Wedding Photographer Berkeley Castle / Berkeley Church

Graham and Dominique - St Mary The Virgin Church, Berkeley / Berkeley Castle - 16th October 2010

Graham and Dominique both live in London, but chose to marry here in the Cotswolds.  The weather was fantastic for an October day, clear skies, warm and not a shower in sight.

Hair and Make-up was by Di McDonald (www.dimcdonaldmakeup.co.uk) who I've seen on many occasions over the years, and best of all she has this very fancy box of make-up 'stuff'.


Wedding shoes can be found in the most obscure of places.


Dominique had this wonderful necklace that extended down her back.  I should at this point write something really girlie about it, but hey, I'm a man, and other than the fact that I see a lot of girlie getting ready (compared to most men) my knowledge base on necklaces is pretty much limited to 'nice'.







A soloist sang in the church prior to the brides arrival and also during signing of the register.  He was very good.....needless to say I neglected to ask who he was (beam me over his details Dominique....I think more couples should have him at their weddings!)




And the most smiley bride award goes to.........Dominique.






Inside St Mary The Virgin Church, Berkeley.


Possibly my favourite photo from the day.... certainly a great recessional photo.  It's lovely to see couples smiling at their friends (heads up!) making the most of their time in the church.





Dominiques veil was super long.



Into the wedding car (www.all-occasions-home.co.uk) for the short ride to Berkeley Castle - yes folks, it's less than 100 yards from the church itself!






Reception drinks were held in the courtyard at Berkeley Castle (for the hardier few), whilst some guests enjoyed the main hall inside, where it was a little warmer.


This weeks group wedding photo.  Dominiques two brothers (I believe) are on the right.  And for the record I have no idea what prompted this.





A few wedding portraits in the grounds of Berkeley Castle.







Not to be overlooked, here are the 'inside' guests.








The wedding breakfast was catered by Williams Kitchen at Calcot.





Whilst everyone was eating the most wonderful light shone across Berkeley Castle as the sun was setting.  This is why it's great to be around later in the day at some weddings.





I always enjoy speeches at Berkeley Castle....it's usually a packed room, loads of atmosphere and I can cover a few alternative angles to include plenty of wedding guests.






'Fighting talk'




Dominique said a few words during speeches.  I'm not sure if this was planned or impromptu (to get Graham off the stage)!






Music was provided by the fantastic band Hussy (www.hussyband.com).  These guys were great, so for all those of you who ask me "Matt can you recommend any good wedding music" well, bookmark these boys.

Pumpkin carving

Daisy and I have been pumpkin carving today.  One was meant for Barney, but he showed little interest in joining in, preferring to bounce on the sofa for the 1000th time today.

They've been named Percy and Polly Pumpkin, and currently reside on the doorstep ready to welcome 'trick or treat'ers'.  Daisy's main enjoyment has been lighting the candles (and blowing them out repeatedly), which has caused Barney some confusion, as he keeps singing 'Happy Birthday to you.....'

Berkeley Castle - Cotswolds Wedding Photographer

Sometimes at a wedding you are gifted with sensational light......... (usually in the autumn)

This is a taster from my recent wedding at Berkeley Castle....full post to follow shortly.

Scottish Highlands - Holiday to Skye

Having had a super busy August and September, it was a welcome rest to take some time out from weddings and head for the fresh air of the Scottish Highlands last week.  Joined by two other professional wedding photographers, we embarked on a road trip from Inverness, via Skye and down to Glasgow.

Knowing quite a few photographers from throughout the UK, including several in Scotland meant we called in a couple of favours and got a bed for the night plus some fantastic home cooking and views to die for.

My cameras didn't get to take a break though and how could I with stunning scenery like this......

Rob wears shorts religiously until the end of October.  Yes it was cold...don't ask!?









This is Lynne's house where we stayed, and below the view from her lounge window - nice huh?





A room to stay plus a cooked breakfast each day, exactly what you need before a long hike.  We couldn't have been happier.


A six hour hike through the Glen.










At this point I stepped in a super size cow pat whilst walking backwards taking photos.









Such a cool bridge for the river crossing on our trek up to the waterfall (somewhere in that 'V' shape on the horizon).


Duncan getting close to nature.








Yep, that's the waterfall we walked 6 hours to see.  Pretty impressive, just needed a 400mm lens to take a decent close up photo.





The Isle of Skye.




The view from our B&B nr. Portree on Skye.










Scotland is a BIG place and has some supersize scenery.  








The highest coffee shop on Skye.  Not exactly the first thing we expected to see as we summited the mountain on a very wet October day.


Imagine living in that house - do you reckon they get Tesco delivery?