Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot with Tanya and John

It was a beautiful day and I had the pleasure of meeting Tanya and John together for the first time to complete the paperwork and then off we went to visit some beautiful locations that were special to them in Swanage, Dorset for their Pre-Wedding photo shoot.

The first place we visited was an Ice-cream kiosk on the beach as this was where they met for the very first time and since then, they would visit every anniversary from their first date together.

We then took a few fun photos on the beach of them skimming rocks into the sea and then some fun jumping photos.

We then walked along the shore road and saw some nice photographic opportunities by using some steps and a fun photo using a lamp-post with some beautiful flowers in the background.

We then drove to an area known as the ballards, which is by the old post office Bed and Breakfast and along the south west coast path. This area had a lovely view of the Swanage coast and beach. This Ballards is also a special area for Tanya and John as they would often visit this place and sit together to watch the sunrise and sunset.

I had a great time with them and I am now looking forward to their upcoming Wedding in June 2013.

Below are are few of my favourite photos from the day:

Posted in Bridport, Dorchester, Dorset, Engagement, photo, Photographer, Photography, shoot, Wedding, weddings, Weymouth

The Wedding of Georgina and Adam Turner

What an amazing and beautiful day!

I was so privileged to be photographing this special day, the beautiful Wedding of Georgina and Adam Turner.

I arrived at the St George's church around 11:15pm for a final pre-check of the church and a quick word with the lovely vicar Fiona Hall who spent a short time of her busy schedule quickly running through with me how the service was to run and any restrictions I had to follow.

I then briefly met a excited and nervous groom outside the church before driving 2 minutes down the road to meet his lovely bride. En-route to the Brides house, I saw the very beautiful horses and carriage warming up by trotting along around some dorchester roads near the brides house.

When I arrived at the house, I was warmly greeted by the lovely Bride and I was stunned by how beautiful she looked getting ready for one very lucky groom.

I photographed as much detail of the goings on inside the house as possible and also had the great opportunity in capturing Georgina looking at herself in a tall mirror which was being held by her father, this was my first favorite photo of the day.

When it was time to leave for the horse and carriage, I took another beautiful photo of the father and bride about to leave the house.

I captured the Georgina getting into the horse and carriage and then leaving for the church.

I then ran to my car as fast as possible and caught up with the horse and carriage.

 

Whilst behind the horse and carriage, It was a lovely view of them  with the church in the distant and I looked at my camera and thought, yep this was something I should definitely capture, so I stopped briefly and captured a beautiful photo from inside my car. (no, I wasn't driving officer, honest!) :-)

Its a shame about the other cars in this photo but it was still a shot not to be missed!

 

 

The Horse and Carriage arrived outside the Church and I quickly parked up, grabbed my gear and ran up to the Bride and party by the horse and carriage and took a photo before they entered into the church yard.

During the ceremony, I was restricted to standing at the back of the church but using my 70-200mm zoom lens, I still managed to capture the exchanges of loving looks between bride and groom and the atmosphere of this beautiful Wedding.

When the first part of the service was done, I quickly swapped to my walkabout lens and ran up to where they were signing the register and captured lots of beautiful photos here. One of my favorite photos was of Georgina's sister Jackie with tears of joy at her sisters wedding, I thought this was so beautiful and made for a lovely photo showing the emotions of this special day.

 

After the ceremony, I took lots of photos outside the church before 

following the newly wed happy couple in their horse and carriage heading of to the very beautiful Borough Gardens in Dorchester.

I really enjoyed photographing the Bride and Groom here as well as various other photos and group shots. This was such an amazing

  place and the weather was sunny enough to capture some truly beautiful photos. There was also a nearby fountain which made for some very beautiful bride and groom photos indeed.

Lots of beautiful photos were taken here and then it was time for the reception.

During the wedding reception there was lots and lots of guests there to celebrate Georgina and Adams wedding and everyone was having a great time!

 

The food served looked fabulous and the Wedding cake (which was made by Adam) looked amazing! He obviously put a lot of effort into it and the retails of the Bride and Groom and Dalmation as the cake topper was so clever!.

I spent time here taking as many candid photos as possible just to show the atmosphere of the event rather than posed photos. (although I did do a few posed photos of a few various guests including a beautiful photo of a baby boy who was so photogenic!)

To summarise, I had a great time photographing this momentous event - The Beautiful Wedding Day of Georgina and Adam Turner and I was very happy to be part of such a wonderful day!.

All the Best

Brett

 

If any family or friends would like to see the full gallery, please visit http://www.bjmphotography.net/clients.html and enter the access code, which is the bride and grooms last name + wedding date. (for example: smith020313).

 

 

 

Posted in Bridport, Dorchester, Dorset, Engagement, photo, Photographer, Photography, shoot, Wedding, weddings, Weymouth

100th Birthday Celebration – Dorset Event Photographer Brett McNally

by Brett McNally

Kathleen Mendenhall's 100th Birthday Celebration Party

It was such an amazing opportunity for me to photograph this momentous event organised by the Mendenhall family: Peter, David & Lynne, Ross, Michelle, Colbie & Megan, Dean, Rachael, Casey, Callie & Harvey.

The momentous event was held in the function room at the Lodmoor Brewers Fayre in Lodmoor Country Park, Preston Beach Road, Weymouth.

Kathleen was only told that a small group of her immediate family would be there to celebrate her birthday but infact there was many more family and friends that were invited and turned up to give her a wonderful surprise Birthday.

When Kathleen arrived being wheeled in by her son Peter, her face lit up after the initial shock of seeing so many of her family and friends there for her special 100th Birthday.

Kathleen went round and greeted all her party guests and it gave me a great opportunity as a photographer to capture all the happy emotions that were taking place.

During the party before the buffet meal was served, A Toast was made to Kathleen followed by the official opening of an official Letter from the Right Honourable Ian Duncan Smith MP, with a note that read:

"Dear Mrs Mendenhall,

 

Warm congratulations on the occasion of your one hundredth birthday. My best wishes go out to you for a most enjoyable day.

 

The Right Honourable Ian Duncan Smith MP

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions"

 

Following that letter was the one that we were all looking forward to see, a Letter from Her Majesty The Queen.

The letter from Her Majesty the Queen read:

"I am so pleased to know that you are celebrating your one hundredth birthday on 2nd March 2013. I send my congratulations and best wishes to you on such a special occasion."

 After the reading of the letters and the Toasting, the Buffet was ready and everyone went to get their food.

There were lots of special moments for me to capture during this special event and I caught some beautiful photos.

My personal favourites were the ones taken of David and all his Grandkids all giving him a big cuddle, this was beautiful and made for a lovely memorable photograph as seen below:

They were so many lovely photos taken throughout this special day Celebrating Kathleen's 100th Birthday and it was such an honour and privilege to be part of this momentous event and I really enjoyed meeting all the family and I wish them all Best wishes for the future and hope we meet again!

All The Best

Brett

Please note: the full gallery is exclusive to the family and friends of Kathleen, if you are part of this family and would like to see the full gallery, please visit my Client Access Page: http://www.bjmphotography.net/clients.html

 

 

Posted in birthday, birthday celebration, event photography, Photography, Weymouth Photography Tagged |

Dorset Photographer – Pre-wedding Consultation

by Brett McNally

 

When booking your Wedding photographer, it is always a good idea to meet them before hand so that you can discuss whats on offer in their photography packages aswell as learn a little bit more about each other and find out more about how your photographer works.

I recently had a lovely meeting with Georgina and Adam in Dorchester at their home to discus their upcoming wedding at St George's Church in Dorchester and then their Wedding Meal and Speeches at the Dorchester Corn Exchange.

We discussed my style of natural photography where I document the Wedding through photos being as unobtrusive as possible while they enjoy their special day. I discussed with them how I like to capture happiness and expressions between couples, family and friends as most often at weddings, your wedding guests would probably have not seen each other for a little while and theirs normally lots of catching up to do. As a photographer, it is my passion to capture these emotions and all the little goings on thats happening around the bride and groom during their special day as well as capturing the celebration of their wedding day.

I got out my laptop and showed them a Wedding slideshow of one of my favourite weddings and they really loved the style and how natural my photos were.

I answered any questions they had regarding my experience and style and I feel that we bonded very well. The atmosphere of the consultation was great as we got on really well and they happily decided to book me as their wedding photographer.

I feel it is important that the photographer and the client(s) bond well as this makes the day of shooting their wedding in a much more relaxed enviroment rather than having some stranger turn up to your special day who you may or may not like.

I always try to make my clients feel as comfortable around me as possible as this helps in the process of creating beautiful photography.

 

If you are getting married or know of someone who is getting married and in need of a reasonably priced professional photographer then please do get in touch so that we can meet up and discuss your special day as well as asking any questions you may have and get to know each other so that you will book me for your wedding day.

I really am a nice friendly photographer, get in touch to see for yourself :-)

Posted in Devon Wedding Photography, Dorset, Dorset Wedding Photography, Photography, Somerset Wedding Photography, Wedding, Weymouth Photography

Registration Service Fees 2013 (Dorset)

by Brett McNally

Registration Service Fees 2013 (Dorset)

Information detailing all of the fees that are charged by the Dorset Registration Service

(information correct as of Feb 2013, taken from http://www.dorsetforyou.com/marriage-and-civil-partnerships/registration-fees)

 

Marriage and Civil Partnership Ceremony Fees

 

Licensed Venues

Licenced Venues
Day of the week 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015
Monday - Friday £405 £425 £425
Saturday/Sunday £425 £450 £450
Bank Holiday £475 £500 £500

 

Registration Service Ceremony Rooms

Registration Service Ceremony Rooms
Venue 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015
Day of the Week Mon-Fri Sat-Sun

Bank Holiday

Mon-Fri Sat-Sun Bank Holiday Mon-Fri Sat-Sun Bank Holiday
Bridport, Mountfield Blandford, The Coach House Dorchester, West Court (Sat/Sun Only) Ferndown, King George V Pavillion Weymouth, The Greenhill Room. £175 £225 £325 £185 £240 £345 £200 £240 £345
Christchurch Civic Offices Council Chamber (1st & 3rd Sat on the month only) N/A £375 N/A N/A £390 N/A N/A £390 N/A
Dorchester Council Chamber (County Hall), Jubilee Room (Gillingham Town Hall) £225 £275 £375 £240 £290 £395 N/A £290 N/A
Sherbourne Town Council & Swanage Town Council, Council Chamber, Civic Hall (Gillingham Town Hall) £275 £325 £425 £285 £340 £445 £300 £340 £445
Dorchester Registration Office £45 N/A N/A £45 N/A N/A £45 N/A N/A

 

Notice of Marriage/Civil Partnership

If you would like a notice of marriage or civil partnership this will cost £35

 

Certificates

Birth, death and marriage certificates
At time of registration £4.00
After registration but before register is archived £7.00
After register is archived £10.00
Civil partnership certificates
At time of registration £4.00
After the event £10.00

If you would like a certificate issued within 24 hours this will cost £10 including VAT at 20%.

 

Name: Registration Information Centre

Email: registrationinformation@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Tel: 01305 225153

Fax: 01305 228506

Full details for Registration Information Centre

Posted in Ceremonies, Ceremony, Civil, costs, Dorset, Fayres, Fees, Green, Marriage, Notice, of, Partnership, Photographer, Photography, Registration, Room, Rooms, Service, The, Venues, Wedding, weddings

Olympic Torch Bearer Portland Rowing Team

by Brett McNally

A local torch barer named Tim Ellis was posing with an Olympic Torch with his Rowing club team mates in Branded Samsung gear at the Portland Marina on 1st July 2012

 

We watched on from inside a nearby Cafe and I decided to take some unintrusive photos. I then worked my magic with photoshop and this is what I came up with.
Tim is officially carrying the torch on 12th July 2012

 

You can find more information about Tim here

Well done Tim, you are an inspiration to us all!

ROWINGTEAMPHOTO_(C)_WEBSITEBJM.jpg

*If you wish to purchase this photo for commercial purposes, please get in touch.

 

 

 

 

Posted in Dorset Event Photography, London 2012 Olympic Games, London 2012 Olympics, Photography, Portland Olympics, Weymouth Olympics, Weymouth Photography

Maiden Newton At War

by Brett McNally

Well today we went to Maiden Newton in Dorset for the event ‘Maiden Newton At War’. The weather wasn’t too bad and there were a lot of things going on.

We had a great time and I got plenty of snaps of the things going on around, I would recommend Maiden Newton at War event to anyone, its brilliant for all the family.

 My Photos of the Event

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The following except was taken of the website: http://www.maidennewtonatwar.co.uk

 Maiden Newton at War is an event run by ’1940s Maiden Newton’ to raise funds for local charities and good causes.

The anti tank defences @ Maiden Newton

During the Second World War Maiden Newton was recognised as an important railhead for the D Day preparations. A U.S. Quartermaster’s Store was established and supplied by road and rail. Maiden Newton was also directly linked to the coast by two different railway lines, the Great Western Railway to Weymouth and the Bridport Branch to Bridport and West Bay. Because of this Maiden Newton was turned into an ‘Anti Tank Island’. Hundreds of anti tank blocks were constructed along with anti tank ditches and road blocks to form a ring of obstacles around the village. In addition several ‘Pill Boxes’ and at least one ‘Spigot Mortar’ was also constructed, there is also evidence to suggest that two ‘Flame Fougasse’ booby traps were established in the lanes leading to the village.

In recognition of this important role that Maiden Newton played during WW2 a group of local residents decided to put on an event in June 2008 called Maiden Newton at War. This event attempted to interpret our history both military and civilian with displays, authentic music and battle re-enactments. Maiden Newton was never attacked by German forces, however if Operation Sea Lion, the planned German invasion of England, had taken place then one of the landing forces was tasked to progress along the Bridport Branch Line to Maiden Newton, then onto Bristol via the Great Western Railway. Our battles reflect what might have happened. It was due largely to the efforts of the RAF during the Battle of Britain in 1940 that this invasion never took place and a good deal of uncertainty amongst the commanding officers of the German army, navy and air force. Had they all been able to agree then the story might well have been different.

A second, overwhelmingly successful, event took place in 2010. We were joined by a complimentary event – Armour and Embarkation, which brought a great deal of WW2 armour to West Dorset for the first time since 1945. We also had the privilege of leading the Dorchester Carnival along with Armour and Embarkation. Our battles were bigger and better than ever with a Seafire joining in on the Saturday and Jim Clark’s Sherman tank coming out to play on the Sunday. The quality of the re-enactors was outstanding and we were joined by the ‘Red Ball Express’ for the first time. Maiden Newton at War just gets better and better, we can’t wait for 2012.

Posted in Dorset Event Photography, Photography, Somerset Wedding Photography, Weymouth Photography

Wedding Venues in Dorset (Recommended)

by Brett McNally

Hotel Prince Regent

 

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Making your special day perfect

Discover what sets us apart from other Dorset wedding venues

At The Hotel Prince Regent, they aim to make your Wedding Reception a carefree occasion to remember, letting you enjoy the atmosphere without any fuss or worry.

After the formalities of your Wedding Day are over, the vows taken, the welcomes made and the toasts proposed, many couples choose to finish off their perfect day with a lively disco.

This is the ideal way to relax informally with relatives and friends, some of whom were perhaps unable to attend the afternoon reception. You can now greet and thank everyone personally as husband and wife, and finally let your hair down after the inevitable rush of the last few weeks.

They can arrange a disco for you, someone with the knowledge and experience to provide the key to success for your evening reception. From mums and dads to energetic friends and children, music can be found to suit all from £180.00 – £200.00  (the charge varies according to times and dates chosen).

Of course, if you have your own disco or band in mind, they have no objections at all.  There is no room hire charge for the evening reception provided this follows an afternoon reception.

Many people like to provide some refreshments as a gesture of their hospitality. They can provide buffet menus to suit all appetites and pockets. You can advise them of the numbers of guests for which you wish them to cater for a few days before the ‘big day’

Please call them to make an appointment. You are under no obligation to make a hasty decision. They will show you around the hotel and answer any questions you may have, but they’re sure you’ll soon see what makes them different to other Dorset wedding venues!

 

Contact Info:

Tracey Dutton (Events & Functions Manager)

Hotel Prince Regent
139 The Esplanade
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 7NR

Telephone: 01305 771313
Fax: 01305 778100

 


 The Riviera Hotel

About the Riviera Hotel

The Riviera Hotel offers guests the unique experience of accommodation in chalet style bedrooms, most of which have views of the beach and Weymouth Bay. The iconic arches of the Riviera Hotel are an unmissable local landmark and in order to preserve it’s post art deco style, the building has been awarded a Grade II listed status.

The Hotel’s new owners have invested in excess of 4 million pounds, completely refurbishing all 98 en-suite bedrooms, creating a brand new restaurant and carrying out major improvements to it’s function rooms, bars and leisure facilities.

The hotel sits in a unique setting, right on the beach at Bowleaze Cove in the very heart of the Jurassic Coast, an area known for having over 95 miles of World Heritage coastline which provides some of Dorset’s most stunning scenery.

Weymouth’s natural bay and the spectacular waters of Portland Harbour have been chosen to host the 2012 Olympic sailing events.

Wedding Functions

The Riviera Hotel is fully licensed to perform wedding ceremonies, including civil partnerships, and re-affi rmation of wedding vows. The Riviera Suite and Bay View Room both provide superb location and excellent facilities with which to host your special day. There is also plenty of space for a marquee to be erected in their extensive grounds overlooking the bay. Their experienced Function and Weddings Manager will arrange or advise on the essential details, ensuring your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days of your lives and perfect in every way.

 

How To Contact

Bowleaze Cove

Weymouth

Dorset DT3 6PR
Tel: 01305 836600
Fax: 01305 835165
www.rivierahotelweymouth.co.uk

 

 

 

Posted in Dorset, dorset wedding, hotel prince regent, Photography, prince regent hotel, summer wedding, wedding reception, wedding venue, Wedding Venues, Weymouth

Wedding Meal Seating Plan

by Brett McNally

The seating plan is a critical organisational task of planning the reception. It becomes an increasingly difficult juggling act as complications arise, people drop out and new guests are added. The seating plan must never be left to the last minute.

It should be decided if there will be a traditional top table and whether young and old will be mixed. People’s personalities, history and interests should be considered when placing individuals.

 

Posted in Devon Wedding Photography, Dorset Engagement Photography, Dorset Portrait Photographer, Dorset Wedding Fayres, Dorset Wedding Photography, Photography, Somerset Wedding Photography, Weymouth Photography

Meaning of Candid, Reportage, Documentary, Formal & Informal Photography

by Brett McNally

When looking into booking a Wedding Photographer for your special day, it can be quite a bewildering task for many brides to be in understanding the difference between all the different styles of photography available to you.

Many years ago (even to this day) The Traditional Wedding photographer would be known for his/her formal style where every photo was staged and posed including grouping your family members and your friends. This once was how things were done but it got to a point where the final product lacked a certain lustre in style and uniqueness.

Nowadays the varied contemporary photojournalism styles have become more prefered to the original formal style. The Wedding photography world has become more about telling the story of the special day rather than about everyone in attendance. This is why we now have styles such as candid, informal, documentary and reportage photography to choose from, but what the heck do they all mean I hear you wonder, well keep reading and I will enlighten you.

 

Candid Photography

This style of photography is a style of spontaneous point and shoot. A candid photograph is created without making a posed appearance. This style of photographer would likely mix within the crowds to capture the celebration and joy within your photographs with up close shots of your friends and family catching up, enjoying themselves, making fools of themselves after a few too many glasses of alcohol and also focusses on expressions, smiles, laughter and glances of love between your and your partner during your special day.

Candid photography describes the style of spontaneous “point and shoot” one might associate with the paparazzi. A candid photographer is experienced in seeking out the intricate stories and details during your event; often mixing amongst the guests to get the best shots. This style is ideal if you really want to capture the essence of joy and celebration within photographs; up-close shots of friends and family enjoying catching up, drinking and dancing. A candid photographer focuses in upon the smiles, expressions and glances of love exchanged between you and your partner, throughout that special day.

 

Reportage / Documentary Photography

Reportage Photography is not a lot different to the contemporary style of candid photography and is used to capture the story of your special day through pictures.

A Reportage Photographer will likely be as unobtrusive as possible so that he can capture the event as naturally as possible by using certain angles and natural light to take photos that you were most likely unaware they were being taken.

This style of photo journalism is about capturing the story of the wedding or event in a documentary style.

*Please note that Reportage and Documentary photography are the same thing, some photographers use the word Reportage as it sounds nicer but they are exactly the same thing.

 

 

Informal Photography

Informal photography is the style a photographer would use to go a step further to make each photo a unique piece of art using a combination of composition, depth of field and candid photography and generally the photos really stand out!

A Informal Photographer would often include both candid and reportage styles and sometimes uses software like photoshop to touch up the photos however the majority of professional photographers would get the balances right to achieve the effects naturally. (or a bit of both).

 

 

Formal Photography

Formal Photography is generally applied to staged / posed photographs that are accustomed to framing and hanging on the wall after your special day.

Formal photography is great if you prefer to formally photograph all of the important people attending your wedding in the photos.

Formal photography is somewhat outdated these days but many photographers still use aspects of it to include those all important group photos that we all love in our wedding album.

 

 

Posted in Devon Wedding Photography, Dorset Engagement Photography, Dorset Wedding Photography, Photography, Somerset Wedding Photography, Weymouth Photography