Sopley Mill, Dorset Wedding - Hannily + John

Sopley Mill, Dorset Wedding - Hannily + John

Is it raining where you are today? Is it all a bit grey and cold and wintery (but not in the good way?). Hopefully this'll bring a little warmth through your screen!

Hannily + John got married in Dorset at Sopley Mill. A sweet venue which offers a little bit more freedom to brides and grooms, giving the option of the location and mill as a blank canvas. You might remember this pair from their sunny pre-shoot at Hengistbury Head (which you can see here).

As lovers of travel - there was a running theme through the day with the seating plan and table names being places that Hannily and John have visited in their trust VW van. Hannily's stunner of a dress had just the right amount of flow to it and the bridesmaids were matched in the same colour, but different style of dress. There was a glorious naked cake, lots of outdoor games, delicious sharing platters and a fresh pizza oven van in the evening. Overall the day exuded a warmth that left me feeling like I was one of the guests photographing old friends!

It was a joy to be part of this day, and one I like to look back on :) Thankfully I think Hannily and John feel the same and were kind enough to give this ace review: 

"Naomi did a totally fantastic job of capturing our wedding at Sopley Mill. She has a real talent for catching those special moments which help you relive the day when looking back through the prints. Incredibly organised but super cool and relaxed, a perfect balance for wedding photographer. We can't recommend her highly enough!"

I wish this pair many many happy years adventuring, running up mountain and climbing and travelling the world in their van!

Shakespeare's Globe + Swan Pub Wedding - London: Sally + Simon

Shakespeare's Globe + Swan Pub Wedding - London: Sally + Simon

Sally + Simon - Well, I don't really know how to start the blog for this one because in some ways there's so much I want to say about it, and in other I want the photos to show you themselves...

Every time I look at this wedding, it brings back the butterflies I knew these guys were feeling, and I can hear the laughter that echoed throughout the whole day. I know that sounds cheesy, because every wedding is full of love and laughter and is amazing - but this one. This one...

If there were ever two people to keep you laughing through the good times and the bad it would be this pair for sure. You can totally see where Sally gets her infectious smile and laugh from by looking at her dad - and the joy and closeness of the families here was totally palpable and absorbing to capture.

Sally and Simon got married in March at The Swan at Shakespeare's Globe in London. As Sally works in the theatre, she had the best opportunity for scoping the place out as a venue, and with the couple living in Greenwich and both growing up in London, they wanted somewhere in the city that they felt could reflect themselves. This had some sweet benefits when it came to taking photos as well, as we were able to scamper through back corridors and sneak a shot on The Globe stage itself!

Sally's dress was made by a clever and talented dressmaker friend, and she had an ace team for hair and make-up from her contacts working at The Globe (it pays to be working in costume department for  a theatre you know!).

The decor and colours in the wedding were golds, blush pinks,  and minty greens - with board game themed table centres and a homemade Monopoly board seating plan - the detail gone to pull all the little bits together was awesome! Make sure you look out for the Owl and The Pussy Cat cake too!

This ace pair kept me on my toes throughout the day with all happy tears, all the laughs and all the love and joy you'd expect from an epic day.

Durlston Castle + DIY Barn Wedding Ben + Tash

Durlston Castle + DIY Barn Wedding Ben + Tash

Hold on to your hats kids - the time has finally come!! This year has been such a whirlwind that I'm ashamed to say I haven't yet really managed to get any blog posts of the amazing amazing days I've shared with so many ruddy lovely couples - so in no particular order - lets get started. I'll be posting 1 wedding a week until........ until they're all out there!

I'm starting with Ben and Tash's DIY extravaganza of a day! This wedding took detail and DIY to the next level. Ben's a pretty handy chap he makes his own line of skateboards (Bash's Speed Shop) - so there was plenty of handmade crafted goodness from festoon light sings to woodburning stoves made from old barrels, a painted sign guestbook, drinks tokens - that's just a few of the details (you'll see). Tash is equally handy - being an incredible wedding cake baker (check out The Diamond Baker) and generally an all round crafter - all invites were handmade, seating tags, jam and chutney favours!! SO much made goodness!! 

Such is the way of modelmaker graduates...

Ben and Tash had their legal wedding the day before in Bournemouth Town Hall, and then held an intimate ceremony led by Ben's Grandad on the big day at Durlston Castle. 

Transport was catered for with two Morris Minors, one which belonged to Ben and Tash, and another, owned and driven by a good friend. Tash's dress was made by an ace costume maker bridesmaid , the flowers were bought dried and were put together by the bridesmaids as well!!

Once the ceremony was over, I whisked this pair away for a little time together whilst their guests journeyed on to our next venue - 2 barns near Wareham. Getting these barn ready was a team effort and I must say - looked flipping amazing once they were done with them <3 Extra side-note for any brides out there DIY-ing it- teams of people can be readily persuaded with fish and chips!

This day was really an amazing joy to be a part of, and honestly, I don't know if there are two people who could be better suited to one another that this pair. 

Anyway - I'm going to stop rambling - go have a look for yourself! Thanks to my gal pal partner in crime Florence Fox for being an ace second shooter.

Regent's Park Pre-Shoot: Alex + Abeer

Regent's Park Pre-Shoot: Alex + Abeer

I love a little jaunt to London - it's good to have change of scene now and again and an excuse to have a wander around a city that I used to live so close to, so it'll always have a corner of my heart.

So when Alex and Abeer couldn't come to me in Bristol for their pre-shoot, I did a little re-arranging and popped up to see them for a shot but sweet shoot around Regent's Park.

What I hadn't factored in was our late indian summer which also made London the most humid place to be last week - my my, was it warm!! Still, it was so good to meet Alex and Abeer in person ahead of their wedding this weekend and finalise a few of those last minutes details for the big day! These two did seem a little nervous, but I completely understand it can be a bit weird to have someone following you with a camera - it's one of the main reasons that a pre-shoot can be so good. It gets everyone a bit used to the idea, so on the big day (hopefully) I'll be the last worry on their mind!! 

Regardless of nerves or not, Alex and Abeer smashed it! Here's a few of the shots we got on the day :)

New Forest Pre-Shoot - Lee + Mel

AHHHHH LEE AND MEL GET MARRIED TOMORROW!!

I'm packing my bags and checking them twice (don't have a list of those who're naughty or nice... sorry - Christmas on the brain already....), all ready to head down to Bournemouth tonight.

When I met up with Lee and Mel for their pre-shoot, it was a breath of fresh air. I hadn't seen Lee for about 10 years (I knew him back when I used skateboard a bit, and he was a BMX rider) and I've never met Mel before, other than online with a few conversations about their day.It was like meeting two other peas in a pod, and I honestly think we spent more time chatting and catching up like old friends that we did shooting.

We headed into some woodland just past Hurn and towards the New Forest,  hung out in the car for a while (to wait out the rain) and ran out to take some shots and have a wander. We also stumbled upon the Avon Causeway Railway - which seemed like a pretty apt place to take some shots (Lee works as a train engineer) and had an impromptu pub dinner (to warm up, obviously...).

Anyway - it was all pretty awesome, and to say I'm excited about what's in store for their day tomorrow is an understatement. I know these guys are going to smash their wedding day - so keep your eyes on the blog and Facebook page for sneaks next week :)

Lauren + Lee - PART TWO: A Thailand Elopement

When it comes to remembering this wedding - words don't really do it the justice I need them to. Even now, looking back through the photos brings back the feeling of a long exhale of breath, of remembering something that was so hot, and busy, and at the same time completely calm and peaceful and intimate.

Lauren and Lee's story needs three parts of a post - the first started with their engagement shoot here: when they knew their exciting secret plans but no one else even had an inkling, and here's number two, which is documenting their elopement to the amazing, beautiful destination of Koh Samui in Thailand. These guys wanted to do something different, something that was for them and them only, starting their marriage focussing on the two people that really matter the most.

When I look at these images, I can hear the birds that were always calling to one another, that we could hear first thing in the morning in our hotel room, I remember the warmth of the sun on my skin and I can feel the calm that came with listening to the sea whilst Lee had a beer, and Lauren got her bridal finery on. I hope that it does the same for you guys - it was an incredible honour and privilege to document something that was so personal and private between these two.

I've never shot an elopement before, so the day had different rhythms to a wedding day at home - but we had an absolute blast and thoroughly enjoyed spending some quality time capturing these two beauts on their special day.

Chris + Dany - London Asylum Wedding

Chris + Dany - London Asylum Wedding

This wedding was nothing short of absolutely epic. The emotions were high, the venue incredible, the food amazing and the company top notch. Chris and Dany are the bomb and their wedding is one of my favourites because they did exactly what they wanted to do, and it reflected their tastes down to a T. 

These guys are two of my best friends - so I did have some inside knowledge I'll admit - but everything from the table names (American BBQ joints - Chris is into meat in a BIG way) to the tea and biscuits after the ceremony and the all out dancing at the end of the night was perfect for them.  The got married in Asylum in London, also know as Caroline Garden's Chapel - which is a stunning building with beautiful light and just the right amount of rugged-ness. We then moved on to a London red bus as transport to The Lordship Pub in Dulwich for tasty canapes (we're talking of the scotch egg variety to start....), drinks and the main reception, followed by a night of dancing accompanied by hot dogs supplied by the best of the best Big Apple Hot Dogs which helped soak up the booze and revive tired dancers.

I had the wonderful Florence second shooting with me, which gives a great dual aspect of both the boys getting ready, along side the ladies in a different location and means we have an abundance of the great candid moments throughout the day.

Go and boil the kettle, get that tea pot ready - because you'll need the tea looking through the story of their day. Also - any veggies - be aware - meat was present.... don't say I didn't warn you...

Hannily + John's Hengistbury Head Pre-shoot

Hannily + John's Hengistbury Head Pre-shoot

2 DAYS TO GO UNTIL THESE LEGENDS GET MARRIED!!

Hannily and John met me at one of my favourite spots in Dorset, Hengistbury Head for a little pre-shoot last month - and would you just look at that glorious weather?

Did I arrive nearly an hour early.... yes. Was there anything or anywhere better I could have been on a sweet Friday morning (good Friday no less)... nope.  

Hengistbury Head is somewhere I used to go as a child with my parents for windy walks, as a teen to hang out with friends for the occasional party (one of which I'm pretty sure Hannily hosted with my friend Lara) and then as a twenty-something as somewhere to clear my head and take some time out. It was even the place that I went straight after signing the register with my new (lifelong) man creature. So it's somewhere that will always feel like home to me. 

I felt completely right as the place to meet Hannily and John, as I know Hannily spent a lot of time here growing up as well. This laid back and adventurous pair are like two peas in a pod, making me dream of a life of rock climbing, camper-vanning and trekking....

Also - awards for the shiniest hair I've ever seen definitely due :)

I can't wait to catch up with you both on Sunday and see what your day  is holding in store - I know it's going to be pretty awesome!

Darren + Georgia's Charlton House Wedding

Darren + Georgia's Charlton House Wedding

Life works in funny ways... Long long ago I was working in Debenhams Wedding Service. 

It was there that I met Claire - my *nearly* wedding twin - we generally conspired together about all things weddings, and both crossed our fingers tightly when it came to hoping about the weather. It was kind of a shame, because it would have been ace to shoot Claire (and Luke)'s wedding - but alas - honeymoon time was a'calling and I swanned off to the glamorous hills of Wales for some sweet time with my love.

But fear not!! Just a little later one (maybe a year or so) Claire popped me a message about her brother getting married, and thus began my journey with Darren and Georgia (Chester and Copper too...).

We started out daringly  - with their pre-wedding shoot at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, and I cannot be more thankful that they were so up for this (getting up at the crack of dawn to pop over to Bristol!). Have a look here at their couple shoot- it was such a beautiful morning!

I LOVE that I get to not only meet so many amazing people in this job, but also get to capture a little piece of them in their photos that they can treasure for years after we've met. I cannot express how warm and welcoming these beauts are. I felt like I had been welcomed in to the fold on their wedding day, and when I left that evening it was with the biggest of warm and fuzzy feelings. 

Here's how their big day at Charlton House, near Shepton Mallet went down...

James + Annika - Clevedon Pier Engagement Shoot SNEAK

James + Annika - Clevedon Pier Engagement Shoot SNEAK

These two legends braved the absolutely Icelandic style wind and cold on Friday...Never a better time to get close with your love though right?

I flipping love how the wind whipped Annika's hair about, but it's like they were in a bubble of calm.

It was ruddy cold though.

*Thinking warm sunny thoughts thinking alll the warm sunny thoughts*

Lucy +Adi's River Barn Wedding at Malmesbury

Lucy + Adi's River Barn Wedding at Malmesbury

Every time I sit down to write about a wedding, I remember how it made me feel. Something I'm incredibly  privileged to to be a part of, to witness and take part in is your wedding.

Each and every wedding I've shot has had a common thread of intense together-ness, of everyone pulling together to make it happen and to get everything just right for the couple that they all know and love. 

Lucy and Adi's wedding was no exception, and you could really see the time and effort gone in to get everything looking beautiful. The wedding, held at River Barn in Malmesbury, which by the way is a super sweet intimate venue, happened to fall on one of those great little sunny days that we sometimes get here in the UK, and epitomised the late summer September weather. We had just the right amount of sunshine, warmth, and beautiful light and although these guys were pretty nervous the intimacy of the venue couldn't have suited them any better.

Thank you so much for having me shoot your day - it was a real joy to see you get married and be able to capture the day for you. 

Lucy and Adi were also kind enough to pop a little review across to me, which you can read below. Have a good old peruse of these photos, it was hard to keep the number down, but here's some of my favourites!

"We were thrilled and delighted with the services Naomi provided prior to, during, and after the wedding. Beforehand she took the time to meet with us, discuss our requirements and wishes for the day and offered a pre-wedding / engagement shoot. This helped us to understand how Naomi works as well as helped us to think about the style of photographs for the day, something that I feel was crucial. On the day, Naomi went above and beyond to ensure our day ran smoothly. Besides ensuring an array of moments were caught on camera, Naomi ensured my dress and hair was set correct and offered a wealth of tips that helped in the preparations prior to the ceremony. The shots of the day were simply stunning. The package we received after our wedding was exceptional. Tailored and personal, with a touch of care and sophistication, which brought us to tears. We would truly recommend Naomi Jane photography to enable you to magically capture your special day."

SALLY + SIMON - 1 DAY TO GO!

SALLY + SIMON - 1 DAY TO GO!

EEEK - This lovely pair get married tomorrow and if the wedding has nearly half as much joy as the engagement shoot, I know it'll be filled with love and laughter.

We caught up just under a month ago to chat about the plans, and have a little wander around near the venue. I can't wait to see how everything (and everyone) looks all dressed up and ready to go!

Laughter and sense of humour: my mum would always say would the things that get you through the good times and the bad, so don't pack for a relationship without it...This pair have it in spades and I know are going to have an amazing day and future ahead of them :)