Don and James's Wedding

As promised in my last instalment, this was the wedding that led to the reception that led to the delicate state in which I found myself photographing 13 noisy children in Halifax the next day.

Don was my manager when I took a temp job on my return to Leeds after my bachelors degree, and whilst I settled into a full time contract with the company around my part time post-grad courses (I've always been a busy person).

My memories of Friday night drinks with the rest of the staff over the 3 years I was there are far from clear, but out of that fuzzy, dry-ice in a night-club type of haze, there are some very sharply illuminated scenes in which there are visible Don dancing like a madman, encouraging me to dance like a mad woman, and lots and lots and lots of beer. And laughter.

We both moved on from that company a few years ago, so it was a particular pleasure and an honour when I received a message on Facebook asking me to be the photographer for Don and James when they finally did the decent thing and married each other after 18years together.

Jo and I teamed up again and returned with delight to Oulton Hall, which we knew well as our old studio had been in Oulton village. It was a perfect late September day, some cloud cover but still warm, and despite both the grooms nerves, it developed into a wonderful relaxed celebration, with loving friends and family visibly proud to be there.

Here are a few of my shots of the big day.

Part of me wishes I'd had my camera at the evening do, but then I wouldn't have managed 2 hours of dancing.....

The Thursday Club in Manor Heath Park

For the last 4 years, I've had the pleasure of getting to know the Jones girls. I first met Louise when she was heavily pregnant with Ava, and Masie and Katie were typically boisterous 3 and 5 year olds. They followed Jo and I to our new studio when we set up, and were among the first people to take up our idea of  going outside to have some fun to shoot more natural photos.

So when Louise asked if I'd be able to shoot 13 kids outside in a park in Halifax, I jumped at the chance, and we set a date.

When the day came, it turned out to be the morning after the massive reception to a rather lovely wedding (of which more later...), and I was feeling just a little bit delicate, but somehow managed to shake it off and have some very noisy fun with this rabble!

I hope everyone had as much fun as I did. Here's a few of the shots.

Amanda and Ian's Wedding

Just a few from Ian and Amanda's wedding at the end of August. St Anthony's in Beeston is one of the most beautiful and simple churches I've ever been to, with an open and light-filled space, even though it springs straight from the pavement and is nestled amongst the buildings of one of the close terrace streets near Cross Flatts Park.

From the moment I met this couple back in May, we were making each other laugh, and the rehearsal and ceremony were no different, which made my job easy!

On the day, the weather decided to throw some challenging conditions at us - going from full bright blue-sky sunshine, through storm light and then to thick black clouds again before the most beautiful golden evening light when we got to the South Leeds Golf Club, another hidden gem on the Beeston/Middleton border.

The priest, who had known Amanda for years, allowed me full, unrestricted movement around the church during the ceremony, and so I was able to provide a variety of views of the proceedings.

All in all, it was a pleasure to be present at such a lovely event, and I hope the photos show a little of the fun this little family share.

I wish them all the happiness in the world!

Dave, Toni and Lily!

I first met Dave and Toni when they came to the studio about 2 years ago, and I've had the pleasure of photographing Lily as she's grown from the newborn she was when I first met her into a very entertaining and happy toddler.

We went for a little stroll along one of their favourite footpaths on Bank Holiday Monday. Here's a few shots.

Cara & Phill's Big Day

At last, after all the planning, discussions, coffee and cake, on 3rd June, Phill and Cara became Mr & Mrs Healy at Leeds Town Hall. I've enjoyed getting to know this lovely couple so much, and I know how much each of them was looking forward to just being married, so it was an absolute pleasure to be there to photograph their ceremony.