Sam & Elle / Festival Wedding in Chichester
When Sam & Elle asked us to shoot their Wedding last year, we had been on enough nights out with them both to know that this was going to be something really special, and it didn't disappoint!
Their Wedding(fest) was held on a scorching June afternoon in Elle's parents back garden. There was an abundance of amazing food (courtesy of our good friend Will at Smoke and Barrel), beautiful music, and plenty of champagne throughout the evening. When darkness hit the silent disco kicked off and lots of weird and wonderful shapes were thrown. It's safe to say we had the time of our lives!
Thanks a million for trusting us to shoot your day Sam & Elle, can we rewind and do it all again now please?
Eliza & Deci / Engagement Shoot, Donegal.
A couple of weeks ago we flew back to Ireland and during our visit we were lucky enough to finally meet up with Deci and Eliza for their engagement shoot. For a long time I’ve been looking for an excuse to go on a mini adventure really close to home with our cameras and an amazing couple, so when we booked the shoot E & D didn’t have much choice on the location 🙊 I can’t give them enough credit for putting up with our mad ideas- involving climbing rusty gates, walking though bogland, and braving the crap weather! What can I say, one mans wet and miserable is another’s paradise 🌿💧 (Although they did get a good laugh as I ran like lightening when a wild horse appeared from the trees 🤷🏻♀️😂)
Claire & Josh / Dorset House School Wedding
Just over a month ago Claire and Josh held their Wedding at the picturesque Dorset House School in East Sussex. Their day was stunning from start to finish, the couple said their vows in the rustic school house and afterwards guests moved outside to enjoy a cold drink, croquet and amazing views of rolling countryside hills.outside in the amphitheatre with amazing views of the greenest rolling hills in the background.
The sun shone the entire day with not one cloud in sight, Claire looked absolutely striking and when it came time for the speeches, even we couldn’t hold the tears back (it’s an emotional rollercoaster this job!) Thank you so much for choosing us to document your celebrations Mr & Mrs Case, we had a ball. Can we just go back?
Chika & Habeeb / Central London Wedding
We had the pleasure of being involved in not one, but two stunning Weddings in April when Chika & Habeeb tied the knot over two weekends in London. Firstly they had their Traditional Nigerian Wedding- a vibrant, energetic & joyous celebration of their love surrounded by friends and family.
The couple then held a second Wedding the next weekend, and it was equally as stunning, check out some of their highlights below. (the cherry blossoms even made an appearance to compliment the beautiful couple 🌸) Congratulations Mr and Mrs Alli-Owe ❤️
Shout out to all the amazing vendors who made the day so perfect:
SDWeddings Mgt, Papachichi Style Bridal, DJ Unbeetable Music Samon Films, Wale Gates
Moira & Brent / Kilmore County House Wedding
The first day of summer arrived just in time for Moria & Brent’s quirky @kilmorecountryhouse Wedding. The sun shone from start to finish for their big day, set right under the Antrim Plateau on the rugged North Coast of Ireland.
Moira was stunning in her amazing White Gallery Boutique dress (@twgboutique) and her personal touches appeared throughout the day, take a look at her incredible centre pieces and handmade vinyl placemats in the images below (she's a talented one!)
Megan & Chris / Woodland Tipi Wedding / Warwick, UK.
Megan & Chris tied the knot in the beautiful village of Leek Wootton last month. Megan took 'relaxed bride' to a whole new level and their celebrations flowed seamlessly from start to finish.
One of the things that made this day feel so special was that it was packed full of personal touches- to name just a few examples; the couple brewed their own Sloe Gin table favours, their desert table featured Grandma Jones's lemon drizzle cake, and most impressively Megan hand crafted just under a thousand Origami birds to decorate their Tipi reception.
M & C's Wedding was full of love and laughs, and admittedly when we heard the Spice Girls we put our cameras down, joined the Wedding party, and danced late into the evening.
Thank you for having us Mr & Mrs Jones... You bloody rock!
Clair & Sean / Nelson, New Zealand
To witness two legends get married in the most beautiful country in the world was hardly a difficult decision to make, so we packed our bags and flew to New Zealand last month for an almighty celebration. Thanks for all the amazing memories Clair & Sean, this was a trip we'll never forget! Still advancing, not retreating, 100%...
Highlight reel: 2017
I can't believe what a whirlwind it's been in the ten months since I quit my day job to follow my passion for Photography. Thank you for the overwhelming support I have received, and to all the wonderful couples who stood in my firing line, I have made so many new friends along the way. Next year is set to be even bigger, bring it on...
Here are some of our 2017 highlights - see you in the New Year!
Kodak Portra 400 + Bronica ETRS 75mm f2.8
I've gone quiet on the film front recently, there's a good reason for that too. Over the last two years I've been using my Mamiya 645 to shoot most of my film adventures (besides occasionally using my Canon AE1 or Yashica-a). My Mamiya was the most beautiful medium format film camera I'd ever used, I'm sure it would pale in comparison to a Hasselblad or Rollei, but to me- it was perfect. I saved up all my pennies for months to buy it, and it didn't disappoint. It had been to Thailand, Cambodia, NZ, all over the UK and Ireland and never failed me.
It was stolen in August, I stupidly left it in an old tattered bag on the front seat of my car after a long 12 hour day of shooting a wedding (I even used a roll of Portra for the couples portraits). I came out the next morning to see my window shattered and my prize camera stole, but It could have been worse, I had all my digitals!
After a few months of grieving I decided to buy another pre-loved medium format camera- only this time a Bronica ETRS. SO... Here it is, the results from a few months in Palma and a shaky hand... I can't say it's the same beast, but it's still lots of fun!
Boxing day beach walk, Donegal.
What better way to shake off the Christmas dinner- walking a few mile with mum and dad on a frosty Donegal afternoon, and after a Guinness and Some Taytos in Biddies we finished off the day by watching the sunset over the Barnes Gap. Sometimes can't believe this is my home!
Es Verger, Alaro, Palma de Mallorcaaaaa.
I wasn't keen on this particular little hike as I woke up with a bit of a wine headache from the night before (it only takes two glasses, believe me). I found the strength deep within and after a couple of paracetamols I legged it up the hill to see the stunning views of the island, and I am so glad we did.
When we got back down the other side of the mountain there was a gorgeous little family run restaurant, Es Verger, serving frosty cold cañas. It was certainly a challenge to order something vegetarian in a restaurant serving mostly shoulders of slow cooked lamb, but Croquettas de Espinaca came to the rescue as usual. I even came home with a bottle of home made Vino Tinto for the hair of the dog.
Feast In A Field '17
Another year, another roaring success! Thanks for hosting Feast in a Field '17 Herniman's & co. Cannot wait until next year...
Roast a cauliflower next time though lads! Ha! Poor piggy.
Big Sets @ Chill at the Mill
Big Sets smashed it last weekend at Chill at the Mill festival in Cornwall. Looking forward to next year already 🤙🏼
Ansum Food Co.
Ansum Food Co are trading all weekend at Chill at the Mill in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, and I was lucky enough to sample their juicy burritos 🌯🚛🔥 Amie and John have built their stunning food truck from the ground up, they use the best local produce and put their heart and souls into every aspect of what they do! @ansumfood
Quare Stretch in the Evenings
Some photos from a beautiful drive along the Northern Wild Atlantic Way this weekend with a quick stop off at Fanad Lighthouse along the way.
Exploring Black Sands- Rosalie, Dominica.
Exploring other worldly black sands on a lazy morning in Dominica.
Special kudos to the amazing Alex for her balancing act!
The Earl of March, Chichester
The Earl of march is a unique country pub situated in the village of Lavant near Chichester, West Sussex. It is set against a beautiful green landscape of rolling hills and blue skies (well, most of the time- it is England after all).
We arrived to a full car park and a bustling atmosphere of happy punters, we immediately anticipated a great meal and we were certainly not disappointed. The atmosphere was cosy and relaxed and the staff greeted us with a warm welcome and continued to be very attentive throughout our gorgeous meal.
We chose three unique courses from the varied set menu. The food was exceptional at The Earl of March and the presentation of each dish was stunning. Every course offered an array of different elements and exciting flavours and left us discussing our lunch long after it was over.
The Food
Starters
Delicious duck terrine accompanied by a selection of truffled field mushrooms, yellow radish, spiced pickled parsnip. Garnished with wild flowers and finished off with a seeded crostini.
Soft Poached Hallgate Farm Duck Egg cooked to perfection, accompanied with Wild Garlic, perfect Asparagus and Sepp crisp (wild mushroom reduction which is then dehumidified).
Main course
For my main course I ordered the vegetarian option, it consisted of a Carrot & Coriander Bouche with Wild Garlic and Seasonal Pulses which bursted with flavour. This dish featured another delicious Sepp crisp and lightly Smoked Cucumber- all complimented with cooling Yogurt. This dish was beautifully crafted and it was easy to see that great care had been taken in presentation, making the experience all the more enjoyable.
Next on the menu was Slow Roast Belly of Pork garnished with Ramson Leaves and accompanied with Roasted Spring Root Vegetables. The Pork Belly was beautifully cooked, the meat was moist and the Crackling crisp. The selection of charred Vegetables had a gorgeous smokey flavour and went perfectly with the sweet and smooth Puree.
Dessert
For the final course I ordered the Sticky Toffee Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce and Coffee Ice Cream. I don't think this one needs explanation- let's just say it didn't last long.
Lastly but not at all least, the Triple Chocolate Brownie. Complete with a lush 'Death by Chocolate' Chocolate Sauce, Toffee & Honeycomb Ice Cream, Fresh Strawberries and a candied Wild Flower.
As far as lunch goes, this one will be hard to beat. Many thanks to The Earl of March for giving us such an enjoyable and memorable experience, it's safe to say we will be back again for more.
The Fish Spot, Dominica.
During my 3 week trip to the Caribbean I had the chance to visit Dominica, an island South of Antigua. Unlike Antigua, Dominica is a really mountainous island with natural hot springs and tropical rainforests. Dominica is overflowing with fruit and veg and they have an abundance of wildlife above and below sea level so food is not scarce.
We found that when we stayed there we spent little to nothing in the shops except for the basics because the fruit and veg markets in Roseau (the capital of Dominica) were so fresh that we didn't need much of anything else. Some things we found ourselves- picking limes off the tree (for our homemade rum punch) or grabbing a hand of plantain from the garden to make chips in the evening -in one place we stayed we even had pineapple growing right outside our back door.
All of that I could really get used to, however seeing a Boa Constrictor down the path of our eco-hut was NOT something I could get used to- I guess every country has its ups and downs (gulp!)
Despite my encounters with sperm whales, giant leatherback turtles, boa's and rainbow coloured parrot fish... Fresh local food is something about Dominica that I'll never forget.
The photographs below are from an amazing opportunity I got got to capture local life. One night whilst hanging out with some local guys we decided to get something to eat after a few beers, they promised to take me and Alex to one of their favourite spots- the Fish Shack down the road in their neighbourhood. We gladly agreed and hopped off, beer in hand, to find ourselves some fresh catch of the day. When we walked in through the wooden doors we were immediately greeted with the characteristic Caribbean nod of the head, then a basin full of fish was presented from under the bar and we were asked to choose our fish of choice, and I chose Marlin.
The lady who prepared the fish for us gave me the amazing opportunity to capture her in action and gladly welcomed me into her workspace. She was a master of her craft, keeping the locals fed and watered. Who needs a fancy restaurant when you have fresh catch and a sturdy kitchen. I can honestly say it was some of the most delicious food I've had,
