Just a couple from today before my battery dies.
More to come from this wedding and last weeks wedding.
Dnx
]]>Up, showered, hair washed and done, thermals on and equipment packed thanks to Michael, then we were off by 08:30, whilst my parents looked after our children.
The day started really well, great weather, easy drive and the navigation apparently knew where to take us; er not so sure about that, when it tried to dump us in the middle of a field. A quick consultation with the iPhone, a call to Nadia with an update and we were back on track.
We arrived at Starborough Manor with a jolly greeting from the owner Lynn. Slipped my shoes off and headed up stairs to see Nadia. There she was, a picture of fresh coolness and relaxation, as Becky GHD'd her hair, pulling in lucious bouncy curls. The rapport was instantly there from our previous pre-wedding session and recce. As soon as I saw Nadia, I thought to myself, "this is going to be a great day!"
The light was lovely and without delay, I assembled my equipment and proceeded to capture images of the beautiful bride to be. A short while later and I got to meet one of the lovely maids of honour, Louise; she was glowing. Maybe it was the pregnancy, however, I didn't want to ask and possibly get it so wrong! So far, so good, lovely group of ladies thus far, it's going well.
Capturing various details in my usual signature fashion, I reliased one of the things I treasure about this part of the wedding - the wedding laughter. It's such an amazing atmosphere, completely inspiring; I love being a wedding photographer.
Hayley, Nadia's other Maid of Honour, brought with her huges smiles and expressions when she arrived and was probably not even aware of it - perfect moments for me to capture for Nadia and Dominic to treasure.
I'm not good and keeping in surprises I create, so was bursting to tell Nadia about the DVD she'd have for the evening. Needless to say, she was over the moon, which made me really warm inside.
In keeping with her profession, Nadia couldn't resist and had organised for her party to have these cute purple hoodies with "CREW" on the back - so cool. Even her brother Carl was rocking his CREW hoody in the grounds and mum, Lyn, provided me with a great capture, when she struck a pose in her one.
Michael and I were in contact with each other via phone as usual, so when we were arriving at Coltsford Mill, he was there on cue, ready to capture "Bridezilla, The Beast" aka the big white car that Nadia and Dominic were using for the week leading up to the wedding. Well he was capturing Nadia arriving, however, The Beast had to have it's moment of fame.
Coltsford Mill was buzzing with excitement, there were four wedding co-ordinators on hand to ensure everything was just so: Jan, Jen, Jacque and Sharon, just to confuse.
One thing Nadia wanted for her wedding day was snow, however, Mother Nature instead gave us a bright fresh day on 3 December 2011, instead of the forecasted showers. Thank you Mother Nature!
I could go on and on, however, I think you probably just want to see the images now, so without further ado, here they are and Nadia, I thought you deserved the snow - you were ACE...
What I failed to mention earlier, is that I created this Showcase AT the wedding and it was premiered to the newly weds and their wedding guests at the end of the night. There were cheers and tears - all joy.
Nadia and Dominic, thank you for choosing Denise Ebanks Weddings to capture you becoming Mr & Mrs Collins!
Enjoy and please, please do leave a comment here and share this wedding story.
Dnx
Vendors:
Hair and Makeup: Beauty Call - Becky Sargeant, Francisee for Brighton
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Just a couple from today before my battery dies.
More to come from this wedding and last weeks wedding.
Dnx
]]>Donna and Peter's wedding coverage was our first in Jamaica - not only were the bride and groom delighted with their images, it was televised on Channel 4 in March this year.
Read what the bride and groom had to say...
DONNA SMOJICE & PETER LIVINGSTON in Montego Bay
Wedding date: 21 November 2009
Location: Jamaica
Venue name: Rose Hall Resort & Spa
We had planned on flying a photographer from the states with us to photograph our wedding and in the 11th hour we were offered an opportunity to have an experience of a lifetime. World renowned photographers Denise and Michael Ebanks were in the process of taping a documentary with Ricochet Productions and chose our wedding to photograph based on the location of the ceremony and reception. The documentary will air on Channel 4 in the UK sometime in the February/March time-frame of this year. So technically we had two teams of photographers and we have photos to share of them filming and photographing us if this is something of interest. Included in the link below are a highlight of photographs combined from both photographers.
Enjoy!
Dnx
]]>How gorgeous is this...
The plush purple pocket book - it's simply perfect to give as a gift or just for you...
Purchase yours for only £100 during June 2011, instead of £125 - first come, first served - we have been advised that more can be ordered.
Denise x
]]>This is such a hidden treasure for weddings.
More images to follow...
There's no devil in this detail at St John's Church in Shirley. © Denise Ebanks, Surrey wedding photographer.
It was a 6am start to enable us to casually get ready, get the children to their respective destinations for the day and make our way to Jess, then Mark.
When I arrived with Jess, it was a very relaxed atmosphere - light hearted fun, beautiful ladies and there was Lloyd, I'll tell you more about Lloyd later.
Jess receives a wedding day manicure from her friend Yas (whose wedding we're also photographing in May) and enjoys the benefit of the 'Jessica' hot mitts.With the introductions out of the way, I got to what I love doing, capturing my Signature Details and the preparations - or 'preps' - as they happened. This is big fun and the day appeared to have started out just how Jess had described.
Denise Ebanks Signature Details start to take shape - it's during the preps that many of the Signature Details are captured.
The engagement ring presented on Jess' blue garter, although there are images of the ring on ripe plum - oh I love the creativity of Signature Details.
The bride's beautiful dress, her 'Dorothy' golden shoes and tiara all await her, whilst the young bridesmaid dress delivers a decadent accident of colour - all captured as Signature Details, part of the preps.
When you opt to have a second photographer, from Denise Ebanks Weddings, for that additional unique angle, you can expect Signature Details like this from your preps - capture by Michael Ebanks whilst photographing the groomsmen getting ready.
Our Signature Details - how many ways can you say, "I love you"? How many ways can we photograph your symbols of love? - These Signature Details were captured by Michael Ebanks whilst the groomsmen were getting ready.
The groomsmen have the gifts ready to hand out later - captured by Michael EbanksThe bridal preps with Jess were first class entertainment - the ladies had me in stitches, from hair remover to drying poses - brilliant. However, some things are best left off camera, which gave our bride one less thing to worry about!
I have the honourable pleasure of introducing the bride, Jess - accented by a little rock-chick - having her makeup applied by her pro-makeup artist sister, Becki.
Professional makeup on your wedding day is an absolute winner, even if you don't usually wear makeup - it has so many benefits for your professional photography - captured by Denise Ebanks at bridal preps.
The last few moments before Jess gets into her dress - captured by Denise EbanksYasemin, Becki, Fiona and her special girls were so helpful in ensuring everything was just so for Jess. Whilst the ladies helped Jess, I took advantage of a spare moment to process some images on my iPad and upload to our Facebook page - even I was impressed with the quality and speed at which I was able to get images from preps to the world!!
Meet the groom, Mark Spicknell, at home getting ready for his wedding - preps covered by second photographer Michael Ebanks.
Mark and Luke, his best man, reflect as they prepare for the big day - captured my Michael Ebanks.
As Dizzee Rascal said: Fix Up, Look Sharp. The boys indulge in a little light conversation and they ready themselves.
The men look sharp, ready for the upcoming nuptials - captured by Michael Ebanks.Oh yes, back to Lloyd, whilst Jess was waiting to get into her dress, I sat on the sofa next to Lloyd, who promptly passed gas and looked and me as if to say, "What?". What can I say - that boxer was so blasé and cute, I couldn't even hold it against him.
Lloyd chills out on the sofa whilst Debbie and Yas help Jess into her dress - reminded me of the parachute game at school - all part of the preps.
Debbie and Yas perform their bridesmaids duties with pleasure, in assisting Jess in lacing up her dress - the mood was getting urgent yet still blissful.
"I make this dress look gooood!" - Yes you do Jess and look at your hair, what a blessing having such a talented sister and lovely locks.
Jess, the beautiful bride stepping into the 'Dorothy' golden shoes and heading off to meet her husband to be, as I steal one more glance...
Capturing the moments - was it the last hug for daddy's girl as Miss Fox before heading off to give his daughter's hand in marriage?With a few special moments captured and the details in the bag, I joined Fiona and the bridesmaids in the car for an entertaining journey and headed off to the Ripley Arts Centre in Bromley where the ceremony was taking place.
The Ripley Arts Centre, Bromley, awaits guests for Jess & Mark's wedding ceremony - captured by Michael Ebanks.
The Louise Prince Room is beautifully dressed for the ceremony - captured by Michael Ebanks.
Mark is certainly the host, but wait, the bride has arrived... captured my Michael Ebanks.
Looking absolutely stunning, Jess arrives at Ripley Arts Centre in Bromley with her dad - captured by Denise & Michael Ebanks.
Here comes the bride - Jess proceeds on the bridal march to meet her husband to be... - captured by Michael Ebanks
Jess & Mark share a moment together before Jess' dad gives her hand in marriage - captured by Denise Ebanks
The vows commence and the ring exchange begins... - captured by Denise & Michael Ebanks
Feel the magic of black and white in this ring exchange - captured by Denise Ebanks
Married! ...and captured by Michael Ebanks
The legalities and exchange of glances...
As Jess accepts her Marriage Certificate, I have to share a little more detail of her dress, it is so delicately divine...
Intentional shoe shot! As husband and wife, Jess and Mark leave the ceremony to celebrate with bubbly, friends and family...Our registrar was lovely, happy for us to capture images for Jess & Mark and very complimentary of their guests. It was a lovely ceremony, with Mark visibly moved by his beautiful bride.
Mr & Mrs share a kiss and poor the bubbly... - captured by Michael EbanksLuckily for us, the weather held up for an outdoor group photo opportunity of all the guests, plus some special intimate groups. With those formalities out of the way, we were able to move on to my Signature Portraits.
The wedding party toasts the newlyweds outside in the gardens... - captured by Denise EbanksWhen a bride looks so beautiful, it seems perfectly natural for me to capture it with a Signature Portrait. With a little makeup top up from her professional makeup artist sister, Becki, we were all set to go.
Becki applies a makeup topup ready for the Denise Ebanks Signature Portraits...For someone who was confessed to not being able to have her photograph taken of her, Jess looked gorgeous in front of the camera and 'worked it' like the best of them in front of the lens. I wish we could have had more time to explore some of the other special spots at the lovely venue.
Jess has fun and works it for the camera, enabling me to capture my Signature Portraits and deliver memories to treasure for a lifetime...
The Denise Ebanks Signature Portraits are often sexy and fun... photographed by Denise Ebanks.
Pensive maybe - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Peek-a-boo - the bride is over here having fun, naturally - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Calling time on the Signature Portraits, as we head for The Dolphin for the reception - photographed by Denise EbanksMichael and I made our way to 'the Dolphin' reception venue in Sydenham, where there was a lovely spread waiting and more bubbly for Jess & Mark's lovely guests. I found a spot in the corner and set about downloading and selecting some more images to upload, whilst I admired Becki's shoes! Must admit, I was tempted to run off with Jess' shoes when she left them in my care - especially as we're the same size, however, I guarded those beauties lol.
Following a little bite to eat (there was plenty available) with a Coke, hysterical and succinct speeches, cutting of the cake and the enjoyable first dance, we left the married couple for a while before returning to capture The Tiny Nuns' performance live on stage.
During all of this Mark and his wife, Jess, had approached us individually and jointly to thank us and share their appreciation for covering their wedding. Both Michael and I were extremely touched by Mark's complete faith in us, expressing his total trust and belief in how perfect the images would be even though he hadn't see them, purely out of who we were being.
With our children back safe and sound after their fab day, we were able to say good night to a wonderful day, smiling in the knowledge that all went to plan - Jess & Mark's plan.
More images to follow later, please watch this space - subscribe to the blog for updates, share the link and do leave a comment or two for others to see and feel the love :) Thank you for taking the time to read my account of their day.
Dnx
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Michael's unique angle whilst we photographed Peter & Donna's wedding - Peter's Facebook profile pic and favour image from the wedding hands down!
It's finally aired, the documentary that took Michael, myself and our children to Jamaica to explore the possibilities of a life out there.
If you missed the documentary and are here in the UK, request a disk for your own viewing. If you're outside the UK, join our official facebook page where clips will be available.
One of the many questions we've had whilst the programme aired at this unholy hour was whether we are still here in the UK. The answer to that is yes, we're still here in the UK and are offering both UK and destination weddings, including Jamaica - in fact, we're off to Spain in May to photograph another beautiful wedding.
We have received a number of comments about 'the hotel guy' and his portrayal of us and wanted to be clear that he was totally supportive of us off camera, both before, during and after the wedding. Admittedly, I too was very concerned that I was being portrayed to be overbearing and upsetting to the bride, which is the total opposite of who I am. I can only think that TV is required to provide interesting viewing and this documentary required some drama and suspense, which it certainly achieved through editing.
View images from Donna & Peter's Jamaican destination wedding right here on our imageXperience blog. Whilst you're here, why not take a look at our other photo sessions from our going back to Jamaica experience:
This morning (16 March 2011), Donna, the beautiful bride, who featured in the TV documentary said, "The only thing I remember about that scene was you coming to my side when my hair was going terribly wrong. I don't think I had any of my bridal party with me and you were the only voice of reason during that time. I remember being upset about my hair and you gave the hair dresser some feedback which in turn helped everything out. Plus, I don't remember talking to Peter at all during that scene. I think what happened is he was making assumptions for me OR he was 'playing the part'.
Denise - you and Michael did such an amazing job on our phtotos we cannot thank you enough. You made our day so much more special and I felt we had an instant bond. You also gave us some of our most special photos as a couple ever - doubly so with the shoot before the wedding!!"
Since the documentary was filmed, I have been back to Jamaica twice to photograph an intimately You™ at the Rose Hall Great House, plus the weddings of Amber & Anthony at Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa hotel and Laura & Jeff at The Great House in Rose Hall.
I'm delighted with the interest in intimately You™ - us ladies are going to have so much fun capturing these.
Again, if you missed the documentary and are here in the UK, you can request a disk for your own viewing. If you're outside the UK, join our official facebook page where clips will be available.
When will I be going back to Jamaica again? More to come...
Dnx
PS - The Groom, Peter, loved the unique angle Michael captured from behind the aqueduct and is currently using it as his profile pic on Facebook, PLUS the wedding manager asked for a copy of this image promoting the aqueduct - oh and we've got walkie talkies on order lol :) x
]]>You'll be able to pick and choose your colour scheme until your heart is content.
Even down to getting the right colours for your printer for invitations!
Go explore and enjoy.
Dnx
]]>We arrived at Andrew's mum's house at 10:00 to be greeted at the door with a video camera - Ian was documenting the day in his charming manner. This was the first time I had the pleasure of meeting Karen, Andrew's bubbly and welcoming mum, and Sofia, Hanna and Andrew's beautiful calm natured daughter.
Following a brief reacquaintance with Johanna, Birgitta and meeting little Noah, it was time to put my newly gleaned knowledge and camera to my eye to capture the moments that matter.
This could end up being a really long post, however, I'll provide the highlights...
Michael and I had the pleasure of meeting some truly wonderful people yesterday - Jenny, Andrew's sister is lovely, a really down to earth individual with great personality and a fun family.
Martin, Andrew's dad must think that I have absolutely no sense of direction and he'd be right, I managed to get quite a bit of walking in enroute to the church, it was probably about 50 paces! I won't go into how many I took when I got lost!
I'll post the images in no particular order, so please keep checking back and feel free to leave a comment below.
Having just seen the creativity of these ring details - I've decided on calling this part of the coverage 'Signature Details' - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Whilst the bride gets ready, Michael captures images of the reception venue as it takes shape, including the cake creation from Waitrose - photographed by Michael Ebanks
Signature Details, capturing the Bride's details - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Hanna prepares for her wedding, more Signature Details - is she dreaming of cake? - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks
Hanna prepares for her wedding with a professional makeover - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Andrew, Ken and Martin prepare the reception venue for guests to find Coltsford Mill - photographed by Michael Ebanks
The other little star of the day, Sofia with her mama and Nana - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Accessories, new and vintage, there was so much splendor at Karen's home - photographed by Denise Ebanks
The lovely Jenny setting a new trend with the joggers and heels - I like it! - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Adorable Page Boys and Beautiful Flower Girl - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Andrew gets ready to meet his bride - photographed by Michael Ebanks
Best friends from birth, Andrew and Ken get ready to look their best in their respective roles - photographed by Michael Ebanks
Family matters - the children enjoy a cousins moment - photographed by Denise Ebanks
More family matters - photographed by Michael Ebanks
Different locations, different photographers, yet still the same - the boys strike a pose with their top hats - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks
The glamorous mothers enjoy a professional makeover, looking a million dollars - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks
Off to the church, treasuring moments and awaiting his bride - photographed by Michael Ebanks
Hanna, Johanna and Jenny exchange the joggers for their tiaras and dresses, the atmosphere is transforming - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Final touches in preparation for the Bridal party to leave - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Andrew patiently awaits his bride, meanwhile Hanna is being fashionably late - photographed by Michael Ebanks
The guests are seated and the groom looks relaxed - photographed by Michael Ebanks
Hanna leaves for the church to meet her Groom - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Hanna arrives at Church - meanwhile, there's a photographer walking the lanes of Kenley - photographed by Michael Ebanks
The wedding ceremony begins at All Saints Church - photographed by Michael Ebanks
The rehearsal of Friday evening paid off, looks like Hanna is singing along beautifully - photographed by Michael Ebanks
Wedding couple at All Saints Church, Kenley - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks
Proud father and a different perspective - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Mancey - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks
As Johanna and Ken participate in the signing of the register with a little guidance from Reverend Christine Spurway, the married couple share a moment.
The guests sing, the Bride and Groom are blessed and baby Sofia looks on at her mummy and daddy. Bliss - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks
Rewind just a few and allow the married couple to leave the church as "Mr & Mrs" and reflect on "You May Kiss the Bride" - photographed by Denise Ebanks
The newly married couple lead the guests to their awaiting carriage - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks
An original Routemaster bus awaits to transport the married couple and their guests to Coltsford Mill, Oxted - photographed by Michael Ebanks
The Routemaster arrives at Coltsford Mill wedding venue with the married couple and guests - photographed by Michael & Denise Ebanks
A brief stroll down to Coltsford Mill and there's nothing to worry about - photographed by Michael Ebanks
Coltsford Mill wedding venue where the guest mingle on the patio - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks
The wonderful guests of Hanna and Andrew Mancey, they were truly lovely people and a pleasure to serve - photographed by Michael Ebanks
The magic continues...
The children are fascinated and mesmerised with the Magicians purple magic - photographed by Denise Ebanks
With the reception hall dressed, all that is required are the bride and groom and their guests - photographed by Michael Ebanks
Introducing Hanna & Andrew Mancey, signature bride and groom portraits - I adore the image on the right, it has a sheer chicness about it - you look beautiful Hanna...
She's radiant and beautiful - Andrew admires his wife - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Hanna and Andrew Mancey signature bride and groom portraits captured by Denise Ebanks
More signature portraits from Hanna & Andrew's wedding day yesterday at Coltsford Mill, Oxted - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Hanna posing with our Fulton umbrella during her Signature Portraits and having fun - photographed by Denise Ebanks
...and with a flash of leg and a glimpse of the garter, the Signature Portraits session comes to an end, allowing the bride and groom to freshen up for their meal - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Some from the amusing and emotional speeches
Birgitta, mother of the bride, delivers her speech in her unique way and elicits plenty of laughs - photographed by Michael Ebanks
Andrew delivers an emotional and impacting speech, enlightening us on how they met and everyone raises a glass to those not present - photographed by Michael Ebanks
Time for a little gift giving and a lot of appreciation - photographed by Michael Ebanks
The happy couple - photographed by Michael Ebanks
Anybody who's anybody will be at the Mancey Money Casino - photographed by Michael Ebanks
The first dance - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Then they got funky with the first dance - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Dancing the night away - photographed by Denise Ebanks
Who caught the bouquet? - Photographed by Denise Ebanks
Michael and I consider ourselves honoured to have captured these beautiful images, telling the story of Hanna and Andrew's special wedding day, that will live on forever and be shared with their daughter, Sofia.
Thank you for choosing us, we're enjoying the moments as they come.
Dnx
x
]]>...Zack and Shannon got married at Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Montego Bay, Jamaica almost a year ago now. Time seems to have flown by since Michael and I were there together photographing Zack and Shannon's beach wedding.
We are proud to present our first video testimonial from Zack, a 'cool dude' living in USA...
Thanks Zack x
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