Category: General
‘Kelmarsh At Home’ event
Kelmarsh Hall held their annual ‘Kelmarsh at Home’ event on 20th June, a celebration of house and garden writing. Rather a fitting event for a venue which was once home to Nancy Lancaster, a society interior decorator and gardener who co-owned Colefax and Fowler, a British decorating firm who are credited with establishing the ‘English country house’ look.
I was invited to photograph the day which included expert authors discussing their latest works, wine tasting and cookery demonstrations. It was a beautiful hot sunny day and perfect for everyone to enjoy the gardens which look particularly stunning at this time of year.
A wedding photography recce in Lavenham, Suffolk
As a wedding photographer I loved Lavenham. It would have been a shame not to make the most of a sunny day there, so after James and Julia’s engagement photography session I took some time to explore the area.
Lavenham is the perfect medieval town and felt like something out of a children’s story book with its crooked houses and perfect gardens. It dates from around 1500 and is renowned for being at the centre of England’s cloth making industry at that time.
I lost myself with my camera in the labyrynth of narrow streets, which are full of typical Suffolk charm with warm colour washed walls and timbered facades. I went round in a few circles actually! But every time saw something new.
Kelmarsh Hall’s rare snake head Fritillaries
I was travelling home from a shoot in Edinburgh when Jill from Kelmarsh Hall rang to see if I could squeeze in a few photographs of some rare fritillary flowers that were currently lining the drive-way at Kelmarsh. So I spent a lovely Friday afternoon, laying in the grass, in the sunshine, photographing flowers. What could be more therapeutic? Almost as good as a spa day. Almost.
The Fritillaria meleagris are thought to have been naturalised along the drive and verges of Kelmarsh Hall by former resident, Nancy Lancaster. They come up every year but apparently this year’s display is one of the best. They must have liked the snow!
These flowers have bell-shaped chequered heads in a beautiful mix of white and plum.
And yes, I had trouble herding the bees into the right place!
Northampton wedding venue shoot at Kelmarsh Hall
Kelmarsh Hall is one of Northamptonshire’s finest wedding venues and I love it there. It’s a dream venue for a wedding photographer as there are so many gorgeous spots to use for photographs. The interior architecture and backgrounds are really interesting with lots of lovely natural light. The gardens are beautiful too.
As a recommended photographer at Kelmarsh I was asked along to create some photographs for their new wedding brochure. I spent a day shooting, but honestly, I could have spent two! There really is so much to work with.
Above, the view as you arrive.
The Great Hall is the first room you see as you enter the Hall and wow, what an entrance! It’s very elegant with Italian pink walls and beautiful plasterwork detailing on the walls and ceiling.
The Ballroom is used for wedding breakfasts and has amazing views over the lake.
The Chinese room has the most delightful wallpaper and trinkets. I had great fun looking at all the little scenes in the wallpaper.
The library is full of lovely details too. I particularly liked the hidden door handle in the false door.
The staircase is really something else with the large window, gorgeous chandelier and mirrors.
If you’re looking for a wedding venue I’d highly recommend Kelmarsh Hall. It’s just stunning.
You might also like: A real wedding at Kelmarsh Hall
Wedding photography – Andrew & Michelle at Fawsley Hall
I had been looking forward to photographing Andrew and Michelle’s wedding for such a long time. We’d met quite a few times before the big day and I was excited to see all the ideas and plans I’d heard so much about come together. And come together beautifully it did.
They booked the very special Fawsley Hall in Northamptonshire for their day, one of the UK’s top wedding venues.
Michelle and her Bridesmaids got ready at Fawsley, but not without tears from just about everyone at the lovely card and gifts that Andrew had organised for Michelle. And we hadn’t even got to church yet! Andrew meanwhile had a last breakfast with his Mum and Dad at home before leaving for the church in a rather smart DB9 which was a surprise from Michelle. Michelle enjoyed a fairytale horse & carriage for her journey to church. I swear those horses knew to look into the camera as they went past!
Michelle made a stunning entrance in her unusual platinum coloured dress. The ceremony was led by a family friend which made it all the more personal and I was able to get some great shots from the front of the church. [Hint: A flower pedestal at the front of church is great for your wedding photographer to hide behind!] It was somewhat windy when we came out of church but I do so love a flying veil shot!
Back at Fawsley everyone had a great time and the dining hall looked fabulous with tables decorated to match the chocolate colour scheme. The vases of maltesers were a fun touch too – a few of those disappeared, hehehe! And then the mother of all parties kicked off with a choreographed first dance followed by a hog-roast, haagen-dazs and fireworks. Awesome!
