Tony Whitmore Wedding Photography - Natural wedding photography in Hampshire, Southampton, Winchester, Dorset, Kent, Berkshire and Surrey

Zoe and Stuart

Tony — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:30:59 +0000

When you are asked to a wedding in New York with a party on top of a skyscraper, of course you want to go. But when that wedding is one of your best friend’s, it’s even more special. Stuart and I share a love of classic British comedy like Monty Python and Blackadder. Basically, he likes a good goof around. And Zoe not only puts up with it, but seems to enjoy some slapstick herself! They’re certainly a good match and are very happy together.

The ceremony itself was at the fantastically named Louis J. Lefkowitz State Office Building. As well as her parents, Zoe had two of her lovely friends, Tess and Brianna as bridesmaids. Stuart’s Mum had travelled over from the UK too. The ceremony really was as quick as in the movies: After sharing the hallway with a whole variety of other wedding parties (which was surprisingly fun!), we were in the chapel for less than five minutes. Although brief, it was energetic and as meaningful as any other wedding when Zoe and Stuart looked into each other’s eyes and exchanged vows. Zoe’s father watched on proudly as witness.

There’s a little garden opposite the courthouse where every other couple was posing for photographs. We went a little further away to find somewhere a bit quieter for portraits, before heading off for lunch at the Square Diner in TriBeCa. Zoe had arranged the location as a surprise for Stuart: it’s where they had their first date.

The celebratory party followed, held on a roof terrace at the top of a Wall Street apartment block. This was a stunning venue, with a complete 360 view of the New York skyline. The open-air bar had an amazing atmosphere, ably staffed by a friend of Zoe’s. Food for the evening was a great mixture of hot food provided by the good folks at Crave Astoria (and rather nice it was too!) and home-made fare, including bonbonaires lovingly assembled by Zoe’s mum!

It was dark by the time Zoe got to the party (you’re allowed to be very fashionably late for your own wedding party, right?) so I made sure that we captured some images in front of the fantastic skyline before the party went on well into the night.

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Tony — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 17:53:44 +0000

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Tony — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 10:16:35 +0000

Weddings

Tony — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:35:01 +0000

Your wedding day is all about you. You’re committing to spending the rest of your life with the person you love. Your photographs should reflect that.

That’s why I don’t just offer a one-price “bargain basement” take-it-or-leave-it service. I tailor my services around what you want to get out of the day. It’s your wedding day, after all. I’ll capture as much of it as you want, from your preparations, though the ceremony and on into the celebrations. I’ll make sure you have photographs which reflect you as a couple and preserve the memories of your wedding day.

My wedding photography services can include:

A complimentary pre-wedding engagement photo session
A range of photographs from throughout your wedding day (numbers vary depending on the number of hours of photography, but in the hundreds!)
Candid and informal photographs
Details and decorations
Formal group photographs
A wedding day photo session with you both
My favourite photographs picked out for you
Framed prints and albums
A copy of the photographs on CD or DVD
Password protected on-line gallery and slideshow, ideal for sharing with your friends and family
Help with planning photography into your day
Second photographer to capture more of the day
A friendly, professional service
A blog post covering the day and sharing my favourite photographs

If that sounds good to you, please get in touch and I can send you more details! You can also read more in my FAQ.

Amy and Andrew: Behind the scenes

Tony — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:03:50 +0000

I was lucky enough to be asked by Emma and Amy from Emma Lappin Flowers to photograph their work. They are gearing up for the launch of their new website, Postcards from the Potting Shed.

I met up with them at Lainston House Hotel near Winchester, a superbly impressive venue and a beautiful English country hotel. I could have shot there all day, there were so many little gardens, lawns, walls and even a crumbling old chapel just perfect for beautiful wedding photos.

The couple, Andrew and Amy (no, a different Amy!), were getting married at a nearby church and Emma and Amy (who I shall call Amy F. for clarity) had about two hours to decorate all the tables. A skillfully-crafted wedding cake was already set up, the flowers on it exquisitely detailed and nicely complementing the table centrepieces.

Emma and Amy F. set up tall, elegant pedestals for displays incorporating roses, hydrangeas and peonies.

The tables were named after golf courses and the head table was naturally “St. Andrew’s.”

Emma also got to give advice on the placement of button holes!

Their work finished, we even got to see the bridal party before they left for the church with the bouquets prepared by Emma.

Thanks to Emma and Amy F. for inviting me to see them at work!

Helen and Jeff

Tony — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:49:49 +0000

Helen and Jeff’s first date was in a pub in London which ended with a random celebrity encounter. And much hysterical laughter, which is clearly a good omen for their life together. Jeff is wonderfully down to earth and the perfect foil for Helen’s quirkiness. That’s how they describe it, honest! They clearly love each other very much and share a similar sense of humour. Just don’t get Jeff started talking about Star Wars!

Helen and Jeff had chosen an 1920s/1930s theme for their wedding and all the guests dived headlong into the spirit of the event, sporting some splendid spats and fabulous feather boas. Helen was resplendent in a suitably period dress, her hair in tight ringlets and bright red lipstick matching her bouquet of roses. Her face when she saw the outfits all the guests had gathered for the day was, well, a picture.

After the ceremony at the Register Office in Hemel Hempstead, Jeff opened the champagne much to Helen’s concern!

Jeff’s family, who own a coach firm, transported everyone to and from the Register Office in style, adorning the side of the coach with a celebratory alteration.

For a 1920s/1930s theme wedding, Helen and Jeff couldn’t have found a more perfect venue than the Gatsby in Berkhampstead. It originally opened in 1938 as a cinema and its foyer and dining hall are still resplendant in the original art deco fittings. A lot of effort had clearly been put into the details, with Jeff putting his skills as a graphic artist to good use creating versions of vintage film posters featuring the couple in place of the original artistes.

Helen’s family had kindly prepared an album containing photos of Helen as she grew up, complete with a commentary on her fashion sense of the years!

The reception was a swinging affair, with live piano accompaniment and lots of Pimms!

It was a very relaxed and fun day and I’m grateful to Helen and Jeff for letting me share it with them! For more images from Helen and Jeff’s wedding, view the slideshow.

Michelle and Simon

Tony — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:19:28 +0000

Michelle and Simon are a great couple who have been together for seven years. Michelle is a bundle of energy, there’s never a quiet moment when she’s around! Simon is the perfect complement, quieter and more considered but with a big zany streak which jumps out every now and again to surprise you. You only have to look around their home to see how important their family and friends are to them.

My second shooter for the day was James Hodgson, a fellow Hampshire photographer. We joined Michelle and her party for their preparations, which included make-up by Kelli Waldock and plenty of cups of tea.

Michelle’s bridesmaids all looked stunning in merlot dresses, complete with accessories given to them by Michelle the morning of the wedding.

I don’t think Michelle stopped smiling all day and rightfully so as she looked amazing in her delicately beaded dress and Paraodox Pink shoes. Michelle’s father Chris was so proud to see his daughter as she came down the stairs in her wedding dress. During a pause in the preparations he turned to me and quietly said, “She looks absolutely beautiful.” They set off in an amazing 1930s Sunbeam Model 25 car.

James spent time with Simon as he got ready, along with his best man Aldred, his father and brother-in-law Marc. The guys seemed pretty relaxed about the whole thing, with Aldred even finding the time to wind up Michelle over the phone!

The Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone is an impressive 14th Century building, built for the Archbishop of Canterbury to use on his trips to London. The ceremony was held in the Solar Room, which lived up to its name by having enormous windows almost floor to ceiling, revealing a view across the River Medway . The room was packed with Michelle and Simon’s friends and family but still had an intimate feeling, enhanced by the enchanting live harp music. Simon closed his eyes for a moment as the ceremony started, gathering his thoughts as his best man Aldred looked at him with pride. Within what seemed like seconds the ceremony was over and the marriage was sealed with a kiss.

The tiny but beautiful Apothecary’s Garden next to the palace was an ideal place for James and me to take Michelle and Simon for some quieter photos. The flowers were in full bloom and the trees provided a welcome respite from the sun!

The reception at the 44Two Club was replete with touches which reflected Michelle and Simon’s personalities, from the white gerberas on the chair backs, to the sweet bar which almost groaned under the weight of confectionary and cupcake collected upon it.

It was a pleasure to spend the day with Michelle, Simon, their family and friends. For more images from Michelle and Simon’s wedding, view the slideshow.

Engagements

Tony — Tue, 17 May 2011 21:01:40 +0000

An engagement photo session is a great way to celebrate your upcoming wedding. It’s also good practice if you’re feeling nervous about being in photos on your wedding day!

Before all the hustle and bustle of a wedding day you can take time out with your other half, relaxing and having some beautiful photographs made. The photographs can make great wedding invitations or “save the date” cards. You get a complimentary engagement photo session with every wedding booking.

Engagement photo sessions include:

Photo session with you both at an agreed location
My favourite photographs picked out for you
A downloadable archive of all the images
Guidance on what to wear for your session
A friendly, professional service
A blog post covering the day and sharing my favourite photographs
Optional framed prints and photo-book/album

If you’re interested in an engagement session, please get in touch! You can also read more in my FAQ.

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Tony — Mon, 16 May 2011 13:37:20 +0000

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Tony — Sun, 15 May 2011 13:38:23 +0000