Hen Party in London

So, Saturday took me to one of the most entertaining and fun hen parties I've been too. I was photographing this one as well, so I had to be on best behaviour and not drink too many bubbles.

It started at Denmark Street, just by Tottenham Court Road in London. We arrived at the doorway of Tin Pan Alley Studios for what would be a very mad two hours of ten tipsy girls, thinking they were auditioning for the next round of X factor! We recorded two songs, Cyndi Lauper, Girls just wanna have fun and The Nolans, I'm in the mood for dancin! After lots of OOh OOh ooos, the results, which we were subjected too during playback reminded me of cats fighting at night, so not a good sound and I don't think Simon Cowell would let us set foot through his door. All the same, we enjoyed ourselves and the CD's, when they have been professionally edited will be arriving in the next few days!

Next we travelled to Russell Square where we went to Bloomsbury lanes, which is a very unique bowling alley and American style diner. A game of bowling and a bag of chips later (we're easily pleased), we set off to a bar in Shoreditch high street, followed by supper at a private members club in Shoreditch at The East Rooms.

Quite grown up for a load of late 30 somethings on a hen do I think!

As you will see from these pics, we had lots of fun so I thought I'd share these with you.

As you will see our hen thoroughly enjoyed herself!

Charlotte and Nigel - Valentines engagement shoot

So today took me to Reading in Berkshire to shoot Charlotte and Nigel for a very special Valentines engagement shoot. They live in the most beautiful part of Reading, by the river and overlooking a local park, which despite the overcast gloomy drizzly day the locations more than made up for the weather.

Charlie and Nigel are due to marry in April at Reading Town Hall, followed by a reception at the Warwick thai pub. After visiting all the venues today, I am completely excited as it's going to be a really unique day.

Zoe and Leon - Hunton Park

This morning I visited Hunton Park, a historic Queen Anne House set in 22 acres of beautiful rural Hertfordshire parkland. That all sounds very formal doesn't it?.........Straight off the Hunton Park website!!

I'm really excited about Zoe and Leon's wedding here in August. Not only is it a gorgeous venue but they are having two wedding ceremonies, a Civil and Jewish, it's going to be quite a day. They told me today that they've just booked their honeymoon and after hearing where they are off to I'm really quite envious.

Zoe and Leon have opted for a tropical theme for their day with flowers to match as its reminds them of Costa Rica, it's  going to look stunning for a summer wedding. You'll have to check back here in August to see the pictures.

So, from today, I've attached some pictures of the venue, gardens and area where they are hoping to have the open air Jewish ceremony (weather dependant).  However the photo's don't really do the venue justice at this time of year as you can imagine in the spring and summer, the roses and lavender are in full bloom and the wisteria will be cladding the walls. All gorgeous and I can't wait.

Bring on the spring and the warmer weather.

Hunton Park view from gardens

A rather wintry looking rose garden, not in full bloom.

The Jewish blessing will hopefully take place here.

The wedding couple taking a stroll.

Leon!

Gate Street Barn and Wedding Photography offer

Today I visited Gate Street Barn in Bramley. http://www.gatestreetbarn.com/gallery.htm It's a stunning barn wedding venue in the Surrey Hills. I was met by Jane Hutley, the owner who showed me around the very quirky complex. I say quirky as I was expecting a Barn and nothing more but Gate Street Barn had so many hidden gems, including a secret garden which is actually part of Jane's garden but she kindly allows Brides and Grooms to use it for photo's. The Barn also boasts beautiful landscaped gardens and views of the working organic farm and a herd of English longhorn cattle. I was told that the photogenic cattle quite often pose with the wedding couples!

It's built in a traditional style, using wood from the oak trees that were lost in the 1987 hurricane but it's really light (a photographers dream), with lots of glass panels and different areas so you can really make your wedding day unique.

After leaving the venue and driving the back roads home, I was astounded by the amount of Pheasants, I think I did an emergency stop at least five times to avoid taking them out. They just seem to plop out of the hedgerow and wander in front of the car. I know that I live in the country again now and I should be used to the wildlife but it still amazes me how Pheasants really are quite nonchalant.

SPECIAL OFFER

I'm very excited to be able to offer a substantial booking discount to the first wedding couple that books me in conjunction with Gate Street Barn, Bramley, Surrey.  So please do get in touch with me emailme@zoecollyerphotography.co.uk to hear more or Jane if you like to arrange a viewing at the barn. info@gatestreetbarn.com

Here's some pictures of Basil the Jack Russell, belonging to Jane who had a busy day of gardening scheduled and the gardeners Lurcher (who I have to say I'm a little bit in love with).

There are also some pictures of the venue and the setting. For more detailed images, please go to the Gate Street Barn website.

Rock My Wedding

So, if you've never visited the Rock My Wedding blog, you are in for a right treat. Founded by Charlotte O'Shea and Rebecca Norris, the rock my wedding blog fills you in on whats happening right now in the world of weddings. From stationary through to dresses if they don't know about it, it's not worth knowing about! So rock on over there to get some amazing ideas and inspiration for your wedding day.

I'm pleased to say that I have teamed up with the girls at Rock My Wedding and I am now a proud sponsor of this uber cool site.

Here's a little look at my post but to get the full details, visit http://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/rock-my-wedding-sponsor-zoe-collyer/

Happy wedding planning to all my brides this year x