rhapsodyroad

[rhapsodyroad]

     I never imagined myself saying that I’m off to photograph Napoleon, but that’s what I did when I went to meet Le Matts (aka Matthew & Matthew) for their pre wedding engagement shoot in Hyde Park. There he was, short, proud, French and ready to take over the park. It is said that the breed of dog you choose can reveal a lot about a person, but, let’s be honest, owning a dog in the first place makes you awesome. FACT! And no truer a description can be given for the lovely Le Matts, who were so relaxed and natural for their photo shoot, laughing and chattering away, clearly enjoying their stroll on this sunny London morning. After a little while, when the busy pooch had finished conquering the street, we dropped him back home. It’s tiring work and Naps needed a nap! Ok, I know, I know - enough puns already. That was the last, I promise. 

On returning to the park, we headed over to the Italian Gardens. I’ve been wanting to do a photo shoot in these gardens ever since discovering the neighbouring monument with wood panelling. It made an interesting backdrop for some of their shots, allowing me to shoot extra wide because it’s so tall. What a find! Then we headed over to the pump house, as I believe it is called, and took some lovely photographs among the light, shadow and curved arches that it offers. Throughout the morning we chatted about the venue - Tower Bridge - yep, I told you they were awesome, about living away from family - Le Matts are both Australian, about their mums, about how they met, their future hopes and dreams. We had fun enjoying the surroundings and making each other laugh. At some point I started to do impressions of their mums, I have no idea how on earth that started but it did make us giggle! Oh Le Matts, you are both just lovely. Thank you! I can’t wait to share your wedding photos with you. 

With love and woofs from Em

x

[rhapsodyroad]

Im exhibiting @chosenwedding tomorrow for those passing through Islington. It's always a lovely fair! #weddingphotography #weddinginspiration #weddingfair #bridalfair #londonweddingphotographer #creative #bridetobe #girlsday #engaged #excited ps-not my photo.

[rhapsodyroad]

Winner 

[rhapsodyroad]

yes! the first kiss .... and hug! Oh loveliness

[rhapsodyroad]

Beautiful portrait of the bride #eltham_palace #art_deco _winter_wedding_london

[rhapsodyroad]

Today I've been dreaming of road trips with the fabulous @karla_cordero_photography. A fellow photographer and travel friend. Then it got me thinking back to the hottest Australian wedding i've shot to date. Oh how I glowed pink, but the sun was so warm and yellow on beautiful Mt Dandenong. I have a feeling that 2017 will be another year of adventure! #Australian_Wedding_Photography #Melbourne #Mt_Dandenong #Adventure #Dreaming #RoadTrip #Sunshine #chevrolet @chevrolet #classic #classiccar #vintagecar #roofdown

[rhapsodyroad]

It was a super cold spring but we braved it. And we were rewarded with lovely shots!

[rhapsodyroad]

I am completely in love with this image of the brides mother helping her with her dress. #motherofthebride #bride #tuscanywedding #luxurywedding #VillaGrabau #italy #tuscany #travel #ilovemyjob @pronovias @villagrabau #pronovias #thatdress #whitedress #weddingdress #fashion #luxury #couturedress #couture #love

[rhapsodyroad]

We are trying to keep our wedding local...support small businesses

Helen Wright

It’s clear that I think weddings are awesome - what’s not to love about a huge party? But, there was an extra special sprinkle of magic at Helen and Bryn’s wedding - they kept it local. They wanted their guests to see their London and share their passion for small business and ethical products. That’s a thumbs up from me!

True to their word, they got married at Camden Town Hall, after which, they took their friends on a London Underground adventure. Imagine the tourists faces as they swished and swooshed through the tube station followed by a crowd of cheering guests, Bryn pausing now and again to twirl Helen around in her gorgeous Candy Anthony creation - a 50′s style polka dot dress. 

Arriving at the Oyster Shed - an ocean inspired, design lovers dream, we are greeted by yummy canapes, Neal’s Yard cheese and mini cakes from their friends catering business. Then it was outside for group photos by the Thames - the Shard making an appearance in the background, much to my delight. Back inside for more scrumptious food, speeches and....and...The Hackney Colliery Band! Yippee! Let’s dance!!! Not a person was seated, not a hip in the room was still. The tunes literally trumpeted onto the dance floor. Yes, yes, yes to more dress swirling and feet stomping from Helen & Bryn, who were at this point wearing matching pumps!

Helen had said previously ‘we want to have a fun relaxed party with everyone we know invited and a wedding chucked in the middle’. Every part of this day was so personal and well thought out, the only thing left to do was relax, celebrate, let your hair down and enjoy the party!

[rhapsodyroad]

What’s the significance of your first dance song? Memories of a road trip? The one you sing in the shower? Or perhaps the one you find yourselves dancing the funky chicken to in the kitchen? We all do that right? Here’s a list of 5 songs to give you inspiration...cluck, cluck

1. You make my dreams come true - Hall & Oates   https://youtu.be/X_I4wtNPv5w

2. Late night partner - Ed Harcourt                                  https://youtu.be/nHafhfv-6mg

3. L’Americano - The Gypsy Queens                        https://youtu.be/rJF0_4CtZf8 

4. Sound of Love - Husky Rescue                          https://youtu.be/iPX9G3GwlwQ

5. Livewire - Oh Wonder                                          https://youtu.be/qjgnOP8f5NU

[rhapsodyroad]

Mark and Alyson’s wedding day began on the farm with friends and family helping to put the finishing touches to the marquee - surrounded by all their furry farm animal friends. The men got themselves ready in the airstream caravan and house while the girls busied themselves in the cottage. The morning flew by and before we knew it the groomsmen were on their way to the church, the bridesmaids had helped a tearful Alyson into her beautiful dress and the wedding car was waiting to take us to the ferry. Yes, the quickest way to get to St Just is to take the King Harry Ferry across the beautiful Fal River. It’s such a treat and I recommend it to anyone who visits this area of Cornwall.

[rhapsodyroad]

Let’s start the first working week of 2016 with something creative and exciting. It’s been a while since we did some serious blogging therefore we have lots to share and I couldn’t think of nothing more inspiring than this lovely team. 

A bundle of energy from the start, team Rossine’s wedding was one heart warming, tear jerking roller coaster. Hand made kimono, last minute flowers, ‘lets all have bindis’, late taxis, first glance before the ceremony, a room of friends and family singing, pals on guitars, ridiculous amount of tears during speeches, wobbly cake, surprise belly dancing....need I say more. Most importantly they were surrounded by a room full of love. 

Rossine, its been a while but i’m still smiling. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful day with us. Also, thanks for sharing your journey ever since. I’ve been truly inspired by the support and friendship you give to one another.

Em x 

PS  I’m also rather excited that Nadine is now a yoga instructor. Take a look :  https://nadinedoesyoga.wordpress.com

PPS Rossine chose to support a charity instead of gifts for their wedding. An amazing cause and well worth a look.  http://www.plan-uk.org/because-i-am-a-girl/

[rhapsodyroad]

Tee hee hee. Ross and Nadine met at this pub so we decided to do a little re-enactment of how it all started. Okay, Okay so it didn't happen exactly like this but this version does make us giggle.

[rhapsodyroad]

[rhapsodyroad]

Sneak peek at the wedding photos! Congratulations Andrew & Neil. Finally. x #equalmarriage #EqualMarriage #gaymarriage #samesexmarriage

[rhapsodyroad]

You can't go to Brighton without a visit to the beach!

In between tea and chats we all went for a stroll down to the beach where Andrew and Neil spent time walking. The next time they do this they will be married. Ah that's nice.

[rhapsodyroad]

Well, here is a cause for celebration. On 29th March 2014 at 12am, Andrew and Neil will be the first same sex couple to get married in the UK at Brighton Royal Pavilion. I am so happy for them and very proud to be their wedding photographer. Lucky me got to spend the day with them at their home in Brighton - hurray for tea, cakes and dog cuddles. 

Andrew and Neil enjoy spending time at home relaxing and reading with their energetic rescue dog Oscar. We spent some time just chatting, discussing their plans and drinking tea - I think Neil drinks even more tea than me! They really are a lovely couple and so deserve the right to get married as does every other same sex couple. 

As wonderful as this all is, I think it is important not to forget that the fight for gay equality is far from over. With this in mind, I asked Andrew and Neil to share their thoughts with me. They told me that 'while we are overjoyed to finally have the right to a ceremony that puts us on an equal footing with straight people, as far as marriage goes, our joy is tempered by the knowledge that the step forward allowed us by a change in the law in the UK can do nothing directly to alleviate the situation in countries around the globe (including the majority of Commonwealth countries) where being gay is a crime punishable by fines, whipping, stoning and sometimes death. In Uganda a severe new law has been passed which makes it illegal to know a gay person (even if they are a member of your own family) with out reporting them to the authorities.  Punishments for being gay are extremely severe and people live in dread of being exposed by the editors of vile newspapers who publish photos of those they believe to be gay. I (Andrew) stood and protested with hundreds of other people outside Downing Street in an effort to convince David Cameron to make a statement about the change in their laws regarding the ‘promotion’ of a ‘gay lifestyle’ to no avail.  And, since the Olympics ended and the situation in Crimea has escalated, international attention has been diverted, while gay people are still being persecuted.'

Andrew and Neil also were telling me that their friends were attacked and beaten in Brighton just for holding hands. 'This is why, instead of wedding presents, we’re asking people to donate to the educational part of the Stonewall charity - the money will go towards developing and distributing educational material for all ages covering anti-bullying, inclusion and tolerance.'

I wish you both a wonderful day on Friday/Saturday. I can not wait!

Em

x

All images ©Rhapsody Road Photography. Moral Rights Asserted. 2014