Summer wedding photography at Dovecliff Hall Hotel, Burton
What a truly fantastic day for Maddie and Jack! After photographing these two as bridesmaid and groomsman at their friend’s wedding it was amazing to then be asked to capture their own big day. It was my first time photographing at Dovecliff Hall Hotel and wow does it deliver! The gardens are beautiful, and the staff so very helpful, I can’t wait to come back!
Special moments from the day
It was hard not to get swept up with the amazing emotion and raw energy Maddie and Jack possess.
It was such a special moment to witness Maddie’s very talented mum help her daughter into her bridal gown…a gown she had made especially for Maddie! Each bridesmaid even had a delicate handmade handbag and teddy bear to mark the occasion.
Jack and his boys were so much fun and laughed their way through the day. They were a true team and their bond (and that with his brothers) was evident when they were there for each other at those important moments.
Celebrating in style
Lots of happy tears were shed during speeches, some beer was also downed (the groom won fyi). The guests even raised money for charity when some brilliant paintings of the groom (created by friends and family) were auctioned off. The couple practised their first dance outside as the sun began to set – you have got to love some golden hour photography action! We finished up the day with dancing and sparklers!
What I loved about photographing a wedding at Dovecliff Hall
Dovecliff Hall Hotel is not too far from me, I am based in Stafford so it was only 40 minute drive. It was so lovely to shoot at a wedding venue that was totally new to me but fairly local too. The bridal prep room was amazing, so big and with plenty of natural light! A makeup artist hair stylist and photographer’s dream! The gardens at Dovecliff Hall Hotel were large enough to offer plenty of space for “break-off” groups and party games (as well as excellent photo opportunities) whilst still being intimate enough so you don’t “lose” your wedding guests here there and everywhere! The staff are so helpful and considerate, I arrived early to take a look around and I had a guided tour and lots if useful information ahead of starting to photograph the big day.
The ceremony room was so light and bright and looked out over the gorgeous gardens. The walkway from the building into the gardens outside was PERFECT for a big confetti moment – I love creating a “confetti tunnel” of guests. The established trees provided the perfect amount of shade for some truly beautiful wedding photographs.
Scroll down to see more images from this beautiful venue.
Suppliers:
Venue: Dovecliff Hall Hotel, Burton
Hair by Katie Attwood
Makeup artist: Amy Underwood
Flowers: Perfect Day Wedding Flowers
Suit supplier: Bespoke Creations
Entertainment: Highly Strung Quartet and The Four Kicks
Newborn photography at my Staffordshire studio
I love photographing newborn babies. Those first few weeks after having a baby is such a magical time for a family and I’m so honoured to capture these special, once in a lifetime moments soon after your baby is born.
Where do my newborn photography shoots take place?
I offer both studio and home portrait sessions dedicated to capturing those early weeks, those tiny toes, the cuddles and the connections.
In the studio
Come along to my purpose built studio in Stafford where I use soft natural light to create beautiful moments to be treasured forever. We go at a pace to suit you and your baby, pausing for feeds and plenty of cuddles. I will guide you to ensure we encapsulate your unique relationship between you and those you love the most in the world.
The studio will be nice and toasty ready for you and baby and there will be refreshments available if required (I have been there and I know caring for a newborn is hard work!).
At home
If you would prefer your photographs to be taken at home, I can come to you to document this special chapter in your lives. The images will be very similar, shot in natural light with a dreamy, airy finish.
Shooting at home means that I can also include precious memories as part of your story, such as your baby’s nursery, congratulation cards and gifts, special new toys and even your beloved pet dog.
When is the best time for newborn photography?
Ideally to capture the sleepy “curled-up” newborn images I try to photograph newborns between 10-14 days. After this stage newborns have longer periods of being awake and it can be trickier (not impossible!) to settle them to sleep and position. Sometimes scheduling a newborn photography session within the first 14 days is not always possible and I have successfully photographed newborns much older than this.
I advise booking in whilst pregnant and if baby is “early/late” we can shift the date nearer the time. This ensures you are in my diary and I know we need to allow time for your session.
How many photographs will I receive and can I print them?
I allow up to two hours for a newborn photography session, this allows for time for those all important cuddles/changes and feeds. You will receive a minimum of 40 high-resolution digital files ready to print and share. I often include more than this as I get carried away and enjoy it so much!
Can siblings be on the photographs?
Siblings are very welcome to come along too. I will capture images of all the family together as well as the baby on his/her own and of course some cute siblings images too. You have a really varied and unique story of this amazingly special yet very fleeting time. And don’t worry if you have toddlers, I am very experienced in photographing a lively two year old with their newborn sibling!
If you would like to book a newborn photoshoot, please get in touch today to arrange a suitable date.
Mother and baby portrait session - golden hour photography
I loved photographing this wonderful mother and daughter session. These two have an amazing bond and I am lucky to have photographed them a few times now. Shooting during golden hour is one of my favourite times to shoot because the light is just so beautiful.
For this session myself and Lauren (Mama) scheduled an early evening shoot when it looked like we were getting run of good weather and it paid off! Lauren got baby Sienna to have her nap a little later than usual – we made sure to take toys/blanket/snacks along with us to keep her happy but she enjoyed being outside and cuddling her mummy so much their was no need to worry.
What is golden hour?
Also know as magical hour, golden hour is the last bit of evening light just before sunset. It’s most prominent on a clear, sunny day. As the sun gets close to the horizon, the light takes on a golden glow and it’s much warmer and softer than earlier on in the day when the sun is higher in the sky.
Wedding photography album - sneak peak
Print your photographs! It is so important to avoid leaving your images on your computer – its not safe, they don’t get seen and they don’t get shared (and enjoyed).
Even if you print some small 6 x 4 prints, just to have something, something to touch, hold and show family and (if you have them)…your children.
I design and create wedding albums for my couples, it is an optional extra and I am happy to provide this service anytime within two years of the wedding…so plenty of time to decide on your favourites.
These albums are so so stunning – they are heavyweight and sturdy and the beautiful rigid pages are safe for even the smallest of hands to handle! The pages open completely flat allowing me to create amazing double page spread designs for you. The cover can be leather, linen, acrylic and more so plenty of options to suit everyones colour scheme or personal preference.
An album tells the story of your day, from the morning’s preparations, the last images of you both as ‘singletons’ through to your cake cut and first dance. I capture all of those wonderful details your guests, the laughter and the tears.
Five top tips to get the most out of your confetti moment
Getting the most from your confetti moment! Here are five top tips to help you enjoy and maximise your confetti moment on your wedding day
1) Get permission
First of all check with your venue what rules they have in place for when and where you can throw confetti. Also make sure it is biodegradable and safe for wild animals.
2) Supply it yourself
Sometimes couples will rely on guests bringing some confetti with them, trust me this rarely happens so plan ahead and provide your own if your budget allows.
3) More is MORE!
Get plenty, allow two good handfuls per guest if possible. There can never be too much! The more colourful the better, also large pieces show up more effectively on your photographs. I love the large paper circles – they float for longer, show up well and are easier to pick out of hair afterwards!
4) Maximise your moments
Consider popping a few confetti packets on the chairs that are closest to your aisle so if your venue allow it those guests closest to the aisle can then throw confetti as you make your way down as newly-weds. You can always have a fun group shot with it too later if you have plenty. Enjoy it, take your time! Look up and smile, as tempting as it is to hide from the confetti raining down! Pause and have a kiss – this is your moment!
5) Confetti etiquette
I always advise guests to put drinks down (accident waiting to happen!) get their confetti ready in their hands nice and loose so its ready to go – throwing straight from a bag or cone means it often clumps up. Also they throw UP….not AT you. Little bags can look cute but a solution that is better for the environment (and easier for you!) is to use recycled paper cones or one or two large baskets or buckets that people can dip into.
Remember not all confetti is colourfast so must be used careful in wet conditions!
For engagement photoshoot tips, see Top five tips to get the most out of your engagement photoshoot for five ideas you’ll love.
