Lockdown Family Blog
Lockdown Blog
On the 23rd March, the world entered Lockdown. Our family, like many others have been affected by this and have been staying at home. There has been highs and lows, arguments and hugs, and fun and boredom in our home. The children have rose to the challenge and have been brilliant. We recognise that we are lucky as we have a small garden, access to outdoor space has made it easier to find space where we can all relax.
As a wedding photographer, most of my work has been put on hold. I have been busy completing other work which can be done on lockdown. I am confident that work will pick up again later in the year, it is just difficult waiting for that to happen. My wife Sarah is an NHS Midwife. We as a family are incredibly proud of her efforts on the front line, but we have been worried about her and missing her terribly. We miss her more on lockdown as time passes slowly and we feel her absence. Life for Sarah has not changed much, she has been going to work as usual for long shifts and relaxing when at home. She reminds us daily that ‘babies do not know there is a pandemic, they just keep on coming’. We have enjoyed applauding Sarah and her colleagues every Thursday with the nation.
The kids are being home-schooled, which is something we would never normally do. Sarah prefers to call it ‘Crisis Schooling’ as a reminder to parents that this is not regular home-school. It is not something we have prepared or studied for, and many parents are trying to work from home as well as home-school their children. With that in mind our schedule is relaxed, we complete core subjects over the course of the week, and the only thing we are insistent on is the children continue to read every day. Our priority has been the mental and physical health of the family, so time playing and relaxing together has been something we engage in at any opportunity.
So, ‘The great pause’ has well and truly happened in our house. Being home has allowed us to reflect on what is important to us, and what is not. The ripples of Covid-19 will be felt for years to come and I hope that we can take forward the ability to pause and just be together.
Laura & Jon | The Ravenwood | West Sussex Weddings
Laura and Jon stunning wedding at the Ravenwood wedding venue on the 20th September was one to remember.
The day started with bridal prep with Laura and her bridesmaids at the Ravenwood pamper room. Jon and his groomsmen also got ready at the venue which was great as we’re able to cover both preparations.
The ceremony took place on the grounds outside at the venue. We then enjoyed drinks and nibbles in the gardens while everyone enjoyed the weather.
While the guests of the couple enjoyed themselves, we took them off to explore the grounds especially the ruins for some creative photos using smoke grenades.
The rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying amazing food from the venue and the wonderful speeches.
We finished off the wedding photos with an amazing sparkler tunnel
Massive congrats again Laura and Jon
Jordan & Georgia | Northbrook Park | Hampshire Wedding
It was a pleasure to shoot Jordan & Georgia’s wedding as our ‘last wedding’ before lockdown. Everyone was absolutely positive! Northbrook Park were once again, amazing hosts. Bringing out some amazing food! The staff were in super high spirit’s considering the news! Hope you enjoy this selection of photos
Sophie & David | Botley's Mansion | Surrey Wedding Photography
Ah the beautiful Botley’s Mansion. Wonderful. Accompanied by arguably the best Toastmaster in the country, my Ian Pompeii, we headed to Bijou Wedding Venues Botley’s Mansion to capture the marvellous day of Sophie and David! Complete with wedding E-type, the exquisite atrium dining space at Botley’s, and one of the wildest dance floors we’ve seen in a long long time. We won’t mention the belt-whipping.
David looking slick in the classic tux, and Sophie absolutely wowed in her close fitted gown! Congratulations guys, it was a real pleasure photographing your wedding,
Gabby & Stefan | The Elvetham | Hampshire Weddings
Few things are as beautiful, and as traditional, as a perfect church wedding service. Gabby and Stefan pledged their love to each other in the eyes of God along with over a hundred of their nearest and dearest, and headed back to the delightful Elvetham for a lovely reception. With the conservatory full of gorgeous greenery, and exquisite detailing, all designed by Gabby herself. With Stefan and the lads opting for a change from the norm, and rocking the stone coloured three piece, with floral patterned accessories for the main man himself! And Gabby wowed in her traditional gown. All in all, what a spectacular day we had, and we really hoped they had every bit of fun that we had!
A fresh look at Autumn weddings - Booking this time of year will still be a beautiful wedding
Once the big C word is over with and life gets back to normal in the UK. It’s won’t be long until our favourite time of the year… The Autumn Wedding season will be right around the corner! Summer lovers need not apply. If you’ve been counting down the days until Autumn arrives, you’ve come to the right place. Today we’re sharing all of our favourite Autumn Wedding photos. For any wedding during our most favorite season. From pumpkin-inspired decor to dark, rich colors, there are endless ways to infuse the elements of this time of the year into your wedding.
During these difficult ‘lockdown’ times, if you’re planning your wedding or on the hunt for a new wedding venue we are recommending that all couples stay at home and keep safe.
However, whilst doing the above, there are a number of wedmin tasks that you can do to help keep your wedding plans on track or, if just engaged, help start ticking off on your to-do list.
Such as speeches, gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen. Even a gift list for your guests to mull over. Jig your music playlist, even create a ‘not to play’ music list!
Matt & Lucy | Cornerstone Church, Nottingham | Wedding Photographer
After a long old drive, we made it to Nottingham for the amazing wedding day of Lucy and Matt. With their ceremony at the Cornerstone Church in Nottingham, a huge space, just perfect for their big big day!
Arriving at the venue we’re greeted by the most incredible display of Autumnal colour, the hedged walls, vines, and amazing trees in the gardens. What a place, the most brilliant location for Lucy and Matt’s amazing photos.
With some great speeches in the marquee followed by a full on roast dinner, everyone couldn’t help to enjoy the reception!
Thank you guys for having us!
Shannon and Josh | Audley's Wood Hotel | Hampshire Wedding Photography
It’s always a nice day at the office when we leave to go to one of our favourite venues. The ever popular Audley’s Wood Hotel in Basingstoke is indeed, one of these venues. So pleasant, simple, classic, and just plain good. With it’s high ceilinged ceremony room, to it’s lush greenery and hidden woodland walk!
All in all, Shannon and Josh, we had an amazing day, and we really hope you did too! Thank you again for choosing us to photograph your wonderful wedding, and we wish you the very best for the future.
Amy & Tom | Audley's Wood Hotel Wedding Photography
Ever wanted to see what happens when you just say yes to our crazy ideas, like running through fields to catch the sunset? Well, Tom & Amy’s beautiful wedding photos are the prime example of this! The incredible colours, the gorgeous light… need we say more?
As usual, the team at Audley’s Wood delivered a truly seamless experience for us, the couple and the guests. Beautiful weather, beautiful couple, beautiful venue. Happy, happy days.
Thank you!
DM's Favourite Places - Wasing Park
Now, there is something to be said for having your wedding in a hotel, where all your guests can stay the night and wake up and have breakfast together and all that good stuff. However, there is, a lot to be said for a dedicated, incredible wedding venue. That does one thing. Very, very well.
Welcome then, to Wasing Park and Wasing Walled Garden.
With either Wasing Park, or the Walled Garden to choose from, you’re sure to find something for you here. Wasing Park with it’s immaculate design, converted barn, and pretty little gardens, is a real gem in the Berkshire/Aldermaston countryside.
With space for over a hundred of your friends, family and people you felt obligated to invite for complicated reasons, Wasing Park is perfect if you want the exceptional team at Wasing to set up, organise and run the day for you.
However. If you’re the kind of couple who want real control over your day, outdoor ceremony, barbecues, street food, beer canoes, and just generally, a cracking good time, maybe Wasing Walled Garden is the one for you.
Just look at this place, immaculate hedgerows, exotic plants… oh and a massive teepee. Yup. Get yourself the Walled garden, hire the teepee, fill it with family and mates, boom! Wedding!
And eh, of course, outdoor first dance, gotta be done! With your guests enjoying the canoe full of ice cold beer, digesting their incredible Indian, Thai and Brazilian street food barbecue, this walled garden really does have it all for a wedding!
Picking out amazing groomsmen gifts
Whatever his job on your big day (ring bearer, speech giver, nerve-calmer…) the perfect best man gifts and presents for ushers are the ones that say ‘I couldn’t have done it without you’ to the most important men in your life. Think personalised silver cuff-links, whiskey gift sets or even a best man beer stein just for him.
Now, I’m sure you have some questions… How much are you supposed to spend on wedding party gifts anyway? Where can you find unique best man gifts? Who can personalize your gifts for you? The answers to these and many other questions are right here. So read on…
Does your best man like to drink on the go? Is he the kind of guy who’s always ready for the party to start? If that’s the case then engraving a whiskey glass or beer glass is perfect for him. Wrapped in beautiful black leather and engraved with your best friend’s name, this flask is the pinnacle of class.
It could even be something as simple as a belt, or cuff-links. If you’re tight for cash as you’ve spent so much on the wedding day. Small tokens can still go a long way!
Or if your boys want to look real ‘cowboy’ on the big day. Or if you’re having a barn wedding and love the theme. This is something I personally find pretty awesome and funny at the same time... A beer holster! Think of the pictures!
Trying to choose a toastmaster?
Struggling to pick a toastmaster for your wedding? Providing that extra bit of ‘pomp’ and quite often, extra entertainment? Not only this, but they also provide advice on timings throughout your day. Organise your guests, advice on what to wear for an Autumnal wedding for example (Wellies & umbrella’s etc) Sometimes his priority is to ensure that the ceremony room, flowers, cake and chefs are ready. Even wedding day crisis management!
We at DM Photography have 2 highly recommended toastmaster’s..
Alexander Michaels (aka Pav) & Iain Pompei.
Having worked with both gentlemen several times over the years, they are our top guys when it comes to toastmastering.
http://www.toastmasterpav.com/index.htm
http://www.themoderntoastmaster.co.uk/
Fireworks
Looking for a way to inject magic, glamour and undeniable sparkle into your big day? Why not light up your night with a dazzling wedding firework display? Once the sun goes down, there’s no better way to crown off the end of a fantastic day – not to mention the amazing photo opportunities that go with it. It will give people something to look forward to after the speeches and first dance, and will perhaps wake up a few flagging relatives in the bargain! Not to mention it will make your evening guests feel like they’re a special part of the celebrations too. Little ones will be especially delighted to see the sky all lit up and it will make the day all the more memorable for everyone involved. And if everyone has a sparkler in hand, it can look all the more incredible.
So while fireworks are definitely a plus point for any wedding, it’s not a case of simply setting up the rockets and listening out for the “oohs” and “aahs” of your delighted guests. There are plenty of things you need to consider before you light the fuse on your wedding fireworks.
There are time restrictions
It’s against the law in the UK to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am. So, if you’re planning on lighting up the night with wedding fireworks, you’ll need to organise it before the last dance.
It’s down to the venue
Ultimately, it’s up to your venue whether they allow fireworks or not. Nine times out of 10, venues insist on firework displays being carried out by professional, licensed companies only. And, there will be extra charges involved. It’s also worth checking out local rules and regulations, as the legal technicalities can vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Slow timelapse photos look amazing! Yet need planning
If you’re splashing out on sparklers, a time-lapse (or long-exposure) shot is one of the pictures you should ask your photographer to take. This style of photo makes it look like you live in a real-life fairytale – you will definitely have spotted them on Pinterest!
Time-lapse photos aren’t the simplest for your photographer to take though, so make sure they know in advance that you want one of these taken so they are prepared.
This type of photo needs to be taken in the dark, so if you’re having a summer wedding, consider whether it’s in your budget to have your photographer stay the extra time until it’s dark enough to capture the magical shot.
Autumnal Weddings - Why picking a wedding in Autumn is actually a great idea!
Pick an Autumnal wedding brings a fabulous natural palette that sums up this magical time of year. Think burnt orange, deep red, bright yellow and rich chocolate colours. These are rich, deep and given their tonal qualities, blend beautifully together. Whether you work these into your decor, flowers, or even your outfits, these distinctive colours will add a stunning look to your autumn wedding.
With the plentiful supply of twigs, leaves and cones it’s easy to create your theme around the season. Invitations can be created from craft paper with a rustic woodland feel.
You can source wood trunk sections to make wonderful table centerpieces and wood blocks can form the base even for your wedding cake!
More often than not, wedding venue prices decrease just outside the wedding season. We’re talking deep into the Autumn season of course!
Harry & Georgia - Lillibrooke Manor
A Lilliebrook Manor wedding will never disappoint. Harry & Georgia had an amazing day despite receiving every single type of weather during their day! From the shining sun to the hail, high winds & snow! Regardless of that, Lilliebrook was beautifully decorated and spirits were high! Congratulations from us at DM Photography
Kelly & Liam - Oakley Hall - Hampshire Wedding - 23rd February
Kelly & Liam’s wedding at Oakley Hall was a great day for us. Although it did start out a bit ‘iffy with the weather, the sun certainly came out during their ceremony. Perfect for us and perfect for group pictures straight after. They had decorated out Oakley Hall’s marquee perfectly and had an amazing time when the band came on & did their set. Hope you had a wonderful day both!
Ant & Jess - Audley's Wood Wedding Venue
Set in the lovely Audley’s Wood hotel in Hampshire. We had a beautiful day with both Ant & Jess. Bridesmaid’s & Groomsmen were all up for a laugh when taking some silly photos, whilst showing all the love they needed on their special day. We’re now well into the Springtime, we’re looking forward to capturing your weddings and keeping an extra eye peeled for those Bluebells!
Emily & Sam | Rivervale Barn Wedding Photographer
Another favourite venue, the gorgeous Rivervale Barn! This time playing host to the equally beautiful Emily and Sam! With their ceremony at Rivervale’s new outdoor ceremony space, The Spinny, and wow, what a setting. Nestled in the overhanging trees, you can’t help but marvel at it’s imposing oak frame with tons of sunlight streaming through the leaves above, resulting in some really lovely photos! We love it! Can you tell?!
With a fair splashing of alcohol, some divine food, and a gorgeous sunset, Emily and Sam’s evening was really one to remember!
Picking 'The' Wedding Dress
Finding your dream gown can be stressful. After all, you've likely never tried one on before, and it's the most expensive garment many women will ever own, so it can feel like the pressure is definitely on while wedding dress shopping. Plus, your dress sets the tone for the wedding as a whole, whether it's a grand ballroom affair or a casual beach bash. It may also feel like there's a whole new language to decode—tulle, A-line, fit-and-flare, organza, sheath, etc. Plus, more brides than ever are doing multiple dresses—a more formal one for the ceremony and a party-centric (danceable or more blingy and outrageous) one for the reception—which can make shopping even more stressful.
With all eyes on you, not to mention photos you'll keep forever, of course, you want to look perfect on your big day. But what does perfect mean to you? For some brides, a dream dress is a regal ballgown fit for a princess. For others, it's a sexy, va-va-voom sheath dress that makes everyone appreciate her curves, or a look that allows her enough movement to be able to get down on the dance floor.
The choices can seem overwhelming. But no matter your budget, personal style, or timeline, these wedding dress shopping tips are guaranteed to help you find the gown of your dreams—the one you'll love today, on the big day, and in 30 years from now when you look back at your wedding photos.
Start your research
Rip pages out of magazines, click through bridal boutiques online, explore on Pinterest, and check out what celebrity brides are wearing to compile a visual file of your favourite dresses. Then look for a connecting theme—are they all very embellished, lacy, or voluminous? Do they all have open backs? Find a couple of commonalities of styles you like and bring your ideas to your first appointment.
Brace yourself for Bridal sizing
Bridal sizing means your gown's number will often be one to two sizes higher than what you wear in your regular clothes. Even if going bigger sounds horrifying, remember that no one will know the number but you and your consultant.
Shop early!
Many gowns take four to eight months to be produced, and once it arrives, you still have to factor in more time for alterations and accessorizing.
Shop on a weekday
Bridal salons are packed on the weekends, meaning you may get less personal attention or the dress you love is being tried on by someone else. It's worth using some personal time from work to have your appointment on a weekday.
Choose your shopping crew wisely
Yes, you love your mom, sister, sister-in-law, maid of honour, and six bridesmaids—but if you've ever tried to get a crowd to agree on where to go for dinner, you can only imagine how hard it will be to find consensus on a gown. Narrow the group down to the two or three people whose opinions matter most to you.
Wear heels to the appointment
Some bridal salons have communal high heels you can borrow, but that's a little icky, and a dress will look a lot different with flip-flops than stilettos. Be prepared by bringing heels of the same height you think you'll likely wear for your big day, so you'll have a better idea of how the dress will look.
Stay true to what you love
It's easy, especially for people-pleasing brides, to bend in the moment to what gown your mom, sister, or maid of honour loves on you. But it's crucial that you go with what you love and what feels like your dream dress, regardless of other people's expectations.
Be 100% sure before you say yes
All brides need to know it's their dress before saying 'yes.' When a bride needs to decide, we would suggest & encourage her to sleep on it.
Relax and stop looking
Now that you've found your dream gown, stop shopping— it will make you nuts if you keep looking at dresses. Yours is great! Now just look forward to showing everyone on the big day.
