Michelle and Mario in Barcelona

Last year I received an email from a bride looking for a photographer for her wedding which was to take place in Barcelona - I jumped at the chance and was happily surprised to discover that Michelle and I used to be next door neighbours during our teenage years (my married name threw her off as we haven't seen each other for years). I think we spent the first wedding meeting chatting more about old times than the wedding itself!

Having never been to Barcelona before Michelle and Mario sorted out all the accomodation and flight details and provided me with a city guide with all the venue locations marked out. It had been decided that myself and my second photographer, Ilona, would travel out the day before the wedding to settle in before the big day - it's  a good job they sorted out additional backage allowance for us on the flight cos with all the additional camera equipment taken we wouldn't have had room for clothes! Not that we actually needed most of the things we took but better safe than sorry!

Friday 6th August dawned glorious and sunny with temperatures in the mid 30s. We had most of the day to explore the city since the ceremony wasn't set til 6pm so we wandered around seeing the sights before heading across town to meet Michelle at her hotel. It was great meeting her family again and everyone was laughing and smiling - I know it seems a strange thing to say about a wedding day since all are happy, but this was a truly HAPPY occassion and Michelle didn't stop smiling throughout the day, she was a fantastic bride and was going to enjoy every moment of the day.

Another taxi to the church which was located in the parc de la ciudadela, fortunately we had scouted it out the day before since the taxi driver didn't know where it was! Mario arrived with his best man and ushers followed by the bridesmaids shortly after. At this point everyone was moved inside before Michelles car turned up.

A beautiful service was held in a stunning church, the confetti was thrown as the couple left the building and then we headed across the park to a fantastic fountain where we did a few shots with the bridal party and Michelle and Mario before all getting on a bus to head off to the reception.

Drinks and canapes were served to all and with the early evening sun the temperatures were pleasant and not too hot. Speeches were done before the meal to allow the guys to relax and enjoy the food. The best man and the brides father had everyone in stitches with their speeches and I've not laughed as much for ages- you think you've heard them all before but some still surprise you.

A spanish wedding cake was cut then the first dance followed - nothing slow and smoochy for these two as they let loose with a fun and fast dance together which got everyone else up and joining in. We finished the night off with some shots of the two of them outdoors with the vine covered venue lit up behind them. The party finished at 1am when we all headed back to hotels in taxis.

This was a spectacular wedding and I hope Michelle and Mario had as much fun as everyone else did - they certainly looked like it. An extra day to explore the city on the Saturday and then we were all on the same flight home on Sunday afternoon - where it's done nothing but rain since!!!

Here's a sneak peak at some of the pics from the day. Enjoy!!

Stacey and Justin's Wedding Day

Stacey and Justin were married on Saturday 31st July at the gorgeous Mitton Hall.

Beginning at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel in the morning I captured the preparations and was surprised to find things running so smoothly and calmly, there seemed to be a very peaceful atmosphere and everyone was soon ready to leave. The wedding car collected the bridesmaids first who I soon followed up to Mitton Hall to meet the second photographer, Charlie, who had been with the Justin and the men as they prepared.

The weather was a little touch and go but seemed to be starting to clear as we all waited for Stacey to arrive. We waited .... still no sign of the wedding car. The wedding car had gotten a puncture on the way and was on the side of the road about 5 minutes away where the driver was hurriedly trying to change the tyre.

It wasn't too much longer though when the car appeared on the driveway and we were all pleasantly surprised to see a still smiling Stacey get out - obviously nothing fases her!

A lovely ceremony where the couple had written their own vows was followed by drinks and canapes outside in the sunshine whilst the photos were taken. They decided not to go for a drive in the wedding car afterwards - didn't want to tempt fate a second time!

A brightly coloured bouncy castle was up on the lawns at the back of the hall which provided some fun shots of Stacey and her bridesmaids jumping around and the gorgeous grounds offered some stunning backdrops for the intimate shots of the bride and groom.

A very tasty meal was had by all followed by the fun and laughter of the speeches before the evening guests started to arrive and the party truly began with Stacey and Justins first dance. Messages were recorded for the happy couple by the videographers - Abbey Video.

We ended our coverage with shots of 50 chinese lanterns being set off on the back lawns of Mitton Hall as the couple watched them float up into the air and over the building. This was a fantastic day for all and we wish Stacey and Justin all the best for the future.

Holly's Birthday Party

Another photo-shoot party this time to celebrate Holly's birthday. The girls all came with a couple of outfits having already sorted out their own make up and hair styling, they were all fantastic models and made full use of all the feathers, hats and props available. We all had a break between outfit changes to eat a gorgeous chocolate birthday cake they brought along before the party dresses were put on for the last part of the party.

Check out a few of the pics below.