Phase Photographic

Had I been waiting patiently for this wedding or what?!

Not only was Claire and Justin a treat for any photographer for good looks, but they were good fun, quirky and oh my days, so in love! With a surfing and beach theme for the day, from a wave style cake, to cockle shell name places and dashing blue flowers and bridesmaid dresses, I was in my element.

In a 1980’s convertible BMW, Claire arrived at the Hangleton Manor in Hove to meet her dashing groom-to-be waiting down the aisle. The ceremony was short, sweat and heartfelt and the celebrations long and fruitful.

I knew how excited Claire was about taking the photos and as I was fresh from training with Fellow Master Photographer, Simon John I was prepared with reflectors, manual flash, a few new techniques and contemporary poses. Below are just a couple of examples of photographs taken on the day.

Wishing Claire and Justin all the best for their future, looking forward to seeing you at the viewing.

A big thank you to all the staff at Hangleton Mannor for accommodating me and for being so friendly and helpful to me and all the guests.

Hangleton Mannor
Hangleton Valley Dr
Hove, East Sussex BN3 8AN
01273 413 266

Click a thumbnail to see the full image

It was the most inspiring pleasure to be trained by one of the UK’s best ever wedding and portrait photographers, Simon John during an o-er coun’ry visit to zomerset!

We came away from the day buzzing with ideas and couldn’t wait to get back to the studio to put into practice all our newly earned tips and techniques.

It would take too long to tell you about the awards Hampshire based Simon has won and his achievements during his 25 years working as a professional photographer (you can visit www.simonjohn.co.uk for that), but what I can tell you is that Simon is a Fellow of the Master Photographers Association and the British Institute of Professional Photographers! For those of you who think that’s a lot of long names, it’s basically the highest qualification you can achieve as a professional photographer. Oh ok and he did win UK Wedding Photographer of the Year!!!

So off we trotted around the beautiful surroundings of Somerton Court in Somerton, with 15 other enthusiastic delegates – some more enthusiastic that others but it was great to meet some new faces!!

The main points I will be taking away with me, is how professional photographers MUST work together to keep the profession alive, and to differentiate ourselves from the ammeter/enthusiasts who do weddings ’shoot to CD’ for £300. Photography its self does mean ‘painting with light’ a skill which cannot be taught over night and to be mastered takes time, experience, knowledge and investment. So any photographers reading this blog, lets RAISE OUR GAME! Get onto the available training courses offered by the professional bodies (MPA, BIPP, SWPP) and justify why we charge what we do! But not only that but to raise or game in a field we all love… photography at its best, and creating memories for our clients that will last until their grandchildren are old.

Below are some of the shots that were taken on the day by me and my colleague Claire. Click on the thumnails to see the full crops.

As the sun shone down on these two little birdies, Lisa and Lulu finally tied the knot at Brighton and Hove Town Hall.

Now I know I always say that rain never comes to a wedding I shoot, but I NEVER expected a day like this! From the ceremony, right though to the reception and a special hand binding ceremony of the Bandstand, the sun blessed us with its rays. There’s also nothing like going from locations on my wee little scooter with the sun on my back to beat the Brighton traffic!

But back to the girls!
It was an emotional and heartfelt ceremony with two most heartfelt readings, in fact I would like to read ‘my darling’ again if the lady who read it out so beautifully wouldn’t mind?!? It was a nice balance to the humorous theme led by Lisa and Lulu – they don’t take life too seriously!
During the signing of the register, beautiful background music was played by the Bridesmaid, Louise on her solo clarinet, well done. I’m sure the photographer isn’t supposed to cry at weddings, but this was a hard one not too!

I wasn’t sure if the ‘Big Lemon Bus’ was a play on the Civil Partnership itself, but that’s how my mind was led to believe, and what a way to arrive in style when all the guests arrived at the Grandville Hotel for a Champaign reception!

Guests where able to mingle and socialise in the Grandville’s lovely seafront garden, which also played host to many of our group shots. I would at this point like to say just how welcoming and friendly the staff was

But what a better front garden than the sea its self, so off I went with Lisa and Lulu to the West Pier for some romantic, lovey-dovey shots. They didn’t need any encouragement when it came to snogging the whole time – I didn’t know where to put my camera!

After the food and some emotional speeches, the whole wedding party strolled (merrily at this point) to the Hove Bandstand for a special ‘Hand Binding Ceremony’ which bought together by the elements

Lisa and Lulu faced each other and joined right hand to right hand and left hand to left hand and were bound by a ceremonial wrap. This is where the expression ‘tying the knot’ really comes from!

 Thank you to Lisa, Lulu all the friends and family, and Ed the white suit wearer, (wouldn’t want to leave you out) for inviting me back for a drinkies and making it a day I will never forget, as it will be for you too.

Click on a thumbnail to see them better.

www.granvilleholek.co.uk