Monthly Archives: June 2011
Beaumont Estate, Windsor Wedding Photography | Anouska and Chris
Set in the heart of picturesque Windsor is the historic and unique Beautmont Estate. This really is a fantastic wedding venue with stunning photo opportunities.
I had the pleasure of working alongside David Purslow, an amazing wedding photographer based in Birmingham to photograph the wedding of Anouska and Chris at the Beaumont Estate in Windsor.
There were two parts to this wedding, the traditional ceremony followed by a Hindu wedding ceremony. Here are my photos from the day.
Please get in touch to discuss your wedding photography requirements.
Mobile number: 0777 464 554
Email: info@gomesphotography.co.uk
Beaumont Estate, Windsor Wedding Photography
Beaumont Estate Chapel Wedding Photography
Beaumont Estate is a beautiful wedding venue based in Old Windsor and the surrounding area offering a wide range of wedding reception spaces.
With a stunning exterior that exudes style; beautiful grounds – ideal for photographs and spectacular reception areas including the unique Chapel and the boutique White House, you can rest assured that you and your guests will cherish your special day.
Beaumont Estate has dedicated wedding coordinators working closely with you at every stage to ensure your wedding is immaculate in every respect. From wedding menu planning to organising the entertainment, Beaumont Estate is with you every step of the way.
Are you getting married in the Beaumont Estate, Windsor? If so please get in touch to discuss your wedding photography requirements.
Asian Wedding Photography in London
Hindu Wedding Photography in London
Along with the Hindus, who have travelled miles and settled down in London, their traditions, too, have followed them; wedding being one of the important landmark events in Hindus’ lives. Hindu weddings are, essentially, a traditional, cultural and religious event that is performed amidst the chants by Hindu priests from sacred scriptures, while the Bride and the Groom (Dulhan and Dulha, respectively) take 7 circles around the holy fire. And the entire ceremony lasts for about a couple of hours.
Actually, Hindus have several sub-castes with further denominations. And every denomination has its own special rituals that are performed during the marriage, which generally takes place either at the bride’s place or a venue chosen by bride’s family. Such rituals have more to do with a tradition that has passed on from generations. For instance, some Hindu families prefer only 4 circles around the holy fire, while some even prefer 8. Some families also honour their family guru or the sect they believe in by placing their pictures on a higher pedestal during the marriage ceremony.
Normally, Hindus marry within their religion, although inter-religious marriages are also catching-up fast in an ever-evolving Hindu society, especially in a metropolitan city, like London. Another tradition that is fast facing a stiff challenge from modern thinking is the culture of bride’s parents meeting the entire expenses of the marriage ceremony. Increasingly, the groom’s family are pitching in by sharing some of the expenses.
Hindu weddings are nothing short of a festival with friends and relatives arriving at the respective places of bride and groom a good 2-3 days in advance to indulge in festivities and fun during numerous pre-wedding ceremonies.
It all starts by consulting astrologers for selecting an auspicious day for the wedding. Hindu lunar calendar is referred for this purpose, in which there are some days that are considered inauspicious for marriage. Moreover, the astrologers match the birth charts of the bride-to-be and groom-to-be to suggest the “right” date for wedding.
Some of the pre-wedding ceremonies include haldi (applying tamarind paste on the bride’s body), which her female family members and friends apply on her body, mehndi (applying henna on her hands, arms, and some even apply on their feet), saint (applying certain type of paste on groom’s body), which his female family members apply on his body, etc.
The wedding procession is marked by loud music and dance, mainly on Bollywood music and dhol beats.
During the ceremony, the bride and groom are joined together by a piece of white cloth, which is tied on the other end to bride’s and groom’s clothes. While the priest chants holy verses from Vedas, the bride and the groom walk around the fire, lit in the middle of the entire set-up. Each completed circle around the fire signifies some duty towards each other, like faith, financial stability, procreation etc.
After dinner, the bride bids tearful adieu to her parents, family and friends in a ceremony, known as bidai or doli.
A typical Hindu wedding is very colourful with women wearing exotic clothes bejewelled with stunning necklaces and other jewellery, and men wearing jodhpuris, sherwanis, and designer suits. Every moment of a Hindu wedding is worth capturing, which only a knowledgeable and qualified wedding photographer can do without any hiccup. Your London wedding photographer must be knowledgeable about Hindu weddings and should have sufficient experience of capturing Hindu weddings.
Please get in touch to discuss your wedding photography requirements.
Mobile number: 07809 464 554
Email: info@gomesphotography.co.uk
Vintage Inspired Wedding Dresses
Photo courtesy of the The Vintage Wedding Dress Company in Bloomsbury, London WC1
What’s common between Lily Allen and Kate Middleton except the fact that both got married in 2011?
Well, it’s the retro look and the vintage inspired wedding dresses they wore on their special day!
So, why a sudden craze for vintage inspired wedding dresses? Just because the celebrities are wearing them, right! Wrong! Admitted, celebrities do inspire, but there’s something about vintage wedding dresses that do not need celebrities for publicity. In fact, they are the celebrities in their own right.
Right from the time they start visualising their wedding, girls have this notion of getting decked up like a princess in one of those retro looks and walk the aisle with their prince charming. Blame it on television, Internet, and other media, but little girls do fantasise about their wedding day and how they’ll look in one of those chic wedding dresses. It’s here that Lily Allens and Kate Middletons capture the imagination of young minds and take them on a fantasy trip where the retro look is given a new meaning in the shape of vintage wedding dresses.
Another inspiration for the girls is the wedding album of their mum, who looked her resplendent best in the vintage look. If you have the leisure of family heirloom, then try out what your mum wore, but chances are that the dress will either not fit you or somehow it won’t suit you the way you want it to. Perhaps, it’s time to browse through those perfect vintage wedding dresses designed and collected by a reliable designer company, like London-based The Vintage Wedding Dress Company.
The Vintage Wedding Dress Company
The most important feature of an impressing vintage wedding dress is the choice and use of colour in the dress. White, though universal, often gives out a monotonous look. The modern designers have the advantage of hindsight. They have the leisure of having seen the works of retro designers as well as the modern wedding dress designers. In other words, they know the expectations of modern girls. So, don’t be surprised by the choice of neo, yet complementary, colours in the vintage inspired wedding dresses housed by The Vintage Wedding Dress Company. Beige, romantic ivory, peach, and the like colours are the ones that define your wedding dress and differentiate it from the usual.
It’s not that your vintage wedding dress is sufficient to create that retro look. You still need to embellish it with the complementary accessories in order to compete with the likes of Kate Middleton and Lily Allen. The good thing about a vintage inspired wedding dress shop, like the one established by The Vintage Wedding Dress Company, is their collection of original Victorian-era and through to the 1970′s gowns and accessories that have been cleaned with a special cleaner, which restores them to their original beauty. These accessories can be customised and tailored to suit your requirements.
Once you have selected your vintage wedding dress, don’t forget to hire a professional and qualified London wedding photographer who can make you look even more gorgeous with his special expertise with the camera.
Rock My Wedding – The Love Lust List
Rock My Wedding is one of those rare UK wedding blogs that gives the soon-to-be-brides gazillions of wedding ideas sitting in the comfort of their own homes. You may visit hundreds of wedding websites and wedding blogs in search of those unique wedding ideas to make your day, but a blog that extensively covers every facet of a wedding is a rarity.
Rock My Wedding was created by newly-wed Charlotte O’Shea in October 2009 with an aim to inspire the soon-to-be-brides with several wedding ideas. The blog posts are updated on a remarkable regularity thanks to the efforts of Rebecca Norris, who regularly contributed to the blog and finally joined it in November 2009, and Adam Crohill, a versatile designer, developed and blogger. Together with Charlotte, Rebecca and Adam have made Rock My Wedding a must-visit wedding blog for any soon-to-be-bride.
So, what makes Rock My Wedding special?
Firstly, the blog is categorised quite intuitively. Who can guess the nature of a website with categories, like ‘Beauty not Beast’, ‘Undress’, ‘Chic & Unique’, ‘Style Savvy’, ‘The Facts of Wife’, and ‘Our Big Day Our Way’? Dig a little and you will be amused to find sub-categories under ‘Beauty not Beast’, like ‘How to’, ‘Need to Know’, ‘Product Love’. Before you double-guess the contents, allow me to break the suspense here!
‘How to’ sub-category will give step-by-step instructions on topics such as how to look ravishing during spring time. The instructions are replete with high quality photographs along with complete information about the kind of make-up you should wear. Similarly, topic like how to DIY bridal hair will give in-depth details about the hair styling processes that can be followed at home without paying a visit to an expensive salon.
Through ‘Need to Know’ sub-category, Charlotte tells her own story in order to drive home some essential facts that soon-to-be-brides must know. They may be fretting over their looks, their figure, their ‘imperfection’, etc. before their appointed day. But one reading of this sub-category should relieve them and allay all their fears.
‘Product Love’ sub-category informs about the essential products for the soon-to-be-brides and from where to procure them.
This trend is repeated under all the other categories as well.
The readers are also encouraged to send in their wedding ideas. After rigorous sorting of the entries, the successful ones are posted on Rock My Wedding. This is a limited period contest and no surprises that the number of entries is often huge.
One thing that stands out in Rock My Wedding blog is the quality of photographs, which is simply awesome. No details are missed in the pictures, although at times, they seem too many on a single page. The message is conveyed so subtly and so graphically that the readers are left with no room for imagination regarding the instructions and information contained on the blog.
A little time spent in exploring this rare UK wedding blog is worth the effort. The key in researching this stunning wedding blog is to be patient. You may not get excited by its first look, but the more you get into it, the longer you’ll stay with it.
www.rockmywedding.co.uk
Tips for the perfect wedding venue
Tips for the perfect wedding venue.
This guide will help you through the process of finding the perfect wedding venue and the questions that you should ask to ensure that your wedding really is perfect.
Ceremony
The first thing that you should do is decide where you would like to get married. If you’re not looking for a location that will also cater for both the reception and the ceremony then you need to look for venues that are within reasonable distance to where the ceremony will be taking place, if you are planning to do it all in one place then check with the venue that they are licensed to do so.
Location
The location of your venue is largely dictated by its proximity to where you plan to be married. You should also consider where your guest will be travelling from. If you have guests that are flying in then it makes sense t have your wedding which is easily accessible to the airport, if your ceremony location is remote then you might want to lay on transport for your guests to make their lives easier and prevent them from getting lost, if your guests are travelling far then it may be an idea to find hotels nearby where they can stay or a venue with accommodation. We have reviewed or photographed at many of the great wedding venues in London, beautiful wedding venues in Kent and spectacular wedding venues in Essex
In House Planner
This is beneficial as they will have recommendations for good suppliers and experience of what works and what doesn’t at the location.
Inside v Outside
Even if you are marrying in summer you must still consider the possibility of inclement weather. Keep this in mind when looking at locations; ask them how they make the location work during good and bad weather scenario. Your final choice of venue must be one that is beautiful no matter what the weather.
Marquee or Marquee Extension
Some venues will offer this if they cannot accommodate large numbers in their property, check what is included in the cost, items such as heating, cooling, toilets and furniture can all be extras and add to your total cost.
Catering
You need to check whether it’s in house or do you need to hire one in and do they have a list of recommended caterers that are familiar with the venue. If you are hiring from outside do they require a catering tent and is this at an extra cost to you, you may also want to get quotes from a few and compare menus, it’s worth noting that some venues will only work with preferred caterers.
What is Included
Once you have a short list of venues ask them to send you a detailed cast with what’s included, some venues include linen, tables, chairs, stationary, flowers candles in the per person cost.
Children
One thing to check is whether you are having children at your wedding and does the venue allow them, if you are opting to have a crèche for the children then check with the venue that there is enough room to accommodate this.
Corkage
If you are thinking about supplying your own alcohol then you need to check with the venue that they do allow it, many don’t, if you are bringing in your own caterers that corkage is usually an option.
Parking
Is there parking at the location? It is advisable to notify your guest in their invitation, if you are providing transport them check the driveway can accommodate coaches or double deckers.
Access
Do you need to consider disabled guest, is there ramps, lifts, toilets to accommodate.
Staffing
Ask the venue how many staff they will have on the day (you can normally expect one food service waiter per table and one wine waiter for every 2 or 3 tables) check also what they will be wearing, also is there a front of house manager who will be making all the announcements if you are not using a toastmaster.
Timing
How long will you have the venue for, will they charge extra if your suppliers need to get in early, also if you want to party later can they apply for a license extension?
Do’s and Don’ts
Check what you can and can’t do, Red wine, Stiletto heels, amplified music, fireworks, confetti.
Check your contract
Once you have confirmed and the venue has given you a contract, check through all the details carefully for items such as minimum numbers, starting prices quoted for menu, wine etc.
Do the prices include VAT and service? It is better to be contracted for fewer guest that you expect, this way if you do end up with fewer, you have not been contracted to pay for them.
And most importantly have a fantastic time wherever you chose.
Wedding Venues in Essex
Getting Married in Essex?
Essex is home to some of the best wedding venues in the UK catering to all tastes and preferences. Whether you like a country house wedding or prefer historic mansion, whether you yen for a Manor house wedding or a barn playing host to the most important day of your life! You name it and we have it right here in Essex. No need to travel long distances for your dream wedding venue.The choices are immense and we, at Gomes Photography, ensure your joy is doubled with some of the memorable captures amidst the backdrop of these scintillating wedding venues in Essex.
Leez Priory
Hartford End, Great Leighs
Chelmsford, Essex CM3 1JP01245 362 555
Set in 40 acres of sprawling parkland located at 15 minutes drive from Chelmsford, Leez Priory is the first Country House Wedding Venue to be approved as a licensed wedding venue in the UK. With over 20 years of rich experience of providing an ideal venue for weddings, Leez Priory offers several options for hosting wedding ceremonies. The Great Hall has the capacity of hosting around 80 guests for wedding breakfast. And if you are expecting more guests, consider Coach House, which can accommodate up to 110 guests. A bigger reception party can also be arranged by hiring entire house, which can cater to the requirements of up to 250 guests. With 15 beautifully done bedrooms, Leez Priory is undoubtedly the most sought after Essex wedding venue.
Call or email us to photograph your wedding Leez Priory in Essex
07774 505 184 / 0203 137 3980
info@gomesphotography.co.uk
Gosfield Hall
Gosfield
Essex, CO9 1SF
Wedding Photography at Gosfield Hall
How about an Essex wedding venue that was once a Royal residence? Gosfield Hall is a stunning mansion located at just 30 minutes drive from Stansted Airport. If you are looking for a landmark backdrop for your wedding, no need to go beyond Gosfield Hall featuring the Queen Charlotte’s Oak panelled gallery with a 120 ft. long aisle to give you a perfect aura for your royal wedding. Your royal treatment doesn’t stop here! There’s the Marquis of Buckingham’s former ballroom, which plays host to the reception meal for up to 116 guests. Gosfield Hall is also available for hire as an entire unit in order to accommodate up to 250 guests.
Check out a recent wedding at Gosfield Hall
Getting married at Gosfield Hall? Call or email us now
07774 505 184 / 0203 137 3980
info@gomesphotography.co.uk
Fennes
The Fennes EstateBocking
Braintree
Essex, CM7 5PL
Situated just a short distance from the A120, M11, A12 in Bocking, this Essex wedding venue is a sprawling Georgian Manor House with over 14 years experience of making the day of the newlyweds. Elegance is synonymous with Fennes, as reflected from the adjoining silk lined pavilions, which are flanked by both chandeliers and the modern star light ceilings. These pavilions can easily play a perfect host to around 150 guests. However, if you are looking for a bigger reception, you can hire the Banqueting Hall, which has the capacity of comfortable seating arrangement for up to 400 guests.
Getting married in Essex? Please get in touch to discuss your wedding photography requirements.
07774 505 184 / 0203 137 3980
info@gomesphotography.co.uk
Newland Hall
Newland HallRoxwell
Chelmsford
Essex, CM1 4LH
Drive just 4 miles west of Chelmsford and you are greeted by a large picturesque 15th century Tudor Manor House. Enveloped by a moat and lush green gardens with over 100 acres of grass and woodland, besides four lakes, Newland Hall truly represents the rich royal heritage of the UK. With its 600 years old legacy, the entire Newland Hall is available for hire along with the house, gardens and marquee.
Crabbs Barn
Cranes LaneKelvedon, Colchester, Essex CO5 9AX
01376 572 643
Ever tried exploring a 15th century restored building as your wedding venue? Crabbs Barn offers picturesque setting lined by lush green gardens and featuring a quiet pond. This historic Essex wedding venue is located on the outskirts of the North East Village of Kelvedon and can be reached from the A12, directly off the northbound Kelvedon slip road. Crabbs Barn is perfect for small wedding reception of up to 120 guests and evening party that can be easily arranged for up to 170 guests.
Braxted Park
Braxted Park EstateWitham
Essex
CM8 3EN
A short distance from London, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Kent, Braxted Park is one of cherished country house wedding venues in Essex. The highlight of Braxted Park is the local parish church of All Saints, which is situated within the Estate. So, if you are looking for a one-stop-shop as a wedding venue, no need to go beyond Braxted Park.
Unique Wedding Ideas in the UK
If you live in the UK or planning to get married here, there are no shortages of unique wedding ideas to make your day historic. While you may be inclined to celebrate your wedding with the usual pomp and gay abandon – much like most of the weddings happening around UK, yet you must ponder over the thought of making your wedding a unique affair by doing something that is unusual and surprisingly pleasant for everyone present. Not for a moment am I suggesting that the wedding should be a dull affair. However, the effort should be to make it an unforgettable event for the guests as well as yourself.
The time spent on searching for and implementing unique UK wedding ideas is worth its weight in gold. It will continuously ring in happy memories when you are in a flashback mode or gripped by nostalgia. In the subsequent paragraphs, I will discuss some unique UK wedding ideas in the subsequent paragraphs that can turn you into an object of envy for every married couple you know, who had a ‘usual’ marriage.
However, to eternalise your unique wedding, a professional wedding photographer is a must. A wedding photographer in London should be given preference over others simply because London wedding photography is known to be the most competitive in the country.
Due to its metropolitan character, London is home to some of the finest wedding photographers in the world. The city gives them an opportunity to explore different cultures. For instance, an Asian marriage is quite different from a typical Christian wedding. This cultural potpourri gives London wedding photography ample opportunities to excel and show its vibrant hues in myriad forms.
The first unique wedding idea is to select a venue that represents culture and heritage of UK. The country is replete with castles, manors, and old mansions that are well-preserved by their caretakers. Instead of usual resorts and wedding halls, you can opt for such royal venues to give a pleasant surprise to the guests
Another out-of-the-box UK wedding idea is to pick unique timing of your marriage. For instance, 4:10 PM on October 4 (4/10) could etch in the memories of all the guests present so that they never forget to wish you on your anniversary.
The guests could be given a thank you gift in the form of a finely embroidered handkerchief with the names of bride and groom along with date of marriage etched on it. Alternatively, a coffee mug with the names of bride and groom along with date of marriage printed on it could also be given as a token of gratitude.
Why not hire a wedding photojournalist who is trained to capture the wedding as it happens without disturbing the normal flow of things? This could be a welcome relief from the monotonous wedding photographers who insist on posed photography resulting in disrupting the natural flow of events.
Put your thinking cap on and you’ll find hundreds of creative and unique UK wedding ideas floating around. After finalising your wedding idea, don’t forget to hire a professional and qualified wedding photographer in London who will give life to your plans of having a dream wedding.