Posted on August 26, 2011

I must be going through a philosophical phase at the moment, because I’m being very reflective about life!

Steve Jobs’ decision to step down as the CEO of Apple this week due to health issues is one of those events that brings home the fact that we’re all mortal, and reminded me of a speech he gave to the students of Stanford University in 2005 – in this excerpt he reminds us all that no matter how young you are, one day you’ll be old and consigned to history – regardless of whether you were rich and famous, or poor and unknown.

So make the most of your time, and have the courage to follow your heart …..

“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Image copyright of Getty Images

Ian




Posted on August 24, 2011

John_Jay_Creative_Director

A thought provoking film about creativity and breaking out of silos – from Chase Jarvis’ Blog – if only more companies followed this idea ……..

“Sometimes in our industry, our professionalism, we get [put into] silos…it should be all of our goals to break out of those silos. The more you work, the more people want to put you in a silo so they can define who you are by their terms. Our job is to never let anyone define who we are…”


Ian

Dorset wedding and portrait photography from ianH photography





Posted on August 21, 2011

It doesn’t seem a year ago that Esther and Jon got married at the beautiful Highcliffe Castle in Dorset – how time flies! It was a drizzly day (pretty much on par for August it would seem!) but we had a lovely time, and here are a few images from their album as a reminder of a very happy day.

Happy anniversary Mr and Mrs Fournier! :)

Highcliffe Castle Dorset wedding - bridal party

Highcliffe Castle Dorset wedding - bride walks up the aisle

Highcliffe Castle wedding - bride and groom exchanging vows

Highcliffe Castle wedding - bride and groom signing register

Highcliffe Castle wedding - wedding breakfast

We’re so lucky to have so many lovely wedding venues in Dorset and Hampshire, and Highcliffe Castle’s one of my favourites!

Dorset wedding photography from ianH photography





Posted on August 15, 2011

A couple of weeks ago I was privileged to cover the beautiful wedding of Clare and Michael – the day started with sunshine and never let up!

I started with the girls’ preparations at Clare’s family home in Ferndown, whilst Greg (my second shooter) took care of the boys getting ready at the Hotel du Vin in Poole. Clare had chosen a beautiful dress from Suzanne Neville’s  collection and her bridesmaids were in light blue. With a definite Scottish connection the boys were kilted up and ready for anything!

The service took place at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Bournemouth, and a vintage Rolls-Royce delivered Clare on time – which was pretty good bearing in mind the Summer traffic in Bournemouth! After a lovely ceremony it was on to the Italian Villa at Compton Acres, where the guests were able to mingle in the gardens.

Inside for some hilarious (and at times very emotional) speeches and a great wedding breakfast, followed by a few photographs outside in the last glow of evening and the cutting of the cake. Then it was downstairs for a (well rehearsed and very polished) First Dance, before the evening’s entertainment started in the form of a Caleigh …. and boy, was that fun!

It was a wonderful day, and thank you to Clare and Michael for letting me be a part of it :)

Here are just a few of my favourite images from the day …..

Bridesmaid dresses hanging up

Bride and bridesmaids preparing before the wedding

Bride opening her wedding present

Ushers in kilts preparing for the wedding

Groom in Bournemouth Church awaiting arrival of the Bride down the aisle

Smiling Bride at the altar in Bournemouth Dorset

Bridesmaids lined up in Bournemouth Church

Wedding cake by Lisa Notley Wedding Cakes

Table setting for wedding at The Italian Villa Compton Acres Poole

Wedding speech and laughter from bridal party

Bride looking lovingly at Groom during speeches

Bride and Groom cut the cake at the Italian Villa Bournemouth

Wedding partners on the day:
Wedding planner – Melanie Kiani of Bellissimo Weddings & Events
Florist - Helen Ffoulkes-Jones of Helen Ffoulkes-Jones Flowers
Cake – Lisa Notley of Lisa Notley Wedding Cakes
Table stationary – Emma Farwell of Emma Farwell Designs
VenueThe Italian Villa at Compton Acres
Bridal Car The Premier Carriage Company

Many thanks to Greg Thurtle for second shooting on the day

Dorset wedding photography from ianH photography





Posted on August 11, 2011

This weekend saw me nip over from Dorset into Hampshire to photograph Richard and Louise down at the Lymington Yacht Haven – they’re getting married in just under 4 weeks time, so we needed to get the pre-shoot done! We were lucky with the weather although the wind was blowing quite well, but we were slightly sheltered down on the pontoons so it wasn’t too bad. There were some gorgeous (and very expensive) yachts around as it’s Cowes Week, so for a short while it felt as though I’d won the Lottery!

Richard and Louise are getting married in Brockenhurst with their reception at the stunning Walhampton School, and I’m sure we’re going to have a great time!

Engaged couple on yacht pontoon at Lymington Yacht Haven

Young engaged couple lying down on pontoon at Lymington Yacht Haven

Ian

Dorset and Hampshire wedding photography by ianH photography







All images & text copyright of Ian Hamilton