Let's Not Forget It Takes Two

Right lads, we all know it’s her big day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be in charge of your morning, that’s your time! To do with, as you wish! Why not hit up the local driving range to hit a few balls? Or pop down to Spoons for a wicked breakfast and a pint? Whatever you decide to do, we can be there to capture it all for you. So whilst your dear fiancé is doing all the hair and makeup rubbish, you have one of your photographers out on the golf course, in the pub or in the nearest greasy spoon, telling your side of the story from the day. 

Thinking of giving the lads a little somethin’ to say thanks for being there with you on your big day? It’s super super helpful if you let us know, that way we can capture their reaction, and also guide you on the best moment and location to give them the presents. Some little ideas, how about some personalised cufflinks? Or a tie pin? We also love the look of the personalised hip flasks, helps them avoid those pricey hotel bars too! If your lovely lady has bought you something, it’s normally best if you wait until your photographer arrives in the morning before you open it! However tempting! 

Now, since she’s going to be having all the pretty photos of her shoes, jewellery, flowers and perfume taken… you might as well have the same right? We agree. So, here’s a couple things you can do to help the morning go smoothly. Firstly, try and keep all of your things together, shoes, cufflinks, aftershave, watch.etc, that way when your photographer arrives they can just crack on and get snapping away! Just, one more thing on this note… please lads, please, tidy up. Photos do not look good with a background of Papa John’s boxes, corona bottles and playstation controllers. No matter how much you think they do.. they don’t. 

Now, where are you getting ready? So, yes hotel rooms are lovely, big open spaces (normally), however, there’s something a bit more personal about getting ready at home, if that’s possible with where you live compared to the venue.etc. Right, timings gents, plan to be at the venue, ready to greet your guests about an hour before the ceremony, that allows for travel issues, any hiccups or delays… and just keeps everybody nice and happy!

One last thing we wanted to talk about, have a think about who you want to be there with you in the morning. Dad’s? Brothers? Just mates, Just family? We’ve been there and done that with all variations, we’ve had super nice, chilled groom preps with just the groom and his father, and we’ve also been to the pub with 15 lads including dads. Either way, just have a think about who you want in the photos and things! A nice little idea for a photo, is ask your Dad/Brother/Best Man to give you a hand with the ole’ tie, cufflinks.etc. 

DM's Favourite Places - Millbridge Court

Nestled into a patch of woodland at the bottom of Farnham town, you’ll find the utterly delightful Millbridge Court wedding venue, with it’s rustic chic style everywhere and immaculately manicured gardens, this idyllic venue has been the setting for some of our favourite and most memorable weddings over the years!

For starters, the awesome Chris and Katherine, who travelled a mighty 5800 miles from their home in Shanghai, China to celebrate their wedding with their friends and family back in England, choosing Millbridge Court as their venue, and bringing with them a lovely Chinese monsoon! But, despite the rain, nothing could dampen the smiles and laughs on their faces all day!

And of course, that most infamous of snow storms, the “Beast from the East”, or as our Scottish photographer called it… a light flurry. Tamsynn and Mark refused to let a little snowstorm freeze their love on their day at Millbridge Court, even venturing into the snow for some truly magical photos at Frensham Pond in the snow. And come on, wedding dresses look good at the best of times, but… in the snow.. Damn!

Millbridge Court Wedding Venue is really one of those special places, with a slick, professional atmosphere but also a warm, homely feeling. Maybe it’s the couches, or the fireplace… we’re not too sure, either way, we love it! And we think you will too.

Kalm Kitchens provide some of the finest wedding catering in the county, and boy oh boy is it good! I mean, we get really, really excited when couple’s say they’re feeding us at Millbridge Court! Like, really excited. It’s seriously good.

All in all then, Millbridge Court is one of those unique and special places that’s quite hard to put into words really, a house, a home, a wedding venue, a party house, a really really wonderful, magical venue that really needs to be seen to be felt.

Those Hot Summer Nights

So, we all dream of those mid July, August weddings, sun blazing down, birds chirping, a light refreshing summer breeze, glass of bubbles in hand and guests enjoying themselves. However, as the summer of 2018 taught us, the reality of this can be quite different, so, here’s some things to think about when planning your perfect summer wedding. 

Sunset’s tend to be much much later in the summer, especially up where Cammy’s from in Scotland, sunset can be close enough to midnight! Down south in the home counties it tends to head towards 10pm in mid summer. Now, in terms of photos, and the scheduling of your evening, this tends to work in your favour, as it means you can get all of the “weddingy” stuff out of the way, cake, first dance.etc before we can whisk you off for 15 minutes for some gorgeous photos and a little break from the mayhem! 

Now, one from your guests point of view. Those warm summer nights. Now, obviously, this is an amazing thing! But, think about providing some extra entertainment/activities for those guests who will want to be outside with a beer in hand. Along the lines of bouncy castles, make your own pizza stations, gin bars - just ask us if we have any ideas! We’ve seen it all! 

Why not take advantage of the later sunset, and therefore longer days, to push your ceremony back a bit in the afternoon, 3pm or there about. Give yourself that nice, calm relaxing morning with the girls, lads and enjoy yourself! Lads, get down to the driving range! Ladies, put your feet up and have an extra glass! 

Now lads, let’s be sensible here, we love a good three piece tweed suit as much as anybody, but, as the 2018 summer taught us, after watching countless grooms sweat it out in the sun, they’re not necessarily a great idea in July. So, alternatives: ditch the jacket! Rock the waistcoat and bow tie look? Or just ditch that too. A cracking shirt, braces and a bow tie will sort you right out for the summer heat! 

Yes yes yes this all sounds lovely, but. There’s always a but. This is the United Kingdom. Infamous for it’s unpredictable weather. I hate to break to you, but, just because your wedding is booked for the August bank holiday weekend, does not guarantee you the perfect weather. And I know you won’t want to hear that, but someone’s gotta tell ya. So, plan for indoor and outdoor activities! Please! You don’t wanna fill the garden with giant Jenga, hoop tossing and a bouncy castle just for it to rain on your parade. Literally.  

Chris and Katherine… Sorry to use you as an example but you made the absolute best of it and were such troopers in the July rain! We salute you!

Rachel & Tim | Highfield Park | Hampshire Wedding Photographer

Highfield Park, Hook always steps up to the plate and provides our couples with a magical setting for their special day! Rachel and Tim’s day was no different, with sunshine, drinks flowing and a whole helping of love, smiles and hugs! We couldn’t be happier for the two of you, and we know you’ve got an awesome life together ahead! Congratulations again!

Kaley & Candice | The Copse | Berkshire Wedding Photographer

Kaley & Candice, your love is infectious, your smiles are delightful and your wedding was really, truly very special! One that will not be forgotten for a long, long time! The Copse Wedding Venue from Weekend Weddings in Caversham was really some incredible! A gorgeous country house, surrounded by acres of it’s own fields, gardens, a lake and some beautiful barns! Thank you for having us!

Steph & Sam | Northbrook Park | Surrey Wedding Photography

Capturing a fellow photographer’s wedding is always going to raise the nerves a little, but wow, Steph & Sam could not have been more accommodating or wonderful! With such incredible friends and family around them on their beautiful day, we all had the best time! Sun shining down on the church, and at Northbrook Park, it was certainly the day they’d all prayed for!

Stephanie, thank you for choosing us as your photographers! We know how much it meant to you as a fellow photographer, and we couldn’t be more grateful!

Alice & Hassan | Milbridge Court | Surrey Wedding Photography

Alice and Hassan, you inspire us, to just smile more! Never have we been in the company of such truly happy happy people! With Hassan making risqué jokes to Cammy within the first 2 sentences of knowing each other, and Alice infecting the room with her smile and laugh! Millbridge Court was of course, it’s usual, gorgeous self! With Kalm Kitchen, Surrey supplying their usual flavours of deliciousness!

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your day, it was a real pleasure!

Lindsey & Andrew | The Elvetham | Hampshire Wedding Photographer

We love, love, love The Elvetham hotel in Hook, and everytime we go there it’s like working with a wonderful family of people who truly care about their couples! And Lindsey and Andrew’s day was absolutely no different! Two really genuinely lovely people, with an incredible family around them, and it was a real pleasure to be there with them and photograph their wedding! Congratulations guys, and thank you!

Hayli & Grant | Cain Manor | Surrey Wedding Photographer

As always at Cain Manor, we had a really wonderful day with Hayli & Grant, with the rain threatening at every turn but never making an appearance! Hayli and Grant, you guys are a truly special couple, and we cannot thank you enough for having us there to capture your fantastic wedding!

Katherine & Charlotte | Highfield Park

Well, Katherine and Charlotte, certainly a wedding we will both remember for the years to come. Not only are they two of the most down to earth and kind people we have ever had the good fortune to come across, they just exude style, confidence and love. The love they share for each other, for their friends and for their family is really something to be treasured. Highfield Park in Hook, Hampshire delivered the perfect setting for them to publicly declare their love for each other, and eat, dance and drink the night away with those closest to them.

Megan & Marc | Northbrook Park

To love someone everyday, to care for them and adore them, when they live in the house, town or even country, is one thing. But to care for someone and truly nurture a relationship from across the Atlantic Ocean, is truly incredible. Well, that’s exactly what Megan and Marc did, from meeting on Megan’s holiday to Colorado, to dating across the ocean, and now married in Hampshire, what a journey these two have had! And they even brought their friends along for the ride, with Marc’s groomsmen making the trip across the pond to be with their best friend as he married the love of his life. Northbrook Park became the perfect place for these two incredible people to celebrate their love for each other, with enough space for them to accommodate their nearest and dearest friends and family. A really endearing experience for us to be there and capture the day for Megan and Marc! Thank you, you guys are an inspiration!

All Good Days Start With a Good Bridal Prep...

So, the months of planning are over, here we are, bridal prep on your very own wedding day. You might’ve been part of loads of these, as bridesmaids, sisters, maid of honours, but, your own day, is the special one! We’ve got a few tips and trick that’ll help everything run as smoothly as possible on the morning of the big day!

Where…

Wherever you like! Mum’s house, bridesmaids house, venue, nan’s house.. wherever! The one thing to think about, is maybe run around with a rubbish bag the night before and just tidy up a little! Camera’s have a knack for picking up any tiny little crisp packet on a table and showing it off in the photos! Think about where you’re having your makeup done too, your makeup artist will normally be really good at this, but jamming you in a dark corner doesn’t tend to show up so well in photos… next to a nice bright window is always the best! 

When… 

Presumably the morning of the wedding right? Just kidding, of course in the morning, but the amount of time you give us is really important, you wanna aim to be ready about an hour before you need to leave. This gives you plenty of time for those first look photos with Dad, time to hand out any little cards/gifts… and just time to chill out with a glass of bubbles and enjoy some time with everyone.

Who…

Obviously the bridesmaids, flower girls, and really whoever you want there! It’s worthwhile thinking about the proud father of the bride though, if you don’t want him to see you at all before you’re in the dress, then maybe think about where you can stash him, or a friends house he can go to in the morning, because having him wandering around can make for some accidental sightings with half a face of makeup! oops! It’s always lovely when Mum is there, and even Nan if she wants to.

If you’re giving your bridesmaids a little something to say thank you for helping you out, we really do recommend waiting until you’re all dressed up and looking your best! If they need to have them before this though, remember to wait until we’re there, then we can get the best possible photos of their excited faces! Have a think about who you want in the room when you see Dad too, just you and him? The two of you and Mum? Or everybody? We’ll normally arrive about 2.5/3 hours before you leave, this is plenty of time to capture everything you need! 

But Most Of All…

HAVE FUN! Enjoy it, don’t sweat the small stuff, and just have fun! Have a drink or two, make sure you eat food and just enjoy the whole day as it comes!

DM's Favourite Places - Highfield Park Wedding Venue, Hook

This elegant house, in the style of Queen Anne is set in 35 acres of beautiful parkland on the Hampshire/Berkshire border. Whether you stay at the main house or Fir Tree Court, it's the perfect place to rest your head.

Whether it's an outdoor civil ceremony or indoor reception, the day is yours. They believe no two weddings should ever be the same, if you are looking for inspiration, they can provide plenty of suggestions, or you're welcome to let your imagination run riot and their team will make your dream a reality.

We particularly love the abundance of outdoor spaces at HIghfield Park, whether it’s the blossom trees, the stone foley or the incredible long driveway, there’s somewhere for every possible kind of photo you could want on your day!

And even, the most wonderful sunset spot for those dramatic images of the two of you together!

Or… the space to be a little bit more creative…

With it’s grand central staircase as the focal point of the building, why not having some beautiful images of you and your bridal party on the way down to the ceremony, or even show off those gorgeous dresses in all of their glory!

And what better way to round off any wedding, than with a spectacular sparkler tunnel out on the terrace, over looking the Hampshire countryside!

Spring Time, New Life, New Couples

Spring time, known all over the world as the beginning of new life, new starts, with little lambs across the country, flowers blooming and all of the wildlife coming out to play! So… what better time to get married and start your new life together as a married couple? With this in mind, we’ve thought of some things that we thought were worth a mention that might help make your spring wedding perfect! 

Sunset Time

Sunset tends to be on the earlier side in the spring months, and it can often be around the time of first dances, 7pm-8pm, so take this into account when you plan your evening. If you want those incredible dramatic golden hour/sunset photos, you can just quickly google the sunset time on the date of your wedding, and go from there. For the best of the best photos, you want to be free from about 45 minutes before the sunset time. 

Flowers

It might be worth a quick pop down to the venue a few weeks or even exactly a year before your day to have a wander around and see what’s blooming! Chances are it’ll be wildly different from your visit 6 months before. 

Plan for Rain

Now… nobody wants to talk about the “R” word, but, alas, we live in the UK. And, like it or not, it rains. A lot. It rains in July, it rains in January, it rains whenever it feels like it. So, what can you do to prepare? Number 1, don’t worry about it. Really, don’t stress or worry too much about it. Your venue will have backup plans for inside drinks receptions, confetti and everything. We also come prepared for many situations. And, our spectacular rain photos are sure to be a centrepiece of any living room! 

Sparklers

Another fantastic thing for your spring wedding, is sparklers! We’ve written a whole separate post for these, but really, spring weddings are the best for it, just warm enough it’s not uncomfortable for your guests, and with it being dark around 8/9pm, it’s the perfect time for your evening guests to join in the fun! 

Pete & Mim | Christ Church Wedding | Woking Wedding Photography

Saturday was a particularly special day for Dan, as he headed along to photograph the wedding of his dear friends Pete and Mim! Having known Pete for 10 years, Dan was really honoured to capture their day at Christ Church in Woking, with a beautiful DIY reception at the Welcome Church. Pete sang and played The One by Kodaline as Mim walked down the aisle towards him, not a dry eye in the house and smiles all around for these wonderful people!

Congratulations you two! We’re looking forward to many many more years of friendship with you!

Sunset Wedding Photos For Every Venue!

Sunset Photos

So… you want those jaw-dropping sunset photos from your wedding day? That utterly beautiful crimson sky behind you as you laugh through stories of the day while we capture incredible photos? Well… here’s some things to think about.

Timing….

The Number 1 thing…

Timing is one of the most important things we deal with when it comes to sunset photos. The time of year, the sunset time, the timing of your day… all comes into play. If you’re getting married in winter/spring, you’ll want to be super careful when planning your ceremony time. Too late, and it’ll be dark. 4 O’clock ceremonies might sound lovely with lots of time to get ready and sort yourself out, but in the winter, sunset photos are out of the window unfortunately. It’s worth looking at what time the sun sets on your wedding day, a quick google of “Sunset time on 7th February 2019 in Basingstoke”.etc, will show you exactly what you want. The best time for photos is usually around 15 minutes before this. Have think about what is scheduled to be happening at that time… is it the speeches? Can you move them either before or after dinner? Is it the first dance? Can you push it back half an hour? 99% of the timings on your day can be moved around. If you’re in the middle of your wedding breakfast, just let us know if you want to be taken out during it, we don’t mind at all! 

Location

Location, Location…

This is obviously out of your control and more so rests on your venue and it’s location, but it’s worth thinking about. A lot of our couples don’t mind jumping in one of our cars for a 5 minute drive to a truly stunning location, and we know a lot of them, so don’t worry. Of course, we try and stay at your venue as much as possible though! A nice hill with lots of open space is usually best, but some trees or other features are also lovely. We can make it work!

Brides…

Think about your footwear!

This generally applies to the beautiful bride more than her groom, but wellies are normally an essential, we don’t want to get those bridal heels muddy as sunset photos normally involve grass or a field. We love getting into wide open spaces and capturing you in nature’s glory. Just like Zara and Alex did here, hiking 10 minutes up the field, Zara was a queen! But we think it was worth it for those photos! 

Charlotte & Chris | Pembroke Lodge | Richmond Park Wedding Photography

Is there a better place in England to celebrate a beautiful wedding than the incredible Pembroke Lodge wedding venue in the heart of Richmond Park? Surrounded by the gorgeous parklands and wildlife, it truly is a day to remember! Charlotte & Chris did just this last week, with the sun shining down and drinks flowing, everybody enjoying every minute of this awesome wedding with these amazing people! We had an unbelievably day and created some awesome images, thank you for having us!

The BIG One! DM Photography 2018 Round Up Video!

Well, here it is! Yes we’re a bit behind the curve, but we’ve been super busy with more than 10 weddings since the start of February, but anyway… it’s here, and it’s real! We just thought we’d like to show you a little snippet of what we got up to last year, and to offer a massive, massive thanks to all of our incredible couples from 2018! We cannot create these images without the trust and cooperation from all of you!

So… here it is! DM Photography 2018!

DM's Favourite Places - Audley's Wood Hotel, Basingstoke

Audleys Wood Hotel in Basingstoke, Hampshire, was a much loved home for much of its life and it is perhaps this episode in its history that gives the mansion such warmth and comfort to this day. 

Built in the 1880s as a private home for Thomas Pain, it subsequently enjoyed a rich and colourful history, with owners and visitors including the rich and famous. Today it is a 72 bedroom, 4 star hotel surrounded by woodlands and seven acres of private grounds. 

We LOVE weddings at Audley’s Wood hotel in Basingstoke, always being welcomed by all of the staff, and enjoying every single day of work there!

With the gorgeous red brick and period wood building, you can be sure of some timeless, gorgeous images!

How can you not love this incredible secluded woodland path at the back of the hotel’s huge gardens? Truly a lovely spot for some private images!

Tom & Michelle chose Audley’s Wood Hotel for their special day, and we were there to capture it all for them!

With the large, open ceremony room your wedding is sure to feel as special as the day you started planning it. It really is one of the nicest civil ceremony rooms around and every time we go we’re blown away by the work our couples put in to decorating and perfecting the space!

As well as the marquee and huge back gardens, why not run out the front for some beautiful woodland and open spaces for photos! Audley’s Wood as everything!

All in all, Audley’s Wood Hotel as cemented itself in our minds as one of our favourite venues in the county, and we always recommend it to anybody who asks!

If you’re getting married at Audley’s Wood Hotel, why not give us a call and let’s see what we can do for you!

Bryony & Scott | Macdonald Elmer's Court | Hampshire Wedding Photography

It’s always nice to discover venues a bit out of our usual area, and what better couple to do that with than the amazing Bryony & Scott, and not forgetting their lovely kids Sienna and Keenan! With the sun shining down on Macdonald Elmer’s Court hotel, perched on the coast at the south of the New Forest, what more could they ask for!