Tag: best chichester photographer

West Sussex Winter Wedding | Emma & John

After a break from blog writing for a while, I thought it was about time I played catch up with what I’ve been shooting. First up is the West Sussex Winter Wedding of Emma and John. This is a massively personal blog for me to write for many reasons. Firstly, it’s down to Emma, the beautiful bride! She is a really close friend of mine who moved into our home in 2009 until 2017, becoming as close as a family member to my family. Despite now marrying her off, she’s still a sister from another mista!

The first thing we do once I’ve sealed the deal as your wedding photographer is we book in a pre-wedding shoot! Emma and John were no exception. We took a stroll round Hotham Park during the golden hour, hung out, chatted and got comfy in front of the camera! It’s such a wonderful time to capture the joy of the engagement period, a time often spent rushing and planning. Let’s honour it, and document it while also helping you feel less camera shy!

So, Emma being very close, was caught in the quandary of having me as her bridesmaid or photographer! We decided to go for it and try being both (in secret I was quite bricking it, but then I tried to convince myself that as this is my profession, of course I can handle it haha!!). The beauty of this is that I got to hang out with Emma wedding dress shopping, chatting about plans etc! I feel rather proud that I can lay a claim on spotting her gown first at Bijou Bridal Boutique in Barnham! Emma got ready at my home (which was also hers for many years) and it felt soooo lovely! The rest of her bridal party were either friends or family, their nephews were page boys and my daughters, flower girls. It was a fun morning, a gaggle of girls getting ready, enjoying the prep time together! I feel I got the best of both worlds… getting ready with the gang and shooting it simultaneously, curling the hair of some bridesmaids while thrusting my camera to the florist to take a shot with me in it!

Emma and John chose the most gorgeous colour palate for their West Sussex Winter Wedding. Deep reds, mink and white offset with evergreen foliage. Emma gave her bridesmaids a colour palate and asked us to choose our own style of dress from Asos, although her sister Laura found the most exquisite Karen Millen dress that no one could have turned down! John and his groomsmen wore suits from Marks & Spencer.

Arriving in a striking gold VW Camper van, the ceremony was held at Opengate church in Bognor Regis. Again, keeping with the personalised day, Emma’s father Graham was the pastor of this church up until a recent move. He had the honour of walking his daughter down the aisle before turning around to conduct the service, marrying them! I loved the intricacies that went into the planning of how we were all going to “aisle walk”. I snuck down with my flowers in hand and my cameras strapped on before the music started, turning to shoot the rest of the bridal party! My biggest fear…. high heels and a long dress, followed by the paranoia that my own kids would do something crazy at their turn to walk haha!! Seeing John and his uncontained, joyful emotion as Emma was preceded down the aisle was just lovely. Very emotional to watch as you see someone you love preparing for one of the biggest days of their life!

Their faith being a major part of their life, John and Emma kicked off the service with worship. Sophia, one of the bridesmaids got up to join the band as they sung through the first part of the ceremony. The worship was lead by the Push Community, a community of Christian singers and songwriters that Emma was a part of, set up by my late husband Tom (you see, this really was becoming a very very personalised wedding!) And a cheeky behind-the-scenes shot of me taken by my lovely friend Toby, who also helped press the trigger when I was in the group shots! It was a service filled with love and joy!

It was so beautiful to watch Emma and John be married by her Dad. A wedding ceremony is a brilliant thing at the best of times, but it really isn’t every day you get to something where so many are intimately involved. The delicious cake that was cut before their first dance was made by her other very talented bridesmaid, Charlene!

Emma and John flipped their wedding day upside down! After the ceremony and a short time for some family portraits the party kicked off with a hog roast by Great Big Pig and an early disco with Nick, supplied by Toast Functions. Quite considerately, Emma realised that as many of her guests would be there with young children, so instead of many having to go home or find sitters, they went for a relaxed and early finish. A small group of us headed to Bailiffscourt Hotel for an intimate Wedding Breakfast (and a conveniently beautiful place for John and Emma to spend their wedding night!). It was all decked out with Christmas trees and fairy lights, a perfect West Sussex Winter Wedding venue!

Due to the close timings and light on their wedding day (a factor that is necessary to consider with a West Sussex Winter Wedding) we had planned in advance to focus on their newlywed portraits after their sunny honeymoon in the Maldives! In homage to the beach we went down to the Witterings on a cold, but dry day. Armed with wellington boots, a sherpa blanket, a flask of coffee and some Prosecco we got some beautiful portraits of the two of them. A couple of which even netted me some prestigious awards! Not bad for multitasking as a bridesmaid and photographer!

I’m so so very glad to have been a part of their day (and life in general). It is an honour that my family have been able to do life with them in so many ways. There is now a very cute addition to their family, by way of an adorable little boy called Finn…. I’m sure you will see more posts with him included in the future!

Thank you so much Emma and John for trusting me to multitask so massively! It really was a huge honour!

Fiona xxx

FionaMillsArt | West Sussex Winter Wedding

Farbridge Wedding Photographer | Natasha & Neale

You may remember the Pre-wedding shoot I did with Natasha & Neale at Petworth Park? I spent much of the time not believing the little specs in the distance were indeed hundreds of deer, until we got closer and I had to concede that Neale’s eyes where indeed better than mine! Here’s a link back to that shoot…

I first met Natasha and a big gang of her girlie friends at a wedding fair put on by The Bridal Planners, which is a great online resource for those planning their wedding. We arranged to meet up pretty soon after to have a more indepth chat about the wedding she was planning with Neale. Wedding fairs are great to meet people and get an initial feel, but there’s nothing like taking your time over a cuppa or a glass of vino to really ascertain if you are a fit for eachother.

Natasha and Neale chose Farbridge, near Chichester as their wedding venue. It really is a stunning location. With views out to the South Downs of a landscape that changes with the seasons, as well as a perfect blend of traditional barn settings with a modern contemporary look, you’d be hard pushed to find something you didn’t like. What really sets this apart is that there are also rooms available for guests, not just the one main Bridal Suite. The Bridal Suite is, however, absolutely gorgeous. Natasha & her ladies got themselves primped and made up there, Hollie Turner being the incredible Make-Up Artist. There was plenty of room for all and enough variety to ensure the girls could take their selfies in good light, even if it meant the help Natasha had to get into her Wedding Dress was left up the only man in the room! Natasha’s wedding dress was a full Princess style gown from Proposals in Chichester. It fit like a glove and looked beautiful on her.

While the girls were getting ready there was plenty happening elsewhere. Caroline from Nordic Twigs was busy preparing an abundance of floral displays, while The Toast Events wrestled in a heavy, bespoke wooden arch they had created for the wedding ceremony, which would later be part of Natasha & Neale’s garden furnishing. The team at Farbridge were setting up the main hall and ceremony room, which was also adorned with a cake display created by one of their friends Gill. Neale added a number of creative, personalised touches before dashing off back home to retrieve the rings that had been forgotten! We made sure Natasha was oblivious to this minor detour!!

Neale and his best Man Dan wasted no time in getting their suits on and hot-footing it to the ceremony room ready for the arrival of the Bridal Party. The colour theme was a lovely soft sage green and pastel pink, which complemented the soft colours in the flowers and greenery throughout. The girls looked beautiful as they paraded down the aisle to Neale, as he waited patiently.

After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed the lovely outdoor space which, in the height of a summers day, was lovely and warm! With drinks flowing, canapes seemingly never-ending and lawn games for all, it was a lovely spot to create some portraits previously requested by Natasha and Neale without taking them too far from the party! While the guests were ushered into the Main Hall to be seated for the wedding breakfast, we used a few moments to take some portraits of the Newlyweds before they made their grand entrance.

It is lovely to see the individuality put into each wedding. As a Farbridge Wedding Photographer covering Surrey and Hampshire as well as Sussex, you see a lot of variety and unique spins in the way the day is presented and ordered. Here, rather than starting with the meal, Natasha and Neale walked in together to cut the cake first before diving straight into the speeches. I have to say, Neale’s rendition of how Natasha “wooed” him after meeting at Sheiks Nightclub one Christmas weekend had us all in stitches!! Needless to say, Natasha got exactly what she wanted, but it made for the most hilarious story. Dan, the Best Man didn’t go easy on Neale either! I’m not sure its a wise thing for a camera to be brought on a stag do….

Farbridge served the most delicious meal of chicken and vegetables cooked perfectly and finished with a flavoursome jus. The team there really do look after all the guests that are being catered for, and the service providers like myself, the videographer, DJ etc. It’s a real treat to shoot there.

The interim time after the meal, before the evening party really kicks off, is a perfect time to pop away for some quick portraits with the couple. Natasha and Neale had always known that they didn’t want a zillion formal group shots, but rather just ensure them, their immediate family and bridal party were captured intentionally, the rest being candid and documentary style. This is a great way to capture the vibe and flow of the day without spending too long keeping guests waiting for “their turn in a shot” but still ensuring those important portraits aren’t missed either.

On my rece of Farbridge I had noticed near the disused dairy (which is a popular photo spot) was another derelict space. I fell in love with it and knew we needed to make some time to take Natasha & Neale up there. Thankfully, the rest of the Bridal Party hadn’t quite started hitting the tequilas so were up for it as well. The light was just perfect, my second shooter, Lee, and I split up while there so we could work on double the amount of combos at the same time. We are always aware that most bridal parties would rather be back at the bar or hitting the dancefloor than spending too long having their photo taken!

For this image below, I just wanted to do an edgier edit of one of the portraits. I just loved the juxtaposition of this beautiful couple in all their finery, alone, in the midst of a disused and derelict space. The love they have for one another surpassing surface beauty, enduring through cracks, bumps and hurdles. Exactly what marriage is about.

All said and done, however, a Farbridge Wedding Photographer cannot fail to include the natural beauty of the location itself. The rolling hills as the sun lowers in the sky, the green land, pastures and fields in the distance. All creating the beautiful Vista that is the Farbridge Estate.

The evening party continued with music from Epic Lyte Sound, Mike spinning the tunes on the decks and guests enjoying the last of the warm sun. It became apparent that Lee’s beard had also attracted a lot of attention, many guests wishing to pose with him and his beard (it is a very nice beard!)

Natasha and her Dad kicked off the dancing with a lovely Father/Daughter dance, before Neale joined for some quick moves! It wasn’t long before the rest of the party joined on the dance floor!

As the moon rose from behind the hill, we left the newlyweds to the last part of their celebrations and started our processes of backing up and importing the images. The editing process is just as important part of the job as the planning, prep and shooting. It’s so important to know that the images you deliver to the couple are the best document of their day. All of my photography collections include an album. On this occasion Natasha and Neale had toyed with the idea of having their images printed on Fine Art Paper or Deep Matte (depending on the album style). When they came over to discuss specifics so I could start the design, I recall Neale saying he remembered the album that contained everything printed (The Duet) and he knew he didn’t want that. With a subtle arch of Natasha’s brow we looked at the options….

Naturally, Natasha & Neale chose to upgrade to The Duet!! An A4 30pg Fine Art Young Book containing just their portraits plus a 100pg Primo Book, a magazine style A3 album, containing every element of their day. A true story telling album. The albums sat together in a colour coordinated Design Box, finished with an ennoblement on the lid which I designed around their wedding invitations. As you may know, for me a photograph is not a photograph until it is printed, so having the whole day in a tangible, hard copy form is always the best option in my opinion. Something to treasure forever. A digital image is similar to a negative from a film. A back-up of the photo you truly value. Something to post on Facebook, or email your Australian Aunt.

Once you include the extra Parent Copies of the Primo, Design Boxes to house them and some Fine Art framed prints for gifts and their home, Neale certainly did get everything printed (but I have a sneaking suspicion Natasha knew that would have been the case all along!)

It has been so lovely to have got to know Natasha and Neale further, as the journey from choosing their photographer to receiving their photographs took it’s time over the year or so. I feel like I have genuinely made new friends! I’m really looking forward to seeing the next stages of their life together and hopefully photograph some babies in the next couple of years!!

Big Love,

xX Fiona Xx

FionaMillsArt | Photography | Farbridge Wedding Photographer

Chichester Harbour Hotel Wedding Photographer | India & Russell

I met India & Russell earlier this year when they were on the search for a wedding photographer. After being a couple for many years and well settled into family life with their three children, they felt it about time to tie the knot!

As with all of my couples, the first thing we embarked upon was the pre-wedding test shoot. Here’s a snap below, but the full link to that blog is here, where they frolicked in the Bluebells and Fields of Gold. It was a great morning to get to know one another better and teach India & Russ the finer art of being natural and comfortable in front of the camera

India and Russell had chosen the Chichester Harbour Hotel in West Sussex as their wedding venue. India was getting ready in The Cottage, the cosy 1 bedroom apartment that is adjoined to the hotel, yet independently accessed. While India was busy having her make-up done by Kiri, her daughter and niece kindly offered to help me with the dress photography! This gorgeous, figure hugging gown was from Proposals, a bridal boutique in the heart of Chichester (where I also got mine from over 10 years ago!)

Taking a few moments to see how the men were getting along with their task of getting ready, it seemed they had decided to get ahead of the game and make a start on having a pre-wedding drink or two while going over their speeches… And why not, with the bar perfectly placed between the bedrooms and the ceremony hall, it would have been rude not to!

A lovely day at the beginning of June, the wedding was timed perfectly as the ceremony room had just undergone a major refurb. It looked crisp, fresh and bright! With the chair covers and sashes complementing the peach, sage and fresh green colour palate if the bridal party. A stunning summer blend.

Popping back to see how the girls were getting on, it was incredible seeing India getting into her dress. It was if that gown were made for her. Stunning and slinky, India was every bit the gorgeous bride. While Mum was helping her into those last squeezes of the corset, the girls kept me busy again with some cheeky portraits!

One of the great things about getting ready and married in the same location is that as a Chichester Harbour Hotel Wedding Photographer I can flit back and forth, to and fro between all members of the bridal party. India and Russell’s two sons joined us this time looking superb in their matching suits.

The ceremony was a delight, every chair was filled, family and friends abundant. The happiness and love was clear to see as India and Russell married in front of their nearest and dearest. With a personal poem read out by Indie’s mum that was a real tear jerker…. As a wedding photographer, I’m over 10 years in and I still haven’t yet got immune to the emotional response in me when I attend people’s weddings! It’s a good job I’m hidden behind the camera!!

We took a quick detour with the family to Priory Park, just next door to the Chichester Harbour Hotel. The kids leapt and whooped their way across, thankful for the open space! All the cousins together created a fizzing ball of energy! At times, it could be described as herding cats, but we all got there in one piece for a few family portraits before spending some moments with India and Russell.

While guests enjoyed the bar and caught up with each other, the room at the hotel was swiftly turned around ready for the wedding breakfast. A delicious three course meal that consisted of beautifully presented carpaccio starters, chicken and fish courses and puddings that looked like they stepped out of a culinary magazine. The speeches were delivered before the meal to a room of laughter and smiles.

Making the most of the long summer evening, the guests enjoyed the deck and the outdoor space after the wedding breakfast. India and Russell were keen to take some pictures with their friends who had travelled from near and far to join them on their wedding day. We also caught India’s sisters and their kids playing up to the camera!!

The party soon kicked off in the evening with sounds spinning from the decks by Nick, one of Toast Functions brilliant DJ’s… With a magic mirror photo-booth and jars of sweets available for your own pick-a-mix there was much to do. The first dance was a special moment before they were joined by their daughter and the rest of the guests. Before we left the party to carry on enjoying themselves, we took a short break with India and Russell to capture some final portraits using the original Georgian staircase that dominates the front of this historic building. As a Wedding Photographer at Chichester Harbour Hotel it is impossible to not use their gorgeous features

To complete their wedding collection, India and Russell opted for an Original Wedding Album, by Graphistudio, personalised in white cloud leatherette set into a colour coordinated Design Box in sage grey maple and finished with a pink leatherette internal. A beautiful way to ensure they can look back and hold on to these memories for years to come.

Many congratulations Mr & Mrs Dillingham, it has been a pleasure getting to know you both and capturing your precious memories. I’m sure we’ll see you again as your family grow and new portraits need capturing.

Big love,

Fiona xx

FionaMillsArt | Chichester Harbour Hotel Wedding Photographer | India & Russell

Sussex Newborn Photographer | Baby Evie

You may remember a post from a couple of years ago featuring Rose Lorena? Here’s a reminder of that shoot. Now, Rose has welcomed a baby sister, Evie, and how cute is she! Here’s some images from our session as a Sussex Newborn Photographer…

It’s incredible how much like her bigger sister, Evie is visually. Although, where Rose loved to be swaddled, Evie loves to spread, as seen in the image above! I brought some props back for this shoot that I had used with Rose to create some images that linked back to that time…although, this time I couldn’t help but include the cutest elephant that Rose had gifted her baby sister…on this occasion it appeared that Evie just wasn’t interested in her sibling’s snuggles!! It was great to catch Rose too, who was zooming about at high speed during our morning together!! What a great little character she is developing, full of curiosity and energy! It’s a real honour to see families grow and develop over time.

As a Sussex Newborn Photographer, I endeavour to include all those little details that grow and change so quickly… The button nose, wrinkled hands and feet, and tose lovely, fleshy rolls that make a baby so squidgeable (is that even a word?!)!!

To complete the collection following our Newborn Shoot, those precious memories are placed into a Baby Book, made by Graphistudio. These details of our gorgeous babies change so so fast it is so important to create a tangible memory for parents to look back on for years to come. Here’s a peek at the album received by Laura & Rob…

I’m looking forward to capturing the next chapter of Laura & Rob’s lives… whatever that is and when ever it happens 😉 😉

xX Fiona Xx

FionaMillsArt | Sussex Newborn Photographer | Baby Evie