Best of 2017

2017 was such an amazing year for me. I met the most amazing couples sharing their big days documenting the tears, the laughter and the incredible parties that followed! I am so grateful to each and every couple that chose me to document their day. 

I've been lucky enough to work at some amazing new venues, tick some off my bucket list and return to some favourites from previous years. I've travelled up and down the country working with the BEST couples. I have second shot for some incredible photographers and undergone training from some of the best. 

The year kicked off at The Victoria hotel in Oldham and ended at beautiful Mitton Hall. In between I travelled to Kinross, Scotland, Swansea, Fawley Hill and Bristol and so many other incredible places.

I can't wait to see what 2018 holds, I'm nearly fully booked with just a couple of dates remaining and now taking bookings for 2019. I'll be travelling across Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Wales and further afield. If you're still looking for your photographer drop me a message to see what I can do for you. 

Happy New Year!

Olivia 

Michaela & Ken's Chester Zoo pre wedding shoot

Last month on a very sunny Saturday I headed to Chester Zoo (yay!) to meet up with Michaela, Ken and daughters Annabelle & Taliah to chat all about their wedding plans, stroll around the zoo and sneak in a few pictures ahead of their wedding day. 

I am so excited for this one and know its going to be an absolutely amazing wedding full of fun, love and incredible animals. 

Here's a little look at what we got up to when we met. 

Lauren & Ian's vintage village hall wedding in Chipping Lancashire

Lauren and Ian's wedding was definitely one of my favourites from last year. Full of love, family and beautiful hand made touches this is what rustic village hall weddings are all about! 

Prior to the big day I met Lauren, Ian along with their closest family and friends to document them dressing the room together. So much care and attention went into every single part of the day making it so personal and extra special. Lauren's mum and grandma created beautiful floral arrangements for the tables in an array of jars and vases collected in the year leading up to the wedding. The best man and groom were set to hang bunting that Lauren had handmade throughout the hall. Handmade handkerchiefs and napkins were tied and organised ready for ceremony and wedding breakfast and family photos of marriages previous were stacked on a ladder Lauren had found and up-cycled. Alongside their wedding cake Lauren and Ian opted for a table full of cakes ranging from gluten free lemon cake to chocolate cake (My idea of heaven!) 

Set in stunning rural Chipping in Lancashire the day started off in Plum Cottage with Lauren, bridesmaid Helen, daughter Emily and friends for bridal preparations. There was plenty of laughter as I photographed the bridal party getting ready along with all the special details including Lauren's vintage inspired Vivian of Holloway wedding dress and Irregular Choice heels (swoon!) 

We headed over to Parish church of St Bartholomews for an intimate service before Lauren and Ian were showered with dried petals. Following some family photos and a walk around the village with Lauren and Ian we made the very quick walk across the road to Chipping Village Hall for an evening of pimms, afternoon tea and plenty of dancing. 

If you're wanting a rustic vintage feel for your wedding this is definitely the way to do it! 

Shai & James' autumnal couples shoot at Heaton Park

This weekend is a little throwback to my favourite time of year when the leaves have fallen and the ground is scattered with the perfect shade of orange. I met Shai and James down by the boating lake in beautiful Heaton Park in Manchester. Full of beautiful spots spanning over 600 acres in the grounds of an 18th century country house there was plenty of amazing photo spots. 

We walked around chatting about all my favourite things- weddings and animals! We even befriended some of the squirrels that occupy the park. 

There was plenty of laughs, cuddles and pictures to show off how perfect these two are for each other! 

Heaton park made the perfect setting for photos. With a stunning backdrop of autumnal colours and animals it is an idyllic haven from the busy centre of Manchester.

Hayley & Daniels spring wedding at Hazlewood Castle

Hayley and Daniels wedding was like something straight out of a fairytale set in Hazlewood castle in Yorkshire, a historic beauty dating all the way back to 1086. Hayley and Daniel's wedding was bursting full of love, emotion and hand made touches that made the day so sentimental. From the moment Hayley entered the room it was clear to see the love between these two and that they were meant to be. 

The day started with an intimate ceremony within the castle shared with their closest friends and family before heading to the chapel in the grounds for a beautiful service shared with their full wedding party.

After a foggy start to the day the sun came out just in time for lots of confetti and photos in the beautiful Yorkshire grounds.

We later progressed into the Great Hall for an evening meal, speeches before a night full of dancing including an extra special dance medley between Hayley and her father- if you're wondering what makes a great dance floor, this is it!

Sarah & Dave's rainy pre wedding shoot at Southport Botanic Gardens

One of the things I get asked most is "What do we do if it rain's on our day?" The short answer is we grab an umbrella and carry on. Don't be afraid of a little (or a lot) rain and never underestimate how beautiful the rain can and will look on your pictures. 

I kicked off what is turning out to be a very wet April here in Lancashire meeting with Sarah and Dave on one of the wettest days of the year, for what was undoubtedly the soggiest shoot I have ever done. But lucky for us that also meant the Botanic gardens in Southport were empty for us to get some lovely pictures in the spot Sarah's parents had their own wedding photographs. 

We sheltered from the rain with Charlie the puppy before digging out the umbrellas and heading out and walking round the botanical gardens talking about their wedding and getting some snaps. These guys were awesome full of love and laughter and I cannot wait for their wedding!

Pippa & Ben's Victoria Hotel wedding with a Mexican twist

Pippa and Ben's wedding was one I couldn't wait for. A beautiful wedding with a fun twist! 

Marking their 11th anniversary Pippa and Ben shared their special day with their friends family and beautiful daughter Pearl. The day kicked off at The Victoria Hotel in Oldham for bridal prep before heading to St James's Church for a beautiful ceremony. We sheltered from the February rain inside the church before braving the cold for a confetti filled get a way.

When we arrived back to The Victoria Hotel we were greeted by a Mariachi band and nacho stand- how AMAZING!

If this didn't make the day unique enough alongside their wedding cake Pippa and ben also opted for a 3 tier pork pie. 

I absolutely loved documenting this relaxed, fun wedding from the stag party's party piece during the speeches to the full dance floor full of love. 

A massive thank you to Emily for second shooting this wedding with me and getting some of these shots 

Venue: The Victoria Hotel

Kirsty & Steve's Coalpit Heath pre wedding shoot

With Kirsty and Steve's wedding just around the corner I headed down to Bristol for their pre wedding shoot. We walked around the grounds of their venue and talked all things wedding. Their plans sound INCREDIBLE and its safe to say this is a wedding I cannot wait for. 

Making an early start from up in the North West heading to beautiful Coalpit Heath. We took a short walk across to the church they will be married in before heading back across the road to the beautiful gardens of The Manor Hall. With the flowers newly planted I can't wait to return next month for their big day. 

These two were absolutely amazing and laughed and smiled their way through the whole shoot, take a look at what we got up to.

Wedding Photography Workshop at Owen House Wedding Barn

Last week I was lucky enough to bag myself a place on Jonny Draper's latest workshop at Owen House Wedding Barn in Cheshire. All I can say is what a venue, what a photographer, what a day!

Being self employed can be a bit lonely at times so I absolutely love having the opportunity to meet and catch up with other photographers from not only the North West but around the country whilst taking the time to learn new skills and gain inspiration. 

I feel so lucky to be able to say this is my second course with Jonny (an immense achievement as his courses seem to sell out in under 30 minutes every time!) and just like the previous course this one did not disappoint. Teamed with a whole host of incredible suppliers, the venue and models looked AMAZING! 

We spent the morning shooting in the barn with models Sarah, Suzy and Ollie creating beautiful couples shots and bridal portraits against the hay bales and beautiful exterior. 

Following this we stopped for pizza (my favourite) created by Smith Street Kitchen (a horse box converted into pizza oven). With each pizza cooked in around 90 seconds, and tasting unreal, these guys are a definite must for anyone looking for a relaxed, alternative/ fun option for catering their wedding. 

In the afternoon after a quick dress change we headed round the back to play with smoke bombs, some inquisitive cows and beautiful country views. I even had a chance to pull out my prisms to create some beautiful lighting effects. 

Thank you so much to Jonny and the team who helped put together this INCREDIBLE day! 

Here's a few pictures from the day.

Special thanks go out to 

Venue: Owen House Wedding Barn

Workshop host: Jonny Draper

Dress: Love Bridal Boutique

Suit: Whitfield & Ward

Bouquet: Red Floral

Catering: Smith Street Kitchen

Model: Sarah Rowlands

Couple & Light up letters: Ollie and Suzy from The word is love

Olivia x