Ben and Lizzie's pre wedding shoot at Heaton Park

A couple of weeks back I headed to lovely Heaton park in Manchester for Ben and Lizzie's pre wedding shoot ahead of their Heaton park wedding in a few weeks. We walked around the park chatting wedding plans and travel (my 2 favourite subjects) while squeezing in some photos of the pair and their beautiful daughter Eleanor. 

Having spent lots of time in Heaton park with friends and family growing up I was really looking forward to heading there for the shoot and scouting locations for their wedding photos. Lizzie and Ben chose to hold their wedding in the park after both meeting and getting engaged here so it felt pretty special to be taking photos of their family here ahead of their wedding. 

I'm can't wait to be heading back in a few weeks for their wedding and hopefully we'll be treated to a little bit more of the very rare Manchester sunshine we've been having recently. 

Here's a little bit of what we got up to ... 

If you're interested in a relaxed couples or family shoot in or around Manchester/ Lancashire/ Yorkshire/ Cheshire drop me a message to see what I can offer for you :) 

Olivia x 

Danielle and Ian's pre wedding shoot at Meols Hall

I loved meeting with Danielle and Ian ahead of their Meols Hall wedding later this month. We were lucky to get one of those rare sunny days that seem the norm recently (Crossing everything that it stays that way) We walked around the insanely gorgeous surroundings of Meols hall and the many grounds it boasts- we even got to see a little hedgehog!

Here's a little bit of what we got up to!

If you're planning your wedding or even just want some photos of yourself and your partner together in a relaxed style at a location of your choice drop me a message  to see what I can do for you :D 

Joseph and Ninoshka's pre wedding shoot at Dunham Massey

From the first time I met Joseph and Ninoshka I've been excited for their wedding and with it now only a couple of weeks away I cannot wait! When Joseph suggested Dunham Massey for their pre wedding shoot ahead of their big day I was so happy I LOVE Dunham Massey and have visited many times before to walk around the house and gardens and spot the deer. When the day arrived and the sun was beaming I was practically jumping for joy- I couldn't have wished for anything more after a very wet and cold start to the year! 

The love shared between these guys is incredible and shines out of them, I absolutely adored photographing them and chatting through their wedding plans in the most beautiful setting. Here's a little bit of what we got up to... 

I absolutely LOVE couples shoots, getting to hear all about their love story and documenting them together. If you'd like to book in for a relaxed couples shoot or to enquire about prices and packages pop me a message.

Sam and Pranesh's rustic wedding at Carlton Towers

I was so excited to be back at Carlton Towers for Sam and Pranesh's wedding after visiting with them in the autumn for their pre wedding shoot. Luckily the February weather was kind to us and the rain held off! It was such a beautiful day and I am so excited to be able to share this beautiful Yorkshire wedding. 

Starting in the morning with Sam getting ready with her bridesmaids and mums while the boys prepped the downstairs there was a really buzz as all the girls had their hair and makeup done and Sam handed out gifts. With a little spare time Sam and Pranesh decided to have a 'first touch'. This was the first time I had the opportunity to photograph a first touch and I absolutely loved it! If you have the time to schedule it in to your day I highly recommend to do so it was a really lovely emotional moment and I felt incredibly lucky to be able to document it. 

Walking down the aisle to the beautiful voice of Rosanna O'Brien Sam and Pranesh's ceremony was perfect, full of little glances and smiles to one another. 

After the ceremony we headed outside for a showering of confetti as they walked down the grand steps outside the venue before taking some time to explore the grounds and get some photos as the two spend a little time together as husband and wife. 

I love taking time to photograph the little details at a wedding- after all so much time has been spent planning it out to be perfect! and Sam and Pranesh's did not disappoint. It was so lovely to see their centre pieces for each table included images from their pre wedding shoot and my favourite touch was their "You are my lobster" cake topper- as a HUGE Friends fan this was much appreciated.

Undoubtably one of my favourite parts of Sam and Pranesh's big day was the dance floor! It was INCREDIBLE! After a game of Mr and Mrs it was dancing shoes back on a go go go. With Pranesh's family coming from Mauritius I had been warned the dance floor would be busy and that was no word of a lie, it was such an amazing atmosphere and I loved getting stuck in the middle of all the action. 

Massive thanks to Emily for coming along to second shoot and capturing some of these images.

Massive thanks to all suppliers involved in making this wedding BEAUTIFUL and of course to Sam and Pranesh for allowing me to share and document their big day !

Venue: Carlton Towers

Singer: Rosanna O'brien 

Second shooter: Emily Bailey

Decorations: As you wish events

Cake: Betty's 

Duane and Ellie's pre wedding shoot in New Mills

I met Duane and Ellie last week at their home before heading to one of their favourite spots for a walk with dog Trevor. We were lucky to dodge the thunderstorms and be graced with some very rare but welcomed sunshine! I always love heading to places that are personal to a couple for pre wedding shoots. 

When we reached the top there was the most amazing view out to Manchester and I was so glad we had a clear day to see the view. Not wanting to be left out Trevor did a quick lap to be centre frame in some of Duane and Ellie's images.

After our walk we headed back to Duane and Ellie's house to chat through plans for their wedding and I CANNOT WAIT! In August I'll be heading down to Cornwall for the pairs festival themed wedding! Every single thing about this wedding sounds incredible and I am so so excited to be photographing their big day.

If you'd like to meet to discuss booking me for your own wedding or booking in a couples shoot drop me a message to see what I can do for you.

Olivia x 

Charlotte and Jame's pre wedding shoot at Fountains Abbey

When Charlotte suggested meeting at Fountain's Abbey for her and Jame's pre wedding shoot ahead of their wedding at Barton Grange this summer I was over the moon, when she then asked if Millie the dog could be involved I was even more excited! After previously visiting the incredible beauty of this National Trust site years ago I was more than a little excited to return. Despite the typically British April showers we walked around the preserved site of the Abbeys ruins with dog Millie and managed to dodge all rain showers that came on the drive from Lancashire to beautiful North Yorkshire. Although after recent snow, rain, sunshine and all other elements a little bit of dry was welcome weather! 

After meeting in the cafe in the courtyard we made our way down the hill and explored the various ruins (which are the largest monastic ruins in the country) set alongside the river in Ripon and chatted all things weddings and pets! There was plenty of beautiful archways and stunning scenery for backdrops for their pre wedding photos. Here’s a little bit of what we got up to….

If you’re thinking of a pre wedding shoot its a great way to warm up in front of the camera and see how I work. Don’t worry its not hours of standing in one spot saying cheese, I want to see how you react with one another so heading to a spot you love to simply have a walk and a chat about your plans is the perfect place to start! For more information on pre wedding shoots drop me a message :)

Olivia x 

Laura and Sam's pre wedding shoot in Blackpool

Back on Easter Sunday I met with Laura and Sam for their pre wedding shoot ahead of their wedding in Blackpool this June. We met early on, in the unexpected sunshine, with the hope to beat the high tide and have a walk along the beach. Unfortunately, along with the sun, mother nature had other ideas and washed out the beach entirely! But that didn't matter as we walked across to the local gardens with Lily the dog for some pictures. 

It was a great opportunity to chat through plans for their relaxed wedding and of course get in some photos of the pair and Lily- just look at that smile! 

Casey and Liam's wedding at The Peacock Room

I've known Casey since high school after being in the same form class so I was extra excited when she asked me to document her and Liam's big day. 

After meeting in Lourdes and later becoming engaged there while on pilgrimage Liam and Casey's day was extra special in paying homage to this in a day surrounded by their family and friends. Bridal preparations were enjoyed over a glass of bubbly and some throwback music supplied by Steps and beautiful makeup by Briony Jayne

The beautiful ceremony was held in Liam's family church at Our Immaculate Mother & ST Anselm's with the service delivered from both Casey and Liam's parish priests making it extra special and personal to the pair. 

After a hefty showering of confetti and the formal group shots the heavens opened just in time for us to make our way over to The Peacock Room. Luckily we dodged the rain for the most part and made use out of the beautiful grounds at the peacock room for some bridal portraits. 

Some emotional speeches recounting of long friendships, and fate bringing Casey and Liam together 

Huge thank you to Sarah for coming along and second shooting with me for the day and capturing some of these moments! 

Carwen and Matt's family pre wedding shoot at Llangollen

Today I'm heading to the beautiful Sweeney Hall in Oswestry for Carwen and Matt's wedding. Coming from the North west and previously living in Wales for 3 years I love any opportunity to head back and explore the many beautiful towns, cities and villages Wales has to offer and last week was no different. I headed to the ridiculously stunning town of Llangollen situated in North East Wales to meet with Matt, Carwen and children Cai, Bella and Oscar. 

Right on the edge of the Berwyn mountains situated on the River Dee Llangollen was full of idyllic spots for photos. Bright and early on Saturday morning after meeting outside the Corn Mill, where Matt and Carwen had their first date, we headed down beside the river to get some family photos and images of the two of them together in preparation for their wedding. Prior to the shoot Carwen had told me she was nervous but she didn't need to be as the whole family were naturals and I absolutely loved having the opportunity to spend the morning with them all. 

Following a morning walking along the river taking photos we headed to a local cafe to chat all things weddings, I absolutely loved hearing all about their upcoming wedding. And just as we did the typical British weather arrived and the rain came down!

Here's a small snippet of what we got up to...

Pre wedding shoots are not only a fab opportunity for you to get a selection of photos together other than the selfies on your phone its a brilliant opportunity for us to meet. I love meeting couples before the wedding and often couples agree experiencing having their photo taken before the wedding puts their mind at ease on the day. If you would like to book in for a meeting or couples shoot drop me a message :) 

Olivia x  

Sam and Pranesh's autumnal pre wedding shoot at Carlton Towers

Next week I will be heading back to the incredibly beautiful and grand Carlton Towers in Yorkshire to document Sam and Pranesh's big day. Back in the autumn I headed up crossing the Lancashire to Yorkshire border to meet the pair for a pre wedding shoot. We had a relaxed walk round the venue and discussed all things weddings and wedding plans. 

The building was covered in the most amazing red ivy and we had the whole place to ourselves to explore! A beautiful mix of large state rooms dressed in gold and ornate fireplaces and intimate cosy rooms perfect to snuggle on the sofa in and surrounded by 250 acres of estate parkland there was plenty to explore. 

We had such a lovely morning full of love and laughter and it made me so so excited for their big day! After a quick tour of the venue we started in the state rooms and worked our way through the house and into the gardens for some pictures.

Pre wedding shoots are not only a great opportunity to get some photos of you as a couple but they are a fab opportunity to chat all about your big day, not to mention understand a little bit about how I work and what you’ll be doing on your wedding. Aside from this I LOVE shooting couples, if you’d like some photos of you and your partner (engaged or not) pop me a message and see what I can do for you!

Fiona and Ian's intimate farm wedding in Kinross

From the moment Fiona's email detailing her wedding to Ian hit my inbox I knew it was going to be special. An intimate wedding set on their very own farm with their nearest and dearest - a grand total of 9 guests and Polly (the ring bearing sheep) Set in the incredibly beautiful Kinross in Scotland and I was looking forward to this wedding for a long time! 

After getting their hair done at the salon the girls headed back to Fiona and Ian’s farm house to bind beautiful rose and thistle buttonholes before doing makeup and getting dressed. Once dressed Fiona headed over to see her calves and other animals on the farm before… wait for it….. driving herself down the “aisle” in a tractor- Seriously one of the coolest entrances EVER! 

Following a traditional bag piper Fiona, bridesmaid and flower girls headed down the aisle for a hand fasting ceremony. It was such an honour to be part of Fiona and Ian’s intimate ceremony with what can only be described as the most phenomenal views! 

After the ceremony Fiona, Ian and I wandered around their farm taking photos of the two before heading back to the field directly behind the farmhouse where the couple had set up bride and groom hay bales as well as a hay bale pyramid for their group shot *swoon* It felt so special taking photos not only where they had been married 20 minutes prior but on their land where they both worked and lived. A brief stop in the farmhouse for some snacks and refreshments and we headed off for a mini tour of the couples favourite spots including Loch Leven (if you get a chance to visit I cannot recommend it enough) I loved being able to explore the stunning scenery and take portraits of these guys before heading to an intimate (and amazingly tasty) meal at a local restaurant before they headed off on their honeymoon. I had such a beautiful and fun day celebrating and documenting this intimate wedding.

If you’re planning a relaxed countryside wedding, or an intimate elopement get in touch ! I adore shooting this sort of beautiful wedding 

A very special couples shoot in the Lancashire hills

I love each and every shoot that I get the chance to do and I especially love working alongside couples to capture their personality in beautiful settings. And this shoot above any other stands out because its my very own lovely mum and dad. Right on the door step of my childhood family home is the beautiful setting of Ashworth Moor in Lancashire just on the outskirts of Rochdale, growing up we would head up the lane to this beautiful setting of rolling hills, waterfalls and reservoirs to walks our two dachshunds and now I love to spend weekends up in the hills. 

Seeing heather in bloom on impulse I quickly grabbed my mum and dad and took them up to the moors for a walk in the hills and a few photos. It was extra special to see how they reacted with one another especially after 33 years of marriage, my mum and dad have always been a massive inspiration and shown me exactly what a relationship should be like. 

This was the first time since their own wedding they had the opportunity to have some photos with one another (which is crazy considering they had a photographer in the family). Unlike the traditional photos taken on their wedding I wanted to be able to inject some fun and personality into these photos are really show off the amazing relationship they have. These pictures will always be super special to me and I am so excited to finally be showing them off. 

I love exploring the great outdoors and especially love going for adventures in new places so if you’re planning your wedding and would like a pre wedding shoot or know someone who would love some new portraits drop and message and get in touch and lets plan something awesome!

Sarah & Dave's seaside wedding at The Clifton Hotel Southport

Thowback to those summer months with beautiful golden sunsets and warm afternoons. After getting ready at her mums house Sarah and Dave were married at ST Cuthbert's Church in ChurchTown. It was such a beautiful church and the perfect setting for this wedding and a welcome shade from the beaming sunlight on one of the hottest days of last year. It was an emotional service followed by a hefty showering of confetti outside of the church grounds. 

After the service we headed down the road to Southport Botanical gardens for some couples portraits, which were extra special as this is where Sarah's parents had their own wedding portraits. Luckily we were greeted with beautiful sunshine unlike their very rainy pre wedding shoot a couple of months prior. 

After the all important portraits we headed to the Royal Clifton Hotel in Southport which was the perfect setting for some seaside portraits.Following the all important speeches we headed out front for some lovely golden hour portraits down by the pier.

After kicking off the party with a first dance to Arctic Monkeys Sarah and Dave had such an amazing dance floor full of the best music! I absolutely LOVED this wedding and I'm so happy to be sharing it!

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!

Styled bridal shoot

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to collaborate on a beautiful styled bridal shoot in Leeds. Working alongside the wonderfully talented Emma Louise Bartlam whose make up studio is based in Leeds city centre we created 3 bridal looks. 

In true Yorkshire style the temperamental weather restricted us from having the opportunity to head outside as originally planned but that didn't stop us from being able to create some bridal portraits within the studio.

If you're looking for a makeup artist for your wedding or even just fancy a pamper I cannot recommend Emma enough so drop her a message or pop into her studio.  

Here's a little bit of what we got up to...