JoanneGower
Wedding Photography

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A Summer Wedding with Amelia & Danny

Its taken me a little longer than usual to do this blog post, and that’s because this wedding is very special indeed. To be asked to photograph a wedding is always an honour, but when your closest friends allow you to photograph the wedding of their daughter, it is really something else. I have know Amelia since the day she was born and I have had the pleasure of seeing her grown into a beautiful, caring young lady. No surprise really, since her mum and dad are two of the loveliest people I have ever known. In forty years of friendship, we have never had a crossed word, and I can honestly say I have never felt anything but love for them, and a huge amount of pride that I have them as friends. Tracy and Russ are surrounded by lovely friends and family and they have always made me, David and our children feel very much welcome and loved. I can’t quite remember when Danny came along, and thats because he is such a lovely chap that he blended so seamlessly into the family, that I can’t really remember a time when he wasn’t there! On Sunday, we got to meet his family and friends too, and all I can say is that if love and care are a predictor of how happy a marriage is going to be, then Amelia and Danny are truly blessed. What a wonderful time we all had, despite the wasps! Arthur proved himself to be an absolute little gent and was one of the best behaved ring bearers we have ever seen, bridesmaids Charlotte, Millie and Autumn Lilly were so easy to work with and best man Alex was cool, calm and collected. The ceremony took place at St Columba’s Church in Hull and the wedding breakfast was held at the Millhouse, Skidby. All in all it was a truly wonderful day. There really are not words to express just how much happiness we wish Amelia and Danny. All I can say is that we love you both very much, we will always be here for you and are so happy to have you in our lives. With big hugs and lots of love your fairy Godmother, David, Jess, Cody, Alex & Kelly. xxxx

A Summer Wedding with Charlotte and Simon

I am delighted to share the preview wedding photography for Charlotte and Simon, who were married this weekend at St John the Baptist Church, in Hull. We started the day with Charlotte who was busy getting ready at home. Her make up was done by Toni Neylon-Walker and hair by Jarrad at Mark Hill. Bridesmaids Anna, Emily and Jessica were with her, whilst we photographed the all important dress from Deborah Moore, along with the other details including shoes, jewellery and perfume. After a few quick bridal portraits we headed to the church to meet up with Simon and his best men Pat and Daniel. Guests were soon arriving and we all waited excitedly for the arrival of the bride. Charlotte was accompanied by dad Graham, in a car by Silver Lane. The reverend Tony Cotson delivered a lovely service and the happy couple exited to a guard of honour provided by their scout group. The day was bright and sunny, but Charlotte did have a few challenges with her veil in some very blustery winds! The wedding reception was held in a tipi provided by Boutipi at Raywell, and guests enjoyed celebratory drinks whilst we concluded the traditional family formal photographs. Just as we finished, the heavens opened and down came the rain. Luckily it was only a brief shower and it didnt really matters as everyone headed into the tipi to enjoy the contents of their picnic baskets! Following the speeches we headed outside with Charlotte and Simon and the four of us had a lot of fun doing some more pictures in the wooded area at Raywell! We had a really wonderful day with Charlotte and Simon and wish them every happiness in their future life together!

Engagement Photography at Rise Hall with Carole & Nigel

Yesterday we met up with Carole and Nigel at the fabulous Rise Hall. It was a lovely summers day and we really enjoyed working with them in the gardens at Rise. Initially we met up with them in the library to talk about their plans for their wedding which takes place in a couple of weeks time. Its a lovely room and provided some welcome shade from the hot sunshine. Rise Hall is a great venue for wedding photography as it provides beautiful backdrops whatever the weather. The grounds are beautiful in good weather and the interiors are stunning both in summer and winter. With many venues there is nowhere to go if the weather is bad, but with Rise Hall the rooms and spaces are big and light enough to allow photography of groups large or small. Carole and Nigel were very relaxed during the photography and we are very much looking forward to working with them on their special day.

A Summer Wedding with Charlotte and Jason

The recent heatwave and bright sunshine is lovely for a wedding, but provides a big challenge for the wedding photographer, giving harsh light, lots of contrast and sharp shadow. On Saturday though, we were lucky to have a little cloud which softened the light and was ideal for photographing the wedding of Charlotte and Jason. Our day began when we met up with Charlotte and her bridesmaids Sammy, Lauren, Bethany, Sarah, Jasmine, Eleanor and Annabelle at her parents house. The early part of a wedding day is one of the nicest parts for the wedding photographer, as it tends to be very relaxed and it is a privilege to be party to this section of the wedding. Vanessa and Tony made us feel very welcome and the girls were busy getting ready when we arrived. We started our photography for the day, with images of the all important details including Charlottes stunning wedding dress which was from Jacquelines. Once Charlotte was ready, and her hair and make up were complete, we did some beautiful bridal portraits of her, both inside the house and in the garden, before heading off to meet Jason and best man, Chris, at Beverley Minister. After securing their buttonholes, suppled by Glenholme of Beverley, we took some photographs in front of the Minister, which is a magnificent backdrop for wedding photography. Before long guests started to arrive and after some hugs and kisses, Jason headed inside to await his bride. Charlotte arrived in style and was accompanied by her dad Tony. As always, we worked quickly to grab some quick natural photographs before the bride made her entrance in the church. I must give a very big thank you to the Reverend Canon Jonathan Baker, who very kindly allowed us to take photographs during the service. Several of the couple’s friends gave readings, including mum Vanessa, who had prepared a poem personal to the couple, which culminated in informing Jason that Charlotte did not come with a receipt! Following the service, guests headed out into the sunshine and we were able complete one of the most challenging parts of a photographers day; the formal group photographs. These provided the usually challenges including bright sunshine and the toll of the Minster Bells! It is safe to say that we breathe a small sigh of relief once the group photographs are done, and everyone else can get on with the business of enjoying themselves! The couple held their wedding reception at the wonderful Tickton Grange; one of our favourite venues in the Yorkshire region. Over recent months the venue has undergone a stylish refurbishment both inside and out and it looks really stunning. The reception room looked amazing with a beautiful cake that was made by the Cake Room, providing the perfect centrepiece. Once the guests sat down for their meal, we were able to take a much needed break, before checking through the photographs and making sure we had not missed anything on Charlotte and Jason’s list. We rejoined the party for the speeches which were delivered, in accordance with tradition, after the meal. After the daytime celebrations the happy couple joined us outside in the gardens and we were able to conclude our work.From start to finish this was a truly wonderful wedding. It was a really happy occasion and Charlotte and Jason are such a lovely couple. Our thanks to everyone for their patience and good humour! We had a wonderful day photographing this wedding and wish Charlotte and Jason the best that life can offer!

Engagement Photography with Amelia and Danny

It is difficult to know where to start with this post as it is one that is very special to me, but basically this is an engagement shoot for Amelia and Danny who got engaged in Disney Land Paris. Amelia is my god daughter and I have known her mum Tracy, and dad Russ, since we were all at school together. They are my oldest and dearest friends, and in over forty years of friendship, we have never had a crossed word. In fact, we have shared a few tears, but mostly its be one long rollercoaster of laughs and good times. I was more than honoured, and very humbled, to be asked to be god mother to Amelia when she was born, and I can remember the day as if it were yesterday. I was so happy and very emotional, because I knew just how much this little baby meant to both of her parents, but particularly to mum Tracy, who as far back as I can remember, has always had a long trail of children following her around, just like the pied piper! I have followed every step of Amelia’s life, and been lucky enough to share every birthday and Christmas with her, and her wonderful family. She has grown into a beautiful, caring young lady, and has found herself a wonderful young man in Danny, who shares her kind and loyal qualities. I cannot begin to express how much love and happiness I wish them both in their future life together, and I cannot wait for the day when they will finally tie the knot. Thank you Tracy and Russ, for being a part of my life and for sharing your three wonderful children with me. To Amelia and Danny, big hugs, we all love you more than words can say. From your Fairy godmother with the magic handbag, David, Jess, Cody, Alex & Kelly. xxxx

JoanneGower
Wedding Photography