Hannah & Josh’s Stunning August Syrencot Wedding

I first met Hannah & Josh way back in November 2021 at a wedding fair. It was quite a biggie as the world of weddings (and fairs) was opening up again after all the restrictions that had been put into place during the pandemic. Couples were excited to get their teeth back into planning weddings and suppliers too were equally happy to feel back in the game they love!

Chatting to Hannah & Josh further, after the TOTAL sensory overload of a wedding fair, I was so happy to book them in for their August Syrencot wedding. It’s a venue I’ve always wanted to explore as it just looks stunning! I really value the relational side of my job as a wedding photographer, truly believing that the better I can get to know a couple and build on our relationship. The more rapport we share will result in more natural images on your wedding day. The more comfortable and safe you feel with me, the more you open up with me “stalking you with my camera” on what is perhaps the most intimate, stressful and exciting day of your life! Ultimately, I want to capture the essence of who you are.

This starts with a pre-wedding shoot. This first shoot isn’t just about capturing your proposal/engagement. You may have been engaged for 2 weeks or 20 years! It’s about getting to know one another in a low stress environment. We walk, we talk, I shoot! During this time I also help break the ice of the awkwardness many feel about having their picture taken. With gentle guidance on posing tips and techniques, we also establish how you connect as a couple in front of the camera. I help you develop ways of connecting for the camera that look natural AND are flattering!

The big day finally arrives!!

My morning started with a degree of excitement over my journey… I was taking the route to Syrencot across the A303. Whilst this may mean nothing to many of you, my teenage years consisted of listening to Kula Shaker, especially their song, The 303. My second shooter, Lee, picked up the energy vibe straight away, and there we were downloading the album to iTunes, creating silly videos en-route to show the sat nav and play list in total sync! Anyhow, my quirks aren’t why you’re here. Back to Hannah & Josh’s stunning August Syrencot Wedding….

The lead up and drive through to Syrencot is just beautiful. The grounds are landscaped to perfection with so many different areas to explore. Lee and I were chomping at the bit to ensure we included as many of these photographic opportunities with Hannah & Josh as possible.

Hannah and her bridesmaids had full access to the bridal suite. Oh boy was it filled with space and light! A photographers dream! Throw in the fact that Hannah, her bridesmaids (who were also her sisters and niece) and her mum were so welcoming and friendly. The vibe was great from the start!

While the girls were busy being coiffed and made up, I took the time to ensure those little details weren’t missed. Hannah chose a light, bright palette of whites and silvers which was complemented in this airy space, adding pastely pops of colour with the confetti and bouquet.

While the girls were deep in their prep zone, Lee had discovered that the boys were still in their casuals roaming around the venue. I believe there was a sense of order to this exploration, but no one at the time was admitting to being lost or on the search for something! It was a perfect moment to see how the venue dressing was coming along. Each space at Syrencot has been thoughtfully, and stylishly designed.

I love being able to capture the preparations before a wedding. Observing the dynamics between families, the enjoyment of being pampered and the bubbly invariably being opened! Once the dresses and suits start to go on the energy definitely shifts, it’s almost like someone switches a “this shit’s got real” button!!

Hannah had chosen her gown from Botley Mill Bridal, with the girls sporting their dresses from Next. Josh had a tailored suit from Dartagnans in Chichester, opting for Moss Bros for the rest of the groomsmen. The full list of suppliers and their links will be at the bottom of this post 🙂

Before we kick off the ceremony, let’s take a moment for those wonderful Dads out there who are able to be major players in their daughter’s wedding day. I appreciate that not everyone has a smooth sailing relationship with their parents, or some are sadly no longer with us. But when they’re there, hearts on sleeve, tears twinkling in the corners of their eyes, boy! My heart strings are well and truly pulled!! Hannah’s Dad was no exception. He was fully present during the prep, playing cards with his granddaughter, opening the bubbly and happily being kicked out of the room while the dress went on. Impatiently waiting for the door to re-open, here’s his big, beautiful moment…

While everyone was busy with the finishing touches, a fine array of beautifully dressed guests were arriving! Josh and his groomsmen were now suited up and on form, playing the part of dutiful hosts, ushers and conversationalists while the guests took their seats. Managing to catch the boys together was also a success, as well as a quick moment with Hannah and her bridesmaids too!

It’s Ceremony Time!!

Hannah and Josh chose August for their Syrencot wedding. The venue has so many incredible spaces, both indoors and out, but for now, let’s talk about the buildings. When you pull up through the long, sweeping driveway to the Georgian, red brick, manor house you can’t help but feel the splendour of its time. The inside has been extensively restored, renovated and designed for style and comfort. With the BIlliard room perfect to accommodate your wedding preparations, a sumptuous master suite ideal for the newlyweds on their wedding night and 12 additional exquisite rooms, it really is a venue that can cater for you and your guests.

The luxury barn (where the wedding breakfast and reception is held) and the Glasshouse (for the ceremony) is a short walk from the house, through landscaped gardens and meandering paths, which in August were in full bloom. Simply breathtaking. More on the barn later, but for now, Hannah and Josh are about to get married in The Glasshouse.

With not a drop of rain in the sky, Hannah’s walk to the ceremony was beautiful. Flanked by lavender in full display, nature doing what it does with butterflies and bees busying around, it really felt like we were in the depths of the English countryside.

Hannah and Josh’s ceremony was intimate, with reading from loved ones and a palpable energy of love in the air. It was a real pleasure to document these moments after all their hard work and preparations to make this day come together.

A wedding isn’t a wedding without confetti! The biggest challenge here is capturing all the guests before they make a beeline for the bar! Seeing as it’s not our first rodeo, Lee and I fell into the long established roles of herding (me) and distracting (Lee). While I whipped the guests into position (and I’d like to think, entertained them too with my witty shuffle moves), Lee took Hannah and Josh on a walk back through The Glasshouse to prepare for their second exit! This is also a great time for us to step back and enable the newlyweds to have a moment of peace together and allow them to process the event that has just occured!

Although I am VERY happy to baulk at any form of tradition…. doing something unique and different, mixing & shaking it up, I have learnt over hundreds of weddings I’ve shot over the last 15/16 years, that when it comes to the group shots that it’s best to get them done. Most people at weddings expect the formal photographs to take place in that lovely gap between the ceremony and the reception. I can mix it up with the newlyweds and bridal parties, but for the general groups it really does work best when done in that gap. People haven’t yet vanished to freshen up, they’re in a mingling mood (and their ties haven’t yet been dipped in the appetisers!). Don’t panic though, when we do our planning and preparation meeting (about 6-8 weeks before your wedding), we cover your timelines, must have shots/formals etc, how to structure what in and when.

Here’s a selection of some of the group shots from this time, including some moments when Josh and his boys got silly with it!!!

Newlywed Portraits!!!

The grounds are just brilliant for all the photographic needs of a wedding day. With places to sit and chat, lean and people watch, wander and observe the beauty of the place… it really does do a lot of my hard work for me! We had structured into Hannah & Josh’s timeline some time to wander the grounds to create their newlywed portraits, and this August Syrencot wedding did not disappoint! From geometric shapes, to natural paths, wild flowers and the backdrop of the surrounding architecture. Lee and I were in our element. Crouching in long grasses, ninja rolling across paths and generally using this time to also give the newlyweds some time to chat to themselves.

Josh’s photobomb moment while Hannah was having her own portraits taken had us in stitches!! It was lovely seeing their playful side come out with one another.

The Reception!

With the last moments of mingling happening before the guests were ushered into the Barn for the wedding breakfast, we could hear hungry noises a plenty! Everyone’s appetites were well and truly whetted by the delicious canapees that were being served. Hannah and Josh were cheered into their places, the welcoming round of applause and hoots of joy and true testament to how loved they are!

The speeches, although naturally including some very embarrassing stories, were also full of love and honour as Josh and Hannah were celebrated for the individuals that they are.

It was lovely seeing the guests filter out in the evening while the sun was still peeping its head. A welcome breath of fresh air after a hearty meal! The guests seemed comfortable, chatty and playful, enjoying catching up with each other in the Wiltshire countryside surroundings. We did feel like creepy stalkers watching Hannah and Josh having a quiet moment together, however the shot was too good to miss… and under the cover of bushes with a super long lens they were undisturbed too!!

The Barn has amazing space for the music and dancing that comes with a wedding celebration! I absolutely LOVE the lighting that is featured along the ceilings. I must admit to taking pictures for myself as inspiration for my own interiors! The industrial design meeting the rustic vibes here is spot on! As was Hannah & Josh’s cutting of the cake and first dance!

Thank you so so much Hannah and Josh for choosing us to capture your August Syrencot wedding. We’ve had a wonderful time getting to know you both on this part of your journey in life and can’t wait to hear what else lies ahead in your future together!

xX Fiona Xx

August Syrencot Wedding Suppliers:

Venue: Syrencot

Suits: Josh: Dartagnans Chichester & Groomsmen: Moss Bros

Wedding Dress: The Bridal Mill, Botley Bridesmaids: Next

Flowers: Penny Lane Flowers

Cake: Daisy Cake Company

Rings: Fanci Bespoke Jewellery

Hair Vicky Leavey & MUA: Georgina Chambers Studios

Celebrating Pride Weddings

I know it’s old news now, but remember lockdowns? Well I’m still playing catch up on my blog writing from that period!! One thing that has stayed with me from that time was the influx of smaller, intimate weddings once people were allowed to gather in groups again! After years of mainly shooting massive, elaborate weddings, it was so refreshing to actually be a part of weddings that have been stripped back, the essence of love and partnership front and centre on the day. It’s recently been Pride month over here, with my local city of Brighton putting on it’s annual Pride event, triggering my “who’s on my blog list” brain…. but really, celebrating Pride Weddings is all year round, not just limited to one month!

I was looking through my archives and came across Sam and Gems wedding which has been on my list to blog for AGES!!! I met these lovely ladies via the wonderful non-contact medium of telephone calls and facetime, quickly putting into motion the plans for their wedding (as well as back up plans, incase the rules changed again!)

A couple of rescheduled dates and venue changes later their wedding date was here! The final location was Leatherhead Registry Office with a very small number of guests. Sam and Gems chose to enter the venue together rather than a big reveal walk down the aisle. Both brides looking stunning in their choice of dress, each unique to their individual style. Their wedding was full of emotion as they read their own handwritten vows to each other, and exchanged rings. This official celebration of their union proudly witnessed by their mums.

The ceremony came to a close with an opportunity for some group photos and confetti before the next part of their day continued. The grounds were perfect to compose some family shots and capture those immediate portraits with the newlyweds, especially before the rain came!!

Sam and Gems had planned an intimate dinner at The Ivy in Guildford to continue their celebrations, but before heading there, they had structured into their wedding day some time to head off for some portraits. They both loved an area of the Surrey Hills near Hindhead, where they regularly walked and hiked, so we popped that address into the satnav and headed to their favourite spot (via their home to grab some wellies and brollies as the rain was definitely making itself known!!).

I loved how Sam and Gems approached the impending rain with gusto and a sense of “we only get one wedding day let’s embrace it!” It certainly makes my view of all-weather photography more fun!!! There was mud, there was rain, there was mist and some super boggy marshes…. but there were also streams of sunlight filtering through the canopy of the trees and some gorgeous views!

During our time in the forest, we “attempted” to use the smoke bombs that usually reside in my camera bag. This was quite hilarious and ended up with painted hands and smoke going everywhere but the intended direction. Sometimes smoke bombs can just work, and other times, the elements can play havoc. Thankfully we had a great time and much hilarity as we explored this, even though the results didn’t quite go to plan! My use of smoke bombs always comes with a caveat to minimise expectations of results as it is all depending on the weather, but, boy do I love it when my couples are up for a go!

To finish the day with Sam and Gems, I accompanied them to The Ivy in Guildford to capture a little of their reception before they sat down to dine. Again, a lovely venue with a stunning upstairs room catering for large parties overlooking Guildford Castle. With family in Guildford, it’s on my list to dine there at some point!! The menu on offer looked incredible!

As with all my wedding services, my collection wasn’t complete without an Italian handmade album. It was lovely to see the choices Sam and Gems made. The album looked beautiful. A wonderful way to keep the legacy of the wedding day alive, in a tangible print form that can be looked back on for years to come.

Thank you again Sam and Gems for entrusting me to capture your beautiful wedding and helping to remind me that at the centre of it all, love is what wins on the wedding day regardless of how big, small, intimate or elaborate your wedding day is.

xX Fiona Xx

Celebrating Pride Weddings

Lifestyle Commercial Photography

LIFESTYLE COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Lifestyle Commercial Photography can positively impact your business and in this blog I tell you the reasons why!

Having great photos for your business can significantly impact its success in several ways. In this blog I will go through the reasons why I believe Lifestyle Commercial Photography is a must for your business and brand identity, and how I can help you achieve this.

VISUAL APPEAL

High-quality and visually appealing photos catch people’s attention and make a strong first impression. When potential customers or clients visit your website or social media profiles, compelling photos can instantly convey professionalism, credibility, and attention to detail. They help create a positive perception of your brand, making it more likely for people to engage with your business. The first point of call in my service is for us to have a consultation. During this time I find out more about you, your business, your ethos and what you want to portray to your potential new clients.

BRAND IDENTITY

Photos play a crucial role in shaping your brand identity and storytelling. By using consistent and visually appealing images across your marketing materials, you can establish a strong and recognisable brand image. These photos can showcase your products, services, team members and company culture. This allows customers to connect with your brand on a deeper level. During our initial consultation we will discuss styling, colours, shooting style, shoot locations etc to really help create the perfect shoot for you and your business that portrays your brand identity. This is a great time to creatively brainstorm. Having managed a variety of businesses in different areas of commerce prior to photography, coupled with a high understanding of human psychology and how they “shop” I’ve found I can use my professional and personal experiences to really craft the perfect photography for your brand needs.

INCREASED ENGAGEMENT

Great photos are more likely to be shared, liked and commented on by your target audience. They have the potential to go viral on social media platforms, which can significantly increase brand visibility and reach. Engaging visuals can also encourage users to spend more time on your website or social media profiles. This will boost user engagement and increasing the likelihood of conversion. Here at FionaMillsArt, we love social media and will also actively share and tag your services in our posts, which in turn helps to boost visibility for us all!

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Photos have the power to communicate complex messages quickly and effectively. They can convey emotions, tell stories, and showcase the benefits or features of your products or services. High-quality photos enable you to capture attention and communicate your key messages in a visually appealing way. This is very important because it makes it easier for potential customers to understand and connect with your business. Often when planning your shoot and conceptualising, we will look at potential tag lines and messages you may want to portray in your future marketing. This results in a delivery of images you can use straight away, or store up your sleeve for that perfect seasonal marketing moment later down the line.

BE UNIQUE

In a competitive market, great photos can help your business stand out from the crowd. Unique and eye-catching visuals can make a lasting impression and differentiate your brand from competitors. By showcasing your products or services in a visually appealing manner, you can highlight their unique selling points (USP) and attract customers who resonate with your brand’s aesthetic and values. Make sure to think about your USP and use it! Taking the time to ensure we understand you and your business is the most effective way to capture unique lifestyle commercial photography to sell your business.

INCREASED SALES

Compelling photos can influence purchasing decisions. When customers see high-quality images that showcase the benefits and features of your products, they are more likely to feel confident about their potential purchase. Professionally photographed products or services can convey a sense of trust and quality, leading to increased sales and revenue. We love seeing businesses grow and succeed, especially in this difficult economic climate. How you market that is up to you, but know we’ll be cheering on your wins from the wings!

In summary, having great lifestyle commercial photography for your business is crucial for creating a strong brand identity and attracting customers. It can have a significant and positive impact that makes you stand out whilst driving sales for your business to grow. Investing in professional photography will positively impact your overall business success.

I hope this helps in your quest to building your business, and if you’re considering taking a leap into having your business or products photographed professionally, get in touch for a consultation. We’d love to hear from you!

xX Fiona Xx

P.S. Thank you to some of the wonderful businesses who I’ve included in some of the images above… do check them out!

The Beachcroft Hotel: www.beachcroft-hotel.co.uk

AirBnB | The Honeypot at Newlands, Bury, West Sussex: www.instagram/thehoneypotatnewlands/

The Merry Harriers: www.merryharriers.com

Minster Bridal Boutique, Tangmere, West Sussex: www.minsterbridal.co.uk

The Novium Museum, Chichester, West Sussex: www.thenovium.org

The Flawless Facialist: www.instagram.com/flawless_facialist/

Gemma Kelly | Personal Trainer & Fitness Instructor: www.instagram.com/rygwomensfitness/

Reasons For a Maternity Photo Shoot

REASONS FOR A MATERNITY PHOTO SHOOT

You are counting down the days until the arrival of your little one which is a truly magical experience and you might be considering having a maternity photo shoot. However you may feel unsure about this because of the changes to your body and even possibly the cost.

In this blog I will go through the seven reasons for a maternity photo shoot….there are of course more than seven! But these are the one I feel are the most important.

DOCUMENTS YOUR JOURNEY INTO MOTHERHOOD

A maternity photo shoot is about documenting the incredible journey that pregnancy is and allows you to focus on the new life your body is creating. This is a moment you won’t get back whether you’ve been pregnant before or plan to have more. Each pregnancy can be different and bring its own set of challenges. This photoshoot is about your own journey into motherhood and will remind you of the excitement and joy that comes with pregnancy.

TIME FOR YOU TO FEEL FABULOUS

Often during pregnancy you might not feel your best. The changes to your body and hormones can really have an effect on how you feel about yourself. Maternity photoshoots are the perfect reason to do your hair and makeup and spend some time for you to revel in the beauty of your body and all the amazing work it’s been doing! So many ladies come in and tell me they don’t feel beautiful, but by the time we are finished the shoot every single one has left feeling fabulous!

QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR PARTNER

Another reason for a maternity photo shoot is that it’s a great opportunity to spend time with your partner and to reflect on the life you have created together. So much will change once your baby arrives so getting a photograph of your family before, is a beautiful memory to capture. A maternity photo shoot with your partner is a real bonding experience and gives you time to focus on each other.

REVEAL THE GENDER

A maternity photo shoot can be a fun way to reveal the gender of your baby. There are so many fun ways to announce your little ones gender and it’s become increasingly popular. You can be as creative as you like with the photos. You could even use the images as a way to reveal the baby’s name or your due date.

CAPTURE THE JOY AND ANTICIPATION

Having a maternity photo shoot is a never ending reminder of those feelings of excitement, joy and anticipation of waiting for the arrival of your little one. Once baby is here we can easily forget how we looked or how we felt during pregnancy (well we always remember the hard parts, like nausea, back pain etc!) son maternity shoot capture you as a reminder of all the amazing things your body did. You will never regret having a photograph of this moment. After all most women only experience pregnancy a few times.

YOU CAN SHOW THEM TO YOUR CHILD IN THE FUTURE

In a few years your child will ask you about where they came from. This is a great reason to have a maternity photo shoot because it gives you beautiful images to show your child of them growing inside you. They will be able to see the love and excitement that you felt when you were expecting them and gives them a connection to that time in your life. The couple in the images below are Harry Potter fans and used this as a theme at their wedding and they wanted to continue with this at their maternity shoot.

IMAGES WORTH DISPLAYING

I am a firm believer that getting your photos printed is so important. It is an everlasting tangible moment and memory captured in time to be treasured forever. Having a professional maternity photo shoot when you are pregnant will give you images worth hanging on your walls or printing in an album as a legacy to pass down to future generations.

I really hope that this has helped you with reasons to have a maternity photo shoot. I would love to be part of your pregnancy journey so if you have any questions or would like to book a photo shoot get in touch.

xX Fiona Xx

Chichester Cathedral Wedding | Sabrina & Luke

Chichester cathedral wedding | sabrina & Luke

Sabrina and Luke booked me for their Chichester Cathedral Wedding followed by a reception at Southdowns Manor, so when planning their engagement shoot we chose to visit the Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace Gardens to familiarise ourselves with potential shots spots on their day and make the most of the Autumnal weather at the time. Here’s a little look back at that!

The Preparations:

As a wedding photographer, I’m always involved at the event planning stage where the location and other details are taking precedence. I do love finding out how people met! Sabrina and Luke’s love story began in their local gym where they met and got to know each other. I think this is brilliant, and I am always in awe when people say they met at the gym, as from my own experience I’d be such a sweaty ball of mess I think I’d be hiding from public view!!

On their wedding day, Sabrina and Luke planned for a Chichester Cathedral Wedding, followed by a reception at Southdowns Manor. What a beautiful pairing of locations to have as a backdrop their day!

Sabrina and her ladies primped and prepared at the gorgeous location of 4 Canon Lane, just behind the cathedral… the light and space within the house was just absolutely breathtaking! Perfect for capturing those small details while looking out to see the cathedral right in front of you!

Luke and the boys got themselves ready a short walk away at their home! You’ll probably notice the difference between the serenity of the ladies vs the playfulness of the gents as they prepared for their wedding!

As a photographer, I usually lean towards colour as my main supply of finished images, but when shooting at the cathedral and it’s grounds, I couldn’t help but feel more and more of the frames lent themselves to a black and white conversion. Sometimes it’s very easy to define whether an image should be either colour or black and white, however there are occasions when even I can’t make up my mind so I supply both versions… perhaps it’s also because I’m already considering the album layout and whether a set of images will work better than the other version!

When the girls were getting ready, for me there was a very strong sense of wanting to use monochrome. Sometimes I find it just makes the subject more impacting! The light and setting just really lent itself to this classic feel… I’m not surprised Arleta D picked that prime spot to apply Sabrina and her mum’s make up! The girls had the run of both 4 Canon Lane and an additional building to wait and prepare in which we were able to jump between while the preparations continued.

To complement the monochrome prep, I ensured that a selection of images of Luke and his Groomsmen were also provided in black and white! I love how when showing off his Dartagnan’s “Black & Gold” suit, Luke’s gang of fellas couldn’t help but get really handsy with him!! I especially like their “strut walk” through the city to arrive ready for their Chichester Cathedral Wedding, anyone else hear the soundtrack to Reservoir Dogs in their mind?

While Luke was on his way to the Cathedral ready to greet the arrival of their guests, Sabrina was still in the final throes of getting ready. With the most striking gown from Proposals in Chichester (which is now Whyte Weddings), it was hard not to feel the anticipation and excitement in the room as Mum helped Sabrina into her dress. You could feel the pride and love flowing through mum at this special moment!

Sabrina retained the reveal to her bridesmaids until she was dressed, who then helped her with the finishing touches of her veil and shoes!

The final stage of the bridal prep was still not done! Sabrina had yet to see her Dad…. when we were planning her day photographically, she mentioned the statement staircase at 4 Canon Lane. What better way for a father’s first look than seeing his beautiful daughter emerge from height and walk towards him down such a grand aisle?! The front door made a tidy little frame too for their first pictures together!

The pathway connecting Sabrina’s preparation venue and the cathedral was in full bloom of colour. What a sight to see them all walking down towards her guests and waiting groom whilst ensuring her dress was kept aloft and pristine before her arrival for their Chichester Cathedral Wedding.

Most of my weddings are shot by two of us. This serves a number of purposes. Firstly, it ensures that we don’t have to compromise between choosing a candid or more structured moment to capture. Both can happen simultaneously by either of us. My second shooters and I have worked closely together for a number of years where our communication has largely become non-verbal. This has really helped our shooting become seamless and cohesive.

Secondly, it means we are able to capture both evolving scenes from each partner. So many of my couples love to be able to see and share the experience of what the other was doing while they were busy with their own preparations.

The second shooters I use are also professional photographers themselves, and I often shoot for them too in a “second” capacity. This really helps us as professionals step away from being primarily responsible for capturing the day (as well as ensuring timings are kept to, people are where they should be etc) and helps us practice our craft with a creative freedom. It also enables us to practise our ninja skills in a variety of settings where rolling under bushes and hiding behind walls and pillars are essential moves to “get that shot”!

The point is illustrated perfectly here for this Chichester Cathedral Wedding where both perspectives in these final few moments before the ceremony are captured for the other to see.

The Ceremony:

The time has come! The Dean of Chichester Cathedral is ready and waiting with the Verger to accompany Sabrina and her Bridal Party down the long aisle towards her waiting groom. This is always the moment that gets me in the solar plexus… no matter how many weddings I shoot, I’m still a softy at heart, feeling the knot of nerves in my gut and the emotion seeping out of my eyes as both partners experience the anticipation of the ceremony about to start. I’m glad when I see my couples also feeling ALL the feels!!

The images will speak for themselves, but you can see that Sabrina and Luke chose very well with a Chichester Cathedral Wedding. With the gothic architecture, the traditional symbolism and the tall grand building, it was a ceremony fitting for all the time, planning (and pandemic re-scheduling), styling and love that was packed in that space.

The emotion was palpable, the celebration from their guests immense and the traditional aspects of their service felt perfectly sacred too. What a pleasure to be able to create images that not only show the intimacy of the ceremony, but the grandeur of the venue too.

During the wedding planning session, Sabrina and Luke wanted to minimise the the “formal group” shots, focussing on just the immediate family and bridal party. One of the reasons for this is they wanted a more candid approach when documenting their day, but also so while their guests were mingling and being transported to Southdowns Manor for the reception which was planned to be a full on party, they could spend some quiet time together in the cloisters and cathedral grounds capturing their portraits.

Sometimes having a large number of formal shots can be time consuming, especially when guests need to be somewhere else for the next stage of the day. To minimise disruption, we often plan in the timeline the vital “formals” then structure in a list of “must have” shots which can be more candidly captured and arranged in a more relaxed way at appropriate times later during the day.

There is limited availability to book a Chichester Cathedral Wedding, perhaps 12 per year, so taking the opportunity for some portraits of just the newlyweds in the grounds was a must have! While waiting for Luke to see off some of the guests, Sabrina was the perfect model to show off her stunning style and poise in her finest gown.

We revisited the cloisters from the engagement shoot as well as ensuring we had a shot of the vintage car Sabrina and Luke had hired for the occasion. Scott at West Sussex Wedding Cars was as wonderful and accommodating as usual to get his 1025 Rolls Royce Phantom looking it’s best for it’s close up!

The Reception:

Next stop, Southdowns Manor! A firm favourite of mine, not just for its location and setting, but also the service and team that make it a joy to work at. A wedding venue that truly goes above and beyond, I can’t recommend them enough.

The guests were already being served with drinks and canapes when we arrived, a self service Pimms set up was a great idea (and one I wished I could have taken Sabrina and Luke’s invitation to partake in, were I not driving and on duty!!). While the newlyweds greeted their guests, Lee and I did the rounds capturing the candid moments and the details involved in this part of the day. From a violinist providing background music in the courtyard, to the guests getting into the social spirit, to the table details and Beauty and te Beast themed wedding cake by Foxwood. Here’s a small selection from that time…

In the 10 minutes or so needed for the Southdowns Manor staff to usher the guests in to the dining hall and find their seats, I usually take this period to take the newlyweds away from the crowd to capture a few more portraits. This serves 2 purposes… On the one hand, when you remove the main attraction, the guests are more likely to head to their next destination… this helps the serving staff immeasurably. On the other, it gives the couple a few minutes together to reconnect with each other. We’re often using long lenses at this point and asking them to just walk and talk together. Giving them some privacy and us some more candid portrait moments.

I had to include Sabrina and Luke’s “we’re done, we’re off ” moment as it made us all laugh that they could go back to their drinks ready to be welcomed into the dining room for their wedding breakfast!

Southdowns Manor always provide the most scrumptious food for their guests and this wedding was no exception! With the speeches set between courses and drinks flowing freely, I think everybody thoroughly enjoyed this break in the day to refuel. With 2 best men, the speeches were very tongue in cheek, Luke took this all in his stride with laughter, even when he was presented with lingerie of his own! It was great to see the top table (and the guests) wiping away the tears of laughter!

When Sabrina and Luke said they were going to bring the party, they really did! With a hefty supply of prosecco and pimms stocked up behind the bar, an extra cocktail bar as well, they and their guests were all in a great celebratory spirit! A lot of fun was had…

Here’s a small glimpse midst the cutting of the cake and the first dance!

As we say our goodbyes and head off into the sunset, while the revellers continue their party, our job is not yet over. The first thing that happens is the lengthy process of ensuring all the memory cards are uploaded safely and backed up securely. The editing process is quite complex and goes through a number of stages over the next 8 weeks or so resulting in a beautiful set of images from the day.

Firstly, the couple get to view their images before they then choose which ones are for the album! Sabrina and Luke had gone for the Deluxe Collection which means they get a Duet Album. One for the main highlights, with thick pages and a high definition finish and the other a larger coffee table style book which holds the whole day in print. The great benefit to this is you don’t really have to compromise on what’s printed and what’s not. This collection also includes smaller, parent copies of the highlight album which make a great gift for those family members who have supported you on this journey.

Sabrina and Luke also chose a number of fine art prints for their wall. All of my printed products are handmade in Italy using the finest materials and inks, using the most up to date printing technology to ensure the optimum quality, colour balance and longevity of the photographs.

Here’s a quick glimpse at their albums, I’ll save the video of the un-boxing for another time!

Thank you so much Sabrina and Luke for choosing us to create the memories of your beautiful day. We had the most amazing time getting to know you both better over the years of preparations (and covid) and wish you health, wealth and happiness for your future together.

xX Fiona Xx

Chichester Cathedral Wedding

SUPPLIER LIST:

Venues: Chichester Cathedral & Southdowns Manor

Dress: Proposals (now Whyte Weddings)

Suit: Dartagnan’s “Black and Gold”

Rings: Ebony

Flowers: Mundham Nursery

Cake: Foxwood

Car: West Sussex Classic Wedding Cars

MUA: Arleta D

Winter Wedding Inspiration

As 2022 draws to a close, I thought I’d round up a selection of images of winter wedding inspiration for those planning their 2023/24 winter weddings.

It can be a challenge when planning a winter wedding to factor in a number of components that may have a direct effect on your day. These may include: Staying warm in your outfits; navigating the shorter days and loss of natural light; styling your wedding venue and creating a theme.

Outfits: For anyone braving the cold outdoors, layering up is a must! The same applies for your outfits… Styling your outfits with removable layers is a superb idea for keeping the chill off, it also enables us to provide a variety of images, with and without the layers throughout the day!

Take a look at some images for some winter wedding inspiration for your clothing 🙂 You will notice that a fur bolero or jacket is a popular choice for keeping that winter chill off! Have you considered a colour that fits your theme too? Despite a kilt appearing to only enhance cold knees, a full outfit, jacket and socks can actually provide more warmth than expected for those gents who want to go back to their gaelic roots.

Flowers: Another factor often looked over… when sourcing flowers, it’s worth considering that going for blooms that are in season can be a more affordable option than choosing a bouquet or floral decor with items that need to be sourced from overseas. Please bare in mind that when sourcing flowers that are out of season and not native to this country, extra attention needs to be given to their storage and preparation to ensure they are fresh for your big day.

I love seeing the creativity some couples have used… you can see here in this set of images that your floral winter wedding inspiration can be out of the box! We have broches, winter blooms and foliage, colours to complement the theme, Christmas decoration inspired centrepieces etc! The possibilities are endless!!

Styling: What about dressing your venue? Are you planning to incorporate Christmas, Narnia, or your own theme? The wonderful thing about the winter season is it is the perfect season to use the darker days to go crazy with decor and fairy lights!! You can go as subtle or as ostentatious as you like! Keeping the christmas tree in the background as a subtle reference or going in hard and make the most of it! What will be your winter wedding inspiration for your decor and venue dressing? Handmade or hired? Sometimes these aspects are down to your budget, creativity, time and energy. Some people love to spend the time hand making everything for their day, others would rather hire a company who have the tools, stock and know-how to make your vision happen in a flash. Either way, the opportunities are boundless.

Photography: What about your portraits and group shots? It’s worth considering that if you absolutely LOVE natural light photography, then a winter wedding might not be for you as the low sun and dramatically shorter days will have a direct impact on what is able to be achieved and captured using natural light. If a winter wedding is for you, then consider hiring a photographer who is comfortable and competent in both natural light and off-camera flash & additional lighting. This will make a big difference in your finished portraits.

It’s also worth considering that your plan of the day may need to be navigated to make the most of the natural light… this will happen during the planning conversations with your photographer. to give you an example, during the summer, your planned portrait sessions may be over two or three very short sessions at appropriate parts of your day to make the most of the longer days and changing light. However, during the winter that window is shorter, so you might find yourself allowing more time between the ceremony and wedding breakfast to ensure enough time is allocated for groups and newlywed shots. All these things are worth discussing with your photographer and planning in advance.

The location of your groups and portraits is also worth thinking about… you may find yourselves making moments en-route so guests aren’t subjected to more cold. Or, taking advantage of christmassy scenes in the local area. Some couples have chosen to get re-dressed on another day and shoot their portraits without the pressure of timings and light. Whatever works for you, I hope you can find some winter wedding inspiration for your planned portraits and group shots:

So, in summary (no pun intended) for your winter wedding inspiration, I hope my offerings have helped!! Whatever the season you choose to wed, you can make it your own! With a little foresight and planning you can also keep within your budget and have the perfect wedding that you’ve dreamed of!

I’ll add a list of suppliers who have also featured in the images above, incase you need some sign-posting for your day 🙂

xX Fiona Xx

Dresses:

www.whyteweddings.com

https://trulygorgeous.co.uk/#/

www.bijoubridal.co.uk

Suits:

www.astares.co.uk

https://www.greyssuithire.co.uk/

https://www.moss.co.uk/

Flowers:

www.flowers4worthing.co.uk

https://www.janewalkerforgeflowers.co.uk/

https://www.earthseedtobloom.co.uk/

Venues:

www.wealddown.co.uk/commercial/weddings

www.southendbarns.co.uk

https://www.arundeltownhall.com/

www.norfolkarmsarundel.com/weddings/

www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/venue/vicars-hall

Stylists:

www.littleeventscompany.co.uk/

https://www.tohaveandtohireweddings.com/

Brighton Pangdean Wedding | Nat & Ollie

Although it seems like absolute eons ago (thank you Covid), I met Natalie and Oli at their wedding venue, Pangdean Barns in Brighton, for their engagement shoot. Ollie was sporting an incredible black eye courtesy of a football injury that week. Here’s a flashback from that session in 2019!

The Preparations:

Due to the various lockdowns that have plagued our recent years, Nat and Ollie postponed their Brighton Pangdean Wedding until 2021. Thankfully, the celebrations were in full flow when their day finally arrived!

The difference in preparations between Natalie and her bridesmaids and Ollie and his groomsmen was hilarious! As you can see here, while the girls were in synch with hair, make-up and bubbles, the boys were in full on chill and drink mode! I do love capturing all those little details that make up the final outfits midst the chaos of a busy preparation time!

It’s incredible how fast the time comes when it’s finally time to put on your wedding day outfits. Hair and make-up is complete, deodorant applied, aftershave spritzed! All those plans are ready to come together.

I think you’ll agree how stunning Natalie looks in her Fross wedding dress, and how dapper Ollie is in his suit… thankfully minus a giant shiner this time!!

Due to renovating their home (remember how so many of us took on big lockdown projects!) Natalie was getting ready at her bridesmaids house, while Ollie was at his groomsmens pad. When Natalie’s dad arrived, it was a great opportunity to capture him seeing his beautiful daughter for the first time. She looked absolutely stunning, perfectly befitting their Brighton Pangdean wedding. I love how coordinated and stylish both the bridesmaids and the groomsmen are! It’s always important to get those shots that are instagram ready too!!

The Ceremony:

Pangdean Barn is located in the midst of the downs in Brighton. It’s a truly beautiful venue in the most stunning of settings. The venue have nailed the art of hosting weddings… they are so accommodating and flexible, ensuring that the needs of the couple are catered for. They are also so welcoming to us as suppliers every time we have shot there. Always going above and beyond, resulting in a perfect day for all.

I especially love the grounds and garden games that are on hand… you can never be too old to have a game of Connect 4 or a cheeky cruise on the go carts!! Seeing all the guests arrive and marvel at the venue whilst sipping on a cold glass of bubbles brings the start of those butterflies (that I’m sure most wedding photographers have), where the much anticipated action is about to start! Cue the arrival of the bride and it’s all systems go!

Being a Brighton Pangdean wedding photographer, isn’t just about capturing the epic shots, it’s about the small and intimate moments too. Just before Natalie was about to make her entrance, Ollie and his brothers spent some time with their mum who was unwell. It was so endearing to see these moments of tender love and care.

Pangdean Barn has the flexibility of offering both an indoor and outdoor ceremony space. In the height of summer, outside was the way to go here. I often shoot with a second photographer to be able to capture moments from a variety of angles. This certainly helps too when one of us find ourselves a little stuck and unable to move positions without disrupting the ceremony! Our main goal is to be as unobtrusive as possible whilst shooting a variety of perspectives.

Once the groomsmen had ensured Ollie was looking ship-shape, and the rings were definitely there, the ceremony was good to go! Preceded by her bridesmaids, Natalie glided down the aisle to her besotted looking groom. A wonderful ceremony filled with joy and laughter. How wonderful for all to witness Natalie and Ollie tie the knot after the long period of lockdowns and postponements. How else to celebrate this new union with an explosion of confetti as they walk back down the aisle as Mr & Mrs!!

The Portraits:

The next order of the day was drinks, canapes and some family group photos! As the sun was high and hot, we picked a spot under a shady tree to protect everyone from the harsh elements… there is another reason for avoiding the high sun. Although it may be wonderful to feel the sun and its warming tingle on our skin, when it comes to group shots it can actually be quite unflattering to have everyone squinting to avoid the brightness. Also, the contrast between the highlights and shadows is far more extreme. We save those creative camera settings in the high sun for when it’s just the couple, getting the brightness working in our favour!

The guests dutifully played, drank and socialised to Tobias’ crooning while we set to work. There was entertainment a plenty to keep their friends and family occupied, so we nipped off to spend some time with Natalie and Ollie and the fabulous car they had hired for their day! We even managed to convince the driver to bring it up the hill so we could capture the grounds and scenery in all its glory!

Once the car continued on its merry way, it was time to focus on just Natalie and Ollie, back in the place we had earmarked all that time ago during their engagement shoot! With a view like this, it seemed a waste not to use it for some newlywed portraits! Summer flora was in high bloom and the rolling hills in the background did not disappoint!

On our way back down the hill to the barns for their wedding breakfast and speeches, we couldn’t resist one more cheeky set of portraits outside the the different backdrop of the rustic barn!! I love how varied we can be in capturing the newlywed portraits, and the Brighton Pangdean wedding venue certainly lends itself to those opportunities. The nature of these frames made me think of the fun had in photobooths when your strip of film came out of the bottom!!

The Wedding Reception:

Pangdean Barn has a great seating area for the wedding breakfast. Filled to the rafters with fairy lights coiled around the beams. The guests dining together on well dressed round tables. Everyone in prime position to watch the groom get thoroughly roasted by his best men!!! What more could you want??!! Oooodles of bubbly, that’s what… and it was certainly delivered!

After the ties were loosened, and inhibitions lowered by a few measures of carefully curated shots and drinks, we were able to encourage the bridal party out for a few portraits using yet another area of the grounds. The industrial barn backdrop!! By this point, these guys were hilarious!! Herding cats is probably a good comparison…. full of giggles and mischievousness, it was a really fun filled part of the day! As you can see by the way the bridesmaids had hold of Ollie, they were taking no prisoners!! The guests had also continued to be on fine form as they carried on celebrating!

Natalie wanted a shot with her Hen-Do girls (including the mask of their friend who was unable to make it due to having Covid) It quickly got out of hand, but don’t worry, no hens (or grooms) were harmed in the making of these images!!

The evening went off to a bang with Tobias and the Hustlers performing! The dance floor was pumping after Nat and Ollie’s exquisite first dance. The band definitely brought the party tunes to the stage! The tie around the head shot epitomising the evenings events…. sadly our time was drawing to an end, but we left safe in the knowledge that the party would continue long into the night.

Natalie and Ollie completed their wedding photography collection with an Italian handmade album by Graphistudio. As I’ve perhaps mentioned before, all my couples will receive an album, afterall, an image remains an image until its printed… only then it becomes a photograph….

For Nat and Ollie, we personalised the box and album cover using their colour theme of the day with rich burgundys and blues and a stylish maple finish. Something that they can continue to treasure and look back on with the best of memories.

Thank you so much Natalie & Ollie for having us capture your day! We had an incredible time and are so glad that despite the lockdown setbacks leading up to it, your wedding day was in no way restricted or compromised when it finally came!

Brighton Pangdean Wedding | Nat & Ollie

Venue: https://www.pangdean.com/

Wedding Dress: https://www.frossweddingcollections.co.uk/

Rings: https://www.rtfj.co.uk/

Band: https://www.instagram.com/tobiasratcliffe/?hl=en

Flowers: https://www.lydiedaltonfloraldesign.co.uk/

Cissbury Barns Wedding Photographer | Jess & Joel

Cissbury Barns Wedding Photographer

Many of you may be thinking, “I recognise this couple?!” Well, of course you do, they’ve been incredible models for me in the past on styled shoots at The Weald & Downland Museum and also Bailiffscourt Hotel. This time, however, IT WAS THEIR REAL WEDDING!!

I’ve known this couple for many years and after seeing their relationship develop and grow it was a true honour to be their wedding photographer. I had never photographed at Cissbury Barns either, so I was doubly excited for their day 🙂

As with all of my wedding photography collections, an engagement shoot is a must. We split this into two parts… after Joel proposed during a sunrise walk up The Trundle near Goodwood, we met later that day in Chichester so they could have some shots for the Facebook announcement!! Classic Jess & Joel forward planning, who am I to refuse such a request!!

They later planned their proper engagement shoot at Elmer Beach, a place they regularly go to walk, swim and generally chill! I loved the playfulness they both had on this day… A far cry from the previous wedding shoots we’d structured!

Jess and Joel had chosen September to marry, a wonderful month in my opinion… still basking in the Summer warmth while the surrounding backdrops still full of light and colour, starting that gorgeous warmed toned change into the rich colours of Autumn.

To start the day I popped to Joel’s parents house to spend some time with him and the boys while they faffed with ties and buttonholes! It was a very chilled morning, beers were open and the atmosphere was full of joy! The boys looked awesome in their coordinating gray suits from Astares Menswear, with Joel himself looking stylish in his Herbie Frogg three piece suit. I love the attention to detail with the cufflinks from EllieEllie and coordinating blush-gold ties sourced from Swagger & Swoon.

I couldn’t resist getting some shots with Joel and his parents. I’ve been very lucky to have got to know them all over the years and love their cheeky interaction with each other… Joel especially taking great joy to continually tease his parents which they seem to relish in with equal joy and love!

The weather was perfect for some action shots with the groomsmen too, these boys certainly loved strutting their stuff for the camera. In fact, I don’t think any form of encouragement was needed from my part at all!!

Next stop was driving across town to see Jess while she and the girls got ready. They had rented a stunning AirBnB on the seafront to host them all with tremendous views over the sea! I think myself very lucky to also live in this stunning area, it was a great move on Jess’ part to pick this spot. Toni Todd was working creative wonders on Jess’ hair and makeup while Jess could peacefully look out to the horizon and take in that fresh, sea air. The girls were busy getting ready downstairs while this was happening, each requiring varying levels of help from each other to get those straps just perfect!!

While the bridesmaids were wearing stunning silver toned Amore dresses from Etsy, Jess had chosen an Enzoani Blue Juri gown from Proposals in Chichester. A delicately detailed dress which showed off her shape to perfection. The flowers were from Fleur de Lis, with blush hoops for the girls to hold and as a something blue, Jess’ were finished with blue fabric as a nod to the movement of the sea they were so close to. Jess, an accomplished calligrapher and sign writer had also created lovely, personalised hangers and gift boxes for her ladies! A lovely touch.

I loved the quiet moments while Jess was getting into her dress, followed by the loud exclamations of joy as she revealed herself to her waiting friends and family. A quick few moments were spent with the bridal party on the seafront to make the most of their location. Time well spent I feel!

Both Jess and Joel practice their faith, so chose to get married in Joel’s childhood church, The Shore Community Church where Joel’s mum Julie works and is on the leadership team. This meant that Julie could actually marry them, an incredibly personal honour for any parent to be able to do.

Jess arrived and was led into the church by both her Dad and Step-Dad. A wonderful way to honour both Dads in her life. Preceded by her bridesmaid and flower girls, it was wonderful to see the joy and anticipation on both hers and Joel’s faces.

The service, led by Joel’s mum Julie, was also full of other personal touches. Jess’ signwriting was evident in much of the decor that sat alongside items decorated by To Have and to Hire. The band leading worship were all friends, Jess’ mum played the flute and Jamie, the Minister of The Shore, served up a very humorous address! The stationary was designed by Jess and Joel themselves to tie in with their theme. A superbly personal service.

I’ve not known Jess to often wear heels, so it came as no surprise when I looked down at one point to see her at the front of church bare footed!! I couldn’t resist a quick shot!!

After being prayed for by friends and family, Jess and Joel ensured they were first in line for the donuts waiting in the foyer! The timings of the day were quite tight, so we elected to dash straight to the venue so the newlyweds could enjoy 15 mins alone before the arrival of the rest of their guests.

Set high up in the South Downs near Findon, Cissbury Barns is a stunning, secluded wedding venue. It was a real treat to spend some time with the newlyweds whilst giving them some time alone to just catch up on the last 24 hours. This moment immediately after marrying is so precious, as all the flushes of joy are literally buzzing around the couple! Thankfully armed with the photographers’ toolkit that includes super long lenses, I’m able to give a couple space and privacy whilst shooting these precious portraits. I think you’ll agree the setting is gorgeous!

Before too long the guests arrived and started enjoying the available bar and canapes. The time to sit down for the wedding breakfast was arriving fast so with the help of a *very* organised best man, we worked through the list of group shots Jess & Joel has created.

Prior to the meal, it was important that Grace was said, this came courtesy of Grandad! The food was delicious and thoroughly enjoyed by all, including me! Usually I’m hidden away in a quiet room during the meal, however on this occasion due to our friendship and knowing many of the guests too I was seated in the hall with the others. It was great to catch up with many I’d not seen for a while (wedding season can do that to us photographers!)

Speeches came in due course, Jess even managed to surprise Joel and get on the mic gifting them some new jumpers as a nod to their new marital status. The highlight had to be Joel suitably embarrassed by a wonderful, yet cheeky speech by his best man.

Before the evening party kicked off with a bang, we took some time during the golden hour to capture some more creative photographs with the bridal party as well as some intimate portraits of Jess and Joel. Incidentally, as well as winning Wedding Photographer of the Year 2019 in the Master Photographers Association South Central region, I also scooped the 2nd prize with one of the images I took during this golden hour moment! #humblebrag lol!!

The flower girls had a great time spent with Jess as they showed off their matching metallic shoes courtesy of Asos & Toms!

The first dance was a beautiful moment where one of Jess’ bridesmaids played and sung in their first dance together as a married couple. The 88’s then kicked off with all the party tunes which proved a hit with the crowd, especially when Adrian, the sax player, bought out his illuminating saxophone to the dance floor! A first-timer as a Cissbury Barns Wedding Photographer, I was so impressed with the venue and the service provided. They had a great spaces available for those who wanted to dance, those wanting some chilled time to chat and drink, those wanting to play party games or toast marshmallows.

The evening was finished off with a sparkler exit before the newlyweds departed for their first newlywed night together!

Once the images had gone through the editing process the next stage was to design their Graphistudio album! In previous consultations Jess and Joel fell into the classic roles where Jess loved the images and how hers might look on a spread, while Joel spent hours marvelling over the materials box with it’s secret compartments and sliding doors! Before too long we had a design that worked perfectly so we completed our collection by supping on champagne and beer while they opened their album for the first time ever! I absolutely love this moment, seeing all the years of planning and the beauty of the day, presented in a timeless album, a legacy they can cherish and look back on for many generations to come.

Thank you so much for including me in such a joyful day. It has been a pleasure and an honour to be a small part in this journey… I also love how we still have pizza nights long after the wedding has passed where Joel takes great pleasure in cheekily getting my kids all hyped up just before their bedtime is due!

xX Fiona Xx

Cissbury Barns Wedding Photographer | Jess & Joel

Southdowns Manor Wedding Photographer | Megan & Leigh

I’m a lover of all seasons, but I have to say being able to capture the spring fields of gold and blue for Megan & Leigh’s engagement shoot coupled with the summer blooms for their wedding, I feel I really got the best of sceneries for them both! I love being able to get to know a couple better during this relaxed time together… Here’s a peek at their E-Shoot:

Megan and Leigh chose the gorgeous Southdowns Manor for their wedding. A beautiful venue which provides the perfect spots for everyone to get ready, plus rooms so the guests can really let their hair down without having to worry about the journey home!

It felt like a spa with Megan and her girls in their matching robes and slippers having their hair and makeup done! The bridal suite was free to hold the gorgeous dresses and accesories away from the risk of mascara smudges and rogue directional hairspray! I love being able to capture the details… so much thought has gone into everything, it’s very easy to forget once the day has passed. I think it’s wonderful when people choose a special scent to wear on their wedding day… using that perfume or cologne again at a later date can really evoke the senses bringing those memories back to the surface!

The flowers were beautifully put together with their soft colours and tones, I adored the juxtaposition of their delicacies against the industrial outside fire-escape and roof tiles!

The boys were busy bustling together to all get dressed in another room… although there was calm, there was definitely a touch of chaos too!! Being a big group of boxers, there was also a lot of fists and growls as they cheered each other on! The bridal party and groomsmen also consisted of Megan & Leigh’s children, so it was lovely to see them in their parental roles helping their kids whilst also getting ready themselves!

The bridal suite at Southdowns Manor is decorated in stunning soft blues with a four poster bed taking pride of place. Clear from the clutter of the earlier hair and make-up prep it made for an incredibly peaceful (and photogenic) space for Megan to be helped into her dress.

The venue was all set up for an outdoors ceremony, which was perfect on such a warm and sunny day… there was not a cloud in the sky! The flowers and decor fit the soft white and pink tones of Megan’s colour schemes while the boys offered up a contrast in their blue suits. Leigh showing pride of place in his tweed finish.

You could absolutely feel and see the joy on both Megan and Leigh’s faces as the ceremony started. Thankfully sheltered from the harsh sun under the canopy of Southdowns Manor’s outdoor ceremony space, they just looked a picture of radiance as they said their vows to each other.

With the team on hand with cold beers, bubbly and refreshments the guests were completely looked after. The weather and outdoor space providing the perfect setting for a relaxed celebration once the vows had been exchanged!

Due to it being the height of summer, we had planned the group and newlywed photos in stages. As a Southdowns Manor Wedding Photographer it’s important to recognise the seasons and how the light plays into that… making the most of the light available whilst ensuring the couple don’t feel they’re on a constant photoshoot! The bonus of summer is the days are long so we can schedule in short bursts throughout the day.

I tend to choose shaded areas to keep people of of the direct sun, not only for comfort, but generally it’s far more flattering to have the softer light on us rather than squinting eyes or sunglasses being the order of the day!

First up, the family groups and a quick newlywed session while they’re on the flush of that adrenaline high! With their children playing a major part of their day it was great to incorporate them into the group shots, but also capture what they (and the other guests) were up to while they were patiently waiting for their turn!

It was time for the wedding breakfast and speeches, so making the most of the wonderful walkway at the venue, Megan and Leigh walked through a cloud of confetti before greeting their guests in turn using their stunning flower wall. As always, the food at Southdowns was absolutely delicious and the team serving with a professionalism that surpasses many restaurants.

The speeches were met with tears of joy and laughter (and maybe a little shame courtesy of the cheeky best man who proved himself to be a worthy orator). I love listening to the speeches, sometimes I get so caught up in the emotion of it all I have to remind myself I’m their photographer!! To be honest, I’m usually brimming with some sort of emotion throughout the day while I’m feeling all the feels!

While the room was being turned around and prepared for the evening party, many of the guests used this time to pop to their rooms to refresh. It’s so convenient having this facility on site, us girls love to touch up our hair and make-up!! I’m sure the guys take advantage of the space too checking out the two fully stocked bars available (of course, I’m generalising here, but you get my gist!)

This was the perfect time to take Megan and Leigh away for their newlywed portraits. I knew that Megan and Leigh wanted a combo of a candid document of their day plus some killer shots for their album of the two of them looking their finest, so we got to work! The sun was still high in the sky, but the light and tones around the grounds were just perfect.

Humble brag, I’ve picked up several awards from The Master Photographers Association from this session with Megan and Leigh including Wedding Photographer of the Year in my South Central Region. I love being able to create art for my couples, and their happiness is always my main objective, but I’m very happy to also be recognised professionally for my work.

The evening celebrations continued with guests relaxing in the grounds, soaking in the warm air… although the warmth could have come from the cigar smoking endeavours haha!! The cutting of the cake and first dance followed into the evening with the resident DJ providing the tunes. The guests partied hard and really seemed to take the whole relaxed and party vibe in their stride! It was like they were made for this wedding!!

We took a final stroll around the grounds with Megan and Leigh as the sun lowered, giving them some time to just enjoy each others company. It really is such a versatile and beautiful venue to marry in, it’s hard to not take advantage of all the opportunities! The flower wall proved to be a perfect place to capture some portraits while guests rested from all that heavy dancing!!

As we bid our goodbyes to the happy couple and guests, we embarked on the next stage of our photographic mission…. the uploading of files, editing and album design!

Megan and Leigh chose the Italian handmade Young Book by Graphistudio, a stunning contemporary album designed with the soft tones of their colour scheme in mind. It looked absolutely gorgeous and will stand the test of time as they look at this legacy of memories for years to come.

Thank you so much for choosing me to capture the memories of your day! It was a gorgeous day filled with so much love, laughter and friendship. A true pleasure to witness.

I wish you all the best for your future,

xX Fiona Xx

Southdowns Manor Wedding Photographer | Megan & Leigh

Southdowns Manor Wedding Photographer | Megan & Leigh

Farnham Castle Wedding Photographer | Siobhan & Matt

I met the lovely Siobhan and Matt during a wedding fair, where we got chatting about the plans for their day…. It turns out that they had actually seen a shot online from a previous Farnham Castle wedding they loved, which happened to be one of mine that I’d won with for the Master Photographers Association “Reportage Photographer of the Year” for my South Central region (see, entering these competitions can come in handy!) … it’s highly likely we also chatted about subjects totally irrelevant to weddings or photography… This often happens!! After a further telephone consultation away from the sensory overload of a fair, I was super excited to be booked to capture the memories of their day.

As with most of my wedding photography collections we continued our journey together with an engagement shoot. The weather and location on our side, West Witterings was perfect for a stroll and a chat while we shot. Here’s one from that session… they had chosen their favourites to be presented in a GoBook Album by Graphistudio as a lasting memory of this time in their lives.

As a Farnham Castle Wedding Photographer, Siobhan and Matt couldn’t have chosen a more beautiful venue…. there’s a little Disney inspired story that led to their choice. It seems Disney and castles in particular had played a major part in their lives over key dates and proposals, so it was only befitting that they marry in a castle.

Naturally, Siobhan and her bridal party got ready in the Gatehouse while Matt prepped elsewhere with the boys. Siobhan has a love for detail, textiles and design so there were so many aspects and details found during the day that tied their theme together perfectly. With gifts galore too, it was lovely to see how the couple had thoughtfully considered their friends and family in their plans.

With Siobhan in the final stages of getting into her gown and the boys all ready and casually sipping on their hip flasks (I mean checking all details are correct and guests happy!!) we were almost ready to get into that nervous anticipation of the ceremony. Farnham Castle has either the Norman Chapel for CofE services, or the Lantern Hall for civil ceremonies. It’s great to have a venue with that flexibility. Siobhan and Matt had chosen a CofE service for their wedding, and the chapel looked beautiful adorned with flowers in their soft colour palate of pinks, whites and blues. This was continued into the Great Hall where we peeked in and noticed every table was named after bands which the couple had seen live… I’ve got to admit, I had some serious gig-envy going on there with some of the names present!

I absolutely love that moment where the father of the bride sees his daughter for the first time, and this was no different. The love and adoration was so very present and heartfelt.

A short walk to the chapel for the Bridal Party and a few extra moments of nervous waiting from Matt and his boys, then a clearly excited Siobhan was ready for her entrance!

The lovely ceremony included readings from Siobhan’s mum and a very personal address from the Vicar. Before the newlyweds were presented to their waiting guests to be assaulted with handfuls of confetti, after the ceremony they were whisked off through the back way to see their decorated Great Hall and have a moment to themselves, celebrating with a glass of fizz.

For a Farnham Castle Wedding Photographer, it is not unusual to use the steps for a group shot straight after the confetti! It’s a perfect way to keep the crowd together before they get tempted by the drinks and canapes! This was also a great time to spend 10 minutes with Matt & Siobhan around the grounds from some newlywed portraits after their family shots… Check out the gorgeous generational image of Siobhan with her Mum & Nan (and grandad waiting patiently lol!!)

I love how the scenery changes so much with the seasons at Farnham Castle, seeing the gardens in full bloom in June is a wonderful sight!

Once the guests were seated in the Great Hall, Siobhan & Matt were welcomed in to a rapturous applause before sitting down to a divine wedding breakfast. The catering at Farnham Castle is superb, and as a supplier who is always well fed there, I’m not just relying on the couples feedback!! The speeches followed with much hilarity as both best men re-told stories from their adventures with Matt, yet despite the ribbing, it was clear he was truly loved by his friends.

While the Great Hall was being turned around for the evening celebrations, many of the guests took the opportunity to pop to their rooms (another super bonus of this venue, incase you need more, they have rooms!!). We used this lull in the day to whisk Mr & Mrs Freeman up to the original castle ruins for some portraiture using the historic features available.

I find that rather than doing one long formal portrait session during a wedding, I much prefer to break it into a couple of smaller, yet well timed sessions. Making use of natural breaks in the day, whilst enabling the couple to actually have some time with eachother alone…. I say alone, I’m often using a long lens at times to give the couple space and distance from me where they can have privacy in their conversations during the portrait session.

The wedding cake had super subtle nods to Disney, can you spot them amidst the mini Mr & Mrs Freeman? With a swift cutting of the cake, we moved on to the first dance before the dance floor was mobbed to the tunes of the live band!

Siobhan & Matt has also chosen to have a photobooth to enable Matt to include his other love…. Marvel!! This was a great hit, with many choosing the booth and others choosing to also grab a more classical portrait with their loved ones!

It was a truly superb wedding day and the service provided by Farnham Castle did not disappoint! What a wonderful way to get to know a couple better than to walk on this journey with them

After the day was finished, our job was not yet done. Once the images were edited it was time to curate these into a collection for Siobhan and Matt that consisted of multiple albums…. The Duet by Graphistudio is hugely popular. The initial 30 page A4 Young Book album containing all their super favourite portraits and moments of the day in the highest quality of paper and printing techniques. From that we create another album, The Primo… 100 A3 pages all bound beautifully into a coffee table style book, enabling so much more of the day to be printed. This is handmade and created to fit both into a bespoke Design Box. The collection was completed with some mini-parent copies and a personalised USB to match the books and box design. Truly, a stunning way to display and view your albums.

Thank you so so much for putting your trust into me to capture your day, we had a blast and it was lovely getting to know you. I can’t wait to hear about the next chapter in your lives and be on hand to document your journey again!

xX Fiona Xx

Farnham Castle Wedding Photographer | Siobhan & Matt