One of the benefits of an engagement shoot is that we have a brilliant time together and for me, I get to know my future bride and groom,s a bit better before their special day! We always have lots of fun in a setting that the couple can either choose or I recommend. This time was no exception, Jodie and Paul aren’t based locally anymore so I suggested at this time of year you just can’t beat a beautiful woodland setting.

It rained nearly all the time we were there, but Jodie and Paul were very patience waiting hidden under a thicket (I know aren’t I mean) until it eased off. Our patience paid off as we were able to carry on and had lots of fun doing so. I also thought this would make a great advert for Barbours!

I think from the feedback I’ve been given from my Clients, they also really enjoy this experience and then have a better idea of how we are going to work together on their special day.

I can’t wait till their wedding in June at Goodwood Hotel!

Natalie & Lorenzo are a lovely laid back couple from Ireland that now live on Hayling Island. We had a fantastic day starting off at The Langstone Hotel in Hayling Island where Natalie and her bridesmaids got ready and then just the short distance on to St.Patrick’s Church. Lorenzo had a special connection with their family Priest so he flew over from Ireland especially for their day. This made it a very special service. The beautiful light blue colouring combined with the overhead skylights provided superb lighting inside of St. Patrick’s Church showing off Natalie’s dress at it’s best. Later on after the service we had some special couple time together with champagne in hand enjoying Hayling Island’s peaceful seaside backdrop before heading back to The Langstone Hotel. I have included a couple of shots of Natalie and Lorenzo with a vintage style reflecting the warm and breezy natural backdrop. Hope you like them?

Owners William and Mariella Fleming are all set to have a wedding venue with a difference! Last week Mariella very kindly invited me to come and view the new build and see the photographic opportunities for wedding couples. She is absolutely full of energy and excitement about this new venture and walking round the new built you can see why. Southend Barns is set conveniently just on the outskirts of Chichester in Donnington. Amongst beautiful rural outlooks the converted farm buildings and landscaped gardens are all built with the latest environmentally sustainable technology.

The buildings are insulated using natural products like hemp and wood fibre, and it will be powered by photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps and a biomass boiler. During building works, careful planning went into waste management and carbon capture using woodland and hedge planting schemes. It is an impressive commitment to sustainability built into the business.

Wedding couples will be able to create their own bespoke seating arrangement in the Dairy Barn Ceremony room which can hold up to 150 guests. Guests can chill out in the courtyard gardens just outside the Dairy Ceremony room. Then you can relax at the end of your evening in the bridal suite called the ‘Milking Parlour’. The Bridal Suite is very contemporary with lots of natural elements within the room created throughout with the farm feel.

Weddings are already booked in for this year! Southend Barns with be having it’s grand opening set for June 22nd 2012. I feel this new addition to wedding venues within West Sussex around the Chichester area will be very popular and bookings will be snapped up quickly as it’s unique look and feel is perfect for all Chichester couples getting married.

So why not give Mariella a call to see for yourselves on 01243 641247 to discuss your wedding requirements, and of course I would love to photograph your wedding there!

It is always a pleasure to be recommended by wedding venues for wedding photography. Very recently The Tollgate Hotel, Bramber, West Sussex invited me to attend their open house wedding day. The day was very busy with lots of excited wedding couples contenplating whether this would be the right venue for their special day.

NICOLA & MICHAEL

Knowing that Nicola is a professional equestrian events rider and Michael a show jumper, I guess it was hardly surprising that they had organised a fantastic array of busy activities for their guests to be entertained! We were there right from the morning for Nicola’s bridal preparation through to a very late first dance at 10.30pm! I was slightly concerned about the lack of light at that time of the evening but with the help of a bit of video light we managed fine. It was lovely to also be a part of a local wedding as I so often travel further afield, especially being up at St. Mary’s Church in Barnham where Father Simon always gives such a great service. The inside of the church has been lovingly restored. Check out all the amazing evening entertainment!

Karen and Darren’s wedding was lovely from every aspect. They had a combination of sunshine and lovely evening skies which is always great. The day was filled with lots of personal touches and lovely details. Darren started his day relaxing (with a few beers of course) with the boys at The Kennels Golf Club, Goodwood,  and then off to meet Karen at Westhampnett Church, Chichester.   The Tithe Barn, Petersfield was the lovely setting for the wedding reception. One of the highlights of the day without a doubt was Karen’s Mum’s speech which included a brilliant scrapbook of Karen over the years for all the guests to have. This was very touching and perfectly put together. Karen requested to have lots of images of her day that were bright and colourful, so hopefully I have given them what they wanted considering the lovely location and great weather!

from Bev Downie on Vimeo.

Congratulations to you both Chris and Paul. x

Luxury Hotels England – Goodwood Hotel

Goodwood  Hotel Wedding Fayre

Set in the heart of the Goodwood Estate on the glorious Sussex Downs, The fantastic Goodwood hotel. Come to the fantastic spring wedding fayre on the 20th March and you will see the Goodwood Hotel at its very best.

You will see up to 50 exhibitors, stunning dresses, beautiful flowers, amazing cakes and so much more.

From an intimate ceremony or private dinner party to a lavish wedding reception or a jolly good knees up, The Goodwood Hotel is the ideal place to celebrate with family, friends and colleagues. Please come and visit myself and Nichola there.  We will be more than delighted to discuss your exciting special day together and discuss the service we can offer you.  We look forward to seeing you there.

OPEN 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM.