James and Charlotte

A Rutland Romance.

It’s hard to imagine that just three weeks ago the weather was somewhat of a crazy little heatwave heading up to the late 20’s. Looking at the weather the start of the week leading up to the Cooper wedding we were hoping the sunshine would stay, a few messages between the Bride and I kept each other hopeful. Little did we know we would be blessed with the hottest day of the year so far. Todays wedding of James and Charlotte couldn’t have landed on a better day.

With my lovely second shooter Sally with me for this one, I just knew we would get so many wonderful photographs. The fun we had on our pre wedding photoshoot with Charlotte and James (that was free with their photography package)left me excited to be photographing this happy couple again!

Weddings at The Rutland Water Golf Club are always such a pleasure to photograph. They are incredibly friendly to work with, and everything runs so smoothly. Always very happy to throw us some keys to a nippy little golf buggy! The decor for their wedding had been done so beautifully and thought out very well. Elegantly floral, and a hint of rustic to suit the venue too. The grounds of the golf club dripping in pink blossom trees and endless beauty spots to take our Newlyweds.

Let’s start at the cottage, the Rutland Water Golf Club have an amazing cottage on site just to the side, with lovely welcoming gardens and seating area outside too. It’s simply perfect for wedding preparation. The rustic and homely feel to the cottage is so warming. Natural light floods through the windows, and with a lovely space upstairs to dress in, we didn’t have to work too hard to capture the girls so beautifully.

Inside, Emma and bump at Hair by Emma Claire was working her magic, along with the lovely Kaye at Kaye Salmon Make Up busy painting the faces of Charlotte’s Bridesmaids, and of course Rebecca our Mother of the Bride too. Sally snapping away at details upstairs, I took the opportunity to picture the mornings prep in the gardens. These girls gave me nothing but beauty and big smiles!

The girls sipped on bubbles, before getting ready to leave as Sally headed off to the Church in the quiet little village of Tugby to catch up with the Groomsmen, and capture the guests arriving for the ceremony. The boys were in a playful mood, and we don’t think our Groom was too nervous at this point, although he could have been covering it well.

Charlotte and her sister Rachael had a beautiful moment together before we left for the ceremony. You can see they are so close, and it was touching to witness.

Now this was a tricky one! Two huge beautiful floral arrangements at the top of the aisle meant for a stunning setting but incredibly difficult for both myself and my wonderful friend and videographer Ellen Jackson, we didn’t have much room at all, but of course lucky for us Sally was at the back and could get some amazing shots! (Queue another reason its a great idea to have two photographers at weddings). I’m pretty sure Charlotte knew we couldn’t see her much and bless, even popped a little shuffle in during her vows to give us a better shot! Neverless, the ceremony was touching, and very emotional. Even some tears were shed by Charlotte as her twin sister Racheal delivered a lovely heartfelt reading.

Confetti time!!

We love this part, a real celebratory feel straight after the ceremony full of energy and cheer. Two rows of guests, a walk through path and a tonne of confetti in poor Jame’s face…I think that may have been planned. Take a peek, and see what you think? Ha ha.

The speeches were hosted by Jame’s brother who doubled up as his best man too. (Oh and not to mention a dab hand at making vienesse whirls!) What a cracking delivery the speeches were! Top job there for sure, the wedding guests fully engaged throughout, and every single word was said from the heart. The love for our Bride and Groom was felt by all, smiles and laughter filled the room.

Rutland Water Golf Course is one of the best venues for an incredible view. With the golf buggy’s you can get right out onto the far edge of the golf course. We took Mr and Mrs Cooper for a little drive to explore, give them some time together and have a little moment.

It did not disappoint, well…we were on the hottest day of the year, in a remarkable venue.

The guests sipping on their celebratory drinks while the band set up ready to kick start the evening. The photo booth from The Directors Cut Photobooth entertaining everyone fantastically, including Sally and I. We love a good booth, it really brings everyone together for giggles and fun which sets off the party too!

Let’s get this party started!

Mr and Mrs Cooper, thank you. It was a fabulous day, and we hope you’re very happy together for many years as a wonderful married couple. See you in a few months time for Rachaels big day!

Love Michelle and Sally

Partners In Chrimes

The Crafty Chrimes and All Things Cherry Blossom

The day was finally here! Not only do I get to see beautiful and super talented second shooter Sally again, but I get to throw myself back into what I love doing most. Don’t get me wrong, I know this season will be a super busy one but I have been itching to get stuck into my weddings since my lovely cousins wedding in February. Its been too long! So, here we are, introductions done, equipment at the ready, bags of enthusiasm and after a big squeeze for Sally (I miss her when she’s not around), off we go.

An ancient Japanese legend says that if you fold one thousand origami cranes you will be granted a lifelong wish. Well, that is exactly what our Bride had done. Over 365 days, she had successfully made over 1000 of them. Delicately hung all around the tranquil Barnsdale Gardens, and following on into the reception venue of The Falcon Hotel in Uppingham.

From the moment I met Lee and Vickie, I loved their vision for their perfect wedding day. Being huge fans of all things Japanese, blossom and creativity, for a spring time outdoor wedding, along the honeymoon booked for Japan what could be more perfect? (I did offer myself as a personal photographer for the exploring of Japan after the wedding of course, but unfortunately for me, being a photographer herself, Vickie had that covered).

The morning preparations under way remained calm and collected, I don’t think any couple have ever been as relaxed as Lee and Vickie! Even being in the same room at one point during the morning…behind a partition of course, but still within a few feet of one another. We popped into the reception room to capture some pictures before we went up to the Bride and her Bridemaids, and we were blown away. You could clearly see that the detailing had been created with so much thought, Vickie even personalising her own wedding gown with a subtle touch of colour to fit the theme.

Before long the Groomsmen and guests, along with Sally, began boarding the coach that would take them all to the ceremony over in Barnsdale. Bright skies and the warmer weather made for the perfect spring setting. With no sign of nerves from either, it was all moving along so smoothly.

The 20 minute drive to the gardens was through the most colourful of fields, teamed with the glorious spring sunshine. Everyone feels so good when the sun shines, its like a little piece of English summer…in March!

Back in January we visited the gardens, for a cuppa and catch up, and we all agreed January seemed so dull and the gardens quite bare, but excitedly talking about how we no doubt will be spoilt with the colour that spring always brings to the Gardens.

Back to today, and we were right! We truly were very lucky with the early heatwave of February that had taken care of todays setting for us. Vickie walked confidently through the gardens and up to the pathway where her Groom excitedly waited, clasping her bouquet, she didn’t look nervous at all. Drawing attention from those visiting for delicious tea and cake.

The vows emotionally spoken, included tears from both Mums who were with us inside beautiful little greenhouse where the marriage vows take place. Lending their tissue to the Bride as she succumbed to a little tear too! Family and friends dotted around the garden listening in. We even had a special little visitor perched on the wall during the ceremony. An extremely significant part of Vickie’s vision.

Their own personal vows were beautiful and extremely heartfelt, minutes later we had ourselves the new Mr and Mrs Chrimes…Queue the bubble guns and huge smiles!

Along with our newlyweds, Sally and I headed off to explore the gardens and take some of those blissful ‘just married’ snaps. Keen to capture them in as much floral and blossom filled space as we could. We didn’t have to look far! We were spoilt with endless visions of spring and this made for some pretty awesome photographs. The gardens has so many cute little bridges and corners we really could have spent hours capturing all of its beauty.

See below for the picture specifically requested for Lee’s work desk. Yes, we love it too! You’re a little legend Mrs Chrimes!

Usually us photographers take a back seat and let you eat with zero worry about having your photograph taken whilst popping a tasty wedding treat into your mouth! However, we were offered the most beautiful of places at the wedding breakfast, and our own extremely thoughtful (handmade of course) wedding favours. It also really helped when photographing the speeches between courses too!

To be treated to a full wedding breakfast, was very sweet! So its a huge thumbs up and thank you there from Sally and I to the lovely partners in Chrimes!

Now, who would have the crazy idea, amongst making over 1000 Japanese Origami, crafting all of the wedding favours, creating and hanging the decor, personalising a wedding gown and much much more to then give themselves the immense task of a choreographed first dance. NOW and only now did we see the nerves. Only from the Bride. Lee was as cool as a cucumber! Opening up the dance floor to their family and friends, confetti bombs exploding everywhere, we captured some epic moves before ending the day with our happy couple.

Lee, Vickie…Mr and Mrs Chrimes… thank you for having us. Thank you for ensuring we were well looked after and having been fed, watered and included in so much, we really felt as if we were part of your guest list! Keep being awesome.

Love Michelle and Sally

Mr and Mrs Hope

The First of 2019

Its always a great honour being asked to photograph the wedding of someone you know, but its always extra special when its family.

When 2018 came to an end, I felt sadness having to put the camera down for a while, like my own little spot of neglect. Thankfully that was not to last very long. A few weeks into the cold of 2019, and we had arrived at the big day of my beautiful cousin Dawn, and her lovely Fiancé Mike.

The sky was an electric blue, the sun was shining and the wind was keeping us on our toes as to whether we could have photographs in the charming winter gardens of The William Cecil. Spending the morning with my two cousins and their Mum, my Auntie Karen, along with Mikes lovely daughter Hannah, was really lovely. I felt like I was joining in the celebrations too. I felt right at home as bucks fizz was sipped from the spout of a sugar and teapot. Well, sometimes you just have to improvise! And Julie …Im sure you’ve done that before!

Downstairs away from the teapot bubbles of room 14, the warm and welcoming William Cecil began to fill up nicely with family and friends. So smartly dressed, guests came from all over, Peterborough, Manchester and some even as far as Ireland, with a touch of the Irish being felt within the wedding detailing. The shamrock green finishes throughout, Julies dress, the hanging paper lanterns in the reception room, and a particularly pretty broach with glistening green gemstones pinned to Dawns bridal jacket that belonged to her Nan. The garter carried the Celtic green, a lasting tribute to our grandad Jimmy.

Keeping the balance between taking photographs and greeting my family with kisses and catch ups, I threw myself into helping the Grooms party with their button holes. I think this is now a firm tradition in my line of duty as a photographer. And I am always of course, more than happy to help.

The ceremony was beautiful, Dawn needn’t have worried so much about not smiling. Its safe to say she was quite a nervous bride about this part of the day. Gently walking down the white petal laid aisle, our stunning bride was beaming from ear to ear. Full of emotion as she married her soulmate. A Miss Hall no more, we had our Husband and Wife.

Confetti showered Mr and Mrs Hope, our newlyweds, thanks to the mad dash around the local town of Stamford for a few boxes to throw. (Thank you Stewart!) The wind had scooped most of it in one swift move but we most definitely had the shot. We moved quickly into my first ever gun salute photograph, and it sure did deliver! What a unique photograph.

Dawn, Mike and I took full advantage of the now unexpected mild afternoon and headed out into the garden for some photographs before being announced into dinner, allowing everyone to get settled while we explored the gardens and still very visible autumn/winter colours. We knew we had been blessed with the bright winters afternoon after a few days of worrying wet weather. I think they will agree, it worked out perfectly.

Guest’s settled nicely into the delicately decorated Burghley Room with subtle candle lit centre pieces, and the smell of the delicious, and always incredibly presented wedding breakfast.

Sitting down to dinner with the wedding party, my family of course, was such a lovely touch. I felt like a guest too. Music playing and catching up was great fun! And the food was very welcomed! Its always delicious eating at the William Cecil. One of my firm favourites! Listening to the speeches was a lovely moment, Dawn and Mike have clearly found their soul mates within one other, and its clear for all to see. Ian, your speech may have been a tad too long, but we will let you off for that one. (It really was approx 6.7 seconds). But sweet nether the less.

Now, the first dance, absolutely beautiful. Dawn and Mike you were made to take each others hand on that floor and your laughter and smiles together just sealed the day. Bring in the Father of the Bride, and we have the funny faces and awesome dance moves from Ian. Next to take the hand of the new Mrs Hope was her lovely Step-Father Phil. It was such a sweet moment too.

The incredible talented Irish Rock band Emerald kicked off the evenings entertainment, and got the dance floor full. Its true to say they know how to party. The children jumping and knee sliding across the floor, well… it wouldn’t be the same without it!