When I first met Ruth & Stevie we chatted about how OK it was to have a spotify wedding playlist and the recent purchase of tickets to see flight of the concords, from that moment I knew I was going to have a blast at their wedding. Made up of two parts - a Leeds ceremony with 3 witnesses and then two weeks later we headed to Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds for a grand affair with all of Ruth & Stevie’s nearest and dearest; including Parker the Greyhound!

Ruth wore an incredible floral gown by David Tutera and she had chosen beautiful bridesmaids dresses and flowers in tones of pink and peach to compliment it. A turquoise camper transported them to the abbey where Stevie and their guests awaited their arrival. 

Just after the really personal ceremony the sun began to shine and it made for some incredibly lit images of guests enjoying themselves and for portraits of the newly weds. We even manaegd a sneaky trip up to ‘Surprise View’ in Otley; a place Ruth & Stevie love. 

The reception was held in Robert Craven Hall in Bramhope and had been lovingly decorated by Ruth, Stevie and some kind wedding guests the day before. Bunting galore and an Indian Street food truck made the hall feel like Ruth & Stevie’s perfect party. I have no doubt the dancing went on until the curfew, with a lot of flossing throw into the mix, and I am hopeful these photos will help them to relive the day over and over again!

We had planned a little Easter getaway a few weeks ago now but the catch was that we planned on camping! Fast forward a few weeks and tales of a beast of the east 3 began to scare us into nearly cancelling our trip! Luckily we stuck to our guns and made it up to Hawkshead for one night and the Grasmere for two and thankfully the weather was actually pretty good for the Lake District; we even managed a sneaky pint in a beer garden!

The views were incredible up at Blea Tarn, our first visit here, after seeing it on https://ramble-guides.com and we were so glad we made the 30 min trip up winding roads to find the trail. We hiked up Side Pike and through some tight rock formations to get a 360 view around the hills and over the Tarn. 

We also set out and hiked up Loughrigg Terrace via Rydal caves and although this was abit wet and windy at times it still felt great to get up high. A wonderful trip with some great company, delicious ales & food and world class scenery might now become a yearly mini break! 

One of the best things about being a photographer is the fact that I am often asked to photograph brand new, little, humans. These stages in early family life can go by in a flash and so I love it when families ask me to capture them at home doing the things they love. Whether it's reading a story together or having a play outside, these moments matter and I am always so happy to be able to document them!

When I started out on this whole photography journey I spent most of my time faffing and photographing flowers and, as the other sides of my business have grown, this original part has taken a little bit of a back seat. Deciding to do this exhibition was therefore easy because it has given me a chance to show off some work that I am really proud of and also think about what creative projects I would like to do alongside my family shoots and weddings.

We all know how important it is to do something for yourself every now and again, and I guess this exhibition fulfils that for me. It enables me to see my work up on the wall, or for sale as greeting cards, and actually look at how far I have come in the past two years! 

The Attic Coffee Bar & Gallery in King's Square, York, is a beautiful place to grab great coffee and spend some often much needed quiet time. If anyone fancies meeting for a coffee, and maybe a delicious cake, then give me a shout, I would love to see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/theatticgallerycoffeebar/

It is always such a wonderful feeling when friends ask me to photograph their families, giving me the chance to have a little glimpse into their happy little worlds. I usually get to capture the changing characters over time and often the addition of a new little member!

Lauren and Owen gave birth to the perfect baby Boy, Bram Laurie, and 9 days later I had some lovely cuddle time. Little Beatrix, who is now the big sister, was very happy to show me all her toys and eat all of the biscuits! Such a pleasure! 

As I write this blog post, my first of 2018, the sun is finally shining and dare I say it feels a little like spring! Spring also signals the start of my wedding season and I am very excited to begin capturing all the wonderful Brides & Grooms that have given me the privilege of that job! 

Over the winter months it is always a little quiet but I have embraced this and filled my time doing some rather lovely engagement shoots. These shoots are usually planned alongside a venue visit with the couple and there we will take a few snaps to ease into the idea of having your photograph taken. It can feel daunting or a little scary but I find it is a really great way to get to know me, my style and a little of how it might feel on the big day.

Here are just a few of the gorgeous couples I will have the pleasure of photographing on their wedding day later in the year!

As Autumn has arrived, and the weather is turning, it is with great pleasure that I look forward to plenty of beautiful family photo shoots. The colours on the trees, slowly changing the whole British countryside can often make for some of the most striking images of the whole year. With this in mind I have decided to put together a blog post about possible colours and clothes combinations to get the most out of your family shoot. 

I have put together a few images from some recent shoots, and some from this time last year, that will help you to get an idea of what colours and style of clothes work really well. 

Warm reds, mustards and greys really suit the oranges and browns of Autumn as well as greens and dark blues. When styling your children and even yourself for a family shoot, do think about what it is you like about Autumn and which colours you imagine looking great alongside the leaves and trees.  

You are also very welcome to bring a change of clothes and even a spooky outfit or two!