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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Rachel & Conor: Relaxed Summer Wedding at Huntsmill Farm

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With Huntsmill Farm being one of the venues I visit most frequently, it’s weird to think that there was a day that I was shooting there for the first time! It was Rachel and Conor’s wedding that brought about my first visit, and I’m pleased to say it started my string of weddings shooting there with an absolute bang.

Despite on-and-off rain during the morning, there were smiles all around! Huntsmill having accommodation on site meant I was able to pop in and capture both Rachel and Conor getting ready in their separate cottages, and it was lovely to see them both before the day kicked off.

Rachel stunned in her bridal separates, a bespoke lace top by the Wedding Workshop paired with a classic tulle skirt, while Conor and his groomsmen looked dapper in blue suits with burgundy ties. She carried a bouquet of pastel flowers, perfect for a countryside wedding.

One of the highlights of the day was capturing their “first look” moment, which is a rare treat in the UK. Usually, the first couples see each other is that moment at the end of the aisle, but Rachel and Conor wanted the opportunity to meet each other before so they could have a little drinks reception with their families before the ceremony. It was such a special moment and I’ll always be grateful to have had the opportunity to capture it.

Their ceremony in the barn was filled with emotion, laughter, and even a rendition of "It Must Be Love" by Madness sung by their loved ones. One of the things I love most about modern weddings is the flexibility couples have to tailor their wedding exactly how they want it, and it was so much fun to capture everyone singing during the ceremony!

The Buckinghamshire countryside made for the perfect backdrop for their relaxed celebrations for the rest of the day, starting with confetti, drinks and canapes in the Huntsmill gardens.

Dinner was a delight, with tables named after wines and adorned with candle lanterns and lush greenery. Their wedding breakfast was some of the best wedding food I’ve ever had: charcuterie, pizza and visiting an ice cream stand for dessert!

The evening culminated in a joyful first dance, complete with some impressive moves on the dance floor. Capturing Rachel twirling in her dress was so much fun and I still look back on the photos fondly.

As the night came to a close I couldn’t resist grabbing a final portrait of the newlyweds, backlit with Huntsmill Farm’s festoon lights. It’s a picture that I’ve been asked to recreate many times since and it’s always nice to bring a couple out for a breather away from the madness of the dancefloor.

Congratulations Rachel and Conor! I loved capturing your day and wish you every happiness.

“Thank you so, so much for yesterday, you were INCREDIBLE! We had the most amazing day and thank you for all you did to make it special and for all the beautiful shots you set up. We especially love that last one you took in the dark!”
— Rachel & Conor

featured suppliers

Venue: Huntsmill Farm
Florist: Luna in the Wild
Bride’s outfit: Skirt from Watters Designs with bespoke top by The Wedding Workshop
Hair and make up: Nikki Lawrence Makeup
Cake: Kelly Cupcakes
Band: Pastiche Band

Conor and Rachel share a beautiful, quiet moment at the end of their wedding day, backlit by Huntsmill Farm’s festoon lights.
Huntsmill Farm's ready for Conor and Rachel's wedding with haybales, deckchairs, rustic barrels and festoon lighting.
Rachel's beautiful pastel bridal bouquet with summer flowers.
Bride and Groom overwhelmed with emotion as they share a first look before their wedding.
Rachel and Conor exchange vows during their wedding ceremony in the stone barn at Huntsmill Farm.
Rachel and Conor, hand in hand, stroll the grounds at Huntsmill Farm in Buckinghamshire, in black and white.
Barn at Huntsmill Farm set for the wedding breakfast with white tablecloths, pastel flower centrepieces, and fairy lights.
Unique DIY table name made from wine corks sits in front of the top table's eucalyptus and pastel flower centrepiece.
Wedding guests clap and cheer as Rachel and Conor enter the stone barn at Huntsmill Farm for their wedding breakfast.
Conor, in his blue suit, and Rachel, in her bridal separates, share their first dance at Huntsmill Farm.

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

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Hollie & Tom: Outdoor Summer Wedding at Tythe Barn, Launton

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An opportunity to visit a new venue is always lots of fun, so I was very excited for Hollie & Tom’s wedding day at the picturesque Tythe Barn in Launton. Their day was relaxed from the very beginning with the girls getting ready on-site in the Nook, the perfect cosy spot for all the pre-wedding excitement of bridal prep.

Hollie took everyone’s breath away in her stunning lace Enzoani dress which she paired with a chic updo and a bouquet of white roses and greenery. A perfect example of this was the heartwarming moment when her dad saw her for the first time - so much emotion and joy in one room! The photo of them waiting to walk into the ceremony is one of my all-time favourites to this day: Hollie’s dad wipes away tears as she takes a deep breath to balance herself before walking down the aisle.

They said their vows in an outdoor ceremony which was just perfect for an August wedding and made the most of their gorgeous venue. I love the way they looked at each other as they met at the end of the aisle - they were both so full of joy and it was such a privilege to capture their ceremony with their friends and family in the background looking on with love and support for them both.

The day was filled with love and laughter as they celebrated with family and friends, enjoying canapés and drinks in the garden before moving to the Tythe barn for dinner, complete with cosy fairy lights and rustic greenery running down the tables.

As the evening unfolded, we stole Hollie & Tom away for some couple portraits in the barn’s gardens. We snagged that beautiful evening light, and it was lovely to capture them enjoying each other's company in this little moment away from the wedding madness.

The celebrations continued with everyone pulling shapes on the dancefloor which was alive with energy, especially after Hollie kicked her heels off! Before the night ended, we jumped at the opportunity to capture some nighttime portraits in the gardens which made for a showstopping way to end their gallery.

Thank you Hollie & Tom for having us capture your fantastic day!

featured suppliers

Venue: Tythe Barn, Launton
Dress: Enzoani via Star Bridal Wear
Make up: Bijou Beauty
DJ: Dukebox Discos

Hollie inspects the outdoor ceremony space with a floral updo and white dressing gown with Bride printed in gold.
Father of the bride, in blue suit, wipes tears as Holly, holding a white bridal bouquet, takes a deep breath.
Tom in a blue Groom's suit smiles nervously as he waits for Hollie at the altar.
Tom smiles as he lovingly places the wedding ring on Hollie's finger during their wedding ceremony at Tythe Barn.
Guests gather on the lawn after Hollie and Tom's ceremony at Tythe Barn in Launton.
Four smiling bridesmaids in navy blue dresses gather around Holly, holding their gypsophila bouquets.
The Tythe barn in Launton set up for a wedding breakfast with cosy fairy lights and rustic greenery running down the tables.
Naked 4-tier wedding cake decorated with white roses and gypsophila sits on a rustic log slice cake stand.
Hollie and Tom laugh as they stand by the stone window at Tythe Barn, cutting into their wedding cake.
Hollie, with her floral up do, wipes away a tear during the wedding speeches.

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

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Imke & Anil: Micro Wedding at Trinity Hall College Cambridge

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Imke & Anil’s micro wedding was a Cambridge affair through and through, filled with charm and joyful moments as they celebrated with 10 of their closest family and friends.

They kicked off the day with a ceremony at Cambridge Registry Office, and one of my favourite shots of the day has to be the sheer joy on their faces as Imke & Anil saw each other for the first time just before the ceremony started. It really set the tone for the day and I just couldn’t stop smiling as it all unfolded!

Imke’s lovely parents looked so proud as they walked her down the aisle to meet a beaming Anil. Their ceremony was short, sweet and filled with love and it was such a privilege to be there with their nearest and dearest witnessing their vows.

The adventure continued in classic Cambridge style: punting through the picturesque town to their reception at Trinity College. Their family popped champagne and passed it between the punts as tourists waved and congratulated them from bridges and river banks. I especially love that we took some time to do couple portraits on the punts as we arrived at the college, capturing a unique part of their day that will always stay with me.

Inside Trinity College, an intimate dining room awaited, elegantly adorned with white and pink flowers and candles. But it wasn't just about the food - it was about the unbridled joy that filled the room as everyone got up to dance between courses!

After cutting the cake and bidding farewell to their guests, we seized the golden hour to capture couple portraits in the college gardens. It was a fitting end to a wonderful day that I still look back on fondly. Congratulations you two!

“Our photos are absolutely perfect - classic, clean, bright and very pretty. I did a lot of research before deciding on a photographer and am so happy we chose her (and that she chose us)! Although my wedding was an intimate family affair, Cat fit right in. She is as lovely as her photos and I found her presence extremely positive, supportive and non-intrusive. It’s clear she loves what she does and I can’t recommend her highly enough!
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— Imke & Anil

featured suppliers

Ceremony Venue: Cambridge Registry Office
Reception Venue: Trinity Hall College Cambridge
Dress: Ivy & Oak
Hair: Aridal by Aria
Florist: Emily Tallulah Flowers
Cake: Patisserie Valerie

Imke and Anil exchange cheerful smiles before their wedding ceremony at Cambridge Registry Office.
Imke and Anil seal their marriage with a kiss at Shire Hall in Cambridge.
Anil and Imke, covered in confetti, laugh, surrounded by guests outside Cambridge Registry Office.
Wedding guest pop a bottle of champagne on a punt in Cambridge.
Anil and Imke wave at passersby on the bridge overhead as the newlyweds travel along the river Cam in a boat.
Anil and Imke embrace in the back of a punt after their wedding ceremony at Cambridge Registry Office.
Leslie Stephen room at Trinity Hall laid out for Imke and Anil's wedding breakfast with white and pink rose centrepieces.
Imke, Anil and their wedding guests stand in a row smiling outside Trinity Hall College in Cambridge.
Imke dances with her wedding guests at Trinty Hall College in a cap-sleeved wedding dress.
Wedding guests laughing and dancing at Imke and Anil's micro wedding in Cambridge.
Anil and Imke walk through the courtyard at Trinity Hall College as the golden sun shines down.

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

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Rita & Adam: Rustic Summer Wedding at South Farm, Royston

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As one of my favourite and most visited venues, South Farm is a place close to my heart and it was just lovely to return there for Rita & Adam’s wedding day.

The Old Dairy at South Farm was the setting for their vows, with Rita beaming as she met Adam at the end of the aisle. Their heartfelt ceremony was a real privilege to capture and one that truly reminded me of how special my job is. Cheers erupted as Rita and Adam started their married life through an explosion of confetti thrown by their nearest and dearest, as always in front of the iconic South Farm blue door.

Rita looked absolutely gorgeous in a sequinned strapless dress by Kenneth Winston, and Adam was dapper in a bespoke navy suit by local tailor Souster & Hicks which he paired with a green tie and pocket watch.

The relaxed vibe continued with canapes and drinks in the gardens as they were congratulated by family and friends. Dinner and speeches took place in the Tudor Barn, which looked gorgeous adorned with festoon lights and rustic green and gold table decor.

We couldn’t resist popping out to capture the golden hour, which I always find elevates couples portraits into something that looks nothing short of magical. But for me the highlight of their day that I’ll always remember was the party: as per Italian tradition, Rita & Adam’s family circled them in vibrant coloured streamers as they kicked the night off with their first dance. It was such a unique moment to capture and it’s always the first thing that comes to mind when I think about their day.

Huge love and congratulations to Rita & Adam, I’m so thrilled you asked me to capture your day!

“Oh my, we are just speechless! Thank you SO much, you did such an amazing job and we are just in love with them. I don’t know how we’re going to pick which ones we want in an album and framed! We are just over the moon with them.”
— Rita & Adam

featured suppliers

Venue: South Farm
Florist: Julie Cambridge
Dress: Kenneth Winston via George James Bridal
Make up: Lorella Marella
Suit: Souster & Hicks
Jewellery: Rita Romano and Ruth Tomlinson

The piglets and hens at South Farm on the morning of Rita & Adam's wedding.
South Farm wedding venue in Bedfordshire with its distinctive blue door and sash windows.
The Old Dairy at South Farm, ceremony ready with the aisle beautifully decorated with gypsophila.
Bridesmaid in emerald green bridesmaid dress buttons Rita's sequinned strapless wedding gown.
Rita and Adam exchange rings at their wedding ceremony in The Old Dairy at South Farm, Bedfordshire.
Guests of all ages enjoy a game of quoits in the gardens of South Farm, Bedfordshire.
Rita and Adam crouch in their wedding attire smiling as they pet the pigs at South Farm.
Adam and Rita share a kiss as they rest on the blue tuk tuk at South Farm.
Bride makes a speech in the Tudor Barn at South Farm, and the groom and guests look on smiling.
Guests of all ages wrap colourful streamers around the newly-weds as they share their first dance.

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

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