The Wedding of Steph & Paul in their own back garden!

It doesn’t get more chilled than getting married at your own home…

Steph & Paul tied the knot in their own back garden in a beautiful marquee with some of their nearest and dearest. What more do you need? Well… throw in a musical duo, great wine and some seriously snazzy waistcoats and you’ve got yourself one heck of a shindig!

It was late September and the rain had decided to crash the wedding without an invite… Fortunately the last minute, mass purchase of white umbrellas saved the day and made for some lovely memories and images!

The marquee was decorated beautifully, with fairy lights, chandeliers and every table featuring napkins with the pooch personalised family crest! (It’ll make sense when you see it!)

I could go on and on about the lovely laid back atmosphere and friendly faces I found on this special day, but instead i’ll leave you with a selection of my favorite shots!

Cheerio, Pip-Pip, bye for now!

The Wedding of Richard & Michelle @ Arundel Town Hall

***DISCLAMER*** - SHOOTING YOUR OWN FAMILY’S WEDDING IS HARDER THAN YOU THINK!

Yep, thats right… I was a guest and the photographer for this one…

I was honoured and excited when I was asked to shoot Richard & Michelle’s big day, but there are a few major differences as a photographer when you shoot a family wedding! The most noticeable being just how tricky it is to catch those candid moments… everyone wants to chat or see what you’re doing! OH… and not to mention that I’m ‘on duty’, so the champers had to wait!

Even with these differences, this was a fab day! I arrived at Arundel Town Hall (www.arundeltownhall.com) to capture Richard, our family and friends gathering for the ceremony. Before long, Michelle and her bridesmaids arrived looking fabulous and keeping with tradition ensured they made a fashionably late entrance! (Richard needs to be kept on his toes after all)

I’m sure the newly married couple won’t mind me saying that this was one of the most bonkers weddings I have had the pleasure of shooting! Richard & Michelle nailed it… Showing their guests what love and marriage is really about. Being yourself, having fun and never taking yourself too seriously! (I’m fairly confident they said most of the right things in some of the right places… Maybe?!)

After the livliest ceremony I’ve witnessed, we gathered outside for a celebratory glass of fizz and a few group shots. I can assure you, the phrase ‘HERDING CATS’ doesn’t quite cut it for this bunch of funsters either!

A few glasses later, the party continued at The George Inn with some hilarious speeches, a mountain of cheese and a large dose of Karaoke! Here are a few of my favourites from this memorable day!

xxx

The magical 'Sloe Fair' (and some new photography styles for me!)

If you're a born and bred Cicestrian, you'll already know all about the magical fair that comes to town just once a year for one night only, but for those of you unaware, 'The Sloe Fair' is a travelling fun fair that visits the city annually, on the 20th of October (unless it's a Sunday), and has done since the beginning of the 12th century! Although, I'm guessing it was a slightly different fair then... Possibly a few less candyfloss-wielding thrill seekers back in 1107!

Anyway, the point is, you can't NOT go to Sloe Fair if you're a 'Chi Boy/Girl'... It's THE place to be on that special October night. A real bombardment of the senses: The smell of burnt burgers, candyfloss and fumes wafting past your nose as your eardrums are continually assaulted by generator noise and the muffled tones of a ride operator, yelling at you over a semi-famous 90's dance hit... WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?!

I can tell you're already desperate to see what the fuss is about...

Every year, my daughter and I wrap up warm and venture down to the fair, spending far too much money on rides that make you want to 'do a sick' and stalls that I'm sure are rigged to ensure that Daddy never wins that giant stuffed animal . This year was no different... Other than, I decided to take my camera, a 70mm Prime and try my luck at some street/candid photography.

I love taking photos of people, but it's a whole new ball game when you're trying to capture people in their natural environment... without them knowing! Here are a few of my favourites, I'd love to know your thoughts, whether they are comments about my shots or about your own memories of the majestic Sloe Fair. 

Cheerio, pip pip and bye for now! :)

Cheers for now! :)

Want to know more about Sloe Fair? Take a look here - http://www.thenovium.org/article/28853/Chichesters-Sloe-Fair