Warwickshire Wedding Photographer: Blog

Ashton Lodge Wedding Shoot for West Midlands Wedding Magazine

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:40:41 GMT

I was very pleased to be asked to shoot these images on behalf of the very talented Martina Paul of Wonderful Events.

The theme was Black & White and I'm super proud of all the people that came together on this production.

Martina works her magic at many venues all around the UK and she does it very well indeed , she works with many hundreds of different photographers and suppliers so it's always nice when you're asked to get involved in producing great images.

Of course it's a team effort when it comes to doing something like this and in fact if you're looking for a one stop shop for the best suppliers for your wedding, you might have stumbled across a handy little list!

The images appear in the West Midlands Wedding Magazine which because of the lockdown is free this month. Here's a link, you may also see another of my weddings in this edition from Jackie & Paul's wedding on page 40 which was also a lovely wedding to cover.

https://www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/buy-a-copy

If you like what you see give me a call to see if we can work together.

YOUR WEDDING SUPPLIERS: • Photographer: @daveperryphotography •
Planning & Design: @wonderfulevents.co.uk •
Venue: @ashtonlodgecountryhouse •
Bridal dress: @lavellebridalcouture •
Dress: @misshayleypaige •
Hair and Makeup: @modebridalhairandmakeup •
Suit: @RichardPaul •
Flowers: @Greenandwildflowers •
Cake: @SpinSpinSugarCakes •
Decor: @PasticheEvents •
Stationary: @LyndaAthey •
Bride Model: @GemmaFormatson •
Male Model: @SteWilkss •

@cwm_wedding

A Beautiful Wedding at The Savile Club in Mayfair

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 08:57:13 GMT

Richard and Joanna had amazingly good weather at their beautiful Savile Club Wedding. It was the perfect temperature considering we were in the middle of busy Mayfair in June!

Joanna was super nervous about photography and when we met for drinks in London she was so happy we all got on so well and the conversation flowed. It made the day feel like we were with old friends! Fantastic!

A huge thanks to the wonderful team at The Savile Club who looked after myself and Pasquale superbly, they couldn't help us enough which really helps get great shots and allows us to almost become invisible on the day.

Joanna was getting ready upstairs at the Savile Club so it meant there was minimal travelling around London which is key for a city wedding. The girls were relaxed and sipping some champagne after brunch when we arrived and started to shoot some of the bridal prep. There are bedrooms upstairs at The Savile Club and lots of little lounges which make for excellent locations through the day as well as the grand rooms.

Joanna chose to wear an Ian Stuart dress which she looked perfect in and Richard was decked out in a bespoke black tuxedo suit from? Well? Where else, Savile Row of course! He was was excitedly waiting in his suite so I chose to use one of the lounges of the bedrooms to take his portraits in, so he was nice and relaxed before the guests arrived and I followed them over for some Champagne at Claridges - well why not?

It was wonderful to watch Joanna coming down the grand staircase to greet Richard for their intimate ceremony.

We were so lucky having a great bunch of people to celebrate their wedding and the atmosphere was full of laughter and emotion for a lovely couple.

Thanks guys for letting me be there to capture your special day.

If you like what you see below and appreciate high quality photography do get in touch with the studio to discuss your big day!

An Intimate Wedding at Warwick Castle for Renee & Mark

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 07:30:00 GMT

Being a recommended photographer for Warwick Castle is always a pleasure because when couples choose a venue like Warwick Castle

Yes they may hear my name mentioned but very often that doesn't mean they haven't already got a photographer in mind.

So when they choose me over everyone they look at it's an absolute honour.

This was probably the smallest most intimate wedding I've shot in years! I'm quite used to big do's so when there's a only 30 guests you worry that there might be a lack of atmosphere but I needn't have worried they brought the party and more! Thanks for having me guys at your very special day.

And as always thanks to the ever magnificient team at the Castle for looking after my team and I so well.

A lovely little Airbnb in the centre of Warwick

Tue, 21 May 2019 07:30:00 GMT

Michaela commissioned me to photograph their recently refurbished Airbnb property in Warwick, when she mentioned it was next door to the Rose & Crown I used it as an excuse to have a lovely lunch in the sunshine while finishing her images.

If you're after a weekend away it's perfectly central and has parking and a kitchen - everything you need, you can walk to Warwick Castle, the Square, Lord Leycester Hospital, St Nicks Park - perfect!

Centrally Located Airbnb Warwick Centrally Located Airbnb Warwick
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A Wonderful Wedding at Shustoke Barns in Spring

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 09:38:14 GMT

'WE DON'T WANT PHOTOS OF US'

Well, more to the point Omar isn't fussed about pictures and hates the thought of posing - so he isn't going to have any taken! You can photograph Anita but he's not really up for it.

Oooookay I thought, this is going to be tricky or incredibly easy depending on how you look at it!

This is actually a really common thing I'm hearing from clients now, don't want any fuss, not wanting pictures of us posing loads, just want to have a day with friends and family, with limited nonsense.

Well you've come to the right place then!

However it always amuses me when I create a few moments and show the couple the back of the camera, they're suddenly instantly convinced that you know what you're doing and this doesn't feel awkward at all. Why should it? I'll tell you why.

Couples convince themselves that as adults, they know what they like and dislike, being centre of attention isn't something that (for a lot of people)

sits comfortably with them.

However, do remember at a wedding you've got 100 odd people trying to talk to you having the same conversation over and over, the chance for a breath of fresh air is always a welcome relief. You're feeling super happy, you look great, and actually it's pretty flattering to have great shots of you taken.

Here's a small selection of their wonderful wedding at Shustoke Barns, I'll be returning there again this year for more weddings

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Shustoke Barns wedding

Post Office Hero

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 07:15:00 GMT

What exactly do heroes look like? Well, here's one!

Meet Bipin Patel, he's been a postmaster for 30 odd years in Ecton Brook in Northampton. Nothing heroic about that maybe, but next door to his post office lay an empty pub for the last 9 years.

This bothered Bipin so much, that he decided to use his own money to buy, renovate and turn the pub into a community centre. The guy spent half a million pounds and when I questioned him whether this was a business venture, he said, 'No no just for the community, make it cheap to hire for the people all the drinks everything should be as cheap as a working mens club.

And then, his phone went off, it was a text message from someone asking if they could borrow some money!You may think how cheeky? Bipin mumbled something along the lines of 'I like to help people where I can in life'.

The guy was an inspiration, and you could see from the locals how much they loved him.

The place is amazing I mean first class for the community, well done Bipin, it was an honour to meet you and your lovely wife.

Talent International Corporate Photography

Sun, 15 Oct 2017 17:11:31 GMT

I was asked to do some corporate photography at Talent International's Awards a couple of weeks ago at Birmingham's Custard Factory.

They held it at The trendy Mockingbird Pub & Cinema.

Sounds great doesn't it ? An Awards do with booze, great food and great people!

Except that cinemas are lacking one vital thing - LIGHT! I had to use all my skills that day, I was shooting on d750's which are pretty good in low light however I needed to use prime lenses all day as the 24-70 and 70-200's wouldn't cut it. You can always push he iso on your cameras but essentially the primes will focus a lot quicker in low light. Here's the day below.

A Dream Wedding at Ettington Park Hotel

Fri, 28 Apr 2017 07:05:00 GMT

In July I was asked to photograph Philip & Sarah's dream wedding at the prestigious Ettington Park Hotel in Stratford upon Avon. These guys were just so so nice I can't tell you, Sarah was the absolute perfect bride, chilled and happy - she was walking on cloud 9 that day you could tell by her huge smile.

For the bridal preps I met Sarah at Ettington and ran into my old friend sorry young friend Naomi Mckeever doing make up, we've worked on many a wedding together and productions and she's just tip top!

Phil's a proper car enthusiast in fact even the speeches were all themed around his motoring history complete with a COOL WALL!!! (Top Gear)

He had some great motors over the years aaaaand some not so great motors, at least I think that was his excuse for crashing most of them ha ha!

After I'd got some lovely shots of Sarah at Ettington, I headed to the church in Harbury where unfortunately I wasn't allowed to shoot the ceremony.

Always fun!

I managed to grab a few shots in stealth mode before we whizzed off to Chesterton Windmill for some intimate shots.

I especially love the black and white one of them walking towards the Windmill.

Rather than taking couples off for ages at a time

We had an absolute blast at this wedding thank you so much for letting me be a part of such a special day.

If you're planning a wedding at Ettington Park?

Why not pop in to see the beauty of this wedding in our gorgeous sample album below.

Below you can see a sample of this gorgeous wedding in print

A Beautiful Garden Wedding in Royal Tunbridge Wells

Thu, 26 Jan 2017 08:40:00 GMT

I was really lucky to be asked down to Mark & Cassie's Wedding down in Penshurst near Royal Tunbridge Wells.

It's a bit of a trek from Leamington Spa and it was right out in the sticks but what a gorgeous place when I arrived. The views from the house were simply breathtaking.

The family had travelled from all over to be at this prestigious wedding and it was so worth it.

They had gone to so much trouble to make sure everything was just perfect.

When I turned up at the house the day before to do a recce, low and behold there was Barbara and Eric our old family friends from Cornwall

It was lovely seeing them again and I mentioned to Barbara, do you remember when I was born you gave me a blue elephant? 'Yes she said, well my youngest is playing with it to this day'!

I'm so lucky to do my job I as I get to see families coming together from all over the world for such special times, it's a real genuine privilege.

Mark and Cassie had a tremendous wedding and I thought I'd share some of my favourites with you as their Kent Wedding Photographer before they partied the night away. David Henley's band were simply on top form, well done all!

A Quintessentially Beautiful Wedding at Fawsley Hall

Fri, 13 Jan 2017 20:30:00 GMT

I was honoured to be asked to photograph the very special Wedding of James & Samantha at Fawsley Hall.

Samantha and James knew exactly what they wanted for their wedding at Fawsley and boy did they deliver.

I won't do too much talking here but it was a real hoot to be chosen as their wedding photographer at Fawsley Hall. They had clearly planned this to the ninth degree and when it came to the day they were the perfect couple, so much love for each other and and they were ready for a party!

Quintessentially this was a right old British knees up!

Big thanks to Fawsley Hall for keeping up their high standards and to Gareth who assisted me that day.

Also to The Cover Ups band who played a blinder of a set I honestly don't think the dance floor was ever quiet!

Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Groomsmen check watches at Fawsley Hall Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Exterior of St Nicholas Church Warwick Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Wedding Image of Fawsley Hall Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Groomsmen at Fawsley Hall Bridesmaids at Fawsley hall Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography A Wedding couple at Fawsley Hall A large wedding party at Fawsley Hall Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Exterior Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Fawsley Hall Wedding Photography Wedding Fireworks at Fawsley Hall

A Beautiful Sunny Wedding Day at Wethele Manor

Mon, 14 Mar 2016 02:22:11 GMT

The very lovely Catherine & Oliver asked me to photograph their wedding fab wedding at Wethele Manor in the summer.

I absolutely love shooting at Wethele as it's so good for a proper party,

lovely grounds, great team, beautiful house full of character and when the weather's great you can't beat it.

I managed to catch up with Catherine the day before the wedding as I hadn't met them before as they're based down in London.

Oliver and Catherine have the best friends, they were all hilarious but really lovely too.

They really needed very little prompting to have fun and let go which for me is great.

The weather was kind to us for the outdoor ceremony and the sun was out for most of the day.

I really didn't want to leave when the party kicked off it was clear they were going to dance their socks off all night.

I hope you like the pics guys.

A bride gets ready at Wethele Manor Outdoor Wedding at Wethele Manor Bridal party image at Wethele Manor Bridesmaids posing at Wethele Manor

The Wonderful Wootton Park Wedding of Annie and Justin

Wed, 09 Mar 2016 07:50:00 GMT

Annie & Justin are bloody brilliant, FACT!

I absolutely adored their wedding and how hilarious it all was.

THIS, is what a wedding should be, fun emotional, beautiful and most of all special!

Wonderful people celebrating a momentous occasion in a typically british way.

We had rain, sun ( alright we could have had more of that) kilts, dancing, romance, great food, and great people.

I met Annie at her parents beautiful home in Stretton on Dunsmore to photograph her bridal preparations.

Annie is one of those people you meet and instantly makes you smile, I don't know why but she's lovely and kind and all those things yes, but she's also incredibly witty and could probably make you lose it with a look.

If you know her?....... You'll know.

We managed to get some shots of Annie alone at home before moving on to St Augustine's Catholic Church in Kenilworth for the wedding. Then the heavens opened while I was waiting for Annie's arrival, I'd just sent my assistant Josh away to grab some bits and found myself without a brolly so the driver very kindly lent me one. It was a Princethorpe College umbrella (my old school) - I couldn't believe it. Ha ha!

After Annie arrived looking absolutely stunning I then joined Justin in the dry and he looked too cool for school!

He was in fully kilted up in his tailored suit complete with antique pocket watch.

I love the look between couples during a ceremony it's so cool being able to be there and capture those moments as they start their lives together.

After the ceremony Justin suprised Annie with her favourite car, a classic white VW Beetle cabriolet. Her face was a picture as you can see!

The guests waved them off and then it was party time at Wootton Park for the wedding reception.

Typically this is when a professional photographer needs to really work hard, the next 2 hours is tricky. You have to get group shots done, reportage, couple shots, details and sometimes speeches all after another. Big thanks to Josh King for second shooting and assisting on this one.

This is how I do it. I grab the whole wedding party together for a quick shot, say hello have a few giggles with them after getting the shots I need and the reactions that make great pictures, then I call out who is needed for group shots. All in all it takes me 20 mins and no one is fed up.

Then I take the couple off for usually 30 mins or so, although on this day we literally shot most of the couple images in 10 mins, yes 10!

After the wedding breakfast and speeches I will grab the bride and groom out for another 10 minutes but I do find it depends on the wedding. Annie & Justin were a dream to shoot. Very relaxed and happy, which makes the wedding a huge success.

Enjoy the pics guys and feel free to leave a comment.

Award Winning Hair Photography by Dave Perry

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 00:22:46 GMT

I have shot every single one of Nicola Smyth's Hair campaign's and I'm very proud to say we have won every time.

I put this down to me and me alone.

That's right nobody helped me, in fact I could probably have done all the hair, all the cuts, all the colours, the make up, the styling and shot the pictures...... and shot and edited this video.

Pahh!!!!................I'm such a laugh!!! But at least that goes to show you how many people are involved in a shoot like this!

With thanks to

Hair - Nicola Smyth Artistic Team 2015
MUA - Naomi Mckeever- Makeup Artist
Styling - Bernard Connolly
Photography - Dave Perry Photography
Videography - Broken Toy Films
Josh King - Assisting

Check out the video below!

Award Winning Hair Photography behind the scenes photoshoot of models shot by Dave Perry

A Super Posh Wedding at Stanford Hall in Leicestershire

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 08:15:00 GMT

I have so many wonderful weddings to share with you all I do apologize I've been slacking on this front. Joe & the lovely Lou got married last October at an amazing place called Stanford Hall - fab place, fab staff I must say, thank you all for looking after us all so well, you were a delight!

What a wedding, it was so good from start to finish, all held at Stanford so no one had to run off and get lost from Church to reception or any of those shenanigans.

I hope you enjoy looking at these pics and if you're yet to book your wedding photographer for 2016 do think of me :)

Many thanks one and all!

Stanford Hall exterior b

Luxurious Wedding Cakes, handmade in Warwickshire

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 07:15:00 GMT

I had the pleasure of eating loads of the best cakes you can buy the other day on condition that I shot them for Jenny. I agreed, and then I dug in!

Man I LUUURVE DE CAKE.....!

It's Not All Rock & Roll You Know!

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 21:44:41 GMT

I have shot commercial photography for Adjustamatic a few times but this time we popped down to use Walton Hall's lovely rooms to shoot some chairs in a lifestyle setting.

National Auctioneers and Valuers Association Dinner And Awards at The Oxford Belfry

Fri, 09 Oct 2015 22:15:37 GMT

Another of my Commercial shoots but this time in Oxford at the Belfry where I was asked to photograph NAVA's Awards Dinner and then shoot their forum/conference the next day. They were a great bunch to work with and the 2 days were really good fun, probably because I was there..... What?

Christening Photography Leamington Spa

Fri, 09 Oct 2015 14:08:00 GMT

I was asked by Emma to shoot their children's christening this week and they were too cute, after 13 years specialising in shooting children I still find them the most fun and natural of subjects. I am very lucky doing my job!

Commercial photography of Pizza Express in Leamington Spa by Dave Perry

Wed, 07 Oct 2015 07:00:00 GMT

I was asked to cover some commercial Photography in Leamington Spa a couple of weeks ago in the form of the new Pizza Express restaurant on the Parade. Yes they did give me a free Pizza and it was awesome! They had a big refurbishment and needed team photos as well as some stylish exterior shots.

Hitachi Rail Business Headshot Photography

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 07:00:00 GMT

I was asked to pop down to shoot Hitachi Rail's headshots and cover some commercial photography for them down in Milton Keynes. They were a lovely bunch considering many of them had only just started there in the last few days!

A Maori, A Buddhist an outdoor ceremony and a bunch of amazing people

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 06:56:08 GMT

Dave & Becky are just amazing, I mean proper lovely.

I love my job, I love people; and there's nothing better than being able to share special moments in peoples lives than at weddings.

I'm genuinely blessed.

Now if I'm honest I was slightly worried about just how 'outdoors' this wedding was, when I visited the venue the day before I thought if the weather is awful this could be really tricky. However we were blessed with glorious sunshine and warm temperatures before it dropped a bit later but stayed dry.

I covered the bridal preps at Becky's mums house before heading down to the lake to meet Dave, a giant of a man with a heart the same size. A real gentleman and together they are beautiful souls!

Here are a few from the day...

A Really Lovely Wedding at Lyveden New Bield

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 07:00:00 GMT

Could you ever meet a more fun couple than Si & Meg? Probably they were a nightmare! Ha ha that got your attention! Probably one of the funnest weddings I've shot, full of emotion, love & laughter . It was quite simply brilliant! And a tad bit cold!

I think the photos show how these two feel for each other but it was an honour to be there to preserve it for them!

Many thanks guys...

You're amazing!!!

A Vintage Wedding at The Bell in Alderminster

Sun, 26 Jul 2015 07:30:00 GMT

Steph & Henry are a couple of friends of ours who celebrated their wedding day at The Bell in Alderminster. The service was held in Chipping Campden at The historic Parish Church of St James.

We were lucky with the weather it being mid April!

I hope you enjoy the pictures!

An Easter Wedding at Gorcott Hall, Redditch

Fri, 01 May 2015 06:50:00 GMT

I was at Gorcott Hall on Easter Saturday, what an amazing little venue that is, tucked away, very exclusive and so so old. I loved it. A massive thanks to Colin and Heather who were brilliant on the day also to John for looking after me so well! A really nice bunch to work with.

Gorcott Hall is based in Redditch and was built in the 16th Century the rooms are so quaint and typically english, a perfect venue with wonderfully landscaped gardens.

I hope you enjoy the wedding...

wedding dress hanging in the mirror A bride cuddling her mum, dad watching Wedding table decor at Gorcott hall

Commercial Photography in Hinckley, Leicestershire.

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 06:45:00 GMT

I was approached in March to build a website for a bespoke joiners in Hinckley Leicestershire. Together with my team we delivered a solution which presented the business in a favourable light over their competitors, we aimed to show the quality and care that has kept the company at the top of their game for over 30 years. Impressive stuff indeed!

You can find the site here

I hope you like the photography below:

Newborn baby shoot in Warwickshire

Wed, 29 Apr 2015 07:30:00 GMT

I had the pleasure of shooting Kate & Marks new bundle of joy a few of weeks ago at their gorgeous home in Warwickshire,

I shot their wedding 12 months ago and it's always nice to see wedding clients again especially when they've added to the numbers.

Business Head shots Photography taken in Warwickshire

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 14:59:17 GMT

I've been busy doing various headshots for different businesses around Warwickshire this month, if you need high quality images of your staff in Warwickshire or the surrounding areas please drop me a line and we can get your staff and you, looking your best. It's important to remember that people buy off people, as consumers we're much more likely to feel secure and proceed in business with a friendly and approachable looking company.

I was chatting to a marketing expert (who I was photographing actually) who was stressing the fact that a very neat move is to make sure you spend money on the photos of your representatives. It'll serve you well especially if the website is their fist port of call.

colleagues gathered around a laptop

HGV Drivers for Royal Mail

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 17:24:33 GMT

A quick couple of headshots for Royal Mail, yes it was raining, and yes my equipment got very wet, as did I!

I lit them using the Elinchrom Quadra Ranger and a Lastolite Easybox which I have found simply slips over the top without an attachment.........which was nice!

Business Team Photography Birmingham

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 14:05:46 GMT

Here's a fun idea for a team photo I shot for Caterpillar a couple of months ago.......

Get in touch if you need your teams headshots doing or indeed want something a bit different!

Family Portrait Photography in Leamington Spa

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 11:01:57 GMT

It's always lovely when clients return - even stranger when the children are nearly as tall as you! -

Although admittedly that's not too difficult in my case!

Real Wedding Love at Wootton Park

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 08:10:00 GMT

I'm just revisiting some wedding work I shot over the last couple of years and I have to say you can really see the love between these two beauts!

They were such a fab couple, I smile thinking about them now and how lucky I am to be part of such a huge part in their lives.

Great stuff!

A Country Wedding in Northampton

Mon, 26 Jan 2015 07:45:00 GMT

I'm just revisiting some weddings I shot in 2014, this one was brilliant. A traditional ceremony followed by a wedding on a farm in Northamptonshire. It was a real hoot to shoot and I will say farmers are completely nuts, they know how to throw a party!

I hope you enjoy the images folks and have a great week!

An Intimate Wedding at Warwick Castle

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 07:50:00 GMT

I'm lucky enough to be a recommended photographer for Warwick Castle after shooting a wedding for an american couple a few months back.

I was back there again in the last weekend of November for Chris & Georgina's wedding. It was a fun packed intimate day with lots going on and it all began at the prestigious Mallory Court Hotel.

Thanks to Josh for assisting me on this wedding.

I left the bride and groom at roughly 11.30pm to head home and get some rest for another wedding the next day in Stratford. When I arrived at the wedding the following day guess who I bumped into ? Chris and Georgina! They were staying in the bedroom next door! I nearly fell over in shock!

A Winter Wedding at Walton Hall

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 07:45:00 GMT

Winter is always a special time of year to tie the knot, the cold crisp air and wonderful Christmas atmosphere. Mike & Cordelia's had a gorgeous wedding at Holy Trinity Church in Shakespeare's Stratford Upon Avon before heading off to the beautifully luxurious Walton Hall.

I caught up with Cordelia at the stylish Arden Hotel where she was was preparing with her bridesmaids for the big day and who should be staying in the room next door to her suite? Only the bride I shot the day before at Warwick Castle!!!! I nearly fell over with suprise!

I hope you enjoy these shots. Many thanks for looking...

At every wedding I bring at least 12 assistants with me, they don't know they're my assistants but they are... Ha ha

I love the impressive drive up to the main house at Walton Hall

The light was almost finished for the day after we arrived at Walton, so I got cracking with the group shots asap before the last of the light.

During the speeches I had to use a load of flash, something I usually avoid if possible until the end of the day but I achieve this by always bouncing my flash gun off back walls if possible, which gives a softbox quality to the light, providing the walls are white to off white.

James & Nicola's Wedding at Hilltop Farm, Hunningham, Leamington Spa

Sun, 05 Oct 2014 22:44:42 GMT

It's always nice to look forward to a friends wedding and Nicola & James was certainly one that had been eagerly awaited, I was of course going to be shooting it, but knew that the day would be a total hoot! It didn't disappoint! I arrived at Nicola's house to a hub of activity but the atmosphere was great straight away, the girls were having a great time getting their hair & make up done whilst sipping on some bubbly. The bridesmaids were beaming with excitement and the sun was shining, it was going to be a good day!

I managed to get the bridal preps done relatively smoothly upstairs (out the way)before creating some beautiful shots of Nicola and family before leaving for the church. Thankfully everything was really close and it was such a relaxed affair that it makes it easy to grab great shots.

I met up with James at the Church and his boys to get some stylish bits in the bag with little fuss, before Nicola's grand arrival - on foot! I did say it was all really close! I think it's so nice if you can actually walk to Church or walk to the reception on a wedding day it makes it that bit more special and unique.

James held it together very well during the ceremony and he looked very calm as Nicola approached, huge grin on her face!

After the wedding we all marched off to the reception for some well needed drinks and foodage!

I got the group shots done relatively quickly as the light was due to fade soon after the wedding breakfast, I then whisked them away for some lovely shots of just the two of them. Into the evening and what can I say, speeches, toasts, laughter, dancing, I don't think people actually sat down for a second. DJ Paul Duke was on the 1's and 2's for the evening and he was on top form, well done matey.

Having known Nicola and James for a number of years now I know how in love they are and it was very touching to shoot their special day for them. They genuinely are some of the kindest people we know and in essence I consider them as family. I hope they enjoyed the wedding as much as I did. A big thank you Nicola & James for being so bloody brilliant and to Hilltop Farm for looking after everybody so well and of course to my gorgeous wife Bianca who danced the night away until she was shattered, then snored all night keeping me up.................which was nice!

Thank you guys, enjoy the pictures :)

A Wedding at The Saxon Mill Warwickshire

Sat, 27 Sep 2014 07:45:00 GMT

In August I was over at the Saxon Mill in Warwick. Ryan and Sam got married at the very beautiful St James the Great in Old Milverton. I have such fond memories as a child of walking through the fields down to the Saxon Mill for drinks. I actually remember as a child engraving my name into the wall with my friend Guy, I suppose we were 7 or 8 when we took up vandalism, I'm pleased to say my name is still there! Although my career in crime was short lived, there was a time I grabbed some penny sweets from Robins Corner, but I felt bad and replaced them before leaving the shop! There was the time I worked at a BP garage and I occassionally kept the free gifts at Christmas and I'm happy to report the green fluffy Father Christmas is still being chewed by my Dads dog to this day! In fact it's outlived the previous dog! I should perhaps just shut up at this point and let you look at great wedding below.

Have a good Autumn everyone and I hope you enjoy the pictures.

An American Wedding At Warwick Castle

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 07:35:00 GMT

I was thrilled when Kristen ( a US Senator's daughter no less) contacted me from the US. They were flying over from the States with a select number of guests to attend their fantastic fairytale wedding.

For this special occasion, the Castle allowed the use of the chapel for their blessing which added to the intimate and uniqueness of the wedding.

I joined Kristen in the The Rose Suite of Caesars Tower to cover the bridal preps and details shots, before heading down to the Chapel to meet up with John.

Lighting is always tricky in the castle but my beautiful wife was assisting me for the day which always makes for a fun wedding.

After the ceremony we headed outside to make the most of the fading light and grab as many shots around the Castle before the guests headed to the state dining room where a 5 course dinner was served under candlelight.

We quickly shot out in between courses to grab a few atmospheric images around the spooky castle (it was seriously dark), before I left them to enjoy their evening.

I hope you enjoy looking at the pictures.

Fans of Downton Abbey will recognise the state dining room, as the BBC copied this room and Van Dyck's portrait of Charles 1st on horseback for the dining room at Highclere Castle! I decided to place the bride and groom in front of the vast portrait and found a pose that suited the moment, I used a shallow depth of field and lowered my focus point to bring the candles into shot. I think it works as a beautiful artistic shot of the couple sharing a tender moment.

A Wedding at Coventry Cathedral & Stoneleigh Deerpark Golf Course, Coventry

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 06:45:00 GMT

I was honoured to be asked to shoot Pippa and Michaels luxurious wedding in August, they were such a fun couple and we hit it off immediately.

Pippa hadn't met me in person but liked the look of our style and had heard good things about me - I'm not sure who's been telling these terrible lies but rest assured I'm doing my best to rectify the situation - Ha ha!

We began the day at the beautifully decorated family home which is nestled right in the middle of the countryside a stones throw from Coventry.

It was very clear through the course of the day how much love exists in this family, they genuinely were such a giggle and to witness how they care for one an other with love and laughter was a real privilege.

I covered the bridal preps before the bridal party arrived and I managed to get some great shots of Pippa at home before a reveal to parents and friends.

I then rushed off to Coventry Cathedral to meet up with Michael and get some good shots of him before the arrival of Pippa.

After the ceremony I managed to click the last shot of the 200+ guests before the heavens opened and we whisked ourselves back off to Stoneleigh Deerpark Golf Course.

The day was certainly packed with entertainment from comedians to cossack dancers but I managed to squeeze in everything we needed to make a great days wedding photography.

I hope you enjoy looking at the photographs.

A Summer Wedding at Mallory Court, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 15:02:59 GMT

Have a look at Paul & Rachaels wedding at Mallory Court, it's a great venue for both small initmate weddings like this one or the larger scale wedding.

Hope you enjoy the pics guys!

Good weather - check, good food - check, great couple - check, can't go wrong!

A Luxurious Wedding at Walton Hall in Warwickshire, England

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 06:15:00 GMT

Paul & Emma had amazingly hot weather at their beautiful Walton Hall Wedding.

Emma is actually in events and is a Registrar so it's always nice when someone in the wedding industry appreciates your work. Heaven knows how many photographers she has seen, hopefully I made the day go smoothly! It was quite amusing as she was clearly a familiar face at Walton Hall as the staff all knew her and I think that made it all the more enjoyable.

I must give a mention to the staff at Walton Hall and also Emma & Paul's family for their hospitality on the day. We were very well looked after and fed which keeps us focused and energized for the whole day.

Emma was getting ready at the venue so it meant nice and easy location wise for us, the only down side was the room was rather full, having been a photographer for 11 years I have a way around this now. I think a smile goes a long way and if you're super polite one of the housekeeping team usually lends us a room for 20 minutes to shoot the dress in a fresh room. My assistant Josh and I make sure we leave it as we find it so it works really well.

Emma wore a gorgeous Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner dress which she looked fantastic in and quite the perfect bride for Paul who was excitedly waiting in the grand Moncrieff room.

A relatively short ceremony was preceded by drinks on the terrace with what was really scorching sun. I decided to get the group shots done relatively quickly as I thought most people were probably keen to seek some shade.

We were lucky in that as soon as I whisked Emma and Paul off for a stroll around the grounds we were blessed with a bit of cloud cover which cooled us off a bit!

I hope you enjoy the photographs and feel free to leave a comment

A Beautiful Wedding at Wethele Manor in Warwickshire

Wed, 04 Jun 2014 06:00:00 GMT

Well the weather was certainly predicted bad, but, 'turned out nice again' as George Formby would say!

I'm writing this on the fly so I hope you enjoy the pictures and I'll add to it tomorrow......

A Stunningly Grand Wedding At The Welcombe Hotel in Stratford Upon Avon

Thu, 29 May 2014 02:17:46 GMT

David & Sinead got married on the 10th May 2014 at The Catholic Church of St Augustine in Kenilworth off Beehive Hill.

The Church was relatively small holding about 100 people, but that didn't stop both families filling the church with 140 odd people to celebrate their big day!

Weather was a bit touch and go, but we held out for a bit and the rainclouds cleared for Sinead's grand entrance into the Church.

Quite a tricky Church to shoot in as I didn't have a lot of positions to shoot from, pretty much a case of staying put really but I did grab a few shots from the back when I could.

We then all headed over to The Welcombe in Stratford for the reception where champagne was in full flow!

Sinead and David were great fun on the day and there were a number of touching moments through the day. However, they were short lived as the speeches quickly got everyone in stitches, not to mention the singing waiters! Great fun!

I called David & Sinead out after their mains and we got some lovely striking images around the venue, despite it being just that bit chilly outside it was all worth it!

I hope you enjoy looking at what I captured with a huge thanks to Josh King who was assisting me that day.

A Very English Wedding at Mallory Court, Warwickshire

Mon, 19 May 2014 06:15:00 GMT

Mark & Kate got married at the very cute Sherbourne Church and held their reception at the prestigious & luxury Mallory Court Hotel.

I met up with Kate at her parents house in Warwick to cover the bridal preps in a rather full house of bridesmaids, children, & family from overseas.

I headed over to Sherbourne which is a great little church, really tucked away and ever so peaceful. Mark was treated to an Etype by Kate to drive to Mallory in, on the way I decided to pop down Mill Street in Warwick to grab a few shots by the Castle.

Friends and family enjoyed drinks on the terrace before we got everyone together for some giggles and photographs.

We walked around the venue which I've shot at many times, in fact most of the images on their website for weddings are mine, so I know the grounds very well. This reminds me I must take my wife for afternoon tea there soon!

The day finished with 'The Wedding Crashers' getting everyone partying hard, a great end to a super wedding.

Paul & Emma Pre Wedding Shoot in the sun

Sat, 17 May 2014 15:20:33 GMT

A few shots from a pre wedding shoot I shot for Paul & Emma in Cubbington fields.

I decided to light them using a large Octabox softbox 150cm with a 500 watt Bowens head and a travelpak for a battery.

I experimented a little after grabbing some shots in the studio, as I wanted to try and add a bit of sunflare into the shots, reasonably happy with the result. Although really to combat the sun properly you need a strong bare bulb I would suggest, or maybe a 1000 watt head (still using a softbox).

I also did some off camera flash using the sun as hair lights. Hope you enjoy the images.

Stunt Driver Agency Headshots

Thu, 15 May 2014 16:10:42 GMT

I was recommended to Darren by my good friend Tim Robins, a very talented & successful NLP & EFT Practioner.

Darren, is a stunt driver and has recently appeared as James Hunt/Niki Lauda's double in the film 'Rush'.

If you're a fan of Top Gear you may have seen him (although not knowingly) performing his skills in the television programme.

I did offer to show him my skills in the Passat, I think the look of fear in his eyes said it all, he knew he'd met his match!

Instead he said: 'Show me your camera skills' , shame really!

Exposure 1/160sec 70-200mm f14

For this shot I lit Darren with a large octagon softbox 150cm

& a Bowens 500 head with a travelpak

An English Rose For A Wedding at Wethele Manor, Weston Under Wetherley in Warwickshire

Wed, 14 May 2014 05:30:00 GMT

Stewart & Katharine married on the 26th April at Wethele Manor, I really love this venue and I'll tell you why! It's different, as a photographer you get to see loads of really nice venues, big venues, grand venues, extremely posh venues etc. Wethele is great because it's relaxing, not that it's not grand, it is, but it's also full of charm.

I immediately feel a sense of calm here, I can't explain it but I think it has a lot to do with the staff. Simon, Duncan, Jane & Co really have nailed how to be friendly, caring and relaxed in their approach. I like them as I feel it mirrors what I'm trying to do on a wedding day. I never forget how important a wedding day is to a couple especially the bride and remind myself constantly of this and how privileged I am that they have entrusted me to shoot it!

Now you could say, yeah but all weddings must be similar surely?

Well to a degree, yes possibly, but people are all different and every client deserves to feel amazing on their wedding day.

Just this week I had a rather unfortunate experience at a top local venue. I was close to having stern words with the management as I really didn't appreciate being spoken down to by a young lad on a power trip. This is my point, you see the way I was spoken to by a head of service was bad, really not good at all! What does that make me think? Well,I might not be so quick to recommend that venue in the future, because the one rule I live by is - EVERYONE, EVERYONE is a customer! Oh and the lovely images across their website showing how great it is for weddings? Yep all mine.

I'm just passionate about doing my best on a wedding day or any day for that matter, by being approachable, friendly and helpful the world becomes such a nicer place. It doesn't matter if I'm dealing with millionaires, billionaires or someone that hasn't got a penny to their name I will be as polite as possible! Right,rant over, apologies about that! I feel much better now!

Lets look at some images!

Chris & Alison's Wedding at Mythe Barn in Atherstone

Wed, 07 May 2014 05:30:00 GMT

I had a call from Chris and Alison from Leeds last year. Probably one of the funnest couples you could meet. Immediately like able and exactly the type of couple that makes weddings easy! I hadn't actually met the two of them but as a lot of our clients are from all over the UK and abroad we use Skype frequently to catch up,pull faces and sometimes in between having a laugh, talk about the wedding!