The Flower Byre

The lovely Anne Brown of Tiaras and Flowers has recently opened her beautiful new shop, ‘The Flower Byre’ at the Heart of the Country Village. Anne had asked me to take some images of her shop and products, for her to use to promote her gorgeous new shop on the website and in her advertising literature. Anne is such a talented florist who specialises in wedding flowers, and who also designs and hand makes beautiful tiaras. With a florist, a jewellers, a bridal boutique, and of course yours truly, a photographer, we really are like a little wedding village here at the Heart of the Country Village at Swinfen! If you are getting married be sure to come along and visit us, in this beautiful setting in the Staffordshire countryside, just two miles from Lichfield.

Looking Back at 2008

As 2008 draws to a close I have been thinking back to all the wonderful weddings that I have photographed this year. I have travelled up and down the country, and I even photographed my first destination wedding this year. I have had the pleasure of photographing weddings in tiny village chapels followed by receptions in marquees on the lawns of proud parents homes. Beautiful ceremonies like the wedding of Karen and Daniel which took place in the Royal chapel within the Tower of London and afterwards at the exquisite Trinity House, and those in grand stately homes followed by fantasic banquets.

Next year I have more wonderful weddings to look forward to, and at some exciting new venues for me - Somerford Hall, Sudbury Hall, Fawsley Hall, Prestwold Hall, Rowton Castle, Ettington Park and even S.S. Great Britain. There are many old favourites of mine to look forward to as well, Swinfen Hall, Packington Moor, New Hall Hotel and Moxhull Hall, to name just a few. I have just two more weddings left now before before the end of December. I travel to North Yorkshire this weekend for Jo and Martin’s wedding at the beautiful Goldborough Hall near Harrogate, and then it’s back to Swinfen Hall at the end of the month for the wedding of Danielle and Steve.

Well 2008 has certainly been a busy year, both work wise and studio wise. March saw me moving studios from Birmingham, to nearer my home in beautiful Lichfield, and just last week the refurbishment of my converted barn studio was completed. Just my new art work to be displayed now, and I will be ready to face the New Year. Best wishes to all my clients, past and present – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Katryoshka

One of my most favourite commercial shoots ever !!! I was lucky enough to be asked to photograph the products for a wonderful new company Katryoshka. The immensely talented designer Katharina Stubbs and renouned local artist Emma Hunk have joined forces to launch their new Lifestyle Products business. Kat and Emma have sourced amazing products from all around the world, and along with their own designs and pieces of art, I am sure that their new business venture will be a sure fire success.






Everything was shot at Emma’s amazing 17th century Staffordshire home, an Aladdin’s cave of wonderfully unique furniture and art. This shoot certainly didn’t feel like work – I loved it and was entrigued by each and every item. There are so many new gifts now added to my Christmas list !!! Look out for Katryoshka when their website goes live – I’m sure you will love it too.

The Allen Brown Gallery

Allen Brown has launched his stunning new jewellery collection to coincide with the opening of his newly extended showrooms at the Heart of the Country Village. Allen had asked me to photograph some of his new pieces, and I was like a kid in a candy store!!! Wow, what a wonderful collection – Allen and his team are so skilled and the craftsmanship that goes into every piece of jewellery is absolutely amazing. You must come and see for yourself, as to walk through the doors of Allen’s beautifully converted barn showrooms is like stepping into wonderland.

Visit The Allen Brown Gallery Website

Honey Coles Bridal Boutique

Last month I was asked to take some photographs of a new bridal boutique that had opened in Abbotts Bromley in Staffordshire called Honey Cole.

When I arrived and walked into the shop I was amazed at what I saw. I felt like I was walking into another world, it has to be one of the most beautiful shops that I have been in.




I was greeted by Bev who instantly made me feel so welcome. Bev had thought of everything when putting her boutique together fantastic shoes, accessories, jewellery, tiaras and not to mention some of the most stunning bridal dresses that I have ever seen. Stocking designers such as Alan Hannah, Lyn Ashworth, David Fielden and Augusta Jones, brides are spoilt for choice. As I walked around the shop taking photographs I would see a dress and instantly say thats my favourite, then a few minutes later I would go “ this ONE is my favourite”, I was getting so excited at the prospect of trying on all of these dresses and then I suddenly remembered that I am not getting married, but I certainly know where to go when I am.





So if you are haven't decided on your wedding dress yet why not visit Honey Coles or give Bev a call on 01283 841947
http://www.honeycolebridal.co.uk

Chouchoute

Chouchoute Chocolaterie launch their new website next month and I have had a sneak peek and it looks fantastic. I was honoured that Helen & Pierre had asked me back to take some more images for them.

Spectrum Telecoms

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to Spectrum Telecoms to take some business portraits of the team. Their offices overlook the beautiful Marina at Barton under Needwood so it gave us a perfect backdrop for some really relaxed and natural images.

Spooks

Whilst in London I got the chance to photograph the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls & Boys new offices which are in Freemasons Hall in Great Queen Street. The architecture was amazing and apparently the new BBC 1 series of Spooks starts filming here next week.

Royal Masonic Trust

On Friday, I spent a lovely day in London working for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls & Boys. I had two fantastic shoots with two teenagers who the trust had recently helped. Claire who is currently studying Dance and Matthew who is studying Medicine.

Recycle Fashion Challenge

On Thursday I did a slightly unusual shoot. My brief was to photograph a paper dress and I was a little stumped about exactly what to expect. It actually turn out to be a really fun shoot. My clients were two fashion students at Birmingham City University and they had designed a dress made out of newspaper for an assignment on recycling. The sun came out (Thank God it didn't rain) and I had a fantastic model Cathy to work with, she was a real pro and made my job a lot easier.

Chocolate Heaven

I have just finished a great commercial shoot working with Helen & Pierre from Chouchoute. Chouchoute Chocolaterie is a fantastic shop in The Great Western Arcarde in Birmingham, producing hand made French Chocolates. Their chocolates are absolutely out of this world, especially their Champagne Truffles. I have posted a few images from the shoot just to make your mouths water.