bedfordshire

Chris & Christina: Autumn Engagement Shoot in Bedfordshire

On a crisp October day I met up with the lovely Chris and Christina for their engagement shoot in the Bedfordshire countryside. Their wedding was set for the following January in Bath and it was so lovely to catch up with them before the big day.

Despite the distance between us, luck was on our side as they happened to be in the area visiting a friend so we made the most of it to meet up for an engagement shoot!

We walked through the countryside in the autumn sunshine, catching up and chatting all things wedding. With Bath Abbey and the Guildhall as the setting for their upcoming wedding day, I knew it was going to be fantastic and it was so exciting chatting about everything they had planned.

As we began to wrap up our shoot a fantastic rainbow appeared, giving us a fantastic final shot to end our shoot on! It was meant to be.

Chris and Christina's wedding day was every bit as fantastic as I'd hoped and more! You can read more about their day here.

“I cannot describe how happy these made us! I bounced around our kitchen for quite a long time. These photos have just ramped up the excitement so much more! Thank you so, so much!”
— Chris & Christina
Chris and Christina smile at each other as the golden colours of autumn envelop the Bedfordshire woodland behind them.
Chris and Christina share a kiss beneath a large tree in the Bedfordshire woods.
Christina shows off her stunning eternity style engagement ring as she rests her hand on Chris'.
Chris and Christina share a kiss as a bright rainbow stretches overhead during their engagement photoshoot.

Are you engaged and looking for your wedding photographer? I’d love to capture your engagement and wedding day in my relaxed, unobtrusive style.

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Hannah & Mike: Alternative Autumn Wedding at Tithe Barn, Bedford

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From the moment I met Hannah & Mike I knew their wedding was going to be an absolute blast and it did not disappoint! They were married on a beautiful September day at the Tithe Barn in Bedford and it was the perfect setting for their celebrations. Formerly known as The Barns Hotel, the Tithe Barn is a venue I have shot at many times and it was lovely to return there for Hannah & Mike’s big day!

Hannah and her bride squad got ready in the Kingfisher hotel next door, enjoying a relaxed morning in matching floral dressing gowns whilst they had their hair and makeup done whilst the boys enjoyed a pint at the bar.

Their day was all shades of purple with an alternative twist, including Hannah’s hand painted leather jacket which she paired with a lavender lace dress, and Mike rocking iridescent silver shoes with his suit. I particularly loved Hannah’s asymmetrical bouquet which featured a striking deep purple hydrangea surrounded by thistles, veronica and eucalyptus.

Their ceremony took place in the barn under the soft glow of fairy lights and gingham bunting. Mike had the hugest smile on his face as Hannah walked down the aisle and it was so hard not to tear up whilst we captured their vows!

Everyone enjoyed confetti and drinks on the lawn before we ventured out to a nearby field to take some truly epic couple portraits with smoke bombs. It looked absolutely fantastic and I loved being able to create something truly unique for them to remember their day by.

We came back to the Tithe Barn turned around ready for dinner and it looked fantastic: pansies in vintage teacups, glittery table runners and little pots of jam as thoughtful wedding favours. And best of all, a showstopping floral cake made by Mike's talented mum! They really went all out decorating their venue and it paid off big time.

After dinner and speeches, we caught a little slice of golden hour on the riverside as the sun set and the newlyweds even got to head out on a little boat to enjoy the picturesque surroundings of their venue.

Hannah and Mike, you guys are simply the best and there are no words to describe how much fun we had capturing your fantastic day. Thank you for making us feel so welcome and we wish you both every happiness for the future!

“We are so so SO pleased with how the photos turned out. They are truly magical and a wonderful window for us to not only to remember the day but also see so many small details we totally missed!

Thank you again for all the hard work, coordination, talent and patience that you poured into helping make our day a success. We had a wonderful time with you.

We had such an incredible time and that couldn’t have happened with you - thank you again for being part of the madness with us!”
— Hannah & Mike

featured suppliers

Venue: Tithe Barn
Dress: Ian Stuart via Fairytale Weddings
Suit: Custom made at Moss Bros
Shoes: Irregular Choice
Hair and makeup: Aimee Garner
Florist: Rockabilly Rose
Decor: Rosetone & Stardust Events
Cake: Groom’s Mum
Jewellery: Arabel Lebrusan & Goldsmiths
DJ: The Squire Event Company
Videographer: Adam Britchford

The Kingfisher Hotel in Bedford on a beautiful sunny day.
Tithe Barn in Bedford set for Hannah & Mike's wedding with lilac bunting, purple uplighters, and white Chiavari chairs.
Hannah smiles as her mother carefully fastens her lavender lace wedding dress.
In black and white, Mike leans on the bar at the Kingfisher Hotel, chatting with groomsmen before the wedding ceremony.
Mike lovingly places wedding ring on Hannah's finger. Bestman in grey suit with purple tie looks on from the side.
Guests mingle under blue skies in the ground of Tithe Barn, Bedford, after Hannah & Mike's wedding.
Hannah holds a purple bridal bouquet as she rests her forehead on Mike's, who wears a dark grey suit with purple tie.
Hannah smiles in a leather biker jacket and wedding dress, as Mike sets off a vibrant purple smoke bomb.
The bride and groom show off their alternative iridescent footwear by irregular choice beside a purple wedding bouquet.
Hannah and Mike, in a captain's hat, sail along the river on their wedding day, in black and white.
Mike and Hannah, who's wearing a leather jacket and captain's hat, salute as they sail down the river on their wedding day.

Are you getting married at Tithe Barn Bedford and looking for your wedding photographer? I’d love to capture your day in my relaxed, unobtrusive style.

Hannah & Jack: Countryside Engagement Shoot in Bedfordshire

Early in the year I met up with Hannah & Jack to shoot their engagement photos ahead of their big day in May. And we lucked out so much with the weather it’s hard to believe it’s February in these photos!

We made the most of this rare winter sunshine and and headed to one of my favourite spots in Bedfordshire to shoot: Chicksands Woods. No matter the time of year it always provides great backdrops, and at this time of year the coppery winter ferns and pops of evergreen trees brought such a lovely colour palette to our shoot.

Hannah and Jack were all smiles as we strolled through the woodland with their adorable dog Olive. She loved exploring around during our shoot and I am sure Hannah and Jack would agree she is definitely stole the show in some of the shots!

I always find engagement shoots are never just about the photos - a big part of it is being able to get to know each other and the conversations that happen whilst walking around and discovering beautiful little pockets of light to shoot in.

Engagement shoots are something I offer as an optional add-on to all my wedding packages, and let me tell you, they're worth it! Whether you want to grab some photos for your wedding decor or simply get more comfortable in front of the camera, these shoots are a fab opportunity for us to get to know each other ahead of the big day.

Our shoot had me feeling even more excited for their wedding day in the Reading countryside in May and trust me, it did not disappoint! For more of their lovely faces, click here to read all about how their rustic wedding day unfolded later that year.

Hannah and Jack smile walking hand in hand through Chicksands wood in Bedfordshire.
Hannah and Jack sitting on a fallen tree trunk while Olive, the chocolate spaniel, gazes into the distance.
Hannah lays her hand atop Jack's, showing her silver pear-shaped engagement ring.
Hannah and Jack stroll hand in hand through the evergreen trees and golden bracken during their engagement photoshoot.
Hannah smiles, hugging Jack as he gives her a piggyback through Chicksands wood in Bedford.

Are you engaged and looking for your wedding photographer? I’d love to capture your engagement and wedding day in my relaxed, unobtrusive style.

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Patsy & Sam: Relaxed Tipi Festival Wedding in Bedfordshire

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Looking back on Patsy & Sam’s day to write this blog post was so much fun. It was an absolute dream: a relaxed, festival-style day with a gorgeous tipi as the heart of their celebrations.

I love how they blended tradition with the laid-back vibes of a festival, kicking the day off with a heartfelt ceremony at All Saints Church in Milton Ernest where they said their vows in front of family and friends. Patsy looked radiant in her lace Justin Alexander gown, and Sam looked smart in a double-breasted three piece suit.

After the “I do’s” and a shower of confetti, the newlyweds hopped into a horse-drawn carriage to take them to their reception. The tipi was adorned with vibrant wildflowers, pink and white paper lanterns and a Krispy Kreme doughnut wedding favour at each guest’s seat on the tables.

Guests enjoyed garden games, barbecue food and fab speeches, and the fantastic weather brought us a gorgeous golden hour that made for some beautiful couple portraits of Patsy & Sam. But the real magic happened on the dance floor, including a show-stopping rendition of the Dirty Dancing dance, with Patsy's daughter joining in for the grand finale moment of the big lift!

From the heartfelt ceremony to the joyous celebrations, Patsy & Sam's wedding was a true reflection of their love story and relationship. It's days like these that remind me why I love being a wedding photographer. Thank you both for having us capture your amazing day!

“I’m speechless... you only made me cry about 50 times! The one with my mum doing up my dress, the one with my dad on the stairs.... Honestly they are just beautiful! Thank you for capturing every special moment.”
— Patsy & Sam

featured suppliers

Venue: Tipi on private land in Bedfordshire
Dress: Justin Alexander via George James Bridal

Mother of the bride kneels in a pool of natural light beside a window, fastening Patsy's bridal gown, in black and white.
Patsy's bridal party, in elegant white and pale taupe bridesmaid dresses, make their way to the church.
Patsy, in a beautiful Justin Alexander strapless lace wedding dress, beams as her father walks her down the aisle.
Patsy and Sam share a kiss as their guests, who are gathered around, shower them in confetti.
Sunlight filters through the trees as guests make their way to the double hat tipi at a festival-themed wedding.
Patsy and Sam's tipi wedding reception with rustic tables, fairy lights and summer wildflower centrepieces.
Sam kisses Patsy's hand as they stroll in the summer sunlight at their festival-themed wedding.
Patsy and Sam embrace as the golden summer sun sets between the trees behind them.
fairy-lit tipi at Sam and Patsy's festival-themed wedding in Bedfordshire.

Are you getting married in Bedfordshire and looking for your wedding photographer? I’d love to capture your day in my relaxed, unobtrusive style.

Annalisa & Matthew: Woodland Engagement Shoot in Bedfordshire

I’m always keen for a chance to catch up and chat all things weddings, so it was an absolute treat to meet up with Annalisa and Matthew in June for their engagement shoot. The big day was booked for October so it was lovely to capture them across two different seasons that year.

I’m never going to be the photographer that says you must have an engagement shoot before the big day - it’s totally up to you! But I’m always happy to help and will never turn down the chance to have a good natter and have a catch up before the big day. Plus, it’s always lovely having photos to incorporate into your wedding decor or pop on the wall at home.

Chicksand Woods in Bedfordshire is always a favourite spot of mine for engagement shoots. With huge tall trees as far as the eye can see and lots of opportunities for spotting cute dogs on walks, it’s always a great choice. And as a crazy flower lady, I can never resist the huge walls of purple rhododendrons that June treats us to.

With the soft light coming through the trees, lush greens and vibrant flowers, the woods was the perfect setting to capture the love and joy of Annalisa and Matthew’s relationship. I’m so pleased with the photos and to this day consider it one of my favourite engagement shoots ever.

By the time we said goodbye, I felt even more excited for their big day than I was before (if that's even possible!), and hopefully Annalisa and Matthew did too!

“Thank you soooo much! I like how we both have genuine smiles on our faces and this is all down to you. You made us feel so at ease & we both left feeling so confident and calm knowing you would be with us on our day. We couldn’t be happier, genuinely!”
— Annalisa & Matthew
Matthew gazes lovingly at Annalisa as she smiles at the camera, with vibrant purple rhododendrons in the backdrop.
Annalisa and Matthew share a smile while deep in conversation on a fallen tree trunk at Chicksand Woods.
Peeking through leaves to see Annalisa and Matthew posing together under a large tree at Chicksand Woods in Bedfordshire.
Annalisa and Matthew laugh as they embrace during their engagement shoot at a woods in Bedfordshire.

Are you engaged and looking for your wedding photographer? I’d love to capture your engagement and wedding day in my relaxed, unobtrusive style.

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