Elle and Luke - it may have been small, but it was mighty!

Elle and Luke’s wedding was a breath of fresh air in a world gone wedding mad. Am I allowed to say that? Possibly not given what I do, but it just goes to show that you do not need to go cRaZy and lose your marbles over decisions, favours and finances when it’s really only about two people loving each other and committing to each other in front of a small band of loved ones. A very simple, beautiful and life changing act. To say YES to sharing a lifetime. It’s magic. 

And that’s exactly what I witnessed a few sunny Saturdays ago at York House in Twickenham. Both Elle and Luke looked absolutely gorgeous! Having chosen the perfect outfits for a small summer wedding, they couldn’t have looked happier or more elegant together. Elle’s hair and make-up was primed to perfection and as she photographs so beautifully, I could have kept them out there for hours papping away. What a fabulous venue too - it had so many little spots for portraits and yes, we may have had to dodge a few members of the public but I love how strangers will always congratulate a couple and move out of the way quickly, it’s heartwarming! 

Their family members were a delight to be around too and they made me feel instantly welcomed and at ease. Big thanks to them all for being such a fantastic bunch! 

And just like a lovely dream, it was over in a beat. A few getting ready shots, a civil ceremony, some group photos and portraits and before I knew it, it was over, and I was whisked back to my noisy kid life. Time goes poof when you're having fun! And whilst there may have only been a few hours of shooting, I think the photos capture some beautiful moments of this very special love story.

A wedding is a big milestone in a life, but the other one Elle and Luke are about to embark on (they're expecting their first bub - YAY!) is bigger, noisier, messier and more expensive than you can ever imagine, but it is without doubt the best thing you'll ever do. Elle and Luke, I think you're going to make amazing parents and with the support of your lovely families, you'll ace this parenting lark, just as you did the wedding one :)

Thank you for choosing me in the vast sea of wedding suppliers - I only hope I did you proud!

My love and best wishes to you both,

Loukie xx

The Fab Suppliers:

The Venue: York House, Twickenham
Getting Ready venue: Petersham Hotel
The Dress: Reformation
The Suit: Suitsupply
Hair and Make-up: Bibi Bellhouse MUA and hair_by_mella
The Flowers: Rose & Mary Flower Studio

John, Talya, Lyla and Izaak…The fabulous four and a fabulous wedding!

Beautiful, bustling Brighton, what a corker of a place to fall in love, raise a family and get hitched. It’s home to John and Talya so a natural choice of course, but then again, it is the BEST place. Talking as an ex-Brightonian, and someone who has shot lots of weddings there, it’s still my favourite place as it offers so much - vibrant colours, picturesque scenery, cool backdrops… Fonzy cool! There’s crazy characters everywhere, chilled vibes, stunning light, and lest I forget a big old massive beach! Alfresco’s played host and I’ve never seen it look so pretty - tables adorned with romantic, dreamy flowers, pretty pastels aplenty, sticks of Brighton rock, pebble place names… ahhh too much PRETTY I can’t take it! And rather handy to be able to just pop onto the beach for shots as the light changed too. It was a brilliant venue for this relaxed wedding. And true to the ‘traditional’ English summer, ta-da, it  rained, but hey, it was 30+ degrees a couple of hours before so that’s fairly novel!

Let me rewind a little to the ceremony at Brighton Town Hall. This time we were in the Council Chambers and when I say it was hot, it was HOT! Lordy! My eye-balls were sweating! Clever Talya took the last minute decision to buy heart-shaped fans for all the guests and it was a stroke of genius. I caught the odd breeze but there was no time to stand around and fan myself, I was on duty to be the (sweaty) ninja photographer. The stairs outside the chambers are stunning and it was a wonderful spot for the family shots and a couple of the coupley ones. I can’t believe I’ve not been allowed up there before!
It was a very special ceremony, short and sweet with a bucket load of heart and one of the best moments of the day had to be the sheer delight on Lyla and Izaak’s face when mummy and daddy had their first kiss. Oh the glee on those little faces! It was such a special moment and I’m so glad I was able to capture it. I have to say Lyla and Izaak were an absolute delight throughout the day, super fun and friendly and totally up for being papped… little stars in the making!

So onto the main attraction… the lovely John and Talya. They were a delight and a real pleasure to work with and they make such a gorgeous couple. It has to be said they looked incredibly happy and utterly relaxed with each other, their guests and their kiddiwinks. They just seemed so happy to be together and celebrate the life they have created. Talya’s speech made me cry! Waaaah. As a mum I understand the sheer simplicity of love and gratitude for your partner and your children, and she conveyed it perfectly. Another highlight was during John’s speech when he actually got down on one knee and proposed again! The other speeches deserve big accolades too, with lots of childhood anecdotes and funny stories relayed and a great little look-book of John’s childhood… I liked Rugby John the best!

A big huge massive thanks must go to Kate, my very glamorous and shoeless assistant who braved the pebbles (did I mention she was shoeless? OUCHIE) to do the laborious task of holding a light stand, but she did it brilliantly and we got some awesome shots, so Kate m’darling, I hope it was worth the pain! A thousand thank you’s!

To finish, I would like to say a big hooray to this family… a truly fabulous four! I get the impression that life in their household is full of love and giggles and it was a real privilege being part of it for a day. To see two people in love and getting married when they’re already 2 kids and 14 years down, is very special and makes it all seem very real and very honest.

So John and Talya, I salute you! For being awesome, for raising awesome (the kiddies that is) and for hiring me. I hope I’ve captured your wedding as you wished it to be and I wish you all the love, luck and happiness in life as you go forward together.

My love and best wishes to you both,

Loukie xx


The Fab Suppliers....
 
The Venue: Alfresco, Brighton
Wedding Coordinator: Alex at Alfresco 
The Dress: Olvi Lace
The Suit: Moss Bross
Hair and Make-up: Hair by Ingrid from Fine to Fabulous and make-up by Magdalena, friend of the bride 
The Caterers: Alfresco
The Flowers: Ali from Go Botanica. Bouquets by Adele, friend of the bride
The Cake: Made by bride and friend Sophia
The Music: Technicolour