Hampshire Wedding Photographer, Surrey Wedding Photographer » Surrey Weddings

Wedding Photography at Kew Gardens – Renuka and Chris

Rob — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:45:27 +0000

Kew Gardens…not to be mistaken queue gardens or even cue gardens. As you can see its all about learning to read around our house at the moment. Thah-oww Toe…no buddy its ‘to’. Should I be heartened when he says “but Daddy, there’s not two ‘o’s after the t” — thing is, he’s got a point.

But this has nothing to do with Renuka and Chris. At least not that I’m aware of. It was my first time in Kew Gardens. Both as a photographer and as a person. Seeing just the edge of it convinces me I need to make the effort and get there as a day out. The wedding took place at Cambridge Cottage which is just on the edge of the garden boundary. A nifty little location sandwiched between the ends of the M3 and M4. I like locations with travel options. Renuka was…well, words cannot describe that dress. OK…cappuccino describes it, at least the colour, but you need to see it. In fact its only just below. So much texture. Should I be so excited? Chris on the other hand. We can simply refer to him as Darren’s long lost brother. In fact, more than one guest accused Darren and Chris of being related. Fair do.

It was an all in one location, with the ceremony and reception all taking place at Cambridge Cottage. We did have a hiatus in the Prince of Wales Conservatory for some additional drinks and a cake cutting in a most spectacular location before returning back to the cottage for grooving. All in all a swell couple who were happy to have us there. We were happy to be there too!

Wow … what a dress! In case you too are quizzed on the colour…the answer is Cappuccino

Well placed for a late night snack!

Meet Rahul…Renuka’s rather dashing brother

Don’t take it personally that the first image of the bride includes only half a face… :)

From the Salty Dog’s book of nautical knots

FOB – a measured and thoughtful man

Here’s comes the Bride…literally

More precision than a Rooney strike…and seeming more successful too

Dad…still thinking

Right place…right time

It’s a family tradition..apparently

Quite relaxed…considering

Tunnel of love

I love how Chris leans around his step-Dad to see Renuka. I don’t mind getting blocked for that!

Proud Momma

I might be wearing tights and a cape…but I ain’t flyin’

Help is out there for folks with drinking problems

reflectorama

White space

Shake it for a polaroid picture

flower power

I love this guy…he always had a smile on

As they say in SW19…surely you can’t be serious!

Do not adjust your sets

Rahul wanted to know more about OCF…now he does

Flight 815, now departing for the Swan

He’s a married man you know

And now a few from Monsieur Darren

Bullet points — not a bad way to go

Coach and horses or The Bates Motel

Hampton Court House Wedding Photography – Stephanie and Tim

Rob — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:00:08 +0000

It seems like every year, in the fullness of spring, I find myself at Hampton Court House. Its a wonderful venue, in a wonderful location with some of the most unique features a venue could ever have. Its not in your face and its never going to compare with some soul-less 5 star venue but its quaint and very English. During the week a day school and at the weekends a A+ wedding venue. I was pleased that Steph and Tim could see the value of it and embraced it wholly. There are some interesting contrasts. The ceremony room, which seems to double as a community area during the week, has the most amazing window light for ceremonies. In my mind it nabs ahead of Clandon Park and Cain Manor for great window lit ceremonies. I have a feeling that Rivervale, a new venue in Hampshire, may also have this but I won’t know until November. Then there’s the 19th century feel of the furniture and adjacent rooms. Add a Miami Vice style patio complete with palm trees and secret shell grotto and you’ve got what you can only described as a tequila fueled brainstorm of what makes a great venue. No matter how you slice it…it works. Lots! As for Steph and Tim…well they were lovely. He never stopped smiling and she can cry on queue…just play a flourish from Cinema Paradiso. Hope you are having a great honeymoon.

Also…if you are interested in being notified when the entire gallery goes live and get a discount code for 10% off an online order do get in touch

Number 437 on the list of things you don’t expect to be doing on your wedding day — emergency sewing on your dress

Saying that, it seems to have done the trick

The Bridesmaids’ flowers. The sweetest, softest, most gentle yet alluring flowers ever. If Carlsberg did flowers….

Minimalist shoes?

Down pub (very Yorkshire)

Tim dishes the duties with no one coming forth to lead on this week’s task. These ushers are destined for the Boardroom

So I walk into the Hampton Court House as I arrive from the pub. I find only a handful a people. This chap says “hey, you wanna take me picture?”. Like a kid sticking his fingers in the bars at the zoo, I reckon he won’t ask that question again :)

Let’s play guess the number of stops difference between the outside and the inside

It was fandabydozy to return to the ceremony room with the best light in the world!

James had been…told them all to ‘Sit Down’

Like most folks, Steph also found the empty hand trick too much to take in

Grot-oh. Find the flash

Smitten

Runaway bride — My Just One

Walking tall

“Ohhh” says Rob. “Yeah, but … um…there’s a filing cabinet and stacks of chairs and random tables” says Step. “And?”

Time to receive some guests

The rather fetching meal room at Hampton Court House — weather balloons extra

“yeah….and there were filing cabinets and stacks of chairs…the lot. It was AWESOME!”

“Damn! Why couldn’t we have filing cabinets” or English Julie Kim

Even after clearing the air there was a still a sense of coolness between Vettel and Webber

The runaway bride keeps her options open during the speeches

Symmetry

And now a few from someone completely different

On Saturday at Charley and Matt’s wedding the Groom’s mother invited along a young chap (18 in fact) to shoot some pictures for practice. Will, that’s his name, has no real interest in wedding photography but is a keen film maker. Following in the footsteps of a director he admires, that being Stanley Kubrick, Will has seen the value of how being a creative photographer can help you immensely in being a better film maker. Of course, I could have gone all prima donna and insisted that I was the only photographer (oh, and Darren too) at the wedding but I’ve found this to be a rather counter productive position. Instead, I had the opportunity to assist and mentor him (even if only a little bit). First thing, get rid of those 3000000mm zoom lenses. “Here…have a 50 1.4″ I knew that Darren couldn’t make it on Sunday so I thought it would be a good idea to invite Will along for a bit more experience and to keep me company :) So here are a few of the images that I like from Will…

Message to Will…how strange that all of the shots above are shot on the 50mm :)

Remember…if you are interested in being notified when the entire gallery goes live and get a discount code for 10% off an online order do get in touch

Guildford Wedding Photographer – Charley and Matt

Rob — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:28:23 +0000

But you can call her Charlotte. We arrived really early to see how the whole thing was going to be set up. With a marquee in the garden I needed to feel comfortable that I had the bases covered. The weather was not looking friendly. So I first pop to the church to find the choir rehearsing. “Are you here for Charlotte and Matthew’s wedding?” — Blank stare. So I say, “you mean the one at 1:30?” knowing mine was at 3pm and my bride ain’t called Charlotte. “No, that’s [Bill and Ted -- can't remember their names]. 3:00pm is Charlotte and Matthew.” Ah yes…Charley and Matt. Bell rings, coin drops, bulb goes on. So the day starts, the weather improves and what on paper looks to be more than a little challenging eases right into an easy afternoon photographing swell people with more than enough couple photo opps (mainly because — and can you believe this — they aren’t comfortable in from of the camera…she looks like a Grazia model and he’s a dead ringer for Errol Flynn — geez). It was one of those great days when you’re there for a reason. Way back when I shot the wedding of Rhia and Warren. Rhia’s brother is a great mate of Charley and a few years later, Shazaam! Thanks for the referral guys.

Also…if you are interested in being notified when the entire gallery goes live and get a discount code for 10% off an online order do get in touch

Dressed to kill

Steve Winwood once said ‘roll with it baby’

Matt’s Dad approaches me and says “in a bit, a woman from New Zealand will arrive…it would be great to get some photos”. OK, so will this “woman from New Zealand” have a big sign saying “I’m the woman from New Zealand!”? At that point I don’t think he got my humour. “You’ll know”. Boy was he right. It was like a hen party in Vegas when she walked through the door. Squeal! Whoop! etc etc etc. So…for the record, this is the “woman from New Zealand”

Grazia….page 22

I prefer the velcro laces

Charley’s bouquet…made by her mum from just about anything she could get her hands on. Amazing!

Chuck’s Dad — sorry Charley

The greatest waiting area in wedding history!

The fastest wedding in history (nah, I have to keep a limit on the blog entry length)

The entire wedding party (previously parking at a nearby school) walked from the church to the reception

Michael Bubble-ay

I showed him 3 pictures…he liked this one the best. Don’t think they’ll be together long

Charley and Matt knew nothing of the jubilee themed welcome that awaited them

Hay bales and sanitizing gel — nice

Honestly Charley…

They Were Shot with Their Boots On

As if its not enough to steal the lamp, Matt’s mum is going to be really pleased I used the colour testing area on the wall as well

Matt considers his options…50/50 or phone a friend

Engaging speaker or just annoyed with me being there…you make the call

….she votes for engaging speaker

speaking of Bill and Ted

Judges Dredd and Judy

ok…the Judge Judy thing wasn’t THAT funny.

..or maybe it was

so sayeth the shepherd…..

…so sayeth the flock

You have every right to be embarrassed (I know what’s on the screen)

Ah…my Just One. Be a fan to see what I get up to next week

Hey…its one of Rhia’s Bridesmaids…aka Rhia’s sister-in-law, Charlie’s (not Charley) wife. Confused…you should be.

Kool did say to ‘get down on it’

And now a few from Mr Light-tastic, Darren — yes, he could kick Iron Man’s a**

Singin’ in the rain…sadly not a Flynn movie

On important days its good to concentrate on the important aspect of your preparation

Are the beams of angelic light coming from Charley or the Vicar

Nice shot Mr D

On line tutorial…next time get out of your own reflection :)

Union Jacques

How funny…I NEVER saw the bubbles. Only the confetti…very confused

Awesome

This is what my Just One looked light without the flash

Reminder…if you are interested in being notified when the entire gallery goes live and get a discount code for 10% off an online order do get in touch

Hampton Court House Photographer – Stephanie and Tim – Just One

Rob — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:30:37 +0000

I’ve managed to barter with Evan and Holly is asleep. Its half term you see and I’ve got both of the kids today. But I really needed to get this out. So whilst Evan is playing Labyrith on the iPad I’ve ducked out quickly to share this. Much more to come on Wednesday (Charley and Matt) and Thursday (Steph and Tim).

Wedding Photographer Guildford – Charley and Matt – Just One

Rob — Sat, 29 May 2010 23:30:47 +0000

Some days you wake up, the rain is falling, the forecast is for more of the same and you just want to cover up under the duvet and start again. You assume that you work your buns off to get just enough whilst fighting against the elements. Then, you turn the corner and something hits you. That happened to me today. I knew I had a great day ahead but when I woke to rain knowing that today was about a marquee in the garden I really never expected something wicked. But it happened. I’ve learned over the years that if I see something and I get a brainwave I almost always have to see that brainwave through. Otherwise I go home and think about what could have been. Because of this I knew I couldn’t leave this in the ‘woulda been nice’ column. I must thank Darren the wonderboy who contributed the solution to me reflector problem. Thanks Mr D. So…here’s my Just One!

Who knew there was a plug (old style two pin at that) in road out front!

Clandon Park Wedding Photographer – Liz and Lee

Rob — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:57:26 +0000

Life moves on. The volcano seems a distant memory (although I hear there are many people still stuck in places–ugh!) and now the sunshine has gone and hidden. You can all thank me as I had a barbecue yesterday. It was pretty much a guarantee that the weather would break just as the BBQ cover gets taken off. But before the weather changed and the cloud of invisible bits were floating above us there was the little matter of Liz and Lee’s Farnham and Clandon Park wedding to attend to. The first in a double weekend. They were able to deliver a few nice changes. First, a vicar who let me get on with what I needed to do. Second, a man in uniform..I too, even as a straight man, get wobbly when I see Richard Gere walk into the factory in dress whites. Last was the matter of speeches outside. Grand. Thanks for all those guys. It was great to get back Clandon Park. They’ve got some new uplighters and have removed the carpet from the cellar to reveal some wonderful stone work. As for Liz and Lee…I love them. Aww bless. Shame I couldn’t have stayed to see (alleged) dwarf hopping on the dance floor. But then dodgy things do happen in Tom Tit’s Stable (yes…that really is the name of the room where the evening entertainment takes place). One can only imagine the kind of traffic my site will get from Google with the keywords ‘dwarf’, ‘tits’ and ‘Richard Gere’.

If you would like to be notified when the entire gallery is available and be given a promotional code for a 10% discount on reprints, be sure to email me at rob@shootinghip.com

Liz realised that only two things come from Oklahoma….oh dear

As Noel says…don’t look back in anger

Circles of confusion

Something that didn’t work that actually did…just for something completel different

Sometimes the WB goes off the scale…and in this case I was grateful

Not nearly as scary as the stairs in The Exorcist (the reason behind many a journey to Washington DC as a teenager)

Liz goes Maybeline with Gran…this IS my Just One — click the like button and become a ‘fan’

Errr…hmmm….uhhhh….forget it

Forget Mirror Mirror on the Wall. Try Photographer Photographer on the Floor.

…I don’t see no horns!

R&R takes on a whole new meaning

Liz laughs. Lee responds…then notices someone givse him the “I’m watchin’ you” thing from Meet the Parents. Actually I don’t really know what was happening…but she did it in EVERY shot. So let’s make lemonade!

BYOH (bring your own herbs)

Rachel!

Mr Biggs enjoying a comfortable life

I love her eyes…and his bald head

Another view of the head…saucy!

To think no one’s head spun round at the end

Survey Said!

Lee’s mum blows him an amazing, heartfelt and tear driven kiss during his speech. It was rather irresponsible of him to NOT dispense Kleenex to everyone beforehand

Traditionally I’ve always been a Mary Ann type of guy…but Ginger sure is making me think twice! Link

Google Speech View

Cheap seats

Everyone’s favourite Gran

Should someone have such a happy face with such a large ‘knife’

If you would like to be notified when the entire gallery is available and be given a promotional code for a 10% discount on reprints, be sure to email me at rob@shootinghip.com

Wedding Photographer Farnham – Liz and Lee – Just One

Rob — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 06:13:23 +0000

Since my kids came along I really started appreciating the value of Grandparents. Not just because, in our case, they are so helpful…but also because of their unique relationship they have with Grandchildren. All of my Grandparents died before I ever really got to know them. So I feel blessed that the Evan and Holly have Nicola’s parents around…both of my parents, sadly, passed away before the children we born. Its because of this that and her unique smile and tender look that I fell in love with Liz’s Gran yesterday. The picture below doesn’t really need an explanation…it was just a special and funny moment when Liz asked Gran if she wanted some lipstick and Gran didn’t say no. It struck as I watched and photographed it that when Holly is the same age as Liz, Diddy (aka Holly and Evan’s Granny) would be the same age.

Hartsfield Manor Wedding Photographer – Clare and Nick

Rob — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 20:22:25 +0000

Saturday starts off the first of the summer weather weddings of 2010. The sky was crystal clear and the sun was warm — OK, not Dubai warm, but warm all the same. It was a day to make for a new venue with some happy clients. Clare and Nick booked me over a year ago and in that time managed to plan a wedding and much to their surprise, have a baby as well. Another Holly and similar to my Holly, they also refer to her as ‘The Dolly” and “Holly Dolly”. Here I thought we were unique :) The church in Bletchworth was actually the first church in Four Weddings and a Funeral. Don’t believe everything you see in the movies as Charles and Charlotte reversed back down the M40 in the movie but the church is near Reigate. Go figure. Sadly we weren’t allowed to do much in the church…vicars rules. What a waste really. She did mention that you shouldn’t take pictures during a church service to which I had to laugh and think…Diana and Charles. Get a grip! There you go…

Hartsfield Manor hosted the reception and evening party. Luckily we were allowed to shoot there (I would have been very bored otherwise huh). I quite enjoyed it and hope to get back again sometime soon. After all it does have the biggest round table I have ever seen (more later). Enough rambling…you never read it anyway.

Jack and Rose – I know my heart will go on

The devil is in the detail…who wears Prada

Champagne in a wine glass…a woman after my own heart!

Google Hair

I(s)

What the duck?

CurlyWurly

I would love to show you photos from inside the church…but I can’t. GRRRRRR!

Prams have come a long way in 2 years

Some might thing that a picture of a dining room table is boring. But when its the biggest round table apart from Arthur’s, I reckon it deserve a look-see

SPF109

Photographers turns away…walks rather briskly

It seemed the most unlikely of shooting locations…but then unlikely and me get along rather well

Wedding Twister….

…and relax

Phwoah

Stairway (to heaven)

Yep Nick…she’s certainly yours

I always tell the truth…even when I lie – Tony Montana

Damn…more Wedding Twister

Two rather fetching fellows

Hold’em

Star light…star bright

And a few the (not so) boy Wonder….Darren

As doorstops go…

If you are wondering what he’s looking at….

…there you go!

I don’t know…there are things no right about this…but yet so many things that speak to me. Its an unconventional keeper.

Father Jack arrives in heaven

Sweet Mr D

Ditto!

Strangely…it works

Shiny happy people

Surrey Wedding Photographer – Clare and Nick – Just One

Rob — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 12:28:17 +0000

Sunshine didn’t stop yesterday being a great day. Sure everyone was a bit disappointed with the cloudless sky and warm sun but they all put it behind them to make it a great day for Clare and Nick. Such is the British stiff upper lip.

Today’s Just One is a riddle. I knew the second I walked up the path to their house that the porthole window was going to be a feature. I found the flowers and photojournalistically placed them in it :) I took the first shot and realised that the light though the blinds made a strange pattern….nope, don’t like that, close the curtains. Then I get back to Shootinghip HQ (kind of like the Batcave without the steel abs suit) and thought “gee whizz Batman, those line are really interesting”. I then realised that “this town needs an enema” (perhaps one of the best lines ever delivered by Jack…apart from “Here’s Johnny!”) and went with the lines. Oh the irony.

Wedding Photography at Cain Manor – Claire and Michael

Rob — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 18:05:52 +0000

The time has come to rock on in to 2010 and what better way to do than a double header weekend with two venues I know intimately…well, not THAT intimately. I will never rap “I once got busy in a Cain Manor bathroom” or anything but I know my way around the place pretty well — and Tithe Barn too. Claire and Michael were great clients…easy going, nice to know and generally free from preservatives. A great combination leading to organic imagery at no additional cost. You know, that no one really EVER reads the blurb above the images so I have to ask…why are you. I mean what could possibly learn from anything I would have to say. Go look at the images….forget about this waffle!

Another worried victim of the old ‘I gave my mate my mobile and it had pics of me in my pants on it’ OR just a nervous FOB….

Michael gets comfortable with his two up two down tee-pee complete with double glazing

It took time to convince him it wasn’t called a buttonhold

The dress is from Scotland and a whole lot tastier than Haggis

Da boys….and look close and you can find ‘Ashley’ larging it up on the right

Why its flowers….in the bath…naturally!

Surely you can’t be serious…(sorry, only Simon will get that)

Oh dear…the men from the traditional photography police are rocking up outside my house now — these guys are worse than the phone cops

Texture…like a fine mousse

Cat in the Hat

Shortly before Bing revealed himself as the surprise guest

For the record….NOT Bing

“No, I’m from Iowa…I only work in outer space” — Captain James T Kirk, Driver

The debate rages…is it an awning or a vestibule?

Thriller!

Claire and Michael found the hypnotic flowers more than a little helpful with attaining the ‘aspirational’ items on the gift list

“Hold your breath…make a wish….count to three. Come with me, and you’ll be, in a world of pure imagination” — Willy Wonka!

“I make this suit look goooooood”

Ode to Paranormal Activity

CLSCLSCLSCLSCLSCLSCLSCLSCLS

Why yes Mr K….it DOES work!

When life gives you lemons, make a meringue

Hunk of burnin’ love