A Wedding Full of Firsts

Weddings are not just emotional celebrations but also historic events, events that are recorded for generations of family historians. Martin and Emily's wedding was all this and more...

...they were the first couple ever to be married in the Hook Life Church.  

When Emily's Dad saw her in her dress for the first time it was wonderfully emotional.

After hugs it was time to go to Hook Life Church for the ceremony...not only a new building and a new wedding venue...

...something else was new...the ceremony was conducted using an iPad...this was a first for us but after the initial shock it did actually look very neat.

Their open top wedding car took them to their wedding reception venue...

...but first they stopped en route at a little village which has meant a lot to Emily and she drives through every day on her way to work. It was a delightful village with a pond...

...and rows of daffodils, the wonderfully welcome first signs of Spring. 

Once at their reception venue, the Hampshire Court Hotel, Martin made sure that in amongst his other responsibilities as groom there was plenty of time for Dad and Daughter high-jinx.

After a fabulous meal it was time for Martin and Emily's first dance together as man and wife.

It was a day of so many firsts...but the most important first was of course that this was the first day of their married life together. 

Emily and Martin were a wonderful bride and groom and we wish them all the very very best for their lives together.

by Steve Dunster

Blessed By Heaven

David and Jassy had their wedding at the church they regularly attend and were very serious about the spiritual side of their commitment. So we were delighted when we were presented with this sky, perfect for shooting a "blessed by heaven" classical portrait - so fitting for David and Jassy.

Jassy's bridal prep went without a flaw. Every detail tended to and perfectly executed. Then it was on to their church by New Forest pony and trap. 

David and Jassy had their wedding reception at the fabulous Bartley Lodge Hotel in the New Forest.

The Bartley Lodge Hotel is such a good wedding venue for so many reasons but not least of which is the way it manages to be both a grand country house and at the same time intimate, welcoming and homely.

On arrival at the Bartley Lodge Hotel, their guests were treated to drinks on the patio and thrilled to see David and Jassy arrive in their pony and trap.

It was an absolute delight to see how close David and Jassy were together.

They had guests of all ages and even set up a Skype link during the speeches for Gran, who was sadly too unwell to attend.

The fabulous grounds included a substantial patio for drinks and socialising as well as beautiful tended to lawns for grown ups and youngsters alike to have fun playing garden games...but the grounds were big enough to also be able to sneak away and steal some moments alone.

After the perfect day, the evening was no less perfect...

...and their evening was even blessed with romantic moonlight.

For their evening celebrations, David and Jassy had a live band and very good it was too, energising the party like only live music seems to.

David and Jassy were a gorgeous bride and groom and they had the perfect day at an amazing venue...they were indeed truly blessed.

by Steve Dunster

Beach Balls Up The Aisle and Street Dancing Wedding

It is absolutely fabulous when a bride and groom make their special day their own. Some couples do so by conforming to tradition...some by doing the complete opposite...but Mike and Karen did both!

Their ceremony was a wonderfully traditional church wedding until, part way through the sermon, the bride and groom both stood up, grabbed a microphone each and announced to their startled congregation that this was their wedding, that it was going to be fun and that the fun was starting NOW!

Moments later Mike had grabbed two beach balls...

... and the vicar was presented with a Red Card, a Yellow Card and a whistle.

After quickly explaining the rules of the game, the whole congregation was involved in a highly competitive ball game which was fun and animated and totally energised their guests.

It energised their photographers as well, we've never before had to shoot a bride making a diving save!

Once the game was over and some semblance of order fell back upon the congregation...it became clear that the game was not just for fun...but was actually a parable for married life. A truly inspired piece of wedding planning.

After their church ceremony it was on to Victoria House, Netley for their Reception.

Victoria House is a lovely venue, as impressive inside as it is outside. Victorian architecture at its best on the outside. Cool modern decor on the inside.

The grounds of Victoria House are spectacular...

...but night was drawing in and we could only catch the last moments of daylight once the rain had stopped.

After the traditional cutting of the wedding cake, it was time to divert drastically from tradition again.

Without announcement, the groom had changed into street dance clothes and delighted his guests with his totally awesome moves.

Then he was joined by his totally cool wife...who had also changed.

Together their routine brought the house down with huge cheers and applause from their guests.

Then it was time for some night portraits of the boys in their traditional Scottish dress...

...including a special with the groom and his Best Man...

...and of course one with the groom and his wonderful bride outside their venue at night...at the end of a truly extraordinary wedding which they had totally made their own.

by Steve Dunster

A Skylark Wedding at Whiteley

Scott and Karen had their wedding reception at the newly decorated Skylark Golf & Country Club in Whiteley near Fareham in Hampshire.

Skylark is perfect for an intimate wedding and only a few paces away from the reception building are gardens with water features and magnificent views.

Karen's day started round her parents' house for Bridal prep.

They had great weather for their wedding which gave us some wonderful skyscapes thanks to the enormous horizons available at Skylark.

Skylark has had a huge face lift recently and the interiors are wonderful with great views over the golf course. 

The bar area is very modern decor with plenty of room to dance and surrounding tables for guests.

Scott and Karen had a fabulous wedding day with lovely guests, great weather, intimate venue and very helpful staff at the Skylark Golf and Country Club.

by Steve Dunster

14 March 2014

Who would win? Brides versus Doctor Who

I don't mean that brides are the new enemy of The Doctor...despite any superficial visual similarities they may have to the Daleks...i.e. the long skirt to the floor and smooth motion across the floor.

What I mean is that traditionally brides know how to keep secrets and know the power of a well managed reveal.

Brides keep their wedding dress hidden from all but their chosen inner circle of friends and family. The first time their wedding dress is seen is on her wedding day, together with her expensive hair and  amazing makeup. She is seen for the first time with the whole ensemble and her bridal party in her chosen venue. 

We're great Doctor Who fans and like so many others, we can't wait to see Peter Capaldi as the new Doctor.

When I say, we "can't wait"...actually I mean I wish the new series started this Saturday...but it can't and we shall have to wait until the Autumn.

When the BBC released the promo shot of Peter in his new Doctor Who outfit, it was for sure an interesting glimpse into what we might see in the Autumn.

But would it have been more memorable, more special, to have seen him for the first time in his first episode with everything that goes to make Doctor Who what it is...the script, the action, the humour, the tension, the music, the acting, the lighting, the charm....not just a still of a costume.

I remember watching drip fed promo making-of trailers and documentaries of a much awaited James Bond film. When I eventually watched the film, all the drip fed promos had spoilt it for me...they had some how taken away the magic that normally makes a James Bond movie so compelling. I knew what was coming, I knew how it was done.

And this is where, in our opinion, brides get it right. They keep the magic locked away until they reveal it at exactly the right moment and in the right place...on her wedding day.

In this respect brides beat Doctor Who, every time...at every wedding.

#toptip if you're using #pinterest: many brides use Pinterest nowadays for inspiration and it's a great idea. Our tip though is that you create a "private" board for your best pins for your wedding. Otherwise, if it's public your guests just need to look at your wedding board and they may see some things you'd rather have kept a secret until the big day.

Steve Dunster

More Praise for Jacqui Marie Photography

"Thank you so so much to both of you!! We adore the pictures. Every aspect of the day that we (or I!!!) had planned for a year was captured perfectly! Love the range of tones used and the expressions on peoples faces that help to tell the story of the day very accurately. You even managed to capture my expression as my nan gave me the rats that she had knitted-brilliant!"

Katie

"Thank you so much for your hard work on Saturday. You were both more than photographers- you were key to the smooth running of the day - organising and coordinating everything as you went along. Your passion and experience in both photography and weddings contributed massively to the amazing day we had. Many of our friends have asked for your details as they saw what a lovely couple you were and the skills you have. Most importantly, even though you go to a different wedding every week, your enthusiasm made our wedding feel as special to you as it was to us and we cannot thank you enough for that."

Lucy Marsh

"Jacqui and Steve are excellent photographers and really make you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I've had the opportunity to work with them on a number of different shoots and on each one they've been professional, friendly and have created some really beautiful photographs. They are fantastic wedding photographers and were amazing at remembering people's names and were really good at blending in with our guests and got some really great shots of family and friends when they were least expecting it. We were extremely happy with all of our wedding photos and our beautiful album. We would definitely use Jacqui and Steve again and would recommend to anyone to use them."

Jeanette Durrant

"Words fail me to express my delight in the fact that Jacqui Marie Photography produced results that were exponentially better than even I could have produced!  In addition to their supreme professional skills, I keep on spotting extra little ways in which they enhanced the story by focusing on a unique little detail, that helps to speak volumes!  To the extent where you wonder: How did they know to focus on that? The sensitivity and creative with which the photos were created were extraordinary.  All this together with the fact that Jacqui and her husband are an experienced couple attuned to each other, giving you TWO different perspectives!!  (Like one concentrating on the bride walking down the isle, whilst the other captures the essence of the waiting groom . . . ) Added to which, both give you the feeling that they actually WANT to be there – rather that just do a job!  -  Two skilful hunters who persistently seem to capture the very best possible perspective! Added to which, the aftercare service is second to none. I have congratulated myself time and again for having made this brilliant choice!"

Heidi Barton

"Just wanted to say how pleased I am with the photos, made me laugh and cry at the same time, so many happy faces captured!"

Katie’s Mum