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

Wedding Photgraphers Brighton East Sussex Thistle Hotel - Karen and Callan

Good Afternoon Folks, Welcome to the seaside wedding photography in Brighton East Sussex of Karen and Callan; the day was a scorcher and yes we are talking Brighton East Sussex in the UK and no I wasn't dreaming! Karen had the most amazing suite and it had gorgeous views overlooking the sea with a balcony and hot tub, it really was a tranquil and spacious place to enjoy getting ready before the wedding. I went downstairs to find the boys just arriving and we popped outside to get a few shots. After the wedding Karen and Callan had a stroll along the beach and I am sure they felt like celebrities as everyone was wishing them well. So for today's images; the first was taken in the suite and I love it because Karen looks so calm, she was so chilled all morning and only had very few nerves as she was being dressed and I think you can tell how chilled she looked from this shot and she looked absolutely radiant. Here is Callam looking splendid in his kilt and a fact for today, the sporen was inititally used as protection and I am sure you don't need me to explain to protect what, then over the years evolved into the multi use pocket/purse it is today. I do love the walking down the aisle shots, the utter relief and happiness at being married and looking forward to some lovely celebrations with family and friends. There were lots ofsun lovers on the beach that day and I did love capturing some shots with Karen and Callan mingling but this is lovely as they are just having a quiet moment together to chat and catch a sneaky kiss or two. Last but not least that bench, which you may remember seeing from their pre-wedding shoot...I love that bench! I am steadily workng away here trying to catch up with my editing and hoping that at last we can have some sustained sunshime. Catch up soon, Claire :) http://www.woodlandhillphotography.co.uk

Weddings at The Spa Hotel Tunbridge Wells Kent - Andrea and Philip

Good Morning Folks,

Today we are featuring pre wedding photography at The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. I do love photographing at this venue as it is situated in my hometown of Tunbridge Wells and it is just beautiful with a contrasting architecture that is fabulous to give many different looks to your wedding photography. Although contrasting the blend is seamless and that is not something that is easy to achieve, but the Spa have so happy days for me!

It was really lovely to meet up and have a chat with Andrea and Philip, they first came across me at The Spa Hotel wedding fayre last year but I was winging my way to an awards ceremony so my assistants had a lovely chat with them. I have spoken to them on the phone on several occasions so it was to good to meet face to face to show that I really do exist.

As you can see from the images the day was very sunny and very hot. I know lots of Brides and Grooms wish for very warm and sunny weather for their wedding day but in reality being too hot is not the best for anyone, especially our lovely grooms who are often wearing wool!!!! Balmy but cooler weather is much nicer and so much more comfortable for everyone, no burned shoulders or melting make-up for the bride or heat exhaustion for the groom.

We had a lovely wander around the grounds and here are today's images, the theme today is spot the ducks :) The first is on the lovely bridge nestled in the many acres that the hotel has to offer, the trees behind add some drama to the image too. Our second image today is walking back towards to hotel jus by the water's edge in what I think is a quintessentially English scene. Oooh those who know me know I love a bit of drama and so does Andrea; happy days and I must say folks she is so easy to photograph but I know you don't believe me Andrea! Last but not least today, Philip looking mighty dapper and again falling into those poses like he has been modelling all his life. So how many ducks did you spot?

I am really looking forward to your big day and I know we are going to have lots of fun.

See you soon you two and for all my lovely readers have a great weekend and pop by next week for more ramblings from me!

Claire :)

http://www.woodlandhillphotography.co.uk

Emma Tindley Bridal Boutique at South Lodge - Image of the Week

Week Twenty Four This wedding photography detail shot was taken at South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding, West Sussex and showcases our very own Emma Tindley, Designer extraordinaire. I have chosen a detail shot this week because it is so lovely to take images of all those special things before they get worn or opened. There is nothing quite so perfect as the dress and shoes hanging beautifully waiting for their bride to enjoy them. Emma looked fantastic in her dress and she just loved wearing it and I think she felt extra special because her dress was made just for her by Emma her designer and yes we had Emma the Bride and Emma the Designer, so no confusion there then! Your wedding dress is probably going to be the most special dress you will ever wear, so for the experience to be unique and special just adds to the joy of wearing it. When you go to see Emma it is all about the dress and your couture experience from the very first visit, watching your gown evolve with every visit to the ultimate moment....wearing it and walking up the aisle to meet the man you will spend the rest of your life with.

Weddings at Wakehurst Place Ardingly West Sussex - Laura and Mark

Good Evening Folks,

A Wakehurst Place pre wedding photography shoot in West Sussex is being featured this evening and let me introduce you to the lovely Laura and Mark. We had lots of fun on the day and it was good to also discuss and iron out some of the finer points prior to the big day and what we were going to do photographically at this beautiful venue. As usual the planning of their day was absolutely tip top headed by Katie and her brilliant team.

I have photographed at Wakehurst a number of times before and there is so much here I am not sure that I would ever be at a loss of somewhere new to explore. On our travels we have found some new little nooks to use on the big day, as usual it will now be down to the great British weather, so be kind to us....please :) To be honest what ever happens weather wise on the day it will not matter as the mansion has other places I also want to explore too!

On to today's images first up Laura looking just beautiful at the gate to the formal gardens; she has a grace and poise that really shines through in this image. I always like a bit of silly piggy back fun; it is not something that will happen on the day itself but is a great laugh on the pre wedding shoot. I loved this sequence of images , so sensitive and loving; the light was beautiful and was enhanced by the dappled light in the background to give a texture and depth to the image. Just look at the vibrancy of the skies, the richness of the trees and foliage, I do love a stroll in an English country garden and Laura's dress fits in wonderfully here. Ahh last but certainly not least, I love this image of Mark; when I took it on the day it took my breath away; both Laura and I think he looks very majestic and commanding; oh happy days cannot wait for the big day now :)

Have a great week folks; I am still in the midst of cherry fest. For those of you that don't know every year we go and pick our cherry tree at Rent a Cherry in Northiam; cherry fest then commences and I love it!!!

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

Wedding South Lodge Hotel Lower Beeding West Sussex - Debbie and Matt

  Good Morning Folks, Welcome to the really fun West Sussex Wedding Photography at South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding West Sussex of Debbie and Matt. The day started at South Lodge and then it was off to St Mark's Church in Horsham West Sussex to photograph the boys ahead of the wedding service. Debbie arrived and after a chat with their brilliant Vicar Rev Dr Richard Coldicott who was so much fun, it was time for Debbie to meet her Groom and get married. We again had another fabulous speech from the Vicar and this one involved Toblerone; the mahoosive bar that was used for demonstration purposes was distributed after the service, and another equally mahoosive bar was given to Debbie and Matt; now that's my kind of wedding service. I can honestly say it is a first to have Toblerone given as exit gifts at a wedding but I wholeheartedly approve ;) We then made our way back to South Lodge where the fabulous toastmaster Paul G Smith was waiting to greet us, the weather then decided to do its usual thing and rain buckets. Later in the day there was a break in the rain, the clouds went and things were improving so the intrepid gang jumped in the buggy and headed for the lake. Frank from Enchant Films and I decided to rummage in the bluebell woods for some interesting angles; I was in front and I successfully managed to steer clear of the badger holes but I got a little cocky and whoosh one whole leg went in and down I went! The cameras were the most important thing and they were kept safe so I then had to get said leg out, which was up to the thigh, that done there was no way I was missing this shot now. The next thing more shrieks from Debbie, Matt and my assistant as Frank went up to the thigh in one I had managed to navigate round; I think Debbie and Matt thought they were about to lose their whole media team in one swoop! Oh no, the intrepid duo got up and carried on and we both got the shot and footage....oh yessss! So for today's images; the views at South Lodge are just stunning and we were blessed with some early evening sun that just made this shot. Ah yes the bluebells, well having told the story I had to show you the shot didn't I! Frank also has a show reel on his Enchant Films vimeo page the link will take you there so you can see for yourself :) So having survived badger holes we thought we were home and dry, not so; in the blink of an eye the weather turned and from nowhere (well Matt saw something dodgy in the distance) it absolutely lashed down and this is the shot we managed to grab. When we got back to the venue I was soaked with bluebell and grass stains, with a face that looked like something from Kiss, my assistant looked like she had taken a shower fully clothed with poor Frank who looked like me minus the Kiss look (he doesn't wear mascara!), Matt looked like someone had thrown a bucket of water down his back. Then there was Debbie, bone dry, beautiful, radiant without a spec on her; the staff at the hotel look at the bedraggled bunch, then looked at Debbie and said "did you go with them?" Ah yes we go the extra mile to make sure that our Brides remain absolutley perfect :) My last image of the day is a detail shot of the dress; I just love the way it looks on the hangar with those fabulous Jenny Packham shoes! What a fun and eventful day and one of the reasons I love photographing weddings, each one is special and different just like my clients. Claire
http://www.woodlandhillphotography.co.uk

Wedding Photographer for Worth Abbey Balcombe West Sussex- Rachel-Emily and Theo

Good Afternoon Folks,

The light for the pre wedding photography shoot with Rachel-Emily and Theo in Balcombe was sublime; there was a richness to the light that was just beautiful to work with. Rachel-Emily and Theo are having their wedding at Worth Abbey and then their wedding day celebrations will be back at Rachel-Emily's family home in Balcombe. Our pre wedding shoot took place there and it really is just stunning; I couldn't contain my excitement as we wandered around taking photographs and chatting about the big day. I was also pleased on a personal level as I understood some of the French being spoken; happy days or heureux jours ;)

Alors, les photos pour aujourd hui; I do love a rustic scene with lots of long, wild grass growing. It reminds me of all that is typical about Sussex and Kent, which are just beautiful counties to live in. The richness of the evening light really adds some depth to this image and is just wistful as Rachel-Emily and Theo enjoy being together. J'adore cette photo; it is so carefree and reminds me of days where things were so much simpler and lovely. There was little great little ramshackle building that caught my eye as soon as I drove down the drive, the textures both inside and out were wonderful, we popped inside to capture this image. I also took an image of Theo and wow just look at him at the window with the cobwebs, what a fantastic space :) Last but not least let me introduce you to Jacques; he loved coming for a walk and he was easy to find in the long grass; just look for the black tail! He really is lovely and adores Rachel-Emily and Theo as you can see from this image with Rachel-Emily. I think he is going to have a wonderful time on the big day too.

Cherry fest is still with us and has been joined by tomato and runner bean fest...fabulous!

A bientot tout le monde :)

Claire

www.woodlandhillphotography.co.uk