Newborn Baby Photography – The Pickles Family

Over the past few years, styled newborn photography sessions have really caught peoples imagination, you know, those pictures where you see a little sleeping baby all cosied up into a fluffy blanket? Well when I was contacted by Chloe, who lives at Catterick Garrison, and who was expecting her second baby 3 weeks later, I thought that this would be an ideal opportunity to give it a go! I duly invested in some blankets, baskets and fluffy things, and set out to see what I could create. Well, to say I love them is an understatement!! These might just be my favourite set of images ever!!! Not only this, but I had the best time, and little Bonnie, who is only 8 days old, looked like a little angel. We also did some photographs of her big brother Louis in the garden.

If you are expecting, and would like to create something similar, drop me an email on liz@lizpawleyphotography.co.uk xx

Devon Baby Photography: The Hinson-Yates Family

Photographing families is something that I don’t do half as much as I’d like to. Since I have relocated to Totnes, South Devon, the wedding photography has taken a back seat while we settle, but this weekend, I was lucky enough to have the Hinson Yates family stay at the house. Laura and Tony also brought along their newest addition, 4 month old Harry, and one of the first thoughts I had was that I had to capture Harry on film! Little Harry is one of the most chilled out babies I have ever met and this made photographing him really easy and fun. He really is an aborable little man, and I went away feeling very broody!

It is amazing what you can create in your own home when the right lighting is present. All of these photographs were taken in and around the house with only side window lighting, and no equipment. If you are looking for photography for you and your family, that is fun, quick, and fuss free, please do contact me at liz@lizpawleyphotography.co.uk

Kilworth House Wedding Photography : Thomas & Rachel Slideshow

Click play to view a slideshow of highlights from the Rachel & Toms wedding at Kilworth House Hotel.

King Wedding 250513 from Liz Pawley Photography on Vimeo.

Kilworth House Wedding Photography : Rachel & Thomas

I’d been looking forward to this wedding since the moment I met with Rachel & Thomas for photograph their engagement photographs at the wonderful Kilworth House Hotel in Leicestershire. That was back in April, and the hotel was deep in snow. Fast forward to May, and thankfully the sun was forecast to shine all day.

Kilworth House is an enchanting blend of Victorian opulence, fine food and contemporary luxury, set amid thirty-eight acres of landscaped South Leicestershire parkland. Rachel, her mum and the bridal party got ready at the hotel. After being present on many wedding days, I can honestly say I’ve never seen such a relaxed bride! When it was time, Rachels father took her arm, and walked her down the exceptionally grand staircase, and down the aisle to meet her groom. After a beautiful service, the party moved to the grounds to bask in the sunshine, and sample delicious canapes. We then got some beautiful shots of the newlyweds before the meal. Rachel & Tom love live music – and the theme reflected this, with the tables being named after gigs they have been to together. The speeches were wonderfully heartfelt, and then we went down to the crypt where the party well and truly started, courtesy of the fantastic band – The Mokats.

Anyway, a picture speaks a thousand words – so scroll down to see some of my favourites from the day!

For those who wish to see a slideshow of highlights please click here.

(Please note: These images have been re-sized and are low quality to aid in loading on mobile devices. Images may not display correctly if downloaded/printed. Printing is not recommended)

Please do leave me a comment below! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Kilworth House Engagement Photography : Rachel & Thomas : A Snowy Adventure

I was so excited when Rachel & Thomas got in touch to discuss their wedding location, as they had chosen to celebrate their wedding at Kilworth House, near Lutterworth in Leicestershire. The grounds and house are nothing short of stunning, and when it came to the engagement photography, there was only ever one location choice.

Now to say this winter has been cold is an understatement, and it just so happened that on the day of our session, we had heavy snowfall. The result of this was Kilworth House Hotel as you’ve never seen it before – a real winter wonderland. Some of the pictures remind me of Narnia! Even covered in snow, Kilworth still looks incredibly grand, and the snow makes it even more romantic. Because of the weather, time was limited,  but I still wanted to use as many locations as possible so Rachel & Tom had a varied selection of photographs. Most important, was to make sure the session was FUN! We even managed a snowball fight at the end! Here is what we created in between the snow showers. I really can’t wait for the big day in May. I’m crossing my fingers for blue skies & sunshine!

Kilworth House Hotel

A Snowy Kilworth House

Spring flowers & winter weather

Kilworth House Hotel grand entrance

Kilworth House engagement photography

The Impressive grounds at Kilworth House in the snow

The Impressive grounds at Kilworth House in the snow

Rachel & Thomas in the Impressive grounds at Kilworth House in the snow

Kilworth House winter wonderland

Engagement photography at Kilworth House

Rachel & Thomas in the Impressive grounds at Kilworth House in the snow

Rachel & Thomas in the Impressive grounds at Kilworth House in the snow

Rachel & Thomas in the Impressive grounds at Kilworth House in the snow

Rachel & Thomas in the Impressive grounds at Kilworth House in the snow

Rachel & Thomas in the Impressive grounds at Kilworth House in the snow

These guys didn’t stop laughing the whole time – such a fun day!

Rachel & Thomas in the Impressive grounds at Kilworth House in the snow

There was even time for a snowball fight!

Hot chocolate time!

Please, show your friends & share on Faceook/Twitter!

I’d love to read what you think,  so go on and leave a comment below.

The Wedding Venue Styling Inspiration 2013

Wedding styling has seen a massive growth in popularity in recent years, and it is set to continue into 2013. It is understandable, as every bride-to-be wants their wedding to be a reflection of their unique personality. I am yet to meet a bride who has not obsessed over this aspect of the day, and I am constantly surprised at the attention to detail this seemingly small aspect of the day commands.

Below are some fantastic examples of weddings I have photographed recently, where the venue styling has been on a purple & white theme. These images were taken in Summer 2011 in the Templar Room at Rothley Court, and also at Beaumanor Hall, both of which are wedding venues in Leicestershire. For the hand-made and personal touch, one bride made her own batch of wedding chutney, and also made place settings by baking her own biscuits, and icing on the guests names. This is a really great idea of a low cost & personal way of decorating your wedding tables.

Using letters & flowers on the top table creates a fun focus.

Colour co-ordinated and fun favours will entertain your guests.

Clean white linens create a crisp, fresh design.

Mirrors, love hearts, glitter and matching flowers tie the theme together, and provide a stunning table centre piece.

Purple & White tiered wedding cake to match the venue styling

Click here to see more from each wedding.. http://www.lizpawleyphotography.co.uk/#!/wedding-gallery

The Wedding Flower Inspiration post 2013

What kind of flowers do you want at your wedding? There are so many options, and the sky is the limit as florists strive to push creative boundaries for wedding flowers in 2013. Gone are the days of plain 1 coloured bouquets, choosing flowers is yet another way to express your personality and make your mark. Some of the key trends for 2013 are;

1. Bold Colours – Rainbow colours.
2. Accent Shades – a main colour with an accent shade, eg Lemon, Coral or Turquoise.
3. Vintage – Blush pinks & pastel shades with pale natural foliage.
4. DIY – Jars with forraged blooms from local meadows. Homemade ribbons, simple rustic table decorations.

If you are seeking some inspiration, have a look below for some inspiration from recent weddings I have photographed.

Shabby chic/Vintage makes for an informal and homemade feel to flowers.

Simple pink roses, classic english beauty

Multicoloured rose bouquet. Add colors to compliment your theme

Classic – Red & White roses

A very popular color choice in 2012, white & purple

Elisha & Stuart : Rothley Court Wedding Photography

I love working at new venues, so I was thrilled when Elisha and Stuart booked me to photograph their wedding at Rothley Court, Leicestershire. The venue is an impressive ancient manor house, with impeccably manicured grounds, which include a rose walk, and a babbling brook. Apparently, Rothley Court dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, impressive in itself, but for Elisha and Stuart it simply meant we were able to take some time to create some signature portraits in the magnificently grand interiors.

Elisha and her bridesmaids got ready at the family home. From the moment I arrived it was clear to see that Elisha had put tonnes of thought into making it crammed full of personal touches. Mum was even given a personalised handkerchief to dry her tears. The atmosphere was relaxed, the sun was shining and the scene was set for a beautiful day.

The wedding gown chosen was ‘Berkertex’ which was strapless, and full of ornate detail, and lace at the bottom. The moments before the bride leaves the house are often full of quiet contemplation, and I observed some beautiful moments when Elisha put her gown on, with mum by her side lacing the dress.

The ceremony was at St Peter & St Pauls, Syston, and the service was moving. The love Elisha and Stuart have for each other was clear, and there were many emotional moments as Elisha walked down the aisle. A choir sung out while the registers were signed.

I am always blown away by the effort that brides go to, to put their stamp on their wedding day, and Elisha and Stuart were no exception. The wedding breakfast was held in the Templar Room, with the venue styling done by Create the Scene. Balloons, lovehearts and purple flowers adorned the tables, and really helped accentuate the grandeur of the room. The wedding cake by Handmade by Hannah looked divine, and was skillfully created and decorated to match the Cadbury purple theme.  and For the evening reception, guests were invited to leave a fingerprint on the tree and sign their name. A personal touch, and a wonderful way of remembering your guests.

Stuart and Elisha, I wish you all the best for your future, and would like to thank you for welcoming me into your family for the day. It was an honour to be there to photograph it, and I am excited about designing your A4 storybook album.

For more Rothley Court wedding photography Visit – http://www.lizpawleyphotography.co.uk/

Feeling the Love: A Testimonial

“We will treasure these photographs forever – thankyou”

Now I am normally a fairly modest person, but I am going to share some recent feedback from a wedding I covered, because I am thrilled that I have exceeded their expectations. When I read this, it made my day, and I cannot tell you how happy I am that I have created some magic for them. I guess I’m just full of love right now, and I want to share it with you all. This is what life is all about.

“We received your email yesterday and it made our day, we spent all day yesterday rewinding back to our wedding day. You have captured every moment of the day perfectly, you should be really proud of yourself you have done an amazing job. I can imagine it to be a very awkward job trying to please so many people, but we could not have asked any more from you.

Do you have a price list to have photos printed separately or have canvases done and so on as we might look at getting a couple of gifts for people also….!

Look forward to hearing from you soon, and once again I would like to thank you for an amazing job, we will treasure these images forever. Any other weddings for people we know we will definitley put your name forward as a recommendation.”

So if you are pondering over your wedding photography, my advice would always be to follow your heart. Thats what I do.

Best marriage proposal ever?

So, how did your fiance propose? If you are not engaged, how would you like him to propose?! Heres a little video for a Friday to warm your heart. Watch what happened when Isaac Lamb asked his girlfriend to meet him at his parents house. He explains,

“On Wed. May 23rd I told my girlfriend, Amy, to meet me at my parent’s house. When she arrived I had stationed my brother to sit her on the back of a Honda CRV with some headphones on…”

Happy Friday.

Liz Pawley Photography