Lauren and Ollie’s fairytale wedding at Castello Di Meleto in Tuscany, Italy, was blessed with perfect weather and beautiful grounds for the cocktail hour after the ceremony and a stunning outdoor evening reception dinner.

Drinks were served after the ceremony. It was a short walk down a spruce lined drive to a refreshing negroni and aperol spritzer, as the signature cocktails.  Hors deourves, a charcuterie station and a mozzarella and tomato bar, made for a relaxed afternoon of finger foods and chatting before the wedding reception.

There were many unique touches showing Lauren and Ollie’s style and personality, with creative direction from the Talented Clara at Chic Weddings Italy…..from the tea towel invitations, to the Mad Lib inspired RSVP cards hung on the iron fence,  an eclectic selection of frames listing all of the guests was used as a table plan, small peaches with each place card and the Italian almond confetti corner where guests could choose their own flavour of Italian candy as wedding favours.

The wedding cake, a traditional Italian Millefoglie cake, was a show in itself!  Millefoglie is literally “a thousand layers” and is made up of fill pastry sheets layered with different fillings. The chefs came out in a long line with all the ingredients and built the cake in front of the guests.  Lauren’s most memorable moment from the wedding reception was the creation and cutting of this amazing wedding cake!

Lauren and Ollie opened the dancing to Kings of Leon –Back Down South, which invites everyone in the opening lyrics to “Come on out and dance, if you get the chance”  – the perfect end to a perfect day, dancing under the stars in Tuscany with family and friends for around the world.

This dream wedding carried over to a farewell lunch and pool party at the castle the next day with all the guests.

“We were so grateful for the long journey that everyone made that we didn’t want it to end”

Mr & Mrs M: it was such an absolute pleasure to travel to Italy and capture your amazing wedding and I am delighted to see two become three and to see your joy as a new family. Sending you all my love for a long and romantic love story together forever more…. xxx

Gown: Reem Acra Olivia Dress // Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Veil: Vera Wang // Earrings: J Crew // Rings: Laura Bezant // Groom tuxedo: Ozwald Boateng // Groom’s shoes: My Churches // Groom’s Bow tie: Lanvin // Bridesmaids dresses: TwoBirds Bridesmaids // Vintage MG: Drive In Style // Venue: Castello Di Meleto // Wedding planner: Clara Boatto from Chic Weddings Italy // Catering: Galateo // Florist: La Rosa Canina // Stationer: Wedding Tea Towels // Hair & Makeup: Silvia Gerzeli

This fairytale wedding in a Tuscan castle had all the ingredients for a fun and glamorous weekend of celebration at Castello Di Meleto in Italy. Lauren and Ollie’s destination wedding was a perfect part of their cosmopolitan love story which started in London, followed by a proposal in Paris, a wedding in Tuscany and finally a honeymoon in Greece.

To make the most of the long journey their 125 guests had undertaken, a full weekend of events was planned to celebrate and enjoy the time together with family and friends.  A welcome dinner on the Friday night at a local family run pizzeria, La Loggia del Chianti, started the weekend on a casual note.

Saturday brought a beautiful sunny day with not a cloud in the sky, showcasing the stunning castle grounds and perfectly complementing the glamour of the black tie attire. Castello Di Meleto has so many beautiful areas that it was easy to flow from the ceremony to cocktails, then dinner and dancing.

One of Ollie’s most memorable moments was watching his bride drive up the tree lined road as she arrived for the ceremony in a 1954 white MG.  Lauren’s father walked her down the aisle to a harp accompaniment and their family priest, Father Dow Sanderson officiated, travelling far from home to be a part of this memorable occasion.

The greens, gold, pinks and peaches of the wedding colour palette were chosen to complement the flowers in season and made the castle grounds perfect for a creative couple shoot which took place after the ceremony.

Look out for next week’s blog, showcasing the cocktail hour, dinner reception and the wonderfully intimate detailed decor that made this wedding uniquely Lauren and Ollie.

Gown: Reem Acra Olivia Dress // Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Veil: Vera Wang // Earrings: J Crew // Rings: Laura Bezant // Groom tuxedo: Ozwald Boateng // Groom’s shoes: My Churches // Groom’s Bow tie: Lanvin // Bridesmaids dresses: TwoBirds Bridesmaids // Vintage MG: Drive In Style // Venue: Castello Di Meleto // Wedding planner: Clara Boatto // Catering: Galateo // Florist: La Rosa Canina // Stationer: Wedding Tea Towels // Hair & Makeup: Silvia Gerzeli

A Gatsby-influenced country mansion wedding was just the ticket for a film-obsessed couple like Ching and Jamie.  Chinese symbolism combined with Hollywood glamour made for a extravaganza filled with meaning and personality just so unique to this gorgeous couple.

The ceremony and reception were held at Hedsor House and their love of film extended to the decor, naming the tables after their favourite love stories: Love Actually, Jerry Maguire, The English Patient and of course, The Great Gatsby for the main table.  The flowers and food were full of Chinese symbolism and heritage. The favours were Taiwanese pineapple cakes made by Ching’s mum, whom Ching clearly owes some of her culinary success to! (Ching is a well known TV chef in the US, with a number of series to her name: so talented!)

Ching wore a beautiful Jenny Packham gown and Jamie a tailor-made Valentino suit – styled to match the glamour and elegance of the Gatsby theme. A live band and cocktails at the reception got the party going full swing and made for a decadent and classic evening reception filled with fun and laughter.

The evening ended with an amazing fireworks display which marks any Chinese celebration as a symbol of happiness – and who could be more happy than Ching and Jamie as they start their married life together.

It was such a pleasure to capture the magical day you became husband and wife Mr & Mrs C; I wish you so much love and happiness as you continue your journey through life together. All my love!

Venue: Hedsor House // Dress: Jenny Packham // Wedding Planner and Catering: Mark Frogley at Caper and Berry // Videographer: Sugarfish // Florist: Seventh Heaven // Hair & Make-up: Armand Beaseley // Cake: Maisie Fantaisie // Band: Belissima

Are you a wedding photographer in need of some inspiration and a bit of a recharge? Do you dream of shooting high end destination weddings?

Come and join me in Ibiza for a  bespoke 2 day private photography intensive coaching course.  Let me help you create a successful high end photography business by addressing your specific needs.  The course is tailored to cover specific points that will be most powerful and effective for your business.  Have a look at the available topics or make use of a complimentary discovery session to find out how this photography intensive can help you achieve your dreams.

As a certified coach and a successful international wedding photographer I am uniquely positioned to help you take your business to new heights, build your confidence and fast track your path to success.

If you have any other questions please contact me here.

Make Up: Marie Duchar Clark // Hair: Kellie Fairfield // Styling: Daniella Tasca York  //Dress: Kurru Kurru//  Nails: Laura at Glam Ibiza

When you are a cool, edgy couple working in the entertainment industry, you don’t throw a wedding that is like anyone else’s right? No….. you stamp your own very personal style and create a celebration at home that’s full of meaning and personality, and uniquely your own: both laid-back and lively and a ton of fun!

Lou and Rocco chose Lou’s family home to host their wedding, which her parents had very kindly held onto a little longer so the couple could complete the family tradition of marrying there, before her parents sold the house and moved on. The celebrations were hosted in different locations around the gardens – from a humanist ceremony is a marquee in the apple orchard – to a lively band in the driveway.

The stars of the show – after Lou & Rocco of course – were the amazing original Doritos band off the TV advert – the Mariarchi Band. Hilarious, fun and awesome musicians to boot, these guys got the party going at full swing right from the drinks reception.

As the sun set the family released gold balloons into the dusky skies, one to mark each dear family member who had moved on, in a meaningful and poignant acknowledgement to those loved and lost, but never forgotten.

And as the balloons flow off into the sky, so this couple were about to fly off to their own new life. Lou and Rocco’s wedding was a statement of their love and marriage, a coming together of 2 happy families, and also a send off to the newly married couple who shortly after emigrated to the US to begin a new life together.

To Lou and Rocco: America is a better place for your sense of fun and personality, and I hope your have a long and happy new life together and a marriage that is filled with just as much laughter and love as the day it started. All my love xxx

Venue: Clients Home // Bride’s Dress: Pronovias // Band: Mariarchi Band

This week allow yourself to be transported back to sunkissed Chianti in Tuscany, Italy. I had the privilege of visiting the enchanting Castelo di Meleto for a wedding last summer and captured the estate and surrounding area whilst I was there.

Set on a hill overlooking the Massellone Valley, the historic and elegant Castello Di Meleto is set in Chianti and has incredible views. It offers rooms and apartments with Tuscan-style furnishings, and a traditional semi restored original interior, which is wonderfully atmospheric. I love it when old interiors are not restored to within an inch of their life, and still hold some character and signs of age.

The best part? You can actually stay here without getting married! Yes, it is also a hotel, and has some gorgeous swimming pool areas with beautiful views, perfect for a summer holiday.

It truly is an authentic castle, and a taste of old Italy. As well as the stones and bib urns of flowers, it has those quintessential rows of poplar trees lining the roads and views of rolling hills and vineyards.

The wedding I shot here will soon be published on Martha Stewart Weddings. Keep your eyes open for lots of gorgeousness on their site very soon!

This August wedding on a beautiful summers day truly complimented a beautiful bride and her handsome groom as they tied the knot under a traditional Jewish Chuppah in the orchard at Fenton House.  After a wonderfully romantic  Parisian pre-wedding shoot with Joanna and Adam, it was very special to shoot their London wedding.

Joanna, elegant in a Jenny Packham creation with her hair in an intricate up style was relaxed and clearly enjoyed every moment of her wedding day.  A couple like this, so obviously in love, allows for wonderful natural photography, capturing those special moments that will evoke the same feelings all over again when looking back on their wedding album.

The wedding ceremony was followed by a drinks reception for the guests and then onto the formal reception where the traditional Jewish wedding dancing took place – before the formalities of speeches and eating!  No Jewish wedding is complete without the chair dance, the Hora, in which strong guests hoist the bride and groom on chairs high above the crowd.  The expressions on Joanna and Adam’s face really told a story of joy and celebration.

Joanna and Adam wanted me to capture their wedding day in way that would create a true story when looking back, showing the little details that made the day special and capturing the spirit of the celebration in all its tradition and elegance.

If you are planning your Jewish Wedding in the London area, please drop me a line..

Videographer : Bloomsbury Films   // Florist : Mary-Jane Vaughan // Hair/Make Up : Michael Van Clarke  // Dress Designer :  Jenny Packham (both dresses) // Band : The Beat Union // Catering : Rhubarb // Venue : Fenton House  Stationary: Signore del Mare

Paris has to be every photographer’s dream. Around every corner is the perfect backdrop, a cute little nook, a hidden delight – all oozing romance and charm…..

In Paris even the street names are photogenic!

Paris however, was also the city that kept Joanna and Adam apart for several months before they married, when Adam’s job required him to relocate for a few months…. weekends on the Eurostar and a long distance romance kept the magic alive, but it’s no understatement to say that they were over the moon to be reunited when we did this shoot, a time when their return to London – together – was so imminent.

We stopped off for ice-cream, sat down at al fresco Bistro’s and paused in front of a cheese shop. Joanna & Adam danced in the street and stole a few little kisses.  Joanna skipped beautifully round the cobbled streets in her high heeled Jimmy Choo’s, with the boundless joy of an American in Paris.

I can almost hear the gentle sounds of that typical Parisian music gently floating through the air…

If you would like to find out more about my Paris pre wedding shoots please email me.

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Angie met Dag, and such was her love for him, she even committed to learning his native language, Norwegian, going to classes after work each week, such was her dedication to her husband-to-be.

Gaynes Park is set in the sprawling English countryside and has the most beautiful gardens, perfect for a quintessential English summer wedding. The old barn with an outdoor/indoor feel was the perfect place for guests to gather pre-ceremony for a drinks and chats.

The ever talented Sev, from The Hepburn Collection , worked his magic on Angie creating a timeless up-do in the form of a ballerina bun topped with a lace trimmed, cathedral length veil. I just love the oversized bun with it’s nod to the 60’s; so elegant…..

Florals, by Poppies Designer Flowers , were kept simple and elegant with white roses for the bridal bouquet and a mixture of purple hues for the bridesmaids who wore lilac. The colours played cleverly off of the gardens which had blooming lavender throughout. I first shot at Gaynes Park the year it opened as a wedding venue and it’s amazing to see how the gardens are developed. They really make a gorgeous backdrop for photographs.

Angie wore a halter neck, lace gown by Pronovias which added a modern twist to a classic look. This was accompanied by one of the most beautiful beaming smiles I have ever seen! Angie you just radiated happiness and love!

During the reception I love to shoot a lot of black and white. With black and white you focus in on the pure emotion, the feeling behind an image, and it lets the viewer connect with those special moments; a hug between father and daughter, a kiss from wife to her new husband, laugh out loud speeches, and a first dance to showers of paper confetti: the perfect celebratory end to a magical day.

Angie & Dag: with your first baby due soon, I would like to wish you a beautiful long and happy marriage and joyful and loving life together. It was a pleasure to be a part of your journey! Much love for your future together xxx

Credits: Brides Dress: Pronovias // Hair: Hepburn Collection // Florist: Poppies Designer Flowers //  Cake: The Cake Parlour; Catering: Galloping Gourmet // Videographer: Gorgeous Films // Ceremony & Reception: Gaynes Park // Stationary & Paper Design: Rose Ruby Paper Co

Contact me for your Wedding Photography At Gaynes Park

Hilary & Ben, who you may recognise, have been featured a few times here on the blog. Their engagement shoot in Ibiza where Hilary sported a modern red number, their pre wedding shoot in full wedding attire in Ibiza, a photo shoot around Oxford where they both attended Uni and finally the couple’s wedding day held at Claridge’s in London.

You & Your Wedding Magazine featured Hilary & Ben’s wedding in print, so you may have seen it there too!

It is couple’s like these who come along, just a small handful of times, who are so into their photography as well as their wedding, that really light me up. We had so much fun in all the various locations from Ibiza to Oxford and finally the grandeur of London Claridges.  By the time the wedding came around we all knew each other very well and it made for a very relaxed and smooth day in terms of the photographs.

One final thank-you, Hilary & Ben, for selecting me to photograph such a special time in your lives.

If you are interested in a pre wedding shoot in Ibiza please drop me a line..