My son came into the world on 4th January 2013 at exactly 9pm. Despite all my efforts to the contrary, I was two weeks overdue and so best laid plans went out the window. Instead of low lights, water, and a mix tape welcoming his arrival, there was fluorescent lighting, beeping monitors, and doctors trying to order me around. I did everything I could to keep control, and after a five hour labour and a lot of gas and air, he arrived, screaming his little lungs out. I don’t think I will ever forget the words, “Jodes, it’s a boy” for as long as I live. Still high as a kite, all I could do was repeat the words “I have a son” over and over again. That moment of birth was unreal, unrelenting, and the most amazing moment of my life.

Since that winter’s day in Tunbridge Wells, I have been getting to know my boy. His smiles began on day 4 and have only got broader, his hair has got longer, thinner and lighter, and he loves to hear me squawk songs from Gene Kelly musicals. Looking back through these pictures, I find it incredible how fast he has changed. Everybody tells you how quickly it goes, but nothing prepared me for the speed with which it happens. I am trying to take it in, trying to take a few minutes in between the madness to just sit him on my knee and hug him tight. This year I turn thirty, and as I leave youth behind, I am so excited to see another generation beginning behind me.

Roman, one day you’ll read these words. Whatever happens between now and then, know that I will love you forever. I will do my best to bring you up to be a good man; one who values kindness above everything else. Be a loving person, do what you’re good at, always say “thank you”. Part of me wants to wrap you up tight and keep you safe, but I know those little knocks along the way are what will make you that man.

I can’t wait to watch him grow.

Dylan and Kristi hail from the East coast of the U.S., and are two of our closest friends. We only get to see them every couple of years, and last September they paid us a visit. Dylan brews beer for a living, and had won a trip to Europe thanks to entering his own delicious brew into a competition. It was great to spend some quality time with them, especially as they too were expecting their own little baby. Last month they welcomed little Ruby Olive into the world. I can’t wait for her to meet our little Roman.

Rome and Ruby…It has a nice ring.

Captured on film

There’s something about an English country wedding. The Pimms, the hats, the sight of guests in top hats trudging across fields. It’s classically British and oh so lovely to photograph.

Captured on film and digital

Introducing little Roman Ray.

Born at the start of the year, he has consumed my everyday and taught me a love I never knew existed.

♥

I’m so excited to share this wedding.

Above is a slideshow of all the images, set to one of my favourite songs that I instantly thought of whilst editing these images.

If you’re not a Darlene Love fan (shame on you), you can view the images the old fashioned way below.

As you’ve probably noticed, I found it very difficult to narrow down my favourites for this post. There were just too many images that I loved and had to share.

Firstly, MC Motors has to go down as the coolest venue in London. Not only are Joyce and Jackie fabulous to work with, but the decor and props littered around the place are to die for. What girl doesn’t go weak at the knees for a mural of Clark Gable or Warren Beatty. There was a relaxed film theme to the proceedings, from the titles on the board outside through to the cinema tickets that took you to your seat. Richard and Sonali had even had one printed for me, and as a film nut I found this a little too overwhelming..

As dedicated vegetarians, Richard and Sonali did away with traditional wedding cuisine and guests enjoyed sumptuous platters of Gujarati food. It was incredible, and as a carnivore myself, I didn’t even notice the lack of a chicken breast or fillet of salmon. Delicious.

Music was brilliantly thought out, with The Basin Street Brawlers creating the perfect atmosphere during the drinks reception, before Wedding Smashers started the evening dancing with a medley of ’50s/’60s hits. Always my favourite wedding DJs, they didn’t disappoint.

A huge thank you goes to Sonali and Richard, not only for booking me in the first place, but for having total confidence in my ability to capture their celebration whilst seven months pregnant. To you both, a heartfelt thank you for giving me the creative freedom to photograph your wedding as I saw it. I hope you love the pictures as much as I do, and that they bring back many happy memories of such a beautiful day.

To guests ~ full image gallery coming soon.

Captured using digital and film

Venue ~ MC Motors // Sonali’s dress ~ Candy Anthony // Richard’s suit ~ Cad and the Dandy // Florist ~ Scarlet and Violet // Caterer ~ Gujarati Rasoi // Sonali’s make-up ~ InParlour // Bridesmaid’s dresses ~ Butter by Nadia & Two Birds // Cheese wedding cake ~ Cheeses, Muswell Hill // Videographer ~ Roland Mihalszky // DJs ~ Wedding Smashers // Band ~ The Basin Street Brawlers

How gorgeous is my beautiful bride?

This wedding is giving me goosebumps.

Shot on film

It’s been a little quiet on the blog front recently, but I have a whole host of lovely weddings appearing very soon, beginning with Olivia and Carl who got married at Nettlestead Place in September.  As an interior designer, Olivia was always going to be using her creative talents to decorate the venue, and she did an amazing job. Everywhere you looked there were blooms, details and a huge amount of attention to detail. The day was spent with their nearest and dearest, and the atmosphere was light-hearted and wonderful to photograph.

Guests can view all the images from the day here.

Venue ~ Nettlestead Place // Dress ~ Watters // Olivia’s shoes ~ Rachel Simpson // Florist ~ Distinctly Floral // Carl’s suit ~ Marc Wallace // Bridesmaids’ dresses ~ Dessy // Marquee ~ Cavendish Marquees // Caterers ~ Super Events // Crepe Van ~ Ideas Box // Cake ~ E Clair Cakes // Band ~ REYES // Stationary ~ designed by Olivia

I’ve made no secret of my love for black and white.

I loved visiting my favourite place and documenting it in monochrome. California is a state that is famous for colour, vibrance and fun. The palms and cacti are usually shown in brilliant green, but I love seeing the simplicity in the lines and form that black and white adds. Although I always have the time of my life when I visit this sunshine state, there is always a realisation that the trip will end and these sights and pictures will simply become memories. Black and white can have a touch of melancholy.

I don’t know when I’ll be seeing you again, California, but you’re in my thoughts today.

x

Captured on film

Captured on film

It’s grey and drizzly here in England, so I thought I’d post some sunshine.

Here are a few pictures of Jess and Brad, captured in California earlier this year.  I’m dreaming of swimming pools and palm trees.

Captured on film