An eye for detail...
November 17, 2015
My first experience of photographing Charlotte and James was for their engagement shoot surrounded by the beautiful woodlands at Stansted. We agreed that we wanted to have an autumnal feel to the photos and it took us three goes to finally find a day that wasn’t pouring with rain. The shoot gave us a great chance to get to know each other and for Charlotte and James to get used to being photographed ready for their big day. I quickly discovered what a lovely couple they were and we had lots of laughs, especially when joined by a chocolate Labrador that wouldn’t stop barking and rolling in puddles throughout the shoot!
I learnt that Charlotte and James had found me after looking through my album while viewing Upwaltham Barns; they loved my quirky but professional style. Having had lots of meetings and conversations with the couple, I knew they wanted classic, timeless images combined with the quirkyness they liked when they first saw my work. This suited me perfectly and I couldn't wait to photograph their big day.
On the morning of their July wedding I found Charlotte getting ready with her bridesmaids at her parents’ house in Lavant while eating bagels and sipping on Champagne. To put a different spin on Charlotte’s hair and makeup shots, I captured this photo of the three girls together using the reflection in the mirror. I like the diagonal line created through the three of them with Charlotte, as the bride-to-be, at the very centre of it all looking calm and sophisticated with bubbly in hand - a girl after my own heart!
While the girls continued pampering themselves I whipped across to Chichester Park Hotel where James was getting suited and booted with his two best men. Knowing they liked my quirky style, I thought I would have some fun with the traditional (and sometimes complicated!) tying of the cravat scenario. This was hilarious to set up, we were all squashed together as Kel, my assistant, held out the ties behind me and I shot James using a wide angled lens as his best men peered over.
The moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived with the ceremony taking place at the lovely church in Lavant. The beautiful backdrop of stained glass windows and ornate carvings helped us to create some traditional moments to balance out some of the more quirky shots. Using the natural light from the window, I positioned the beaming newlyweds to reflect the angles of the church interior as they looked on towards their guests and a new life together as husband and wife!
Following the emotion filled ceremony, it was lovely to capture this scene of Charlotte and James with their feet up in the wedding car sharing a cheeky kiss behind the bouquet and showing off their great sense of fun with their sparkly initialled shoes.
The wedding reception took place at Old Thorns Manor Hotel in Liphook, a picturesque golf club set in the Hampshire countryside. While there I had spied an area which provided an original and contemporary background that went well with the grey of the boys’ suits and also complemented the pastel pinks worn by the girls. I love how serene and stylish Charlotte and James look here while Charlotte’s veil is going crazy in the wind.
Being a former beautician and now a creative school teacher, Charlotte certainly had an amazing eye for detail and her theme of pastel colours and lace details ran throughout the whole day. From the pink and whites of the bouquets and the lace edging of the cake, to the vases brimming with pearls and exquisite handmade silk brocade table plan, the wedding emanated elegance and style.
To make the most of the beautiful location at the golf club, I snuck off with Charlotte and James to capture some romantic sunset shots overlooking the pretty countryside setting utilising the lovely warm colours created by the sun.
Proving that you can also capture these all-important romantic and tender moments with an artistic edge, I set up this shot of Charlotte and James using a wide angled lens to add real height to the image with the tall majestic trees in the background.
While these photos were all about the romance of the day, what you wouldn’t have known was that we had to hop in a golf buggy for a very funny off-road journey to reach this beautiful setting.
After the fun of the golf buggies we headed back so Charlotte and James could party with all their guests. This is the first wedding where Kel and I ended up in front of a camera after being dragged into the photo booth by the newlyweds to don wigs and glasses. I think I can safely say that I much prefer being the one taking the photos!
Huge and heartfelt congratulations to Charlotte and James. It was such a pleasure getting to know you both and capturing your special day. I have loved putting together your album which has a real mix of humour and romance running through it; the perfect ingredients for a long and happy marriage.
Love Kelly xx
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A