No such thing as a free lunch...

Yesterday I went to lunch with the owners of Euphoric Flowers, Victoria Taberer-Bond and Simon Nickell.

As you will see from their web site they create floral designs for all sorts of occassions but I first came across them at a wedding we all worked on last Christmas, near Banbury.

I went along to see their new workshop just off the Wandsworth Bridge Road which they are already talking off expanding. They then took me to their local brasserie where, over Ceasar Salads and a glass or two of Pinot Grigiot we discussed amongst other things, weddings, DAB radios, and blogging.

The last subject came up because Victoria and Simon have recently started their own blog and, like me, are really enjoying posting about their work.

Syon House - Wedding venue

This weekend I went on a site visit to Syon House to meet up with Tessa and Jason whose wedding I will be photographing in September.
The weather in London is fabulous at the moment and Sunday was no exception.


I took a few reference shots as we walked around which you can see here. They were taken on my mobile phone so the quality isn't 'tip-top' but you get some idea of how gorgeouse Syon House is.


We strolled around the house where the ceremony will take place and then over to the magnificent Orangery where the wedding reception will be held. I have photographed a wedding here once before and the light in the Orangery makes taking photographs a joy not just during the wedding breakfast but also later on when the evening celebrations are in full swing.


I can't wait for the wedding and hopefully, the weather will be as nice... although to be fair to my Bride and Groom perhaps it would be a little more pleasent if it were a degree or two cooler.

A second slide show

As promised, I have created a second slide show of my work. In this one I have used a song from the 1950's which has the distinct sound of 'vinyl'... all crackle and pop! It's a track named A Smile and a Ribbon by an act called Patience & Prudence. Because of this I have deliberately used a 'distressed' effect for the photographs; I have processed the images to make them look a litte faded or aged. I think it is quite effective and suits the music perfectly. I hope you enjoy...

Wedding at home

My Bride and Groom on Saturday were Lisa Potterton and Mike Simpson. The 'ropey' Summer weather didn't interfere too much and we had a fair amount of sunshine.
Lisa prepared at Mike's parent's house in Merstham which was also where they held the wedding reception later in the day; in a large marquee set on one of the terraced lawns.



The wedding ceremony was held a few hundred yards away at St Katherine's church where over 120 guests congregated.




Although a lot of the flower arrangements were created by Mike's Mother, Valerie, Lisa's bridal bouquet was made by Nelly Maiklem who is based at nearby Fanny's Farm Shop.


The Bride's dress was also sourced locally, from Amante in Reigate and was finished off with a pair of Champagne coloured Jimmy Choos.


Excellent food was assured as the catering was provided by Bovingdons. The menu included slow roasted fillet of beef and home made Sicilian cheese cake!



After a first dance to Rod Stewart's version of 'Have I told You Lately', the guests danced the night away to the music of the live band.


Lisa and Mike have now gone on a two week honeymoon to the USA.

Wedding slide show

I've been playing with a slide show software recently and have got to the point where I'm willing to share some of the results.
If all goes well it may be something I can offer to my clients at some point in the future.
I'll post another one next week but in the mean time I hope you enjoy my first attempt. All comments welcome.

Wedding at Claridge's

On Saturday I photographed the wedding of Sharon Foo and Steve Morris at Claridge's.They had an intimate ceremony on the 6th floor with around 30 guests followed by a dinner downstairs in the Gordon Ramsay restaurant.



Sharon is originally from Malaysia and Steve from New Zealand and many of the guests had travelled from across the globe to be at their wedding.



During the wedding ceremony, the couple's two daughters, Lily and Rosa, both gave a reading to the the Bride and Groom and all the guests.



There was music throughout performed by a 3 piece jazz group and some impromptu dancing broke out led by Lily and Rosa.



At 7.30pm the wedding party moved downstairs to the Amaryllis room, a private dining area within the Gordon Ramsay restaurant where they celebrated until 2am!



The flower arrangements for the Bride and the tables were created by Phillo in West London.


The couple are going to be honeymooning in the South of France along with many of their family and friends.