Lauren Mitchell Photography - Photography in Hampshire http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog News about Lauren Mitchell Photography, Hampshire Sun, 28 Oct 2012 11:51:10 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Pre-wedding Shoot with Neal and Kat at The Elvetham Hotel near Fleet http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-with-neal-and-kat-at-the-elvetham-hotel-near-fleet/ http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-with-neal-and-kat-at-the-elvetham-hotel-near-fleet/#comments Sat, 27 Oct 2012 17:42:20 +0000 lauren@laurenmitchell.co.uk http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/?p=557 I met Neal and Kat for their pre-wedding shoot and chat on Saturday afternoon at The Elvetham Hotel near Fleet, Hampshire. This is a beautiful 19th Century mansion with stunning grounds. My personal favourite is the roll of trees they have. Although it had clouded over it was still bright so we were able to shoot everything outside. They have a winter wedding booked for December…wouldn’t it be great if it snowed too!!

Here’s some fun Autumn photos until then!

Lauren x

Wedding venue: http://www.elvethamhotel.co.uk/

]]> http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-with-neal-and-kat-at-the-elvetham-hotel-near-fleet/feed/ 0 Pre-wedding Shoot with Wayne and Jo at Northbrook Park in Farnham http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-with-wayne-and-jo-at-northbrook-park-in-farnham/ http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-with-wayne-and-jo-at-northbrook-park-in-farnham/#comments Sat, 27 Oct 2012 15:32:29 +0000 lauren@laurenmitchell.co.uk http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/?p=547 I met Wayne and Jo at their wedding venue, Northbrook Park just outside Farnham. As we walked around chatted and took photos you could see that this venue has a great deal to offer. It was pretty cold when we started and although the sun was shining it still hasn’t warmed us up but we made the most of the sunshine, and created some interesting uses of light which worked so well!

There were so many photographic opportunities at Northbrook Park so below is a selection of the photographs we took. Roll on the wedding in November guys!

Lauren x

Wedding venue: http://www.northbrookpark.co.uk/

]]> http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-with-wayne-and-jo-at-northbrook-park-in-farnham/feed/ 0 The Wedding of Shaun and Emma on HMS Warrior in Portsmouth http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/the-wedding-of-shaun-and-emma-on-hms-warrior-in-portsmouth/ http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/the-wedding-of-shaun-and-emma-on-hms-warrior-in-portsmouth/#comments Sat, 11 Aug 2012 23:49:44 +0000 lauren@laurenmitchell.co.uk http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/?p=532 We had never photographed a wedding on a historical ship before so we were delighted to be asked to photograph Shaun and Emma’s wedding on HMS Warrior in Portsmouth. The ship launched in 1860 and was powered by sail and steam and was the most powerful ship of its time. Even today it has a ‘wow’ factor as you climb on board.

Teresa and I started at Shaun and Emma’s house in Southampton, and were greeted with laughter and lots of smiling faces, the dog and the budgie! Emma was just having her hair done by Annette of Elegance Bridal Coiffure so after setting up and capturing a couple of these we photographed all the shoes (yes there was even some converses in there!) and the gorgeous dress. Everyone was in high spirits and it was really great to be a part of it. Teresa opened a bottle of champers for Emma who had moved up stairs to start on her make up…….as time was ticking on and we wanted to make sure we arrived in Portsmouth in good time before Shaun arrived, Teresa and I left and headed to HMS Warrior.We drove through the base, passed HMS Victory along the way and had a privileged car parking spot right alongside the ship. After being greeted by a sailor we headed towards the ceremony room to drop off the gear before heading back up to see Shaun greeting guests at the entrance. After about 20 minutes we could see Emma in the distance….or rather hear Emma being driven in a bright red Ferrari. It looked and sounded amazing. Emma and Shaun had decided before the wedding that they wanted to see eachother and have a few moments together they headed down to the lower deck for the ceremony.

The ceremony room was in one of the rooms where there was a great deal of guns…….I’ve never had to share my space with a massive cannon before and Teresa was almost dangling in the ropes to get the best shots further down the room! Shaun and Emma were smiling throughout and all their guests were enjoying the ceremony too. The weather was glorious so after this everyone ventured onto the top deck for drinks and the group shots. It was slightly challenging trying to round up everyone when the deck was as big as it was but Teresa did a fantastic job of collecting people while I took the photographs. After this we walked around the desk and off Warrior taking Shaun and Emma photographs. It was so much fun and they absolutely loved it!……being able to photograph the couple surrounded by the fantastic features on board Warrior was truly a delight, one of my aims of wedding photography is to capture the essence of the location as well as the couple and this give me that opportunity. As time was ticking on, I went downstairs to photograph the cake, and wedding breakfast before the guests started to arrive.

After the meal they had the speeches and these were hilarious. The Bestman had out done everyone by having banners made displaying Shaun from all walks of his life…..even without his famous moustache! Although the sun had long gone and it was pretty dark on the deck we managed to capture some great shots and the cake cutting.

We left the couple as they were drinking and dancing with their guests.

Have a wonderful time on honeymoon!

Lauren and Teresa x

HMS Warrior: http://www.hmswarrior.org/

Hair: http://www.elegancebridalcoiffure.co.uk

]]> http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/the-wedding-of-shaun-and-emma-on-hms-warrior-in-portsmouth/feed/ 0 Pre-wedding shoot – Kier and Sarah-Jayne at The Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook, Hampshire http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-kier-and-sarah-jayne-at-the-old-thorns-hotel-in-liphook-hampshire/ http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-kier-and-sarah-jayne-at-the-old-thorns-hotel-in-liphook-hampshire/#comments Sat, 04 Aug 2012 14:38:14 +0000 lauren@laurenmitchell.co.uk http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/?p=510 I was over in Liphook on Saturday for the pre-wedding shoot with Kier and Sarah-Jayne who’s wedding is at the end of August. For those who haven’t been to Old Thorns before, it is a golfing venue but the hotel and rooms inside are so well equipped for weddings. The rooms are all individual giving you a truly unique experience. I met them both in the reception of the hotel as the Olympics was being screened on nearly every screen in there….(Go Team GB!) After watching a bit of the Olympics and the rain outside……we caught up on the events which were to unfold on the big day and discussed timings. The rain decided to stop a few times and the sun came out so we took these opportunities to go outside for some test shots with the couple making them relaxed in front of the camera.Although it is a golf course the grounds are amazing and on the day we are going to go even further afield in the golf buggy around the course – amazing! Below are some fun photos from the morning!

Looking forward to the wedding!

Lauren x

]]> http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-kier-and-sarah-jayne-at-the-old-thorns-hotel-in-liphook-hampshire/feed/ 0 The Wedding of Glenn and Gina at Romsey Abbey in Romsey http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/the-wedding-of-glenn-and-gina-at-romsey-abbey-in-romsey/ http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/the-wedding-of-glenn-and-gina-at-romsey-abbey-in-romsey/#comments Sat, 16 Jun 2012 22:42:37 +0000 lauren@laurenmitchell.co.uk http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/?p=512 Teresa and I headed down to Romsey for Glenn and Gina’s wedding. We had been watching the weather for a few days before as ‘three months of rain’ has been predicted to descend over Southern England with gale force winds……this would make for an interesting wedding!!

We met Gina and her two Bridesmaids at The White Horse Hotel in Romsey, this was also the hotel holding their Reception later that day. They were drinking champagne and pretty relaxed sitting in their robes when we arrived while Gina was having her make up done. After shooting the action we then shot the 3 ladies in their dresses. As there wasn’t anywhere we could have shot outside without being seen we shot all the individual shots inside, which actually worked really well as the light was so good. Time was ticking along so Teresa and I headed to the Abbey to find Glenn inside greeting guests. We took a few photos of the smiling Groom outside before setting up at the front of the Abbey ready for the ceremony. Teresa decided to take photos at the front where as I was waiting outside for the Bride to arrive. The ceremony was beautiful and in such a lovely setting. I don’t think the Bride and Groom could have asked for more! There was readings, and hymns which ended in applause as the happy couple walked back down the aisle. The weather was holding although it was very windy so we started straight away with the group shots followed by their couple shots so the guests could hurry back to the reception.As we started to photograph the couple at some lovely public gardens called King John’s Gardens an American couple, notably the ‘lady from Cansas’ was delighted to see the Bride and Groom…we then saw her later heading over to the wedding car to have look……I think she got her monies worth in Romsey! The gardens really were a Photographer’s dream….there were so many opportunities it was hard to decide which ones to choose! We left the very happy couple just as they were getting ready to eat their first meal as husband and wife.

Have a wonderful time on honeymoon!

Lauren and Teresa x

]]> http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/the-wedding-of-glenn-and-gina-at-romsey-abbey-in-romsey/feed/ 0 Pre-wedding shoot – Glenn and Gina at Romsey Abbey http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-glenn-and-gina-at-romsey-abbey/ http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-glenn-and-gina-at-romsey-abbey/#comments Sun, 20 May 2012 17:18:15 +0000 lauren@laurenmitchell.co.uk http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/?p=491 Today we were in Romsey in Hampshire for the pre-wedding shoot of Glenn and Gina who are getting married at Romsey Abbey in June. We started at The White Horse which is where the wedding reception will be so after going through the day and timings as well as having a good old catch up since we last saw eachother we moved onto the shoot!Despite the weather forecast of rain it remained cloudy but dry (hurray!) so we were able to shoot Glenn and Gina’s photos outside. We started at King Johns Gardens, a delightful set of gardens which we will be able to use on the day. Opposite this is Romsey Abbey which is absolutely amazing inside and where the lucky couple will be getting married.
Although we didn’t shoot inside the Abbey we have shot their before so cannot wait until we can shoot there again in June! Glenn and Gina were very natural and happy in front of the camera and each of them even helped out with a bit of reflector work when I was taking their individual shots….watch out Dawn and Teresa (my 2nd photographers!!)

Roll on June………..and sunny weather!

Lauren x

]]> http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-glenn-and-gina-at-romsey-abbey/feed/ 0 The Wedding of Ross and Ali at Blue Mountain Golf Course in Binfield http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/the-wedding-of-ross-and-ali-at-blue-mountain-golf-course-in-binfield/ http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/the-wedding-of-ross-and-ali-at-blue-mountain-golf-course-in-binfield/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 22:49:14 +0000 lauren@laurenmitchell.co.uk http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/?p=497 Today was the wedding of Ross and Ali. It started out a little damp in Binfield, but luckily it soon started to brighten up. We had arranged to meet Ross at Blue Mountain Golf Course at 1300 so after taking some shots of the outside, ceremony room and wedding breakfast room we met Ross and his Best lady and ushers in the bar. We then took them outside for some shots around the back of the venue and then some individual ones of Ross….he was loving the camera!By the time everyone was back in the bar the Bridesmaids started to arrive, this included Ross and Ali’s little girl who looked gorgeous in her dress. The weather was still holding so I was outside with the girls while Teresa was inside the ceremony room with the guests and Ross. Not long afterwards an emotional and nervous Ali arrived with her father. Bless Ali was very nervous even during the ceremony but managed to make it through without a hitch! One of the cutest moments was when their daughter stepped up and give each one of them their rings – adorable!
After the ceremony we gave the happy couple some time with their guests to have a drink and relax before they took a ride in their wedding car. During this time Teresa started taking more candid shots while I just popped back upstairs to the wedding breakfast room just to make sure I had captured everything I needed to. After about 20 minutes we all headed out for some group shots. Although it was dry it was pretty cold so we did our best to get through these as quickly as possible and after 15 minutes, and some extra requests everyone was making their way back inside….except the Ross and Ali who now had their photographs. It wasn’t until afterwards that we found out the happy couple hadn’t really eaten much but drank a whole bottle of champagne during their drive! No wonder they didn’t really feel the cold and were so willing to be photographed!, although to be fair by the end Ali was ready to go back in!We photographed and comical speeches and notably Ross using his Ipad for his speech….no one was surprised as apparently he is a techy geek;)

After the cake cutting and first dance we left the wedding party as they all started to make their way to the dance floor. Party time for all!

Have a great honeymoon,

Lauren and Teresa x

]]> http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/the-wedding-of-ross-and-ali-at-blue-mountain-golf-course-in-binfield/feed/ 0 Pre-wedding Shoot – Ross and Ali at Blue Mountain Golf Course http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-ross-and-ali-at-blue-mountain-golf-course-berkshire/ http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-ross-and-ali-at-blue-mountain-golf-course-berkshire/#comments Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:01:25 +0000 lauren@laurenmitchell.co.uk http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/?p=457 Today we met Ross and Ali for their pre-wedding shoot and meeting at The Blue Mountain Golf Club in Binfield, Berkshire. Meeting at 10am meant we were able to dodge the showers and after a chat about how things were going, and timings for the date we went outside in the sun (and with the golfers!) to take some shots. We use the pre-wedding shoot to help our couples settle in to ‘being photographed’ and after just one shot of Ali as she looked back at the image on the camera her first reaction was ‘Wow!’ – that’s what we like to hear!>Blue Mountain has a lovely bridge over a lake so we used this for a couple of the shots which looked fantastic especially with the golf course in the background…..we will definitely be using this on the day.

Looking forward to the wedding day! Not long now…!

Lauren x

]]> http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/pre-wedding-shoot-ross-and-ali-at-blue-mountain-golf-course-berkshire/feed/ 0 The wedding of Jarrett and Sarah at Rivervale Barn in Yateley http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/the-wedding-of-jarrett-and-sarah-at-rivervale-barn-in-yateley/ http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/the-wedding-of-jarrett-and-sarah-at-rivervale-barn-in-yateley/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:35:20 +0000 lauren@laurenmitchell.co.uk http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/?p=468 The sun was shining over Rivervale Barn when Teresa and I arrived shortly before 11am. Sarah wasn’t arriving until noon but we wanted to get there early, take some shots of the venue and find new opportunities to shoot the couple shots. We always try and shoot at different angles regardless of how many times we have shot at the same wedding venue…..it keeps things fresh and exciting, and the couple receive the unique shots they expect from us.When Sarah arrived with her Bridesmaids she was so excited which was great to see and we captured some really great shots of her getting ready. Teresa and I also photographed Sarah’s flowers and shoes outside before heading over to find Jarrett. We shot the boys outside Rivervale before they started greeting guests. We then headed back to find Sarah who was ready to fit into her wedding dress and shoes…..she was loving it! We then had time to take their individual shots and after photographing all the Bridesmaids we finished with Sarah’s shot, and I have to say she looked stunning!

Teresa and I then walked into the ceremony room to be greeted by Kelly one of the Registrars who we often work with, what a lovely surprise! The ceremony was fantastic, everyone looks so happy and there were smiles all round…..especially from the happy couple. Teresa managed to take some shots during the ceremony not only from the back of the room but also from the gallery area at the top giving us three perspectives of the ceremony! After this we gathered everyone around the courtyard area for a confetti and group shot before letting the wedding party have some time to chat and mingle. During this time we always capture candid shots and I nipped into the room holding the wedding breakfast to photograph the tables and cake. After 15 minutes we started with the rest of the group shots in the gardens of Rivervale before beginning our favourite part of the day – the couple shots! It’s always challenging working in bright sunshine without any clouds or haze so as a photographer you can either battle against it or work with it. Working with it can produce camera flare which to many people in the industry is a big no, no, but if you do it right, it can produce some striking and creative images. We ended the couple’s shoot which this type of creative photography before all heading back into Rivervale for the Wedding Breakfast.
We photographed the happy couple entering the room as their guests clapped and cheered before heading upstairs to let them all enjoy their meal. We then photographed the speeches, which included ones from the Maid of Honour – Rachel and the happy Bride who had a surprise slideshow to show Jarrett and their guests! After which we photographed the cutting of the cake and then the first dance.

We left the happy couple as everyone was taking to the dance floor…..even grandad ;)

Best wishes to you both,

Lauren and Teresa x

]]> http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/the-wedding-of-jarrett-and-sarah-at-rivervale-barn-in-yateley/feed/ 0 Rivervale Barn – a selection of our favourite wedding photographs http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/rivervale-barn-hampshire-wedding-venue/ http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/rivervale-barn-hampshire-wedding-venue/#comments Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:10:51 +0000 lauren@laurenmitchell.co.uk http://www.laurenmitchell.co.uk/blog/?p=442 Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting our favourite wedding photographs from different wedding venues in Hampshire, Berkshire and internationally. We wanted to share our favourite photographs from venues to inspire couples looking for a fantastic wedding venue.

This week we have chosen the purpose built barn – Rivervale Barn in Yateley. Being a local wedding photographer to Rivervale, we have been fortunate to be able to photograph a number of weddings here over the years. Rivervale is set amongst a background of greenery and colours and has the Blackwater River running passed making this great for wedding photographs using the bright colours from the flowers and the reflection in the river. It can hold up to 150 guests and holds the ceremony and wedding breakfast under one roof. It also has a courtyard where guests can enjoy canopies and champagne and a Bridal suit ready for the happy couple.

We are looking forward to our next wedding at Rivervale in March.Information for Rivervale Barn:
Mill Lane
Yateley
Hampshire
GU46 7SS
UK
www.rivervale-barn-weddings.co.uk

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