Posted on May 23, 2011
I’ve seen a few videos of proposals, but this one sure heads up the others … a really imaginative set-up and excellent production. Whoever shoots this couple’s wedding is going to have to be SO creative! Sit back and enjoy …… when I last looked it had nearly 12 million views on YouTube!
Ian
Dorset wedding and portrait photographer
Posted on May 18, 2011
Would you like to be married on a cliff-top, on a secluded beach, or in a particular location that’s very special to you both? Well that can be difficult, as wedding venues have to be licensed – but there is an answer, and that’s to use the services of a Wedding Celebrant.
I thought it would be nice to have the occasional Blog post from other professionals within the wedding industry, to give you a better understanding of what they do, and what they can offer regarding that most special day of your life. So today, I’d like to introduce you to Diana -
Image Copyright Olivier Depaep
“I’m a Civil Celebrant, trained and registered to conduct ceremonies for Weddings, Baby Namings, Renewal of Vows and Civil Partnerships. I’m a member of the AOIC, which is the professional body for Independent Celebrants (Association of Independent Celebrants - www.independentcelebrants.com).
I’m passionate about the role of a Celebrant and I’m also keen to raise awareness of trained Celebrants generally as I find there’s a lot of ignorance about our profession. We have great freedom in our work and most of us are open-minded and flexible.
All Celebrants work differently, but the service I offer is falls somewhere between a Church wedding and a Registry Office ceremony. I like to work with couples who have vision, imagination and a romantic view of weddings, but who want a personalised service which is not limited by the prescribed script used by Registrars (who won’t allow religious or spiritual readings for example). Whilst Celebrants respect and observe protocol when required we are neither bound nor limited by it.
Celebrants are also flexible in the hours they work and will officiate outside the restrictive 9 – 5 hours of Registrars so if you’d like to get married on a beach at daybreak or sunset, or under a starry, moonlit sky, a Celebrant will usually be available at any time and in any place
Couples are able to express their own personality and to have total control over what is said and done at the Ceremony. We work together over several months to compose a script which they are happy with and this remains personal and private until shared on their wedding day. It’s essential that we all connect and trust each other so that the Ceremony on the day is meaningful and sincere, allowing the couple to relax and enjoy their wedding day without nerves or anxiety. Working together builds a relationship of mutual trust so that we have faith in each other to bring everything together on the day.
Unlike Registrars who have been known to limit the number of photographs taken or who instruct the photographers where to stand, I welcome working with them through the service so that neither of us hinders the other. I don’t impose restrictions and am happy to recommend reputable professional photographers and film makers who work discretely to capture every image that the couple wants. But it’s important to understand that celebrants are not wedding planners – whilst we have valuable contacts with a number of suppliers in the wedding industry, a wise celebrant will not take responsibility for the planning arrangements. His/her responsibility is only for the wording and delivery of the script and choreographing the bridal party for the ceremony i.e. the groom, best man, attendants.
I feel passionately that couples should have the wedding ceremony they choose, and not one which is dictated by the Church or a Registrar. I will write your vows for you, or encourage you to write your own after we have met and exchanged ideas. We’ll use sample vows and blessings for ideas and include readings, poetry or even prayers which might be meaningful to you.
There will be no other wedding like it, because the words written for the ceremony are unique to each couple.
I cover Dorset, Berkshire and the Cotswolds and I enjoy working with couples who choose beautiful settings and locations. I have links with several wonderful venues, from hotels with beach frontages and terraces which they are willing to use for ceremonies, a medieval manor with working drawbridge and moat, a rural wedding barn, and fabulous hotels with spas where helicopters can land on the lawn and a hotel beside the river which has moorings and its own motor cruiser which one of my Grooms has booked so he can arrive and moor up at the jetty on his wedding day!
I consider I have the most privileged job in the world – because I make memories!”
For more information, please check out Diana’s website – www.gracetheday.com
Ian
Dorset wedding and portrait photographer
Posted on May 10, 2011
A rare chance today to leave the business behind for a few hours, and spend some quality time away from the phone, the Internet and the computer – the car was due for its annual service, and so I found myself with a spare morning just to wander around Wimborne and Pamphill with the new toy, sorry, acquisition … the Canon S95. It’s so liberating, not carrying around a DSLR, and it gave me the chance to enjoy the scenery and take some snaps.
The Bluebells are now past their best, although some survive intact at Pamphill, but the woods have been trampled by people carving out paths to get their photos – why can’t they just take shots from the main paths, and not destroy the very thing they’ve gone there to see? Anyway, there were a few interesting fallen trees about ….
Then it was time to wander around the town and spend some time in the Minster – it’s funny, despite the fact that I’ve been into the Minster Church dozens of times over the years photographing weddings, this was the first time I’d actually been able to relax and look at the Church in detail. It’s a testimony to the craftsmen of years gone by, and quite humbling.
Perhaps I should take time out away from the business more often, and enjoy what we have! 
Ian
Dorset wedding and portrait photographer
Posted on May 10, 2011
As a photographer I’ve often said that ladies can be glamorous at any age, not just in their 20’s and 30’s, and recently Estee Lauder & Harper’s Bazaar teamed up for a great cause. The stars came out to honour the winners of the Fabulous at Every Age contest, an event that was designed to salute the beauty and personal style of real women from 20 to 102! .
The glamorous Ms Hurley (the face of Estee Lauder for over 16 years) was on hand, along with several of today’s top models. I don’t see anyone in the photograph above that looks more than 50 though!
Ian
Dorset wedding and portrait photographer
Posted on May 4, 2011
I recently had another photoshoot with Charlotte as she updates her portfolio – models certainly appreciate the value of good photography and it’s nice to have the chance to experiment with lighting and poses. It was another fun day, and we had a great time – here’s a short video with a sneak peek at some of the images.
Ian
Dorset wedding and portrait photographer
