Howell Photography

We were in Middlesbrough at the weekend for what I can only describe as a full weekend of wedding photography extravaganza. When we met Kara and Chuch they explained to us how they wanted to bring their two cultures together and asked if we would be prepared to not only photograph their wedding in Hemel Hempstead in a few weeks time (now referred to as act three by us all) but also travel to Middlesbrough for the first part or parts as I will explain. On Saturday morning we started off at Judges Hotel for the Civil ceremony. There were no getting ready or detail shots apart from the few we did at the hotel just prior to the ceremony ( we are doing that bit in Hemel Hempstead). Kara wore a traditional wedding dress with veil and looked stunning as she stepped out of the car with her parents. She already had tissue in hand before she had even got inside the hotel, bless her. Chuch looked equally handsome in his traditional suit. There were some lovely readings and the ceremony was really perfect. After some photos in the gardens we went to Chuch’s old school in Yarm, which was ten minutes away. One of his old teachers stopped to congratulate him and we did a very quick photo shoot in the grounds. However, this was only the beginning and the full colourful weekend wedding extravaganza was only about to begin (Act 2)

Here below is the traditional bit. Come back soon to feast your eyes on the very colourful Nikaah, Mehndi and Valima which are the Asian marriage ceremonies, hen night with dancing, Henna painting and finally Sundays full wedding reception (Valima). Can’t imagine what act three will be like in a few weeks time. How you and your families have put this all together I have no idea but it was such a pleasure photographing and being involved with it all.

Thank you Kara, Chuch and everyone at Middlesbrough for making us feel so welcome and for all the lovely food and favours.

Here are a few more from day two of Kara & Chuch’s weekend wedding extravaganza.

We were asked a few months ago to photograph the wedding of Rachel and James. We were actually fully booked for May but when we saw the venue and realised the style of the wedding was a relaxed country vintage theme we just had to say yes. I knew that Rachel was going to have some lovely details but when we arrived at the little church in Kenton, Suffolk  we were blown away by the details. The flowers were truly gorgeous with country peonies and stocks which smelt beautiful when we entered the church. All of the flowers in the church, around the arch, the bouquets and flowers at the venue were by Flourish & Green. Britt. who runs the company, is an old school friend of Rachel’s. She did an amazing job and I can highly recommend her. Everything about the day was simple and understated but at the same time beautifully elegant.  Rachel and James wanted the same understated feel to their photographs. Rachel had especially asked us to capture everything naturally and without any posing apart from a few group shots and fifteen minutes of portraits which again she didn’t want to look posed. She also asked us to capture lots of detail shots which we were only too happy to do. The reception was held at nearby Columbine Hall and was the perfect setting for the days relaxed country feel. The caterers Patricia Sharman & Company did a sterling job, they worked so hard and the food was very good. During the speeches, James requested that the best thing everyone could do to complete a perfect day was to really let their hair down and enjoy the party. The band, Flood The Floor, were fantastic and got the party swinging almost immediately. Not only do they perform like true pro’s they get right in with the people on the dance floor after asking for names from the ushers of people they wanted to surprise. We hope to see you at another venue again some time soon boys. We end the blog with Lucy’s energetic dance moves.

Thank you Rachel, James and all of your family and friends for making us feel so welcome. You make a super couple and we wish you much love and happiness for the future.

Mark and Sabrina joined us on Sunday for their pre wed shoot. We chose Cambridge as Mark wanted some street shots and Sabrina wanted a sort of long grassed country type feel to the shots. Luckily Cambridge offers a bit of both. Mark is actually American and work bought him to England where he met Sabrina on his first evening here. The shoot was relaxed and easy going. Just like them really. We chose some locations and let them do their thing. I don’t know what Mark was whispering as we wondered about, but there was a playfulness between them which we wanted to capture. We finished up with Mark trying his hand at punting. He soon got going and did really well. I had to promise Sabrina that I would get the shot if he fell in. Much to her disappointment he managed to stay on the boat, he he.

The wedding in July is at Wrest Park which is a beautiful stately home. Marks family and friends are flying over and they will love the venue. If any of them are reading this, hello, safe journey and looking forward to meeting you. Enjoy the shots.

We were so lucky to have such nice weather in Suffolk on Saturday when we met up with Jim and Rachael for their pre wed shoot. Teasel came along as well and quite enjoyed joining in. In fact she pretty much stole the show and has to be the most well behaved dog we have ever met. Walberswick was very quiet for a Saturday which was surprising as the weather was glorious. This is a very special place for Jim and Rachael and we were very pleased to do their shoot there.

Walberswick is full of great places which lend themselves well to photography. We had sand dunes, a beach, fisherman’s huts and boats and to finish off a great pub. After a quick pint we headed over to visit the fabulous house and garden, not far away from Walberswick, where the wedding will take place. I particularly like the relaxed feel of these images, especially the beach shots.