here’s some of my favourites!

The wedding itself was held at St Mildred’s in Whippingham.  I observed events throughout the service from Queen Victoria’s private pew.  I was honoured to be able to take such an exclusive position!  Jonathan, the vicar was such a lovely guy, he was so accommodating and made my job very easy. 

Married!

Ushering at it’s finest!  Lizzie’s brother was one of the ushers who made the day so easy, pointing guests in the right direction, at the right time.  Here he is directing guests for the shot below.

Vintage buses transported all the guests down to Queen Victoria’s private beach.

Just a quick reminder – this is The Isle of Wight, not the Caribbean! 

This picture was taken in Queen Victoria’s changing room.

The beach at Osborne House was also the location used in the film Mrs Brown starring Dame Judi Dench.

I would not normally be an advocate of using toilets as a backdrop – but when they are Queen Victoria’s toilets and as pretty as these, I’ll make an exception.

The tropical theme continued in the marquee.

The speeches continued right through the evening.

Congratulations Lizzie & Tom!

If you were a guest at the wedding you can register to see all the photographs once the bride and groom have seen them.  Click Here

Sarah and Tom didn’t want anything ‘run-of-the-mill’ instead they wanted something completely different and as Sarah is a big Twilight fan, what could be more appropriate on the opening weekend of “Eclipse”, than a Twilight inspired engagement session? I was thrilled that they loved the idea and didn’t think I’d lost my mind!

It was so much fun doing something unconventional and by the end of the shoot, any nerves they may have had seemed to disappear and I think they really enjoyed it. 

I can’t wait to shoot their wedding – if the engagement shoot is any indication of things to come – I’m in for a treat! 

This shot involved me climbing a tree,  anyone who knows me, knows this is not the type of activity I’d normally be at home with.  It didn’t help that I was wearing a long white skirt, not the type of clothing suited to climbing trees.   I still have the bruised knees and green stains to show for it.  Well worth it though – you can’t have a Twilight e-session and not try and do the shot from above!

Feel free to make some comments below! Are Tom & Sarah the new Bella & Edward?

I arrived at Edith’s mothers house and was promptly given an espresso – that’s another thing I love about the french, they know how to make coffee!  The very talented Albert had been working on Edith’s hair, which looked so beautifully elegant and it was here, I started my story of their fantastic wedding day…..

Translatio de Google de traduire …
La France est probablement mon endroit préféré dans le monde entier. J’aime la culture, la nourriture, les gens, le vin, la météo et son incroyable beauté sous-estimée. J’ai donc été ravi quand Bruno et Edith m’a demandé de Voyage de ma maison dans le Kent pour photographier leur mariage dans la belle vallée de la Loire. J’étais tellement excitée à photographier un vrai mariage français et d’être entouré par des locuteurs français. Du début à la fin Bruno et Edith ne pouvait pas me sentir mieux accueillis. Ils sont comme un beau couple facile à vivre et rien n’était trop d’ennui.

Je suis arrivé à la mère d’Edith maison et a été rapidement donnée un espresso – c’est autre chose que j’aime les Français, ils savent faire le café! Le très talentueux Albert avait travaillé sur les cheveux d’Edith, qui était si beau et élégant et il était là, j’ai commencé mon récit de leur journée de mariage fantastique …..

Edith’s nephew was called Kenny and he was so cute!

Edith neveu s’appelait Kenny et il était si mignon!

In france, everyone has to have a civil ceremony as religious ceremonies are not legally recognised.  Here, Edith and Bruno are married by the local Mairie (Mayor).

En France, tout le monde doit avoir une cérémonie civile que les cérémonies religieuses ne sont pas légalement reconnus. Ici, Edith et Bruno sont mariés par la Mairie locale.

The couple hired a white taxi to transport them to their beautiful chateau reception.

Le couple a engagé un taxi blanc pour les transporter à leur réception beau château.

Chateau de Memillion was stunning.

Château de Memillion a été impressionnante.

The guests relaxed and enjoyed the sun during the Vin d’Honneur

Les invités détendus et ont profité du soleil pendant le Vin d’Honneur

Gorgeous!

Magnifique!

Deserts were served in the grounds before the guests gathered for the couple’s religious ceremony.

Les déserts ont été servis dans le parc devant les convives se sont réunis pour la cérémonie religieuse du couple.

I just love this picture of Edith, she looks so elegant.

J’adore cette photo d’Edith, elle a l’air si élégant.

Congratulations Edith & Bruno!

If you were a guest at the wedding you can register to see all the photographs once the bride and groom have seen them.  Click Here

Edith et Bruno Félicitations!
Si vous étiez un invité à la noce, vous pouvez enregistrer pour voir toutes les photos une fois que la mariée et le marié ont vus. Cliquez ici

Here are some pictures of an amazing day!

Muchas gracias a Google Translate para la traducción al español!

He viajado a Sevilla para rodar Isabel y hermosa boda española de Pablo. ¿Qué podría ser mejor? cielo azul claro y una brisa caliente y seco, era como el cielo. Ellos se casaron en una capilla típicamente española frente a familiares y amigos, y luego continuó las celebraciones con una recepción al aire libre en el Hotel Cortijo El Esparragal.

Aquí hay algunas fotos de un día increíble!

Isabel’s dress was beautiful and I loved her pretty loosely curled hair.

vestido de Isabel era hermosa y yo la quería bastante suelto el pelo rizado.

Isabel and her father just before their entrance into the chapel.

Isabel y su padre justo antes de su entrada en la capilla.

There were so many sweet little moments in their ceremony to capture.

Había tantos dulces momentos poco en su ceremonia a la captura.

The church was surrounded by the most beautiful olive grove and we spent ten minutes taking a few pictures are the service.

La iglesia estaba rodeada por el olivar más bellas y pasamos diez minutos de sacar algunas fotos son el servicio.

What a lovely idea for a tropical outdoor wedding!

Qué idea tan bonita para una boda tropical al aire libre!

The light was really pretty, so I asked if Paul and Isabel if they wanted to go for a short wander in it.

La luz era muy bonita, así que le pregunté si Pablo e Isabel si quería ir para un paseo corto en ella.

Stunning!

Impresionante!

It made such a change eating outside.  The food was sensational and everyone had a brilliant time.

Esto significó un cambio de comer fuera. La comida fue sensacional y todos lo pasamos genial.

I stayed until 3am and had fun shooting the dancing.

Me quedé hasta las 3am y había divertido de disparo en el baile.

A stunning Peter Crouch doing the robot impression from Paul and his friend!

Un impresionante Peter Crouch haciendo la impresión de robot de Pablo y su amigo!

 Congratulations Isabel & Paul

If you were a guest at their wedding you can register to see the pictures (once they’ve seen them) and will be sent an email when they are ready to view.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 Felicidades Isabel y San Pablo
Si usted fuera un invitado a su boda usted puede registrarse para ver las imágenes (una vez que los he visto) y se enviará un correo electrónico cuando está listo para ver. HAGA CLICK AQUÍ para registrarse

Congratulations Susan & Chris!

If you were a guest at the wedding you can register to see the pictures by clicking here and you will be notified when Susan and Chris have viewed their pictures and requested their gallery be opened.

The day was filled with the most amazing music.  Tasha played the lead of Sophie in Mamma Mia and all the couple’s friends were mostly connected in some way to the theatre.  After signing the register members of the congregation got to their feet and burst into song – All You Need is Love by The Beatles.  They all had the most incredible voices and had been rehearsing in secret to surprise Tasha & Adam.  I must admit, even I shed a tear – it was extremely powerful.

Later Tasha gave a performance of her own, a big surprise for everyone as she’d been resting her voice for 6 months following surgery, no one knew what she’d planned and it brought the house down.

I could have posted so many pictures but as I’m trying to keep to my book deadline – this is all for now!  I hope to give you a part two later in the summer.

Tasha gives the go ahead

After the ceremony we spent a few moments taking some pictures in the village.  Old Tudor houses with pretty thatched roofs and an abundance of flowers made it the perfect spot.

Tasha & Adam share a moment before entering the wedding breakfast.

After dinner, we took some more pictures of the two of them while the room was being turned around for the evening.

The couples first dance was “Cheek to Cheek” and a complete surprise to Adam.

Congratulations Tasha & Adam!

If you were a guest at the wedding you can register to see all the photographs once the bride and groom have seen them.  Click Here

This is a shorter post than usual – I’m on a very tight deadline to finish my book but wanted to give you a glimpse of this wonderful wedding.

Kerry xx

Congratulations Sian & Luke!

If you were a guest at the wedding you can register to see all the photographs once the bride and groom have seen them.  Click here

The thing that makes my job so fantastic is the people I meet and, even if only for one day, I get to share with them their hopes and dreams.  When I first met Christy and James it was very clear that family was really important to them as a couple, consequently there were so many aspects of their day that were all about family. 

Another thing I remembered about our first meeting to discuss their plans was Chirsty’s wedding book - to say it’s a ‘book’ kind of belittles it; it’s more like a wedding bible!  She and James were childhood sweethearts and have been in each others lives for fourteen years. They had been engaged for around five years and during this time, not only had they been blessed a beautiful son, George, but Christy had amounted a huge amount of ideas and information on “the perfect wedding”.   The book contained so many ideas on flowers, dresses, suits and lots of finer details concerned with the planning of the day.  I thought it was a masterstroke and promptly went running to the nearest WH Smith to buy something that I could stuff all my wedding thoughts and ideas into. 

The first page of her book was a picture taken from the film, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and with it a quote from the film: “Okay, life’s a fact, people DO fall in love, people DO belong to each other, because that’s the only chance anybody’s got for real happiness”.  I knew then, I had a fellow romantic on my hands.  Shooting Christy’s pictures was going to be a lot of fun.

One thing that the book couldn’t illustrate is just how personal many of the touches in the wedding were.  Christy pinned a gold locket containing pictures of her grandmothers on her bouquet (which was made by a member of the family) and it was hand tied using the ribbon from her old ballet shoes.  She wore a beautiful bracelet given to her by her grandmother and carried with her a silver crucifix, a 30th birthday present from her parents.

Surrounded by all her bridesmaids, Christy spend a leisurely few hours preparing for the ceremony and it was here at the gorgeous Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington where I started the shoot.  I really hope I get to work there again, it’s a great place and its location to the stunning Kensington Gardens couldn’t be more ideal.

Here are some of my favourite moments from a wonderful day…

The very cute, George!

As Christy’s best woman placed the crowns on the couple’s heads, one crown accidentally fell.   Afterwards she felt bad about it as she thought the accident might have ruined their moment – in fact, I think it made the moment, I would have never got this beautiful image of the couple laughing had this not happened. 

The couple take their first married steps.

We stopped off on the way to the reception for some pictures, the light was beautiful in Kensington Gardens.

I wanted to give the couple a picture reminiscent of the type of shot Christy’s Greek Cypriot relations may have had taken years ago.  Christy had lots and lots of framed family pictures at the reception and I don’t think this picture would look out of place on that table.

Christy toasts with some girlfriends at The Royal Garden Hotel

My favourite picture of the day.

James had arranged a suprise for Christy – Britain’s Got Talent’s Stavros Flatley. 

Judging by Christy’s reaction – I think she was suprised!

The evening continued with a lot of Greek dancing, it was so much fun to shoot.

As is traditional, the bride and groom dance the ‘money dance’, as their guests pin money to their outfits.

Congratulations Christy & James

If you were a guest at their wedding you can register to see the pictures once the bride and groom have seen them by clicking HERE.

To the regular viewers of this blog – This post is a bumper edition, as it will be my last big one for a few weeks.  I have a deadline in which to complete my book and this will not leave much time to do anything else. 

Please feel free to use the comment button – I read each one and find them so encouraging.

Kerry xxx