I’ve done lots of things in my time to get the best photograph, but lying in horse poop in the New Forest has got to be up there with the greatest!
Last Friday, on a lovely sunny day, I drove to Southampton to meet Rich & James for their pre-wedding shoot. I’d met them both (unbeknown to me) at Fran & Joe’s wedding in 2007 when I made a great impression by thrusting a step-ladder and photography bag into their hands and running off down the road after the bride and groom. Luckily for me, they didn’t mind being photographers assistants for the day and apparently, decided that if they were ever to get married, I was definitely the photographer for them!
Rich proposed to James in Gothenberg in a little Fisherman’s Cottage on the shore of the Fjord (how amazing is that) so to keep in with the water theme(!) we met on the banks of the Beaulieu river for a lazy pub lunch to discuss their plans for the big day. As we talked through everything I felt myself getting more and more excited and I think even let out the odd squeal or two…much to their amusement thank goodness! I can’t ’spill the beans’ too much (I don’t want to spoil it for their wedding guests) but lets just say, their planning a wedding to remember! All will be revealed in August.
After a few photographs in the boat yard and down by the river, we headed into the New Forest and the setting was stunning. It was a challenge to get there (thanks guys for pandering to my ‘creative’ whim) but it was so worth the effort. After wading through water, jumping over puddles and tottering across logs (Dirty Dancing style!) we were rewarded with the most amazing sunset over the common. (Watch out for the ponies and wild pigs!!).
After exploring a few ‘advanced camera flash techniques’ (I know that made you laugh guys!) we headed back home for a lovely cup of tea in front of their log fire.
Rich & James – I had the most amazing afternoon and so much fun. I am so excited about your wedding in August and can’t wait to be there to photograph it for you.
Venetia xx
Here’s a sneaky peak of the photographs from the shoot…..it sums them up so well…….
Laura & Ed are just the loveliest couple. There both smart, funny, stunningly beautiful and nice….and I mean REALLY NICE. From the moment I met up with them yesterday it was just like meeting up with old friends. We’d arranged to meet for a coffee in Bath to discuss their wedding plans and by the time I arrived I was somewhat flustered. I’d been on a detour around Somerset, arrived 15 minutes late for our meeting (totally unheard of for me!) and to top it all nearly crashed the car through the cafe door whilst parking (Laura & Ed….this might be news to you as luckily I don’t even think you noticed!!).
Within minutes of arriving they put me totally at ease and made me forget everything. We chatted and laughed and while they told me all about the plans for their wedding I felt myself getting more excited. No attention to detail has been spared and it appears they are both very ‘arty’ as they have been hand-making co-ordinating wedding invitations, orders of service, menu’s and thank you cards over the last few months (Ed….I may be calling on you for some sewing duties when the wedding is over!).
We’d planned to do their pre-wedding shoot the same day but with heavy sleat falling in Bath that morning, I was somewhat concerned about the bitterly cold conditions. Hey……a little bit of snow wasn’t going to stop these guys! Armed with hats, coats, gloves (and my able assistant, Kate, to carry them all!) we set off to take some photographs. I half expected them to keep ‘wrapped up’ given the conditions, but they amazed me by doing the whole pre wedding shoot in just their bare sleeves!! (Mind you with such a gorgeous cardigan Laura, I can see why!!)
Ed & Laura – thank you for being SO amazing. I can’t believe that not only you braved the weather but you kept smiling throughout! And for two people who were sooooo nervous about having their photographs taken….you rocked!! Can’t wait to photograph your wedding in May.
Venetia xxxx
Here’s one of my favourites photographs from the day…more to come.
I’ve been very naughty over the last few months and not been blogging all the press coverage I’ve been getting for weddings….. I promise to try to do better (especially as my Mum loves showing it off so much….bless!!).
Last month Bristol & Somerset Your Wedding magazine called as they were doing a feature on pre wedding shoots and wondered if I had any photographs they could use.
Pre-wedding shoots are a complimentary part of my service and great fun! It’s a complete photographic shoot at a location of our choice and not only helps me find your ‘best side’, but also gives you a chance to get to know me better and find out what it’s like being photographed by me. It really helps ‘cement’ the relationship and makes your wedding photography so much more fun. To top it off, you’ll get some fabulous photographs of the two of you and when you see how great you look, you’ll be so much more confident in front of the camera on your big day!
Many thanks to Kate & Morgan and Helen & Matt for having such fun on their pre wedding shoot and making such great photographs!
Venetia xx
Here’s the article as it appeared in the wedding magazine.
