Wedding Evening Slideshow: Katie & David

On Friday I had the pleasure of photographing Katie and David's Wedding at Hellaby Hall, Rotherham. The first Wedding I have shot at Hellaby Hall but it is so beautiful.

I started with Katie at the Bridal Suite after she had returned from the hairdressers, to start photographing the fun of their Wedding Day.
Katie and David originally saw me at Leopold Hotel Wedding Fayre, at the start of their Wedding plans, and it was such a lovely time to come so far and show where they have come and the plans finally coming into place.

One of the new items I have been looking at is the "Wedding Evening Slideshow" a selection of photographs from the day played on a slideshow so the evening guests can view some of the images during the evening. Katie and David were one of my first couples who said they wanted this at their Wedding, and this was the first time I had trialled it. I was a little nervous to say the least, but then again it was all down to timings.

When Katie and David sat down to eat after speeches at 4:30pm, I set up the laptop in the Bar area, and uploaded the images from what I had taken that day. I then made a selection of images to edit to show on the slideshow and then edited them, and then put a watermark on them.

I then set up the TV at 7pm in the evening reception room, along with some online gallery cards, and left it until 9pm when it got taken away. 

A lot of guests, and of course the bride and groom kept giving me lots of great feedback. I told Katie I was doing this blog post and asked her for some feedback from the evening slideshow and this is what she replied

"That Slideshow was amazing!!!!! Everyone said so and loved to be able to see the day and being the world's most impatient person I love being able to see some of the amazing photos on the night. Katie xxx"

Katie wore an amazing dress Lydia Dress from the Amanda Wyatt Collection where the bridesmaids wore fantastic simple dresses from French Connection. 

Katie and David aren't "posey" and "lovey-dovey" couple especially out of the comfort of their own home (totally like me) but we still had to make use of the amazing grounds that Hellaby Hall has.

Their room was decorated with a gorgeous and classic black and white theme, and an absolutely stunning cake! The rest of the venue, and room was dressed with little signs and personal details to them.

If you have already booked Blue Lights Photography for your Wedding then please check with us as to whether we are able to offer this at the evening of your Wedding. This is about having the time to edit images for your Evening slideshow. If you wish to book Blue Lights Photography for your 2013 Wedding then please get in touch as Wedding dates are already filling up. 

Cakey Baby: Information and Prices

What is a Cakey Baby Photoshoot?
A Cakey Baby Photoshoot is Blue Lights Photography's way of determining a Cake Smash Session. These are individual sessions where we literally let the child smash the cake. No shoot is the same. No child reacts the same. Our Cakey Baby photoshoots are a fabulous way to mark a milestone birthday, specifically aimed at 1 year olds!

Do we have to bring our own cake?

Nope! We have teamed up with Amanda at Burgoynes Cupcakes, who supplies all the home-made cakes for this occasion! We use one of her magnificent Giant Cupcakes covered in bright coloured butter cream as the Smash Cake - but not only that - you get a Mini-Giant Cupcake to take home as a replica and a real taster! If your child does have allergies then please let us know before you book as Amanda can bake with allergies in mind, including gluten free cakes!

What to expect

The shoot starts with a normal photoshoot of the Child or Family for the Milestone Birthday and then when these images are complete we ask the parent to strip off said birthday child down to just a nappy, for little girls, they are more than welcome to also use our cake colour cooridinated tu-tu’s.

Some children don't like cake (or dont like the texture of the buttercream on their hands) but don't worry as long as it looks like they got messy and enjoyed it then it doesn't matter if they don't eat it!

We do also advise parents to wear something that they dont mind getting a bit messy in. This is just in case child does get distressed at any point they may want a cuddle.

How to book
To book your cakey-baby shoot we advise that you do so a minimum of 1-month before the child's birthday. This is so that we can make sure the cake's are prepped and ready, and we can book the date either on, or closest to your child's birthday. Please note we are currently taking bookings in advance as both Amanda and I may get busy and not be able to fit you in.

If you have a child that has just had a birthday but would still love a cakey baby shoot, then please enquire with us and we shall get you into us at the earliest opportunity.

Prices
Prices for Cakey Baby Photo packages will be increasing on 1st June 2012.

Our Current Prices Are:

Cakey Baby Standard          £50.00      (Will increase to £60.00)
Photoshoot of Birthday Child
Photoshoot of Child with Cake
Cake to Smash
Take home Cake

Cakey Baby Canvas            £95.00       (Will increase to £115.00)
As Cakey Baby Standard PLUS
20x16 Montage Canvas

Cakey Baby Book               £110.00    
(Will increase to £140.00 and 30 images)
As Cakey Baby Standard PLUS
8" Square Cakey Baby keepsake book with 20 images

Cakey Baby Deluxe              £155.00   (Will increase to £180.00)

As Cakey Baby Standard PLUS
Cakey Baby Canvas
Cakey Baby Book

Please be advised that we do ask for a £25.00 non-refundable booking fee to secure all cakey-baby photo shoots.

OFFER: BOOK AND PAY YOUR BOOKING FEE BEFORE 31ST MAY AND SECURE THE CURRENT CAKEY BABY PRICES!

Sneak Peek: Sam and Mat

I had the fabulous time of Photographing Sam and Mat's Wedding on 31st March 2012.

My first full-day Wedding of the year.

It was my first time shooting a Wedding at Rogerthorpe Manor too, but I knew with such a lovely venue we wouldn't have any problems for photographs. 

They were married at St Lukes Church before the drive to Rogerthorpe, and their reception and evening were both held in the Lawrence Suite.

Here are a couple of Sneak Peek Images from their day that made their way to facebook for the couple and their family in New Zeland - and I am sure we will be able to share many more when they have chosen their images for their album.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Webb!

Print Sizes what to buy...

I found this art-size comparison photograph floating around Facebook. One photographer posted it another posted it, someone shared it etc, however, according to the world of google and pinterest it is credited to www.seaverphotography.com Thank you Keven!

I just wanted to show you guys how helpful it actually is when you are planning on what to buy.

When you prepare to go to a professional photographer you are paying for their expertise for photographs of your little darling(s) and why take the time and effort to then just purchase the smallest print possible.

A lot of people think an 8x10 is quite a "big" photograph, and it is, for a desk frame, but not for a wall hanging. Its important when thinking "If I was to get this, where would it sit in my house" and the best thing is to actually measure the space, that way you know what space you have to fill. Why not try cutting some paper (or wallpaper) in the size and make a template so you know big these actually are!

That way when you have your professional portrait done, you will know what size you have in mind, for the space you have!

For a full price list for prints and products from Blue Lights Photography then please contact Adele on adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

Barnsley Business Blog: YouNique Dress

Barnsley is full of fabulous and unique business’, people who are dedicated to giving their customers the best in customer services that they can. I try and only recommend business’ who can offer the same to other people that I try and offer to my clients.


On the blog this time we have Donna from YouNique Dress, a fabulous Barnsley Dressmaker.


Background Information


Donna work’s a little different from most dressmakers, and not just locally either. She can design a picture and make a dress from a picture in her head - not a pattern. Donna designs and creates anything for special occasions. 


Donna has been designing and making special occasion wear for over 25-years after learning to sew from her Nannan. Donna’s Nan came from a long line of seamstresses and tayloresses and her aunts are listed as seamstresses in the census of 1890. So you could say to design, create and sew is definitely in her blood!


YouNique started on a part-time business basis last year after Donna’s hours were cut at work. She had time going spare and she loves sewing. Setting up face book her past clients could get in contact with her easily for special items now. Using social media Donna posted pictures of the items she had made for herself and her granddaughter and that’s how the orders started flooding in and the YouNique Facebook page was then born.

 

The Work at YouNique


Donna specialises in special occasion wear or that unique design that you are wanting. Her enquiries tend to come from people who have an idea of what they want but they don’t seem to be able to get it to fit perfectly.


For Instance: Say a Mother of the Bride is a trendy size 20 but cannot find anything that doesn’t make her look like she’s wearing a tent. This is where Donna comes in! Or a girl who is looking for a Prom Dress but she is large chested which means she has to order a size 18 and then have the shape entirely altered to fit the waist, generally ruining the entire style of the dress.


Donna also makes stage costumes, recently just completing a design for the Circus that came to town but also for tribute acts. In her designs Donna aims to create unique items, however for tribute acts looking at details and getting items finished as close as possible to the real thing and getting the details spot on just makes them better.


One of her loves however is making children’s clothes, as well as the stage costumes and bridal wear. Donna will make unique designs of ladies fashion per specific order, but tends not to make too much generic ladies fashion as the local market is saturated with other designers offering this already. So Donna’s clients are your special occasion and unique designs.


Donna has just recently made YouNique her full-time job after working part-time but sewing until 11pm every-night and not having much personal and family time. This then means that she has more time to sew and create the special occasion wear but has more time to be a Mum, Wife and Grandma to the rest of her family.


Donna has dreamed of creating special dresses’ and costumes since she was a little girl, but has always put her family first and earned a wage to pay the bills. And now has come the time where it is right to take the risk to create the life and dream she has always had.

One of Blue Lights Photography's Bride's Nicola had a Dress made by YouNique

Moving Forward


YouNique is currently run from Donna’s home in Kendray, but in the future she would love to have her own shop where she can show away her dresses, a behind the scenes unit with her machines and even possibly a few off the peg things available to purchase. 


To find out more about Donna and what she can offer to you, you can contact her on her website www.youinque.co.uk and will be able to find her on Yell.com for any sewing requirement in South Yorkshire.


You can also view her photographs on both her personal face book profile and her face book business page  


You may not find any of her cards anywhere as most of the work she does is recommendations, face book and word of mouth, so whether you are getting married, or off to a fabulous black-tie event, then pop along to see her fabulous designs! You will NOT be disappointed!

One of YouNique's new fifties style rose print dress with built in cotton petticoat and net ruffles and organza sash. Children's from £24.99-£35.99 contact for Adult Sizes and Prices.

We are pleased to announce....

We are proud to announce that Blue Lights Photography have been accepted to the British Assosciation of Newborn Photographers. 

The British Association of Newborn Photography (BANP) is a specialist organisation promoting safe 

baby and newborn photography. Safe working practices are key as is being fully insured and adhereing to the BANP code of conduct. 

We have been assessed to be of a professional standard and are appropriately skilled to be working with babies. Not only that we are currently the only Barnsley based newborn photographer to be a member of the BANP.

For more information regarding our newborn photography please contact Adele on adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk and we shall send you out one of our Newborn Collection Price Lists.

Wedding Gift Ideas....

As your Wedding Date approaches (or has already been) gifts seem to be the one place where a lot of people get stuck. What do I get the best man, the bridesmaids, parents, my chief bridesmaid/maid of honour. You may decide that the only gifts you are doing at all are flowers for mums, or using the money elsewhere in the Wedding and just a sentimentally written Thank You card.

Lets have a look at some of the suggested ideas that you could use throughout your Wedding Day.


Mum
Dig out some old photographs of you and your Mum when you were a little girl, and buy a double frame. Use one side as a picture of you and your mum and then a note in the space of a picture of you and your mum together on your Wedding Day, and have it engraved with "I'll always be your little girl..." cue tears and something for your Mum to always treasure!

 For instance something like this from http://www.pure-light.co.uk for £17.95 

Fiancé
Unless there is something 100% you know he wants, secretly do a boudoir session in your bridal lingerie and then have a frame or book made for him with your favourite images. Hide it for him with a little note and let it be a fantastic surprise for him on his Wedding morning! Here at Blue Lights Photography we have just launched our new range of Boudoir Photo shoots, so email adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk to get one booked in for you!


Maid of Honour / Chief Bridesmaid.
A necklace or a gift card to a spa is the perfect thank you to your maid of honour! A lovely little keepsake or a relaxing day away after she's helped you plan your Wedding.

Superstition 
Have each bride’s maid sign the sole of your shoe before the ceremony for good luck. Whoever’s name is darkest by the end of the day will be married next.

Best Man
An engraved flask, a box of cigars or a nice set of cuff links are all thoughtful gestures to give to the best man in your wedding.

Flower Girl
An engraved locket is a wonderful gift for your flower girl. Alternately, a music box would also be cherished for years to come. Take a picture with your flower girl, and wait until her wedding day to give it to her, along with a heartfelt message about how proud you are to see her grow into a beautiful woman.

Anniversary
Save the top tier of your wedding cake and freeze it until your one year anniversary. This makes for a wonderfully romantic memento from your wedding day (speak with your cake maker about freezing and defrosting cake!)

Wedding Week at Ernest Jones....

A little while ago I was contacted by Julia, the Manageress of Ernest Jones Barnsley to see if I would like to be involved in their Wedding Week.

Julia has supported me throughout the things I have done since I worked there about 6 years ago. I have still kept in touch, popping in to see the staff (all still the same) since I left, so I was more than happy to support Julia on anything I could, especially with it being about Weddings.

So this week (April 23rd to April 28th) is Wedding Week at Ernest Jones Barnsley (only) and they have teamed up with a host of local business' to make this almost a little mini Wedding Fayre in store.

Wedding Week includes 10% off Wedding bands in store this week only, so why not pop along and order yours today. Not only will you save 10% off the cost of these bands, but you can also pick up a host of other special offers from suppliers, including a voucher for £100 off your Wedding Photography with Blue Lights Photography!

The voucher is open to new bookings only, and please feel free to check your date on our availability calender before popping along to purchase your rings to make a saving!

So what are you waiting for! Pop along to Ernest Jones Barnsley today to view your Wedding Rings and make some savings!