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

Weddings at South Lodge Hotel Lower Beeding West Sussex - Rachael and Ian

Good Morning Folks,

Welcome to the West Sussex wedding photography at South Lodge of Rachael and Ian and as you can see from the images it was another gloriously sunny day at this magnificent venue. Rachael and Ian's day started at St Mary's Church in Horsham; I always love photographing here, not only is the Vicar and his team really friendly but it is a very pretty church with lovely stained glass windows. It was then off to South Lodge where we were greeted by Paul G Smith, Toastmaster extraordinaire. As usual the service was impeccable and lots of fun was had by all.

So on to today's images; I have mentioned the stained glass window so it would be churlish not to show it!!! It really does look wonderful in this building and it is always a poignant moment when prayers take place at the alter. Image two is of Rachael's bridesmaid and I love it when these little gems appear, everything was perfect; the light the frame of the wooden pew and Kate deep in thought. We had lots of fun during the bride and groom portraiture and I think Rachael and Ian enjoyed a few moments together to reflect on their day. Last but not least today features their little cutie Dominic, he was just adorable and such a good little boy. Here they all are in the evening looking forward to their future as a family.

It has been a while since I last posted, so apologies for that. August was an incredibly busy month for weddings all of which were full of fun and memories. I managed to grab a few days off last week to spend some time with my family, it was great to be able to chat and catch up. We had loads of fun and I can officially announce it takes 8 Hills to make a pizza....don't ask :D :D :D

Claire :)

Weddings at the Ravenswood Sharpethorne West Sussex - Faye and Alex

Check out the latest post on my all new blog

Weddings at Herstmonceux Castle East Sussex

See the latest post from a wedding at Herstmonceux Castle East Sussex with Gabrielle and Fransisco

Dorset House Bury West Susssex Wedding Photographers

See the new post featuring Imogen and Guy on the all new Woodland Hill Photography Blog :)

Weddings at South Lodge Hotel Lower Beeding West Sussex - Debbie and Matt

Good Morning Folks,

I was recently at South Lodge Hotel for the pre wedding photography shoot of Debbie and Matt.  The rain was incessant but that did not hamper our fun!  We had a lovely wander around the hotel to get some ideas for the day and the rain abated just a little bit so we could venture outside.  The initial plan was to use umbrellas but the strong winds put pay to that idea.  As this was not an actual wedding day and dresses weren't involved the intrepid gang decided to just go for it and have some fun.

The images today show mainly the outside just because we were giggling like children when doing some of the shots and looking at them makes me smile.  The first image today was taken inside; South Lodge is one of those venues that has it all for both wet and dry days, so if you get married there folks, the weather will not be a problem.  We fly in the face of wind and rain, yes it was time to go outside, but I stress this is something that may not have been at the top of Debbie's list had it been on her actual wedding day.  The pre-wedding shoots are all about fun, being a bit silly and relaxing in front of the camera so we just went for it!  Image two is a nice stroll along the drive, then piggyback time!  I discovered this little nook when looking for somewhere that would be a possible outside shot and this was lovely and dry.  The huge vagaries of the weather in this country are great because something always appears that may have been overseen otherwise and this little nook is no exception.  I love the shape of the branches behind too, it reminds me of something out of a fairytale. Last but not least just a bit of silly fun, we were mucking about trying to get the 'kick' correct.  When Debbie did it Matt didn't and vice versa.  We were double up with laughter and was one of the visitors to the hotel was most intrigued at what we were up to!

It was a beautiful day for my wedding yesterday and this week sees album ordering and wedding editing for me.  Have a great week folks and looking forward to catching up with you all later.

Claire :)