Spa Hotel Tunbridge Wells Kent Wedding Photography - Andrea and Philip

Good Morning Folks,

It has been a while since my last proper blog; things have been trés busy chez Woodland Hill and I have been busily making plans for the New Year. So welcome to the Spa Hotel Wedding Photography of Andrea and Philip and what an incredibly classy day this was.

Andrea and Philip first saw my stand at the Spa Hotel Wedding Fayre last year. I was on my way to an awards ceremony so did not get to meet them immediately but when I did we had so much fun I just knew we were going to have a brilliant day.

The big day started at The Royal Wells Hotel in Tunbridge Wells to capture Andrea's bridal preparations then we headed off to The Spa Hotel to meet Philip and capture the boys ahead of Andrea's arrival. I loved the fact that they giggled throughout their wedding ceremony and their giggling was so infectious that we were all at it!!! It was so lovely to see them so happy and relaxed in each other's company that the ceremony just flew by.

Great fun was had during the group shots with the King and Queen aka Philip's parents; I know that Andrea's mother will never look at her handbag in the same way again ;) Then it was off to create some drama and oh wow drama is what we created, love it!

I loved the fact that Andrea and Philip decided on a different layout in their reception room. They had a table with just the two of them sumptuously decorated with beautiful flowers. On the table were the most exquisite chocolates it was just wonderful. They had chosen a Janeymac cake that did not fail to take my breath away. After some evening photography the dancing began and what a perfect end to a perfect day.

So for today's images. This image was taken by the lake as we were walking back from the little bridge. Now this image I love because it oozes love but I know that Philip was being a minx before and after this shot. Andrea's daughter was singing for their first dance (it was sublime she has an angelic voice) she held it together quite well but just burst out laughing. He was so funny that we all fell about laughing too; love it!! This shot is a sneaky kiss as the guests were making their way into the hotel before the wedding breakfast, although surrounded by people it was such a private moment. Oooh look at this for a bit of drama; Andrea I will love you forever ;) I love this shot of Philip as we had a quiet 10 minutes taking a few shots in their wedding suite.

So are you all ready for Christmas? I sort of am; this month has been resisting the urge to buy Quality Street as this is a part of Christmas for me that harks back to my childhood. I wasn't going to then I just couldn't allow it to happen so the tub has been well and truly bought and the festive atmosphere is well and truly here!! We had a disaster this week; my Husband thought it would be a good idea to leave the freezer door open; I have reminded him at lot, and I mean a lot that it was not. Well when these opportunities arise one has to make the most of them doesn't one ;)

Claire :)

The 2014 Wedding Industry Awards - More amazing comments from my equally amazing clients :)

The 2014 Wedding Industry Awards - Amazing comments made by my amazing Brides and Grooms

Well I am so bowled over by the amazing comments made by my Brides and Grooms I just had to post some more; I am truly a winner where it counts the most :)

Lovely words from brides who voted in the 2014 Wedding Industry Awards

So I got to the regional finals and that's where my journey ended but wow I have been bowled over by the wonderful things that have been said about me from my brilliant Brides and Grooms. There are quite a few so over the next few weeks I am going to post them here as I want each and every comment to be cherished. Thank you so, so much and with words like this I don't care I didn't win, your comments mean the world to me :)

Images published in national magazines

Good Morning Folks,

I have been over the moon that a number of my product photography images have appeared in national magazines this year, so I thought it was high time I showed a few :)

It was a pleasure to photograph the wedding cakes of the magnificent Janeymac Cakes who we are lucky enough to have in East Grinstead. Elaine creates the most amazing bespoke cakes that look as mouth watering as they taste. I have made it my mission to taste a fair bit of cake over the years and hand on heart Elaine from Janeymac is one of the best I have ever tasted. Her designs are exquisite and whenever I walk into a reception room the quality of a Janeymac cake just screams at me!

Elaine and I have been lucky enough to feature in both the summer and autumn editions of Wedding Cakes a Design Source; happy days indeed.

Keep looking out as there will be other posts showing some of my other published work.

So now back to editing and album design today, editing is full of joy watching images spring to life and album design is reliving a wonderful wedding day all over again, so a day of lovely contrasts.

Claire :)

Weddings at Swallows Oast Ticehurst East Sussex - Rachael and Patrick

Good Afternoon Folks,

Welcome to part two showcasing the wedding photography at Swallows Oast in Ticehurst East Sussex of Rachael and Patrick.

Part one saw us at another amazing wedding venue in Sevenoaks; West Heath School and I loved the fact that they had chosen two very different locations to celebrate their big day. Swallows Oast is just that a beautiful old oast house nestled in rolling hills that is the East Sussex countryside. We arrived at the wedding venue and it was good for everyone to have a little more champers and tuck into the canapés before sitting down to a hearty feast. Julie and I were very happy (well me as Julie is not big on sweet things) to have what I think was the biggest Eton Mess I have ever seen. Julie loved it so it must have been good!

We then went off for an evening stroll to capture some lovely moments in the golden evening sun. We had the most hilarious time and my sides were aching with laughing! Julie came up with a most unusual invention, all I can say it that will stay between us but she is determined to take in on Dragon's Den…good luck with that one me Julie ;)

So without further ado on to today's images. I am featuring the amazing field that is just beyond the woodland walk, the light was just sublime here and I loved the far reaching views that are in abundance. Again just another image away from the rustic grass and last but not least this images that I adore, Rachael is sitting quietly by the tree gazing into the distance and the overall effect reminds me of something out of a Constable painting; it really is very tranquil.

This weekend sees Remembrance Sunday and I will be taking time out to remember all those that sacrificed their lives for us.

Claire :)

Regional Finalist 2014 Wedding Industry Awards

https://vimeo.com/77774116 Good Evening Folks, I am absolutely delighted to say that I have reached the regional finals of the 2014 Wedding Industry Awards for my wedding photographer category in the South East and London.

This my wonderful clients is all down to you as brides and grooms who were married between 1st November 2012 and 31st October 2013 were applicable to vote, score and comment so without you I would not have got this far.

Here is a short slideshow to say thank you to each and every one of you as without you being you I could not be me!

Thank you,

Claire :)

Condé de Nast Brides Magazine Brides the Show Battersea - Emma Tindley

 

Good Morning Folks,

Today's blog is a little different and to be honest I am still in a bit of shock! This weekend I was at Brides the Show hosted by the Condé de Nast magazine Brides with Emma Tindley. Having completed the 2014 collection shoot last Monday it was a race to edit a prepare a few images for release at the show on Friday.

We were up at the crack on dawn on Friday morning to make the trip to London and prepare the stand for the grand opening and VIP evening. We were so pleased to be opposite the wonderful Maids to Measure and there was much hilarity during the day; everything was finished by about 3.30 pm and we then headed off to our hotel to have a quick chat, change to be back in time for the grand opening. Emma was very sleek in a black dress with sparkles, wonderful 'hair-do' and tiara. I opted for a cheeky little pink Tindley number that fitted perfectly with the stand theme. The evening was a great success with lots of press interest but nothing could prepare us for what was to come.

The buses were arriving from Sloane Square early and there were queues of people waiting for the doors to open. We were absolutely mobbed all day and the crowds became overwhelming after each catwalk show. We literally could not believe what we were witnessing, in the end we had to implement an appointment system so that everyone could witness a bit of the Tindley exclusivity! Emma and I arrived on the stand just before 10.00 am and we did not leave the stand at all until 5.10 pm; I can be so precise because that was the first time all day I was able to visit the 'powder room'. Amanda was a godsend and she was there to chat and keep an element of crowd control, and folks I am really not exaggerating here!

There were so many highlights of the day and to see the many beautiful brides at the moment they have found the 'one' is something I could never tire of. The London catwalk was awe inspiring, and from the images I am posting today I think you will agree. I was also able to have a peek behind the scenes and wow this was the most amazing set up.

So I will leave you today with a few images of Emma's stand and her Eleanor dress swishing down that glamorous London catwalk!

Look out later in the week for part two of Rachael and Patrick at Swallows Oast.

Claire :)

Weddings at West Heath School Wedding Venue Sevenoaks Kent - Rachael and Patrick Part One

Good Morning Folks,

We have a two part Kent wedding photography story this week. Part one see us at West Heath School, Sevenoaks, Kent and this beautiful wedding venue was once the school of Princess Diana. It is still a school today but is run as a charity for the diverse needs of so many children who face many challenges.

It has been wonderful getting to know Rachael and Patrick over the last couple of years and their wedding day was enormous fun. The day started at a gorgeous bespoke bed and breakfast in Farninham called Tabsfield and wow what a place to have the bridal preparations. The owners were just a joy and it was like a boutique hotel, just lovely.

We then popped off to meet the boys at West Heath and to inform Patrick that the girls were running a little late. I always feel sorry for the poor grooms and all that angst. He visibly relaxed when he knew his gorgeous girl was on her way :) The service was lovely and it was laughter all the way, which I love. There was one thing that made us giggle during and afterwards; all I can say is poor Patrick and dress hankies are useless for anything practical! Afterwards the champagne, fun at chat flowed then their guests departed for part two and we spent some time wandering, laughing and photographing….perfect.

So for today's images. The staircase at West Heath was sublime; I love this image as Rachel's Dad spends a precious few moments with his daughter for the last time as a single woman. The light and mood in this image helps to create the story here. I do love details in my photography, they bring the whole story together and this shot was taken just after the rings were put on, the gentle way they are holding hands shows how they are supporting each other during their vows and as an essence in the background eager little eyes taking in every moment. Hoorah we have done it, phew that's the narrative of this image and I think I see a hint of "where's the champagne?" I love this little hidden nook at West Heath; the image is almost in silhouette and my aim was to create a fairy like appeal; the backlight really helps to achieve this.

So folks check back for part two of Rachel and Patrick's story that will take place at Swallows Oast. I have the second of two very busy weekends coming up, so off I go and have a great weekend folks but I will leave you with this…brrrrrrrr!!!!!

Claire :)
http://www.woodlandhillphotography.co.uk

East Sussex Wedding Venue Buxted Park Hotel Uckfield East Sussex - Becky and Nic

Good Afternoon Folks,

We are back at the gorgeous East Sussex wedding venue that is Buxted Park Hotel in Uckfield for the pre wedding photography shoot of Becky and Nic.

The evening was lovely and we were able to make the most of the fading light. Usually my Olympus OMD's come along with me to these shoots but today we had my new camera that I have called the beast of Bodmin Moor! I wanted to put this little baby through its paces so this was our first outing together and the beast behaved very well so much so that we had a fun day out at last week's wedding. I still have my lovely faithful old friends but one will be relaxing a little bit more now. They have worked so hard for me they can enjoy a little more time off; yup I know I am completely nuts :)

I love working at Buxted Park, not only is it a beautiful venue but the staff are brilliant and nothing is ever too much trouble for them. Becky, Nic and I had a lovely wander around the grounds and it was nice to see all the bits and bobs that had changed since my last visit. I have also spotted some new little nooks and crannies I would like to utilise if possible.

So here are today's images; Becky and Nic are snuggled just inside the doorway and behind them is the magnificent East Sussex rolling countryside with just a hint of haze that I think gives this image real atmosphere. We had loads of fun at these steps, and I love capturing those little glances and laughter that really brings a wedding story alive. This is one of our little nooks and crannies and I love it; Becky looks amazing and I cannot wait to photograph her and I think this image looks just dreamy. I do love a good door and Nic just had to be resplendent here, and doesn't he look good.

So here we are in autumn, I cannot believe where the year has gone. I do love the changing seasons; soon the countryside will be oozing with the richness of the autumn colour and we will be left with fond memories of a summer that felt carefree and deliciously warm.

Claire :)

Weddings at Slaugham Place Slaugham West Sussex - Tracey and Mark

Good Morning Folks,

West Sussex wedding photography at Slaugham Place is beautiful and it was a pleasure to be a part of Tracey and Mark's wedding day. The day started next door at their house, yup folks not far for me to travel although it was a real struggle having to walk the few yards to get there ;) I photographed the boys doing their 'thang' before seeing Tracey at the Felbridge Hotel to capture her bridal preparations. We really were local as it was a short hop, skip and a jump to East Court where the wedding service took place in the beautiful Georgian mansion. Mark and Tracey had thought of everything, during the chats after the service champagne and yummy chocolate strawberries were served and what a delicious accompaniment for the group shots; tres chic! It was lovely to have an intimate little gathering at East Court before heading off to Slaugham Place to meet up with their guests; the day was so lovely not just because I know Tracey and Mark but the planning was impeccable and you could really see both of them in this day.

So now for today's images; I love this shot it exudes so much, happiness, wind, excitement, wind, relief oh and wind! When Mark and Tracey arrived they made the most fantastic entrance and I love moments like this, but hey folks look at the Bentley :) Slaugham has so much to offer in the way of photographic opportunities, I love the leading lines of the bridge along with Mark's stance to give drama to this image. Now just take a lookey at this; a brand spanking new Bentley, Rolls Royce and Aston Martin with the magnificent backdrop of the ruins; those cars looked and sounded great and the lads weren't bad I suppose ;) I don't think I could take a bad picture of Tracey, contrary to what she believes she is very photogenic and it made me laugh because she would pose then all of a sudden do a little dance or just swirl in her dress. Last but not least and sorry Elliot (who is a photographer by the way) I know you will hate me for this, but I couldn't resist! Mark does love an ice cream from the ice cream van so what does every man want at his wedding; yup his very own ice cream van! I have popped this image in as I don't think any of us really grow up do we?

Thank you both for being so much fun and letting me be a part of your day; look, look can you see me waving :D

Whatever you are up to this weekend folks, have a great one.

Claire :)
http://www.woodlandhillphotography.co.uk

Wedding Venue South Lodge Hotel Lower Beeding West Sussex - Amanda and Damien

Good Morning Folks,

Here we are back doing pre-wedding photography at the ever beautiful wedding venue that is South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding, West Sussex on a glorious late summer's eve. Say hello to Amanda and Damien who will be getting married here soon.

We did have a laugh; Damien is such a joker and is always mucking about, I tried to be stern but just fell about laughing, he is a minx and I think I have met my match for minxish behaviour ;) I wanted to find some different spots to use on their wedding day as I do love to keep finding new nooks and crannies no matter how much I have photographed at a wedding venue. We have a few tricks up our sleeve and some will as always be dependent on the weather once the big day is here. Poor Amanda had no option to keep rolling her eyes as the shoot progressed with the two minxes being a bit silly; but we all know she loves it really folks!

So here are today's images; when a nice bit of evening light like this comes along it seems a shame not to make the most of it, so here we have a romantic moment (yes you two you are romantic despite what you say) in the golden warmth of the evening sun. A little walk to explore the grounds at South Lodge is always a must and just loving this image in black and white. It was so lovely to see the deckchairs out, and a sneaky pic capturing a sneaky kiss was definitely required here! I think you all know I love those lamps at South Lodge so here is a favourite location of mine but with a different pose :)

Have a fab weekend folks; it looks like we may be having some warmer weather so make the most of it while you can. The fruit and veg fests are coming to an end, which was a little sad until apple and pear fest arrived, aren't we lucky to have the seasons and with the arrival of each one it brings a new bounty...love it!

Claire :)

http://www.woodlandhillphotography.co.uk

Wedding Photography at Hayne Barn House Hythe Kent - Pru and Simon

  Good Afternoon Folks, Welcome to the wedding photography at Hayne Barn House, Hythe, Kent of Pru and Simon and if you have been reading my pre-wedding photography shoot blogs you will know this is a very special wedding indeed. In contrast to the rather grey and cold day in March, this day was gloriously sunny and when I arrived the guests were already enjoying a drinkie or two with convivial chat. The whole wedding took place at Hayne Barn House and Simon was able to get the know the venue prior to the wedding so that his surroundings were more familiar. As you know from my previous blog Simon had a terrible car accident, which among other things has left him totally blind. Does this get Simon down, nooooo, he met his beautiful bride Pru at the blind college he attended and it was love at first touch and sight :) Pru and Simon are a truly lovely couple and I always come away from my visits with a light heart and aching muscles from laughing so much, and beware that Simon is a minx, but we love it; don't ever change :) So here are today's images and the descriptives are for Simon so he can match them with my dialogue on the day. Simon you should remember this very well; there was chat as to how you were going to walk up the aisle together and you didn't want to do the shoulder guidance but walk hand in hand. In the end the decision was made for the shoulder hold, well this had to be the funniest walk up the aisle I have ever seen. 'Foxy' managed to tread on the dress, the train and the veil and this picture is just after you trod on the veil and Pru's head was yanked back. Pru has the most brilliant laugh, you are grinning like a Cheshire cat and then Pru says "Foxy your feet are too big" in the background you can see your guests laughing. Pru then says "well it wouldn't be us if something like this didn't happen"...fabulous! This image is black and white and suits the mood perfectly. The next image is of Pru under the shade of the trees adjacent to the marquee, she is standing up and holding her bridal bouquet of cream roses and lilies; at the centre of each rose is a little purple crystal that brings together the colours of your wedding. This image was taken before the wedding, so that would be before you trod on the train, dress and veil Simon...and this is my cue to duck ;) The image has been presented in a muted colour tone that echoes back to another time. So we now move on to you Simon, this image was taken by the door to the house, if you walked through the door you would be in the hall. You are doing a fantastic pose with great leg and arm positioning and I have to say that you were one the easiest Grooms for posing and as for that Liam; well least said soonest mended eh Simon! Umber is with you and you are facing towards the gardens where you could probably hear all your lovely guests having a chat in the sun. The image is in black and white for extra fabulousness; not sure that's a proper word but I like it. After your meal we went for a stroll in the grounds to bask in the warm glow of the evening sun, the house is to your right and behind you is the tree lined path that we wandered along earlier in the day. There is a beautiful tree behind you, a maple of sorts I think, with leaves of the deepest, glossiest and richest burgundy. This light here really echoes how relaxed and happy you both felt at this time, and you were able to have a quiet chat and a sneaky kiss too. Well this makes me giggle, it is a collage of four images and features Fraya your little bridesmaid. This was taken in the formal garden behind the yew trees that are placed either side of the crazy paved path with the curvy steps. I like it because the gardens are long and thin with a white picket fence surrounding them, straight down the middle is a thin path and we had a wander along there at the pre-wedding shoot. Fraya is on her way down the path with the purple pom, poms that you gave her, in the next image she has 'clocked' me photographing her. I then tell her to put her pom poms in front of her face and quickly pull them apart and smile. She did it beautifully and looked so adorably cute. These images have a different sort of muted colour tone applied and I like it because it gives more of a feel for the story being told, it evokes more of an emotion for some reason. I had loads of fun on your day, you are a wonderful couple and a pleasure to photograph buts let's finish off with a bit of humour. I was doing a shoulder walk with Simon to the sunny spot in the evening, well there was only so much Pru's dress and neck could take; Simon says "what's that on your shoulder Claire, it feels like rubber" "Oh does it it Simon" peals of laughter ensue "Well it's my camera strap" says Claire "Are you sure" says Simon "Well me dressed in rubber and it would probably be the one time you would be thankful you couldn't see" says Claire...peals and and peals of laughter! Have a great weekend folks, Claire http://www.woodlandhillphotography.co.uk

Glorious Goodwood West Sussex - Sarah and Mark

    Good Afternoon Folks, The wedding photography at Glorious Goodwood West Sussex was an extremely fun and romantic day for Sarah and Mark. The day started at Goodwood Hotel where the girls were getting ready and the champagne was flowing; the atmosphere was just lovely and Sarah was so happy to be getting married to her man. The boys were also getting ready at the hotel but they left in plenty of time to get to the church and have a "walk" (note the quotes here, walk = pub) so it meant I could do some interesting detail shots in and around the hotel risk free! We then headed off to St Andrew's Church, Oving, West Sussex where the boys were greeting the arriving guests and we were able to capture a few images before heading back down the path to wait for Sarah, Alan and the girls. Sarah arrived and made her way up the path with her Father and this was such a wonderful moment for reasons known to them. I did feel sorry for poor Mark, we were all primed to go and then I heard, psst, Claire, Claire; I popped over only to find that Sarah's veil was on the wrong way round, so I managed to sort it out and so that the right bit was over Sarah's face but poor Mark must have been wondering what an earth was going on. Usually the organ stopping with a momentary silence is the cue that the Bride has arrived and her walk up the aisle is imminent, that must have been a very long five minutes for Mark! After the church service is was back to Goodwood for fun and relaxation, the whole day was smashing with Sarah and Mark being so happy and kissing lots and lots, it was a joy to see, you two are just fab! Here we go with today's image choices; image one is just a nice vista of Goodwood House and shows some of the beautiful grounds that Goodwood has to offer. I do love a good sunset and we thought it was looking a bit hit and miss for a while but suddenly it was go, go, go so we managed to get these shots and immortalise Sarah's Granny's words of "natures paintbox". Ahhh the avenue of trees symmetry, symmetry just love it and here is another of those magical kisses. I loved taking a few shots of this quiet time and this has to be one of my favorites and sums up Sarah and Mark perfectly, I just love it! Ah now, there was lots of fun during the whole meal and this was the end of a particularly funny drinking game of 'I am Spartacus', we thought Kate had won the game but Alan nipped in at the last minute with a one liner that just could not be beaten "I am Spartacus because I AM the Father of the Bride" and those that were present know what Kate's preceding words were....hilarious! Have a wonderful week folks, Claire :) http://www.woodlandhillphotography.co.uk

Weddings at Slaugham Place Slaugham West Sussex - Tracey and Mark

Good Afternoon Folks, I was recently with Tracey and Mark for their pre wedding photography shoot at Slaugham Place near Lower Beeding West Sussex and what a glorious evening we had for the shoot. It was lovely and warm, the skies were azure blue and it was hard to believe that earlier in the week the rain had just lashed down incessantly! It was lovely to be back at Slaugham again to reacquaint myself with the many wonderful features the venue has and I also am keen to try out a different angle for the big day too. We chatted about Tracey and Mark's big day and they have some brilliant things planned that I cannot wait to see so I think a fun time will be had by all. So here are today's images and we start with the bridge and those magnificent weeping willows, so rich in depth and colour, which is a beautiful frame for Tracey and Mark. The weeping willows make an appearance once again but utilising a completely different light that really suits this shot; there is a quality and mood to the light that really evokes a dreamy mood with a couple of smashing leading lines thrown in for good measure! I just love this image of Tracey, she looks absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to photograph her on the big day; I just hope that she now sees what I see! I know that we have had the most awful winter that seemed never to end but I think the blossom and tree colours have been spectacular this year and this image shows this tree off to perfection; just look at its shape and how it frames Tracey and Mark, so although the smallest part of the image, with the use of light, they are still the most dominant as one's eye is constantly drawn to them both. This image should be called magnificent Mark, it is a strong black and white image with very definite leading lines and I love it! It really has been a busy few weeks for me, I had a great seaside wedding yesterday and one more this weekend in total contrast to yesterday's scenery. I am hoping to blog some of the wonderful protrait shoots I have done recently too, so keep checking back. Claire :) http://www.woodlandhillphotography.co.uk