Dear Blog …

I have been deserting you, I know.  Now, I have a million excuses, I really do, but the long and short of it is, I breathed life into you then left you abandoned, alone and empty (ok, bit of drama never hurt anyone).

I will totally make this up to you.  This summer was manic, in a great way.  I have had the pleasure of shooting some amazing people, whether at their wedding, their engagement session, with their families, the odd commercial shoot (not so keen on those, to be honest) … the list is endless … what’s that I hear you say?  You wouldn’t know cos you’ve not seen them?  I know, I know … they’re coming, I’m sorry.

So what HAVE I been up to … well, apart from the above mentioned shooting spree (that always sounds a bit wrong, doesn’t it?) I’ve been managing a house project that was in planning for a few years (boy, they don’t warn you how much of your time THAT will suck !!) and, well, I’ve had a bit of a medical drama these last few weeks … nothing that can happen again (you really do only have 1 set of appendix) but oh my goodness, knocked me sideways that one !  Then it was that annual event called “Birthday” … trying to ignore those these days … Oh and the annual trip to the National Wedding Show, 4 days of intensity, fun and meeting new people.

Apart from that, I have no excuse.  MUST.TRY.HARDER.  And I will … I’ll feed you soon, I promise.

Thanks for hanging around and staying alive !!

Your photographer, Gill x

AND TO MY AVID READERS … thank for hanging in there … I’ll make it up to you !!

Sometimes on a wedding day an opportunity presents itself and I end up with an image that is very unique.  This is what happened on Saturday and I’m thrilled with the result.

Charlie is the couple’s little dog and was very much a part of the day, even walking back down the aisle with them after the ceremony.  I was with my bride in the morning in their (simply stunning) Edwardian home.  The bedroom had a chaise longue just under the large windows with a vintage screen to the left.  This is where my bride decided to hang her dress, so of course, I got a lovely dress hanging shot, some lovely shoe shots, the usual arty stuff.  Charlie was milling around, such a gorgeous, great-natured pooch … then of course he had to get his ribbon on.  I documented this, got a lovely shot of Sal with Charlie, check.

Then Charlie did something absolutely perfect … he jumped up to look for daddy out of the window … and bam !  I had something a little different.

There’s lots going on in this image, and I love it.  I hope you do too.

Leicestershire Wedding Photographer

You may remember Connie and Raymond from their engagement shoot in London where they both live and work … however, family life is further north in the bustling city of Liverpool, so that’s where we headed for their wedding.  I stayed the night before in the Malmaison Hotel where Connie was getting ready and where the evening reception would be taking place.  It’s a lovely little boutique hotel overlooking the river, with views of the Liver Building. Raymond is an architect and so we did a tour of the city before the ceremony, taking in some great locations which perfectly suited his passion, so much stunning architecture around this wonderful city !

Connie had 3 dresses for the day, starting with a beautiful white wedding dress, before changing into a traditional chinese red dress for the tea ceremony, then finally into another wedding dress for the evening celebrations.  Plenty of variety for the photographer, rather selfishly LOL.

Random fact of the day … Raymond’s family home backs onto Stawberry Fields … THE Strawberry Fields … their chauffeur took me around the corner while Connie was freshening up so that I could see it for myself, very cool.  We drove a short few yards up the road also to take a look at John Lennon‘s house … I have a thing for all things Beatles, so this was a little treat !

And so,  a small selection from the day … enjoy !

If you would like to see more, please take a look at my web galleries (please note music will play on launch), or arrange a visit !

Liverpool Wedding Photographer

Many of my clients live quite far from me and on occasion we have never actually met in person by the time they book.  This is another reason I love shooting engagement sessions, they’re a really good opportunity to not only take some portraits, but to start to get to know each other before the wedding.

I travelled to London for the day recently for 2 sessions and a meeting with another client, all 3 of whom I hadn’t met, so it was a great day out !

Richard proposed to Ailsa on the steps of St Pauls … one of my favourite locations in London, so that’s where we hung out for most of the session.  Of course, a trip across the Millenium Bridge had to be done !!  Ailsa was presented with a Cartier box, so you can imagine she spent a lot of time looking at the word on the box before Richard had to ask “so, do you like the ring, then” LOL

We had a real mixed bag of weather on the day, between showers, dark moody skies, then glorious sunshine, we certainly knew we were in London in summer !!

So, a few faves from the session … they are now married and so the wedding photos will follow … enjoy !

London Portrait Photography

I recently had the pleasure of spending the day with Becky and Ian and their friends and family, all gathered in Birmingham City Centre … the ceremony was held in the Old Library, part of the Custard Factory, with the reception at the Birmingham Hyatt hotel, all very funky and cool locations !  The weather was glorious with light spilling in through the massive windows in the library.  We borrowed a vespa for some cool shots (thanks Big Dave !) and had a lot of fun in and around the city.  And of course, let’s not forget the Jimmy Choos !! Congrats Becky & Ian !

A few faves from the day …

Birmingham Wedding Photography

I have known Anna for years now, I think I was one of the very first vendors she booked for her wedding !  we’ve had a laugh on facebook over that time and so it was with anticipation that I headed off to shoot their lovely wedding at Nunsmere Hall in Cheshire.  Anna and her girls were excitedly getting ready in the absolutely stunning bridal suite when I arrived, with Anna having the finishing touches applied to her hair and makeup.  She looked absolutely stunning in her dress complete with my favourite accessories … a vintage hairpiece and of course a lovely long veil !

Lee was a little nervous, as most grooms are, but relaxed and enjoyed the ceremony, which was fun filled and full of love.  We had such a fun day, helped by the weather which decided to stay dry, bonus.  They even surprised guests with a very fun caricaturist!  Anna has been featured as this month’s “bride in the spotlight” on the Rosie Willett Design website, showing off her beautiful vintage hairpiece, how lovely !

I just got my morning post and found a lovely Thank You card from them … the first paragraph reads (snipped): “Thank you so much for being part of our special day.  We are so pleased with the photographs, you did a fab job …” (I love when I get these!!) … thanks for having me guys !

And so, a few favourites …

Cheshire Wedding Photographer

Emma and Paul are getting married soon at Chatsworth House, a rather stunning stately home nestled in the beautiful Peak District … by all accounts, and knowing these 2 as I do, this will certainly be a bling affair … personally, I’m looking forward to my first ever ride in a golf cart, but then I’m a bit odd LOL

It was really great to meet up with them at my absolute favourite location in Staffordshire, Shugborough Hall … I know, you’re all probably getting sick of it, but whilst there are definitely locations I use every time, because they’re yummy, there are also loads more locations even I haven’t discovered yet … so we went exploring to find some, and of course, being Summer, we found some amazgin colour and foliage as well. Happy photographer.

So, say hi to Emma and Paul … looking forward to seeing you both soon !

Stafford Portrait Photographer