I met with Laura & Rob at the picturesque Fountains Abbey gardens under the bright sunshine of a second weekend filled with glorious spring weather.
Within the grounds of the Abbey and surrounding Studley Park there are numerous follies, at one of which, the Temple of Piety, Rob had popped the big question.
As a bit of an unexpected surprise, they’d planned on dressing up at the Temple… here’s one of the results.
So, Tom & Sarah got married.
It rained.
We had a huge laugh.
They jetted straight off to Hokkaido to snowboard straight afterwards - not jealous.
This weekend I took a trip down to Nottinghamshire to cover Mark & Katy’s wedding at Swancar Farm Country House & Hotel
Here’s a shot from their incredibly lively first dance, set to “We Go Together” from Grease… as you can see, they were having a blast!
It’s about time I showed off a few photos of my example of a stunning Folio Album…
Made here, in the heart of Yorkshire by hand, Folio craft these superb albums from beautiful papers and leathers.
I chose the Art White paper, which has a crisp, matte finish onto which photographs are printed directly.
The finished product is simply wonderful, the vintage Oak leather smells incredible and the album truly is something to cherish.
I plumped for the 12” x 12” to show off one of 2012’s weddings and of course the coupling of photos I’ve taken with Folio’s premium product.
The 12” x 12” album came in Folio’s special deckchair bag. 
Well crikey, it’s been almost six months since I last updated this blog… “Shame on you!” I hear you all say. Well yes, shame on me, I’ve become so subsumed into the dual life of real work & dream work that I’ve completely neglected to post any of the images from an entire season of Weddings.
That stops here. I’ll be blogging at a rate of knots over the next few weeks and showing you exactly what beauty my first season photographing weddings solo has spurned.
For now, here’s a little preview of Edward & Michelle’s wonderful day that was rooted in the heart of “Best” Yorkshire, that is Leeds.
A couple of weeks ago I aided Andy Garfitt of Greyeye with the lovely Eleanor & Emerson’s wedding at the Coniston Hotel in Gargrave.
To say we benefitted from good light was understatement…
Here are a selection of images from the day:
I was assigned with the coverage of Emerson & his best man, Simon’s, preparations. Complete with snackage.
Thanks to Eleanor & Emerson for being such great sports!
Here’s a selection from round 2 of Ruth & Tim’s engagement shoot as promised back in January. This time we took a stroll in the unseasonably warm spring sunshine at East Riddlesden Hall, where they’ve chosen to have their wedding reception.
After their ceremony at the incredible Saltaire United Reform Church, Ruth, Tim & their guests will be rocking up to East Riddlesden in an amazing 1950’s double decker bus to commence revelries in the Airedale barn… I for one am rather excited about all the ideas and quirks that they’re packing into their wedding – roll on July!
The walled gardens contain nooks and crannies with benches hidden beneath twisted vines and clematises.
Bradford Draining.
I’d had a roll of film in a camera for a long time. It was time to finish it off.
Sam, Sophie & I took a sunny Saturday stroll around some of the little oddities to be found in and around central Leeds.
Meat & Bongs yo.
Merrion Market. One can imagine this place full of bustling sole traders and small business back in the 1960’s and 70’s.
The present day market contains only a stamp & medal traders, a (strange) internet cafe and a delicious smelling Ethiopian cafeteria. All the other units lay empty.
Taken on a Canon EOS 1N with a 24-70 f/2.8L affixed.
Fuji Superia Reala 100 Film.
Cat interlude:
These two had a great morning sunbathing in the Kitchen.
So here I am sat in lane’s espresso bar on the outskirts of Leeds’ city centre. I’ve come into town with the intention of finishing off a couple of films that have sat for too long in my old clunky pentaxes.
Instead I’m sitting, watching the world pass by. It’s quite nice to be so care free once in a while.
Superb Steakhouse Blackhouse of Leeds required a new suite of corporate images to promote banqueting facilities at their “Grill on the Square” bar & restaurant.
The food looked and smelled divine… & the cocktails were exceedingly tempting.
Jimmy MacGregor, previously the front man of Mishkin was in the market for some new stylish shots for his solo venture, Pteroglyph. Wanting to stay away from the cliched “grungey” style associated with images of his style of music, he chose a minimal, industrial setting in the heart of Leeds.
After dealing with Police and a few confused members of the public, we managed to get some acceptable results.
Set up: Canon 5DmkII - 24/70 f/2.8L - 70-200 F/4L
2 x 580EXII Flashguns wirelessly triggered.
I was recently approached by Karen Nixon to photograph her range of alternative jewellery. Karen creates her own quirky, unique pieces from vintage items that she finds. Here are a few rings she made from retro styled buttons.
I met with Ed & Michelle in Leeds on a rather blustery Saturday morning. Their summer wedding is to culminate with some revelry inside the wonderful tiled hall of the Leeds Art Gallery. We took it upon ourselves to have a walk around some of the art spaces…
Ed is the Chairman of Leeds RIBA and showed a keen interest in keeping a linear, Architectural touch to their Wedding photos.
Here’s a selection of photographs from our morning around Leeds.
Our first port of call was the beautiful colonnaded entrance to the Town Hall.
I must say I’m incredibly excited about this wedding… Hopefully we’ll be able to push the boundaries a little and get some quirky shots in and around the Gallery on the day…
J.