Pre-wed shoot: Rowan & Kris

This pre-wed was done very close to home, literally a short walk from my own front door. What a nice experience it was to look at my own neighborhood through the lens, just making use of anything interesting we passed. There are some really great colours and shapes for lifestyle photography out there but it's funny how easy it is to overlook them. I got the impression Rowan & Kris thought I was a bit mad when I walked them down a whole load of back lanes but I think the results speak for themselves. I'm looking forward to the wedding - another new venue to play with and I couldn't ask for a nicer couple to work with.
Henry

Wedding - Helen & Steven

It's been a while since I've photographed a kilt and there was no shortage of them at this wedding. Definitely one of my favourite formal outfits to photograph I think. Not that there was a shortage of great outfits [or settings] at this wedding. A stunning bride and dress, wonderful bridesmaids [and ushers]. And the most perfect little flower girl I've ever seen. All this and the weather managed to stay nice, which helped. A reception at Northumberland's famous Slaley Hall was a first for me and I have to say I was quite impressed by the venue. It certainly provided a range of options when it came to backgrounds - if you are wondering what the great lines are behind the groom in the 4th last shot below, it's a ventilation unit round the back of Slaley Hall [the bit you aren't supposed to see]. Surprising what works isn't it. This was a truly great wedding for a great couple. I'm honoured to have played a part.
Henry

Wedding - Xanthe & Kristian

I've rarely seen rain like it! Fortunately, that was on the drive down to this venue rather than during the wedding day. A really nice venue and another new one for me - Middleton Lodge is one of those places where you can create the wedding of your dreams rather than have to fit your ideals into what the venue is prepared to accommodate. I think these sort of places are too few and I have no hesitation in recommending it based on what I saw. I suspect Xanthe & Kris will feel the same way. I was a bit disappointed to learn that the owner has plans to develop to old stable block as it provided me with some fabulous backgrounds. I'll take an old flaky barn door over a brand new barn conversion any day of the week! Truth be told it would have been difficult to take a bad picture of Xanthe & Kris - photogenic doesn't really do them justice. I had a blast shooting this wedding, hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Henry

Pre-wed shoot: Jane & Phillip

A return to Durham City for me on this pre-wed shoot. It's been nearly a year since I last shot a frame in this area. Always a nice place to visit, especially when you are a with a couple that have strong connections to the area. During a break in the unseasonal wet weather we took a short walk around the Elvet Bridge area - surprising the backgrounds you can find if you keep your eyes open - for an hour or so. Jane and Phillip are getting married in late December so I'm hoping that the weather is going to be on our side again for their wedding day.
Henry

Pre-wed +2: Vickie & Stewart

Occasionally I have the pleasure of working for a couple who have a family of their own. This gives me the opportunity to photograph more than just the bride and groom-to-be during the pre-wed shoot. And with gorgeous kids like these two, rarely does that opportunity get any better. Heavy rain on the day meant no trip to a location, so these shots were all done in Vickie and Stewart's house, with them in a doorway in natural light- a simple technique that always yields wonderful results. I'm really looking forward to their wedding, complete with flower girl and ring bearer.
Henry