Clearwell Castle Wedding Photography - Stephen and Charlene

Stephen and Charlene - 21st July 2008

What a blinder of a day - hot, hot, hot....and about time too. Charlene is somewhat a character I soon began to find out from her friends. Yeah she had a few lists, yeah there were timings that had to be met, yet amazingly we had such a laugh, despite my more laid back approach. We even did the group photos with the minimal of fuss - fab!

Clearwell Castle staff looked after me well too, so big them up..... and thanks to Charlene for priming them of my need to eat!

It was a wedding at St Peter's Church, Clearwell first, followed by the reception at Clearwell Castle.

So here's a snippet of the photos taken... hope you enjoy.

St Peter's Church, Clearwell. What a good day for a wedding huh?

Back in Clearwell Castle for make-up and that white item most ladies wear on a wedding day!

A list. Did I mention lists?

I love the bridal Suite in Clearwell Castle. It has great light and good size to move about in.

Last minute adjustments before heading into the church.

It's cool inside St Peter's. Pity I could only take photos from the back though!

I really like this photo. I think his name was Gordon - what a fun chap.

A short walk back to Clearwell Castle. As seen from many angles; curtsy of me running around like a loon!

Wedding veil photos are order of the day.

Slideshow below....

Wedding equipment - Ohhh oh oh.... a new lens, exciting (Caution - tecchie post!)

Most years I set aside some money in my business to buy new equipment, which typically comprises computer stuff or camera stuff - that is to be expected of a digital photographer right?

Earlier this year I went wild and splashed out on a uber slick 24" imac, which is the perfect piece of kit for any design based business. Then today I parted with my hard earned cash again in return for a sweet new lens and a third camera body. Three cameras I hear you ask? (yeah, one to shoot with, one as a back-up and one to send off for servicing... there you have it!)

For anyone wishing to know, my new lens investment is this peachy EF 85mm f1.2L II USM (that's the tecchie bit)

So what you ask? This means nothing to us? Well..... you'll be on the receiving end of this puppy soon no doubt, as when it comes to portraits this IS the daddy. It can also shoot in super low light situations so becomes the perfect partner for all my upcoming December weddings. There you have it - that's my tecchie talk over with. Anyone wishing to know a little more can visit here to see what Canon have to say about it.... but it will be way to boring for the average punter so be warned!

Oxfordshire Wedding photography - Civil Partnership

Mark and Simon - 18th July 2008

Wowzers, it's been a busy weekend for me just gone with 3 weddings shot in 4 days, and I've got the same again this weekend coming. Posts on my blog may therefore be a little thin on the ground, certainly anything other than work is (note to self: post something about life outside of work, come on Matthew, you have a life outside of work right?)

Anyway I had to post this one as it's the first gay wedding I've shot and what a bash it was too. They went away from any form of tradition and just made the day their own. So, a picnic it was with an Oscars ceremony hosted in the evening by a very pimped up Mark & Simon (plus some hoes - their words not mine!). As a straight guy you just couldn't have scripted it, but knowing these two they'd have had it no other way.

Well here are a few of the shots taken from their day, which thankfully remained dry - as you'd hope for a picnic & outdoor ceremony (brave brave people!)

This is one of my all time favourite photos. Love the one hat up, one hat down symbolism!

Even the dog enjoyed the wedding picnic.

Wedding photos in a hay barn - good plan? It's made my all time favourite photo list, so must be alright!

Outdoor wedding ceremony at Friars Court - works really well in my opinion.

Wedding reception entertainment. Simple.

Only a gay wedding would have a faux Oscar's awards ceremony.

and the slideshow.....

Just had a few words from Mark so thought I'd include them too.....

Amazing pix mate, you are very talented. I knew we hired the right guy! - Mark