Last year I was lucky enough to be Becca and Jason’s Madeira wedding photographer. One of the best things about my job is getting the chance to travel the world as a destination wedding photographer and this was no exception. Madeira is a beautiful Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean, situated 430 miles west of the African coast. It’s famous for a number of exports such as Madeira cake, wine and the footballer Ronaldo. It’s also a stunning location for a wedding abroad!.

Touch Down…

As the plane touched down in Madeira I was absolutely buzzing with excitement. I had met a few of the guests on the same flight and together we traveled through customs and made our way outside. On the taxi ride to the hotel it was like a mini trip back in time, with a real 80’s feel to it. It’s safe to say that the pace of life in Madeira is slow, but of course, that’s part of the appeal.

Check in and Check it out

After checking in at the hotel I met up with Becca and Jason. We went down to the pool and I got the chance to meet all their friends and family who had flown out. Next was a visit to the wedding venue, Quinta de Santo Antonio, a stunning town house in Funchal. After seeing the place, its safe to say that this Madeira wedding photographer couldn’t wait for the wedding to begin!

The Big Day

With a clear blue sky and a warm breeze the omens were good. I started bridal prep with Becca, her Mum and her two bridesmaids at the wedding venue. The room was beautiful with large, wooden shuttered windows and I managed to get some great shots. After a couple of hours here it was back down to the hotel to see the boys. After a few problems tying the ties (fixed by a quick Google), they were looking dapper and ready to roll.

Lost (and Found) in Translation

The wedding ceremony was emotional in a number of ways. The groom and groomsmen were relaxed and shared a few jokes as they waited. And then Becca made her entrance. “Wow” was the word on every ones lips as she walked down the aisle. She looked absolutely incredible and the bridesmaids didn’t know whether to laugh or cry! Jason on the other hand just beamed like a Cheshire cat… As the registrars conducted the ceremony there were a few mistranslated phrases that certainly caused a chuckle or two. However, the biggest smile was from Becca as she walked back down the aisle as the new Mrs King!

Madeira Wedding Photography – Couple Portraits

After the ceremony everyone mingled in the gardens and enjoyed some traditional Madeiran food. This gave the opportunity for some natural wedding photos of the family and guests as they mingled.

After this it was time for the couple shots of Becca and Jason together, and I couldn’t wait to get started. They looked so photogenic I knew that I couldn’t go wrong. I’d been to the venue the day before so had a few ideas for what I thought would work. As normal I started with something natural and relaxed, just letting their personalities and love for each other show through. We then moved on to some off camera flash shots which really brought out the gorgeous blue sky. Finally, we moved inside and I found a fantastic patch of natural light to round off the session with a different look and feel. This type of beautiful scenery is what makes being a destination wedding photographer so exciting.

Headers and Volley’s…

After some emotional speeches by the groom and the father of the bride, it was the turn of the best man. Sam was great and had everyone in stitches. He also put Jason on the spot with a kick up challenge. He had a good stab at it, but I don’t think Pep will be calling him anytime soon….

Party Time!

Jason and Becca had a beautiful first dance surrounded by friends and family. An equally wonderful father and daughter dance followed and then it was time to party. Trust me, these guys didn’t hold back! The Dad dancing on display was truly epic, as was the Greece mega mix dance off!

End of a Perfect Day

We finished off this incredible Madeira wedding day with a few creative night time photos , including a stunning sparkler exit.

Book Your Madeira Wedding Photographer

Are you getting married abroad? If so get in touch (click here to go to my contact page). I’m available to photograph destination weddings anywhere in the world and would love to be a part of yours!

Here’s what Becca and Jason had to say about me….

My husband and I were so incredibly lucky to have Pete shoot our destination wedding in Madeira recently. He truly felt like a friend of the family, making us feel so comfortable and at ease throughout the whole day. His vision and creativity captured some beautiful images of our wedding, and really reflected the beauty of our venue. Pete listened to everything we wanted, as well as making suggestions which gave us some of the best photos of our special day. Pete is professional, warm and friendly, inspired by what he does and so incredibly talented. We would highly recommend him to anyone getting married who’s looking for a photographer to capture their day.

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I was absolutely delighted when Adam and Mary approached me about their Lanwades Hall wedding photography. Lanwades Hall wedding venue is a stunning Tudor style manor house and is situated in the Suffolk village of Kentford. It’s also only three miles from my home, so an ideal location for me. Offering a range of impressive features inside and out, the photographic options for your Lanwades Hall wedding photography are numerous. My favourite location is the renowned sunken garden, which when in bloom is absolutely breath-taking. I really enjoyed photographing this wedding and it was extra special as I had shot Mary’s sisters wedding a few years previously. It meant that I was really able to blend in and get the best natural wedding photos possible. I really did have a great time and it was a lot of fun! So read on to see the story of their day…

Bridal Prep at the Peachy Residence

My day started as it usually does, heading to photograph the bridal prep. This was being held at Mary’s family home and when I arrived things were well underway. Mary and her bridesmaids were all really chilled, helped by a few cheeky glasses of prosecco, so straightway I knew it would be a great day. Also, a real bonus was seeing one of my favourite make up artists, Sabrina! She’s seriously talented, easy to work with and highly recommended. Mary had put a lot of planning into the day, especially the details. You can see below that exquisite hairpiece, and just check out the Jimmy Choos! Pure class!

A Traditional Church Wedding Ceremony

Adam and Mary opted for a traditional wedding ceremony at their local village church in Soham. I found Adam at the head of the aisle sharing a joke with his best man. It was a lovely touch to see that their dog, Jasper, also had a front-row seat! As Mary walked down the aisle with her dad, Ray, she looked incredible. I can only imagine how proud he was. During the vows I took up a discrete position in the pews and set about snapping some great storytelling photos. I love the one of the bridesmaids getting the giggles during the hymns!

After a confetti exit, everyone took time to congratulate the newly married Mr and Mrs Harley. Mary is a Girl Guide leader and they were all there to wish her well.

Lanwades Hall Wedding Reception – Ice Cream and Cocktails

Upon arrival at Lanwades Hall cocktails and ice cream were served in the sunken garden. This went down very well with the wedding guests as they enjoyed the sunshine. After some group wedding photos and a few romantic portraits of the bride and groom, everyone headed inside for the wedding breakfast. The wedding cake and table setup looked absolutely fantastic and provided a perfect setting as the newlyweds made their entrance. The speeches were brilliant and were packed full of laughter and emotion. There wasn’t much room to manouvere, but I still managed to get in close and captured some great candid wedding photos

An Evening Stroll…

As a creative wedding photographer, I always look for the best light, so as the sun began to sink toward the horizon I suggested that  we go for a stroll around the grounds. Lanwades Hall is a perfect wedding venue for photography, with a huge variety of picturesque locations. As always the couple shoot was relaxed and great fun, which really showed through with some amazing portraits.

Dancefloor Action and Some Late Night Sparkle

The first dance was epic, and there were certainly some great moves on display! The band were brilliant and as soon as the confetti settled, the dancefloor was packed. Of course, I was right in the middle because its the best place to capture the action and tell the story. The guys had requested a sparkler shot and I was happy to oblige. I always stay until 10 p.m as standard with all my packages, because in the summer months it means that you can get some brilliant creative night time wedding photos. The other reason is that you get to photograph people letting go and generally going a bit crazy, which I love!

Book your Lanwades Hall Wedding Photography

Lanwades hall is a top-notch venue and if you’re planning a wedding there, I’d love to hear from you! Just click here to get in touch and we can start the ball rolling.

“Pete, I cannot thank you enough for yesterday! It was just amazing and we are both so thrilled that you were there to capture the day. We are in a crazy weird bubble of wonderfulness today, but thank you, you really are the best”

“Mary  -The Bride”

The post Lanwades Hall Wedding Photography – A Glorious Suffolk Wedding appeared first on Peter Denness Photography.

A Swynford Manor Wedding

Kayley and Matt approached me last year and asked me to be their Swynford Manor wedding photographer. They both work in the Newmarket horse racing industry and when they told me that their own two horses would be attending, I couldn’t wait to get involved. Swynford Manor is a gorgeous 18th-century wedding venue and is situated in Six Mile Bottom, a tiny village on the Suffolk and Cambridgeshire border. I’ve shot a few weddings there in the past and it never disappoints. The stunning decor and styling are ideal for wedding photography, and the staff are absolutely fantastic.

Champagne and Selfies

The morning began with bridal prep in the rooms upstairs. The blacks walls and copper baths give the bridal suite an air of sophistication, and the bridal party complimented it well. There were a lot of laughs and I captured some lovely natural photos, as well as a few fun ones! I was also happy to see one of the very best make up artists in the area, the lovely Charlotte Shaw. Also. just check out that Pronovias wedding dress! Breathtaking! As were the flowers by the wonderful Tolly, of Tolly’s Flowers in Newmarket.

Wedding Horses!

The couple tied the knot in a beautiful traditional wedding ceremony and the guests all headed outside for drinks and canapes. Kayley absolutely adores her two ex-racehorses and the day wouldn’t have been complete without them attending. Her dog, Rupert, also put in an appearance and completed a very special and unique family photo! Afterwards, we headed into the grounds for some couple portraits and Rupert managed to gatecrash a few of these too! I love being a Swynford Manor Wedding Photographer becasue there are so many amazing photo opportunities. The rooms inside are incredible and even the doorway was perfect for some stylish, low key images.

Singing Waiters!

The wedding breakfast took place in Swynford Manors sumptuous glass-ceilinged Garden Room. This looked stunning and was expertly decorated by Lulabelles. After heartfelt speeches by the father of the bride, Matt and the best man, something unexpected occurred… Singing waiters! If you haven’t seen them before these guys are absolutely incredible and really get the party pumping! We had guests dancing on tables and even the Swynford Manor staff were getting involved! A brilliant way to get people in the mood for the evening entertainment!

Dean Maudsley – Pure Wedding Magic!

Who doesn’t love magic at a wedding? I have to say Dean Maudsley is one of the very best I’ve seen. Not just great tricks and banter, but he also managed to swipe one guest’s watch from under her nose!

Come Dancing

The was a quick cutting of the cake and the newly married couple took to the dancefloor. It was an emotion-packed first dance and the love was clear to see. True to form the guests absolutely rocked the evening party and everyone had an amazing time,

Book your Synford Manor Wedding Photographer!

Are you getting married at Swynford Manor? Would you like a relaxed and laid back photographer who captures beautiful images like the ones above?  I’m sure you can see where I’m going with this… Click here to get in touch and we can get the ball rolling. Also, if you’d like to see more real weddings that I’ve photographed, check out my blog and follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

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When Matt and Chloe approached me to photograph their De Vere Wotton House wedding I was absolutely delighted. Matt is an old friend of mine and for me, that made the day extra special. Wotton House Country Estate Hotel itself is a stunning wedding venue set in the heart of the Surrey countryside. It dates back to over 400 years ago when the Evelyn family developed it into the beautiful house and gardens we see today. The Italian influence is plain to see in the fountains and temple that adorn the outside space. They give it a truly impressive air of elegance, a photographers dream come true.

Shooting the Prep

I began the day by shooting Matt and Chloe getting ready. Fortunately, they were both staying in the hotel, so I could pop back and forth to get the shots I needed. Chloe and the girls were great fun, and I managed to break the ice by escorting a rather irate hornet out of the window. As Chloe began her make up I popped over to see Matt and the boys. Matt’s a massive Chelsea fan, and his best man took the opportunity to present him the shirt you see below.

With the guys suited, booted and looking good, I headed back to the girls. The final touches were being applied and I managed to capture two of my favourite photos from the day. The first a heartwarming natural shot of Chloe’s Mum hugging her, and the second an absolutely stunning portrait of Chloe in her dress by the window. After a quick musical sing along with the bridesmaids and flower girl, as you do, we were all set for the ceremony…

A Beautiful De Vere Wotton House Wedding Ceremony

As Chloe’s mum walked her down the aisle she looked incredible. Everything was perfect and I know the emotion got to Matt, as when the time came for the first kiss he missed his queue and had to be prompted by the new Mrs Hacker ( 3rd picture down). Matt took it in his stride though, and they were both smiling ear to ear as they made their way back down the aisle as husband and wife. Did I have a tear in my eye? Maybe…

Time for Some Group Shots

After a drinks reception in the glorious June sunshine, it was time for some group photographs. I asked Matt and Chloe beforehand for a list of the ones they wanted and this made it all very stress-free. It also meant we had some time for a few fun ones, with the temple providing a magnificent backdrop.

Next up were the speeches. Tears, laughter and some great one-liners made these unforgettable. The Stoneman brothers in cracking form as Matt’s two best men.

Feel the Love

It was clear to see how in love Mat and Chloe were and I wanted to capture that in their couple portraits. This was the first De Vere Wotton House wedding that I’ve photographed. So whilst they were eating I scouted out the gardens for the best locations and decided on a plan. The first one that stood out was the cave. Yep, this venue has a cave!  I wanted to use the down light to create something really stunning and you can see the results below. I generally tend to shoot a variety of portraits ranging from posed to natural. The natural moments are generally the best, and you can see that in the 5th shot below. However, by positioning the couple in the best light and helping them relax, you can build up to and make those images extra special. And get some great shots in between!

To be honest, at De Vere Wotton House wedding venue you really are spoiled for choice. There really are so many great photogenic spots. It also helped to work with an awesome videographer, 4Motion Productions, who had some great ideas.

Cut the Cake and Hit the Dance Floor!

The cake cut wasn’t a classic, to be honest. Just check out the strip of icing that Chloe’s holding and you’ll see why. Fortunately, the brilliant LR Disco Entertainment was on hand to get the party started. With props, inflatables, and a great bouquet toss everybody was on a high!

Cigars and Fireworks

Matt and the boys were up for some cigars and asked for a nighttime shot. I really love taking creative wedding photos, so we headed back out to the temple. After a quick rendition of some Chelsea football anthems, we also shot some sparkler wedding photos. These are always popular and one of my favourite fun wedding photographs.

Book me for your De Vere Wotton House Wedding Photography

I’ll be honest, De Vere Wotton House is right up there with my favourite wedding venues. I’d love to go back and if you’re having a wedding there I need to be involved! So drop me a message via my contact page and lets make it happen…

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2019 was another incredible year full of awesome couples and stunning venues! I’ve already posted a shorter preview on my Facebook page, but here are the unedited highlights of each of my 2019 weddings. I’ve tried to include a mix of shots reflecting the three key elements of my style; creative couple portraits, natural storytelling moments and the shots that capture the fun and laughter of the day. Check out my gallery here to see more.

If you’re currently looking for your photographer this should really give you a flavour of what I offer, and if you like what you see, please do check out my previous end of year reviews here and here.

The post Wedding Photography 2019 Highlights appeared first on Peter Denness Photography.

If you’re currently planning a Chippenham Park wedding this blog post is for you. This stunning Cambridgeshire wedding venue is steeped in history and dates back to the 1690’s, when it was created by Admiral Russel. As a recommended wedding photographer at the venue I’ve shot over 20 weddings there, giving me a real insight in to what works the best. I also live in Chippenham so make regular visits to the many open days they hold. It really is a joy to walk around the beautiful gardens and enjoy a slice of cake and coffee in the Potting Shed Cafe.

So here are my top 5 tips to plan your Chippenham Park wedding to perfection.

Tip 1 – Chippenham Park Wedding Ceremony Location – Inside or Out?

I’ve photographed weddings at Chippenham Park in all types of weather. Fortunately this fully licensed venue is blessed with two fantastic outdoor options for your ceremony and an equally impressive indoor one.

Outside you can tie the knot in The Octagon. This is an oak gazebo in the yew hedged area just in front of the house  and seats up to 120 guests. Or alternatively there’s the Lake Summerhouse, another smaller and more rustic structure down by the lake. This second option is certainly the most popular. It’s located about 100m from the house and this gives the bride the opportunity for a lengthy entrance walk, which is great for photos. The walk back to the terrace where canapes and cocktails await is also nice, and allows your guests to experience the beauty of the gardens more fully.

The downside of course is that if it rains the ceremony will have to be moved indoors to the Old Ball Room. This is a decision that the Chippenham Park events team will make on the day. I find that they always do their very best to make sure you get the location that you want, but sometimes its just not possible.

Something to Consider

Every bride and groom creates a perfect vision of how they see the day . If the ceremony moves location at the last hour, is that something you will cope with? Or will the disappointment sully the experience? Some brides I’ve spoken too have intentionally chosen to go inside as this is a scenario they wanted to avoid and felt more comfortable knowing exactly what would happen. My advice is to be realistic with your expectations and take in to account the time of year, as well as the fact that the British Summer brings no guarantee of sunshine. Inside or out every Chippenham Park wedding I’ve been to has been a truely memorable experience.

Tip 2 – It’s all about the Preparation…

Bridal prep that is! The bridal suite at Chippenham Park is generally available from 12 p.m. This means that most brides will have hair and make up done elsewhere. This is something that you’ll need to think about. A lot of people tend to get nervous on the morning of the big day and the last thing you’ll need is added stress. With that in mind I always recommned getting ready nearby and using local MUA’s and hair stylists. This means that no-one has far to travel and there’s less chance of being delayed. Often my couples ask me to recommend people that I’ve worked with before, so here are some of the best  in the Cambridgeshire and Suffolk area –

Make Up Artists –

Dani Roberts 

I met Dani through photographing weddings and eventually ended up shooting hers! Check it out on my blog. Dani is a brilliant make up artist and a really lovely person. https://www.danirobertsmakeup.com/

Sabrina Professional Make Up Artist 

I’ve worked with Sabrina many times and after editing the photos I’m always impressed by the quality of her work. http://www.sabrinapromakeup.co.uk/

Hair Stylists –

Hair by Abbie 

If you need an amazing hair stylist Abbie is the woman for you. I also shot her wedding a few years back and she looked absolutely stunning. She also managed to do her own hair and all the bridesmaids!  https://www.facebook.com/HairbyAbbie1/

BONUS TIP – To get the best photos ask your MUA to sit you facing near a window. Natural light is always the most flattering.

Places to get ready –

Both Bride and Groom prep are awesome opportunities to get some natural photographs and help everyone relax. Its also a chance to shoot details such as the wedding dress, rings, bouquet and wedding jewelry, as well as, cufflinks, suits, ties and speeches. However, with weddings at Chippenham Park I tend to take these photos in and around the beautiful bridal suite when you arrive at midday, making the most of the incredible setting

Again, if your not local you may well need advice on the best places to stay the night before. As you cant access the Chippenham Park wedding venue before midday, this is where the bulk of your prep will be. Here are two local and trusted options –

The Pack Horse Inn – Moulton

The Packhorse Inn is a traditional pub with a fresh, modern design and a real feel of quality. The restaurant and rooms are outstanding. Located just over the border in Suffolk, the village of Moulton is picturesque and only a 10 minute journey to Chippenham Park. http://www.thepackhorseinn.com/

The Bedford Lodge – Newmarket 

This is a popular choice when staying in the historic racing town of Newmarket and is the one of the very finest hotels in the area. It lacks the small boutique feel of The Packhorse Inn, but benefits from  a wider range of facilities ( including a luxury spa), large rooms to get ready in and the amenities of the town. Like Moulton it’s only a short drive to Chippenham Park. https://bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk/

Tip 3 – Book some Entertainment

This piece of advice can really apply to most weddings. To date I’ve photographed 18 Chippenham Park weddings and 182 in total. One thing that I often observe is that after the wedding breakfast and speeches there’s a natural lull before the cake cut and first dance. This can sometimes dampen the atmosphere and leave your guests at a loose end. From my experience having some sort of entertainment during this period can really help. It doesn’t have to be at this point of the day of course, during the meal or drinks reception is also a popular choice. Here are some excellent wedding entertainment choices that I can personally recommend

Wedding Magicians –

I love magic and these guys always go down incredibly well every time I see them. I can honestly say that if I got married again I would book one of these guys.

Jamie Seagrave 

This guy is seriously cool and with a dress sense and brand of magic to match. I regularly see Jamie at weddings and he never fails to amaze. http://www.jamiesegrave.com/#About

Wayne Goodman 

Wayne is a really likeable guy! He’s not just a great wedding magician, but also a classic comedian and entertainer. https://www.waynegoodman.co.uk/weddings1.html

The image below is from an actual Chippenham Park wedding that I shot a few years back.

Singing Waiters –

Silver Service Singers 

I’ve seen these guys three times this year and they really are incredible! The action starts toward the end of the meal when they suddenly and unexpectedly announce their presence to the room. They literally had the Chippenham Park marquee rocking, with people dancing on their chairs. The energy was insane! If you cant imagine what this was like, check out the videos on their site https://silverservicesingers.com/services/weddings/

Tip 4 – Make Sure the Evening Ends on A High

Sometimes a good wedding just fizzles out and by 10 p.m the dancefloor is empty. That’s a shame because Chippenham Park has a really fantastic dancefloor located in their impressive marquee. If that’s something you want to avoid here’s a few ideas on how.

Hire a Great Band –

There’s nothing like a great wedding band to get people up and dancing. But not all bands are equal. To be fair most of the ones I see at weddings sound good, but some just bring the X factor. They interact with the audience and bring a level of showmanship that absolutely rocks the party! Here are some of my favourite wedding bands –

Candy Apple Blue 

I shot a Chippenham Park wedding a few years back and noticed the lead singer arrive. Straight away he was walking around the room introducing himself to the guests and telling them what a great time they were going to have. Sure enough the night was amazing and I’ll never forget the legendary dance off he had with one of the guests. http://candyappleblue.co.uk/

Soul Thieves 

Most wedding bands just do your standard wedding covers. These are great. but if you want something a little more, well soulful, the Soul Thieves deliver. Guaranteed to make everyone get down. https://www.thesoulthieves.co.uk/

The Indie Killers 

I saw these guys recently and they were immense! The bride even got up and rocked out Valerie with them. Definitely not the usual wedding songs, so check them out if that sounds like your cup of tea. .https://www.theindiekillers.com/

Keep the Props on the Dancefloor 

It’s still popular to hire a photo booth for your wedding. Sure, they can be fun, but I find that they tend to keep people away from the dancefloor, not to mention the cost.. Also, its one of those things that’s been done to death. Why not make your wedding a bit more unique and have your own table of props next to the dancefloor? Guests will wear and use them as they dance which makes for some real fun wedding photos!

Get Your Guests Involved 

Wedding guests can be a surprisingly talented bunch so why not make that part of the evening? Maybe you or one of the bridal party is a great singer? Or the best man can play the sax? Both of these happened at my wedding this year and went down a storm!

Bonus Tip – Do you love a party? Want all the dancefloor madness captured? I offer an option for extended coverage up until midnight, so you wont miss a thing. See my wedding photography packages here.

Tip 5 – Hire a Chippenham Park Wedding Photographer that Knows the Venue

Ok, so this is the bit when I talk about me. I really believe that knowing a venue helps a photographer to get the best possible photos of your wedding day. This applies even more so to a wedding at Chippenham Park, which has such extensive and beautiful grounds. I know these like the back of my hand and where to go to get those special shots. I also make sure to shoot some portraits in the house itself, which can be some of the best.

Because I live locally and offer coverage until 10pm as standard I also get a variety of shots throughout the day. During daylight I’ll be taking those natural, relaxed wedding photos that everyone loves. Then when the stars come out we can head outside to create something really special. I’m always happy to show you full galleries of Chippenham Park weddings that I’ve shot, so you can see my work in full.

Talk to Me about YOUR Chippenham Park Wedding Plans

Chippenham Park is one of my favourite venues, and if you’re getting married there I’d love to here from you. So please head over to my contact form and get in touch. And if you are yet to book your venue please contact Beccy at Chippenham Park to arrange a viewing.

I’d also love you to leave a comment below. Did you find this article useful?  Are there any other tips you think would help couples getting wed at Chippenham Park? Let me know!

The post Chippenham Park Wedding Tips and Advice appeared first on Peter Denness Photography.

I met Penny and Dan last February at the EDP wedding show at the Norfolk Showground. They liked my style of artistic wedding photography and told me about their plans for a pub wedding in Norfolk. The twist being that the pub was actually owned and run by themselves! Prior to the big day I went down to Colton near Norwich to meet Penny and Dan at The Norfolk Lurcher. We went through the schedule for the day and they gave me a tour of the village, so that we could scout out the best locations to shoot. There was certainly a lot of options, but I was really drawn to the barn at their parents house, literally 100 metres from the pub! But more on that later..

Bridal Prep down the Lane

I arrived early to photograph Penny and her bridesmaids at her parents house. There was a lot going on when I got there, with the Prosecco in full flow. As I walked through the front door I was greeted with a magnificent portrait of their dog Alfie, the aforementioned Norfolk Lurcher. I find this time of the wedding day is invaluable. It gives me time to meet everyone and build up a rapport, which really helps later on when capturing those natural photos that really tell the story. I can also take my time and capture all the small details, from the flowers to the dress, shoes and perfume.

Grooms Men: Fully Loaded

After meeting the girls it was time to pop down to the pub where the guys were getting ready. As I walked in, with my trusty assistant and wing man Steve, the groom prep was in full flow with ties being tied, cuff links donned and button holes ready to go. The guys were all very chilled and after shooting some great natural, relaxed photos, I asked Dan to sit by the window. Penny had bought him several wedding gifts (which Steve had to run back and collect!) and he now began to open them. The window light made sure that we captured these moments perfectly, and Dan was absolutely delighted with his pocket watch! We now went outside in the pub garden as Dan had requested some shots with his rifles. We had a lot of fun with these, with Dan and the boys looking the business.

Back to the Penny

With the guys fully suited and booted and heading to the church, it was time to leave the Norfolk Lurcher and head back to Penny and her bridesmaids. She was now getting ready with her final preparations and when she put on her beautiful dress, Albania by Pronovias from La Crème, she looked absolutely stunning! Also, a special mention to the bridal bouquet from Swaffam and Fakenham Florists. It was quite simply exquisite. Once ready she climbed in to the wedding car, her Dad’s original MGB which he has owned for almost 50 years. He drove from their house to the village Church, with Penny perched on the back. A really unique and lovely touch.

Mr and Mrs Nixon!

As Penny and her father walked down the aisle they exchanged a look and smile that was really special. As a father myself it really touched me and I very much look forward to the day that I’ll do the same. The wedding ceremony was presided over by the vicar Ivan Bailey. He’s the ex-Canon of Norwich Cathedral and a regular patron of the Norfolk Lurcher, so they were definitely in good hands. String quartet Classycool provided some beautiful music as the newly wed Mr and Mrs Nixon exited down the aisle, and as Dan and Penny where showered with confetti the look of joy on their faces was plain to see. This was a really lovely and emotional part of their wedding day that I particularly enjoyed capturing.

Sunshine…

After the confetti the guests headed back to the Norfolk Lurcher pub and myself, Dan, Penny and Steve headed in to the grounds of the Church for some portraits. I started with something simple and natural, before moving on to some more fun and playful shots. When the rapport with a couple is good, these kind of photos just take care of themselves. As we walked back to the car the sun suddenly peaked through the clouds. I quickly positioned Penny with the light behind her and we had another classic image in the bag. Dan fired up the MGB and it was back to the pub wedding reception…

Wedding Party in the Barn!

So, I mentioned the barn earlier as a spot I rated for some top creative wedding photos. This really hinged on how up for it everyone was as to what we could achieve, but I couldn’t have asked for more from these guys! I had the idea for a Vogue/Tatler-esque group shot of the whole party up on the bales. Now it took a bit of climbing, shimmying and manoeuvring, and a certain degree of fine tuning, but in the end the result was one of my favourite ever photos. We also had an absolute blast getting it done and ended up with a stunning set of stylish, timeless images.

Speeches, Schnapps and Cigars

The rest of the evening carried on with food and speeches, followed by Schnapps ( Dan’s family are German) and cigars. As you would expect from a pub wedding the drink was flowing and everyone was really in the spirit. A magician, photo booth and two fabulous bands, The Take Four Quartet and The Cassettes, provided the entertainment. We also managed a couple more creative portrait sessions. These were done in the field next door and by the pub pond. I like to space these out throughout the day as the look and feel can really vary. Its also a chance to try out new ideas and produce some really artistic wedding photography.

Dancing the Night Away

Penny and Dan opted for my package which includes all day coverage until midnight. This meant that I was there to capture all the evening action. The first dance was magnificent, these guys can really move! Everyone was really going for it right up until the final bell and I can honestly say that this was one of the best weddings that I’ve ever shot.

Book me for your Pub Wedding!

Are you recently engaged and planning a pub wedding? Do you like the images you’ve seen here? Then get in contact and book me for your wedding photography today! And of course I don’t just shoot pub weddings! I photograph all types of wedding throughout the UK and beyond, so check out some more on the wedding blog,

Pub Wedding In Norfolk – Suppliers List

Music

Classycool – our string quartet from Covent Garden… played during the ceremony and at the reception.

The Take Four Quartet – our jazz band… made up of local, retired musicians. They played during our wedding breakfast and are regulars at the pub.

The Cassettes – our evening band… our friend is the very talented drummer, Sean. Voted top #10 wedding band by Alive Network.

Hair & Makeup

Makeup – Gabby Newland

Hair – Melissa Newland

Hair Piece – bespoke by Lucie Greene Bridal

Outfits

Bridal Dress – Albania by Pronovias from La Crème (Lucy and Jill in the shop were amazing)

Bridal Accessories – all from La Crème

Groom’s Suit – Ted Baker from Slaters

Wedding Party suits – all from Slaters own range

Cravats, Ties, Alfie’s Bow Tie – DQT (baby pink paisley)

Bridesmaid Dresses – Ever Pretty via Amazon

Bridal Shoes – Dune

Men’s Shoes – all from Debenhams (matching)

Pink Socks – Sock Shop

Dressing Gowns – from ebay, personalised by bride using transfers from From Amy to B on Facebook

Flowers

Bridal Bouquet, Bridesmaid Bouquets, Button Holes – Fakenham & Swaffham Florist

Table Centres, Pub & Church – arranged by Bride and Mother of the Bride (with a bit of help from the bridesmaids). Foliage all came from the hedgerows, flowers were home grown, from neighbours garden and the rest of the cut flowers came from Flower Exchange on the Sweet Briar Estate in Norwich.

Gifts

For the ladies – all bespoke, handmade by Coco Grey Jewellery. Mother of Bride and Mother of Groom bangles are an original design,and bridesmaid bracelets designed by Annie after talking to bride, specifically for the wedding (a friend’s business)

For the gents – cuff links from Chosen by Emilia Rose on ebay… wooden cigar cases from Honduras (via etsy) & engraved by a friend of the Groom

Cake – Made by Bride

Cake topper by Craft Cabin Laser Crafts on eBay

Fresh Flowers – from Flower Exchange

Foliage – from neighbour’s garden

Magic

Magician – Mark Daynes

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2017  – My Year in Pictures

2017 has been an incredible year for me. I’ve shot more weddings than ever before, 36 in total and I’ve met some really lovely people. I’ve put together this blog post to highlight some of my favourite images from throughout the year, which I’ve chosen for a variety of reasons. Some showcase the type of creative wedding photography that I really enjoy doing. Others represent the more candid shots, the type of natural wedding photography moments that really tell the story. And there’s also a few fun wedding photo’s in there as well, cos that’s how I roll…

Milestones

First Same Sex Wedding

2017 has also seen a few firsts for me. These have included my first same sex wedding, which I shot at the fantastic Granary Barns. James and Freddy were absolutely brilliant, such a pleasure to work with. We did the couple portraits before the actual ceremony and it went really well. Apart from when I laid down to get a shot and got covered in ants! And then there was the part when I shouted “and a big cheer for the bride and groom….” whilst standing on a ladder in front of the entire wedding party! But apart from that it was great and we managed to produce some wonderful creative wedding photography that the guys really loved.

First Destination Wedding

In September I headed off to Girona in Spain to shoot my first destination wedding. Luke and Claire were fantastic and by the end of my three days with them I really felt like I was amongst friends. We got some epic portraits ( included above) of them on a rock in the sea, and behind the scenes footage would have shown me getting soaked from the waist down. I spent the rest of the night in my reserve shorts, but it was definitely worth it! Blog post coming soon! I can’t wait to shoot my next destination wedding so please let me know if you or you friends are getting married abroad.

Recommended Supplier

In 2017 I continued my fantastic relationship with The Granary Estates, where I’m a recommended photographer. I shot nine weddings there in total, with five of them in September! Absolutely loved every one and can’t wait to return. Likewise, I’m on the list at my local venue, Chippenham Park. Again, I can’t get enough of this place and the staff and venue are amazing.

As well as continuing these relationships I also developed new ones, and I’m proud to say that I’m now a recommended supplier at Bedford Lodge, Hockwold Hall, The Manor Barn and St Paul’s in Cambridge.

Thanks!

There’s quite a few people I’d like to thank for helping me and supporting my business. First off thanks to those who have assisted me including  Katie, Natasha, Steve, and Matt. You were all great and I really appreciate your hard work, friendship and banter. Also, to the venues I’ve already mentioned and the staff. The GG’s at the Granary Barns, Becky at Chippenham, Jenny at The Manor Barn, Rachel at Bedford Lodge and Selica at Hockwold Hall. Then there’s the other suppliers who make being in the wedding industry such fun. In particular MUA Dani Roberts who trusted me to shoot her wedding (now featuring on my blog ) , Elizabeth Hall, Cara and Jo, the team at Hall and Co for feeding me at the barns, Hayley at Dolly’s Vintage Tea Party, two stellar magicians, Jamie Segrave and Wayne Goodman and also those fellow photographers I count as friends, including Adam Hillier, Iain Gomes, Tony Boyle, Will Stedman and Lee Allison to name but a few. Finally, the biggest thanks must go to the couples who put their faith in me as their photographer and helped me to do the job that I truly love. You guys were all, without exception, awesome!

Booking your Creative Wedding Photography

If you like my style of creative wedding photography mixed with fun, relaxed and natural photos, and are looking for a photographer to shoot you wedding, get in touch! I’ve still got some dates available for 2018, and 2019 is filling up fast. Also, if you have friends who are engaged and you think that they may like my photos, please share the love ( and this post) with them.

Have an amazing 2018 and may you find love, peace and happiness…

The post Creative Wedding Photography 2017 – My End of Year Review appeared first on Peter Denness Photography.

A Stunning Granary Estates Wedding!

The Granary Estates is one of my favourites wedding venues. Its a beautiful renovated barn set deep in the Suffolk countryside and offers a blend of rustic charm and exceptional service. I’m lucky enough to be a recommended photographer there and always have a fantastic time. The staff, aka the “GG’s”,  have won back to back Best Events Team at the Wedding Industry Regional Finals. It’s easy to see why. They really look after the couples that get married there and the day is always run exceptionally well. Dani and Jonny’s Granary Estates Wedding was no exception.

Dani and I first met through working at weddings; she’s a very popular and talented local make up artist. As soon as she was engaged she contacted and booked me, having seen my work online. It’s always an honour to be asked to shoot a fellow industry professionals wedding.

Dani started her day at her parents home in Exning. I love shooting bridal prep and there was a lot going on. Of course she did her own make up, but was assisted by her friend and colleague Sabrina MUA, who was later snapped owning the dance floor!  Her Dad made the wedding cake, a very impressive Croquembouche. He managed to transport it safely to the car, despite a few wobbles!

Married in the Flint Barn

Dani and Jonny decided to tie the knot in the Flint Barn, the smaller and more intimate of the Granary Estates two ceremony rooms. Afterwards, despite the weather we headed outside for portraits in the beautiful grounds. Although the sun refused to make an appearance the overcast sky provided the perfect soft light.  Then the rain showed up and almost scuppered the group photos, but I managed to get everyone under cover whilst I stood out in the drizzle and got the shot!  Shooting a lot of weddings at the Granary Barns means I know the venue like the back of my hand. In poor weather and with limited time this is really useful. It means that when the pressures on I can always get some awesome images!

Hall and Co – Perfect Event Design

When the rain finally did get too much we headed inside to the main barn. Hall and Co had been busy creating their usual magic and the reception room looked stunning! A special mention to “Jill” Woodford who always makes amazing things happen :).  I took this opportunity to try something new, shooting some edgy low key portraits. Dani and Jonny were kind enough to give me a seat with the guests, and I relished the chance to sample some of Hall and Co’s delicious cuisine. I wasn’t disappointed! They also set up a magnificent flower wall, which looked gorgeous and provided a unique touch.

Amazing Skies…

The Granary Estates is surrounded by flat farmland, which is perfect for dramatic landscape portraits. I’ve witnessed some beautiful sunsets over the years, but on this occasion it was pretty cloudy. Not to worry though, I tried something a little different to my normal approach and the results were stunning! The image at the top of the page is one of my favourite ever couple portraits, and Dani and Jonny really got in to it!

Dancing the Night Away

The first dance was pretty spectacular, ending with an epic confetti canon! The dance floor was packed from start to finish and I was there all night throwing shapes and snapping away! The band were awesome and no one held back, the antics were legendary. There was even an Ed Sheeran look a like…;) This was one occasion where coverage until midnight really paid off.

Book Your Granary Estates Wedding Photography

Are you planning a Granary Estates wedding and looking for a photographer? If you like the photos that you’ve seen here and would like me to shoot your wedding, head on over to my contact page and get in touch today!

Kind Words

Afterwards Dani was kind enough to write me this lovely review on my Bridebook profile.

“Peter was my first choice in photographers, in fact the very next thing I did after booking my venue was booking Peter because I HAD to have him. He has an incredible eye for taking such amazing photos and is so easygoing, friendly and by the end of the wedding part of the party! I’m a make up artist and I’m the industry and always recommend Peter to my brides!”

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Are you getting married in Norfolk? Are you looking for a Norfolk wedding photographer? Well this is a great place to start! I’ve been photographing weddings in Norfolk for over 6 years and it’s a place thats very close to my heart. Below you can find a selection of my favourite images that I’ve shot in Norfolk and throughout the UK.

Am I the right photographer for you?

This is of course the most important question, but what do you need to know? Here’s a few points to consider…

Style of Photography

With all the different ways that photographers describe themselves, it’s easy to get confused. Reportage photographer, journalistic photographer, traditional photographer, , editorial photographer, natural light photographer, alternative photographer… the list goes on. One thing that people always say to me is “we want natural photo’s, people just being themselves”. I couldn’t agree with this more, and for 95% of the day it’s what I do. Any decent photographer will do the same. Wedding photography is all about moments. How you choose to capture those moments is what defines your style.

My Style?

This is perhaps a case of a picture being worth a thousand words. However, that doesn’t always tell the whole story. My style of photography is mainly based on capturing natural images in interesting ways. By that I mean looking for different angles and perspectives to make a shot more intriguing.  The other 5% of what I do is to conjure up creative, artistic style shots, think something a bit different from the normal, definitely the type of shot your uncle Bob wont take… As I said, a picture is worth a thousand words, so have a look below and see what I mean..

Length of Coverage

A simple question. How long will your wedding photographer stay? The average Norfolk wedding photographer will stay until just after the first dance, lets say 8-9 pm. Personally I think that’s a shame. Those natural shots of people being themselves that I mentioned earlier? Well, for me the last  few hours of the day is when everyone really lets their hair down and relaxes in front of the camera. One of the things I promise is that I’ll be there right until the last hour, and 99 times out of 100 I’ll be there until the very end. I’ve seen dance offs, brides and grooms being hoisted on to shoulders, the infamous “Wedding Worm” ( think break dancing!) , congas, pole dancing bridesmaids, a Baywatch strip off and much much more!

So if you want pictures of you and your guests tearing up the dance floor until the midnight hour, I’m your man! As I like to say, “go hard or go home…”

So, What are YOU like?

Good question. I mean, your photographer is going to be spending pretty much the whole day with you, right? So it’s probably a good idea that you gel.

I’m definitely a laid back, smiley type of guy, and I try to carry that across on the wedding day. It’s really important to me that if you’re not happy with something I do, you feel that you can tell me.

My overall approach is best summed up by some of the couples whose weddings I’ve shot. With that in mind here’re a couple of recent reviews from my Facebook Page.

Cameron and Charlie – The Kentford

We haven’t got enough words to describe how amazingly our wedding was documented. I spend every spare moment scrolling through the beautiful photos Pete has taken.
He made us feel comfortable posing (which we are terrible at!), he made sure we had time to ourselves during the day and also managed to photograph the crazy moments on the dance floor.
We chose to have the second photographer option which we are really pleased with as we have photos of both the boys and girls getting ready. He stayed all day and night so we really have some special photos of the entire day.
We have been recommending him to everyone who gets engaged – I can’t speak highly enough of him.

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