Olivia

I photographed Sian and Chris's wedding last year and I was delighted when Sian asked me to photograph their new baby Olivia. At 6 weeks old, Olivia is cute as a button and it was lovely to spend time with Sian and Olivia as we tried all the tricks to tease a smile out of her. Eventually, Olivia started to fall asleep and then smiled to herself as she thought happy thoughts and nodded off...

As part of my YearOne package, I'll be back for more photo sessions when Olivia's 4 months, 8 months and 1 year old and I'm really looking forward to seeing her grow up.

Golden Wedding on the Beach

I was asked to photograph 3 generations of the same family that had gathered from near and far to celebrate a Golden Wedding in Northumberland.

It was pouring with rain all morning then the sun came out suddenly and we had a 30 minute window on the beach in warm sunshine. It was great fun; the clouds gave a great backdrop and meant that we had the beach to ourselves.

Eileen & Trevor

Eileen and Trevor gathered their best friends around them for their wedding at Bamburgh Castle. It had rained all morning but the sun came out in plenty of time for the ceremony.

Before the wedding gets underway is always a nervous time but Steven, The Best Man, did a good job of keeping Trevor relaxed.

Eileen arrived at Bamburgh Castle in style and was well looked after by Chris and Grazia, the Castle wedding coordinators.

The King's Hall is a magnificent room - Being married here, you'll never forget your Wedding Day!

Eileen's daughters Lauren and Philipa kept pretending to be shy of my camera but they seemed to get in a lot of pictures!

So after a champagne reception on the ramparts we went to the beach and the sun kept shining on Eileen and Trevor. No nerves now, it was nice to spend some time with the new couple when they were relaxed enough to be themselves.

Eileen and Trevor, Best wishes to you both if you get a chance to see this before you're back here! If you wish to leave a message for Eileen and Trevor please use the Comments link below.

Andy

Antonia & Chris

Alnwick Gardens is at the heart of Alnwick and is a stunning place. Mariza and her team put on a grand show too.

Antonia's theme was purple and the flowers and trimmings were beautiful.

A tower of cupcakes in lieu of a wedding cake looked fab and was in keeping with the Fun atmosphere of the day.

So the Bride started the day as she intended to go on - smiling from ear to ear.

The flower girls Kya, Millie and Chloe looked adorable and played their part perfectly all day. Kya was the boss and fulfilled her role with great enthusiasm. Kya's reading from Winnie The Pooh was really well done.

The ceremony was in the pavilion which overlooks the gardens. It was a very friendly and informal affair with Chris and Antonia reciting their own vows which makes a wedding very special. The sun came out too which was a bonus.

Back down the aisle to the strains of Muse and a whole lot of bubbles from the guests.

Paul, the Best Man, did a fine job as only a true friend can.

And so to neighbouring Alnwick Castle for some scenic shots of the newlyweds. It was just closing so we had the place pretty much to ourselves and toured the Castle grounds getting some great shots. Thanks to Chris for the guided tour!

Aidan, Tony, Paul and Chris looking mean!

Antonia in glamour-kitten pose at the grand cascade.

When a bride is this beatiful, half my work is done.

Kya blamed the fruit sorbet!

Time to "cut the cake" as our intrepid Bride and Groom launch into the cupcakes.

Throwing the bouquet is rarely done these days so I was delighted when Antonia suggested it. Antonia was delighted when her Mum caught the bouquet. All legitimate and above board as far as I could see.

The first dance was a mixture of smooching to Pink Floyd and golden oldie dance hits. Excellent participation by all concerned.

Antonia and Chris - what a fabulous day! I loved it and, more importantly, so did your friends and families. I have loads more photos to come when I process the whole lot so I'll be in touch soon. Thanks for having me at your Wedding Day.

Best wishes

Andy

If you want to leave a message for Antonia and Chris please use the comments link below.

New album range Part 1

I'm updating all of my wedding albums and it's a really exciting job as there are some beautiful products available.

Some of my albums will continue to be handmade in England and my new top-end range will be imported from Australia with my designs being uploaded electronically.

Australia is home to at least 4 of the very best album manufacturers and some of the best wedding photographers in the world and I hope that'll rub off a bit!

The same manufacturers make portrait albums too and I've completed the design for my studio album. You'll find the album here.

I'll post more information on my new wedding albums soon...

Andy

Janneke's leaving do

Janneke was leaving her work after 6 years in Alnwick so there was a big party with lots of kids and grownups. As part of the leaving present, I had been asked to do a photo session with Janneke's kids and Janneke had chosen two black and white canvas wraps.

The session was at Janneke's home and around the parks of Morpeth and we dodged the rain to get some lovely relaxed portraits of the kids and of the family.

The leaving party was the first time Janneke had seen the canvas wraps so it was a lovely moment that I was on hand to capture.

Best wishes for your new life in Holland to you all.

Andy

William The Dog

Peter and Sophie brough William the dog in for a session. We started in the studio but, as the weather cleared up we headed for the beach. It was great fun and William certainly enjoyed himself.

I only work in a natural way, no posing, just keeping up with the action. It's hard work sometimes and can be frustrating but it's very rewarding when the pictures come out like this.