The job today was to attend the 50th Doe Show and capture some of the action for Ernest Doe & Sons near Maldon, Essex. A very testing day this year with cold and rain to cope with - keeping the front of the lenses dry was very challenging! A range of pictures showing what was going on, from sales in action, to new products and practical demonstrations in the fields.

Just received a great testimonial from Kirsten & Aaron who were married last year:- "we could not be more thrilled with the album. Everyone we have shown the album to has commented on your style of photography and the relaxed nature of the photos which was exactly what we wanted and the quality of the album itself seems to be much better than a lot of other examples we have seen!" Thank you Kirsten & Aaron. We very much look forward to meeting you again later this year with the new member of your family!

Cheryl & Michael were married at Parklands, Quendon Hall on a cold day.  With a bit of encouragement their Guests went outside allowing us to take some outside pictures for the Bride and Groom.  The Guests were thankful that we didn't take very long!  Everyone was entertained throughout the day and evening by the fantastic Solo Vocalist & Recording Artist, Janet Jaye.

David and I would like to thank all the prospective Bride and Grooms who attended the above Wedding Fairs on Sunday.  Unfortunately, these fairs were on the same day, but it was a very rewarding day for each of us at our respective venues.

The Essex venue chosen by Laura & Simon for their Wedding Day was Crabbs Barn in Kelvedon.  Laura and her Dad arrived for the Ceremony at Crabbs Barn by Horse & Carriage, a surprise for Laura!  After the Ceremony and despite the damp weather we were able to take some lovely shots of Laura & Simon outside.  It was a pleasure to meet Laura's family again as Laura was the third member of the family we have photographed. 

On Sunday 31st January, David will be exhibiting our photography at Charter Hall, Colchester from 10am-4pm.  This Wedding Fair is one of the most popular Fairs in the area with two halls full of Exhibitors for all your Wedding Day requirements together with Fashion Shows.     

Sandra will be attending the Hylands House Wedding Fair on Sunday 31st January, 10am-4pm.  Come and talk to the Exhibitors as well as see the Fashion Shows.

Come and meet us at the beautiful Layer Marney Tower, 11am-4pm, and view our new albums.  We look forward to seeing you. 

Our thanks go to Sharon & Lesley of 'The Wedding Fayre' for another successful Wedding Show at Smeetham Hall Barn, Bulmer.  We congratulate them as it was their 10th Anniversary of organising a Wedding Fayre at this particular venue and we are pleased to add that we have exhibited at every one!

We had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Cherise & Joseph at the lovely St. Nicolas Church, Witham.  As it was a cold day a few pictures were taken inside the Church.  Whilst waiting for the buses with the Guests to arrive at Five Lakes Hotel for the Reception, Cherise & Joseph braved the weather to get some outside images.  Surprise evening entertainment was a Michael Jackson Tribute act, well worth waiting for!

We will be exhibiting at our first Wedding Fayre of 2010 at Smeetham Hall Barn, Bulmer, on Sunday 17th January, 11am-4pm.  Come and visit this popular venue, meet us and view our new albums.  We look forward to seeing you.

An even colder day, but with winter sunshine, greeted us for Tracey & Mark's Wedding photography at The Fennes Estate, Bocking.  The requested Group pictures were taken inside Fennes with a few other pictures taken outside.  A big 'thank you' to Tracey for putting on her boots so we could take some lovely nightime pictures on the bridge in the icy and deteriorating conditions.

Despite being a cold day, we had a little winter sunshine for Louise & Spencer's Wedding at The Fennes, Bocking.  We were able to capture some lovely photographs which we are sure Louise & Spencer will like.  A very emotional part of the day was when Spencer, who is a New Zealander, sang a special song to Louise.

Our first Wedding of 2010 was at the stunning venue of Gosfield Hall, Essex.  Although it was a cold day with the odd snow shower, Sam & Neil were more than happy to have photographs taken in the lovely grounds of Gosfield Hall.  It was great fun to work with Greg of 'Capture the Day' again and we must say how beautiful the flowers were, which were provided by W Flowers.  Fireworks ended Sam & Neil's memorable day.

David and I were delighted to receive a 'Thank you' card from Kelly & Paul who were married in the summer of 2009, at Fennes.  A couple of quotes:-

'Thank you also for all your help and support before, during and after the wedding.  You really did help to make the day extra special and we are so pleased with how the photos turned out'.

What a nice start to the New Year.

Well it's that time of year again when we like to thank all our suppliers, good friends in the industry and our fantastic clients for another excellent year.

Sorry if we have missed anybody off our christmas card list!!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!!

David & Sandra

Gemma & Henry's choice for their Wedding Venue for their Wedding Day was Yaxley Hall, Suffolk.  This was our first visit to Yaxley Hall and what a picture it made in the snow.  Although it was cold everybody ventured out of the Hall for a few pictures, before hurrying back in for warmth!

A question for all Brides? Does your photographer have any cover or plans in the event of disaster? Today our network of photographers was called into action when Steve from 'A Little Box of Memories' called because he was stuck in the snowy traffic jams! We grabbed our cameras and drove to Leez Priory to cover for him in case he did not get there. As it happened he was only 10 minutes late and took the wedding back over before we had really got started. Can you imagine how much better the Bride felt with the message 'I am stuck and may not make it but somebody is comng to cover'.

Last night our group (well those that wanted to!) met for a very quiet (?) meal and drink at Waterfront Place, Chelmsford. Picture show how some of the committee lead the way in refined conduct!!! Great night out, just went too quickly.

Maxine and Martin were married at St Mary's Church, Bocking, on a cool but dry and bright day with their Reception being held at The Fennes Estate, Bocking.  We were able to take some lovely photographs of Maxine and Martin on the bridge at Fennes in the sunshine in the afternoon and some sunset pictures later on.

After a thoroughly wet morning, the weather brightened, in time for Rachel & Jon's Wedding at The Fennes Estate, Bocking. Eventually, it was dry enough to go outside for some shots, in addition to taking some lovely relaxed, informal pictures within the house.

Sarah & Kristian's Wedding was held at the unique Butley Priory, Suffolk.  We were spoilt for choice for photographic opportunities and made full use of these.  Sarah & Kristian asked their Guests to decorate a Pumpkin and held a competition to find the best one.  This was a lovely idea and good fun, especially within the candlelit setting.

A belated 'thank you' to everyone who attended the Fennes Open Day, we enjoyed meeting new clients as well as existing ones and had a very successful day.

My good friend and fellow Photographer Dave Court of Court on Camera has written a great blog on how he is recommended by Venues for his work and not for a commission. This I fully agree with. Recommendations should be for consistently doing a good job, not for money. Our clients can rest assured that the Venues that kindly list us as a preferred supplier do not receive any payment.

Despite the weather being a bit chilly on Carly & Darren's Wedding day, the Ceremony was held outside in the Gazebo at Newland Hall, Roxwell.  The Autumn colours were fantastic and we took full advantage of this and produced some beautiful pictures.  The Guests were entertained during the Wedding Breakfast by the marvelous Magician, Nick Crown.

This Sunday 18th October we will be exhibiting our photography at The Fennes Estate, Bocking. Come and view this lovely Georgian Manor House and meet us at the same time.

The Wedding of Kieran & Becky was held at Parklands, Quendon Hall.  As well as providing a lovely setting, there are lots of areas inside Parklands for photographs.  Kieran & Becky were happy to oblige. 

Sally & Wayne were married at The Fennes, Bocking on a lovely day. The Fennes provides numerous opportunities for creating wonderful photographs and Sally & Wayne enjoyed being photographed.  Thank you to Glenn Mayes (Toastmaster) for assisting us on the day.

Newland Hall, Roxwell, was the chosen venue for Jeff & Coral's Wedding Day.  Despite being a cold day, Jeff, Coral and their Guests braved the cold, allowing David and I to take some nice photographs outside.

The weather was kind to us for the Wedding of Patrick & Kathrine.  After photographing Kathrine at her parents' house we travelled to the beautiful Layer Marney Tower.  After the Ceremony, with the weather being dry and not cold, various photographs were taken around the grounds.