engagement shoot

Shellby & Ryan pre wedding shoot

Tomorrow is Shellby and Ryan’s wedding day at the beautiful White hart inn, Lydgate. Its such a gorgeous venue and one that I absolutely love returning to.

A couple of months ago we met for a walk, chat and a squeezed in some photos along the way. I love getting to know my couples throughout their wedding planning and getting to know all about their back story and plans for their big day on the pre wedding shoot.

Here’s a little bit of what we got up to…

Kirsty and Jamie pre wedding shoot in Manchester city centre

A couple of weeks ago I met with Kirsty and Jamie for their pre wedding shoot ahead of their wedding later this year. Having lived in the city centre and loving the architecture and history of the buildings they decided to walk around some iconic Manchester sites for their pre wedding shoot images.

After meeting at their flat and being infatuated with cat their Jurgen we headed out around Castlefield before heading over to Albert Square for some photos around the town hall and St Peters Square. It was great to meet up with Kirsty and Jamie once again ahead of their big day and squeeze in a few photos before heading for a drink and chatting over all things weddings.

If you would like a relaxed couples shoot and want to hear about what I can do for you drop me a message here.

Stevie and Simon's wedding at Hyde Bank Farm

After their rainy pre wedding shoot I was keeping everything crossed for a fine weathered day for Simon and Stevie’s big day…. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Stevie and Simon were married at the beautiful Hyde Bank Farm near Stockport, a gorgeous exclusive use countryside venue dating back to 1655.

A snowy drive to meet Stevie and her bridesmaids at Magpie cottages for morning preparations and receiving a beautiful gift from Simon the girls spent the morning getting ready while the snow continued to fall with friends helping with hair and make up.

Surrounded by their closest family and friends in an intimate ceremony in the Ann Hyde Suite it’s the perfect venue for a rustic relaxed wedding.

A brief spout of blue skies were the perfect time for a few portraits quickly interrupted by the beast from the east making a very cold arrival. These guys were amazing and braved the sun, wind, rain and snow whilst cuddling up for their photos.

After settling in for the speeches it was time to head to the dance floor and pull out all the moves after cutting the cake beautifully made by Simon’s mum- what a day! Thank you so much to Simon and Stevie for choosing me to document their day and for braving every weather element that mother nature pulled out.

Wedding suppliers:

Venue: Hyde bank farm

Dress: Blush Boutique

Shoes: Charlotte Mills

Florist/ Venue dresser: Classy blooms

DJ: WDC entertainment

Videographer: Amy Louise

A huge thank you to Sarah for coming along and second shooting and capturing some of the moments below.

Best of 2018

2018 was bloody fabulous ! So many incredible weddings and couples who did their day their way!

Working in Lancashire and up and down the country heading down to Cornwall and up to Scotland I really did cover the lengths of the UK photographing weddings over the past 12 months. Over 50 weddings later and I’m itching for 2019 weddings to start so I can dive into more unique days.

From 3 day long festivals to intimate elopements no two weddings have been the same which is exactly why this year has been so amazing! To each and every couple who chose me to document their day THANK YOU! I’ve absolutely loved documenting every laugh, tear, hug and epic dance off.

I’ve worked alongside some insanely talented photographers this year and to all of you who have second shot for myself or invited me to shoot alongside you I cannot thank you enough, I’ve had an absolute blast!

2019 is shaping up to equally epic with weddings in Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales and even Sorrento…. BRING IT ON !

Here’s a tiny snippet of what I got up to in 2018- enjoy!

Happy New Year !

Olivia x

Jenny & Pete's pre wedding shoot at Fairy Glen

A few weeks ago I met with Jenny and Pete at Fairy Glen ahead of their Ashfield house wedding. As soon as Jenny suggested meeting in Fairy Glen I was super excited, if you haven’t been its such a beautiful spot!

We walked through fairy glen chatting all about their wedding plans. I love meeting couples prior to the wedding for a chance to get to know one another and squeeze in some photos.

Here’s a little bit of what we got up to …

If you’d like a relaxed pre wedding shoot drop me a message to see what I can do for you :)

Rachael and Jimmy's pre wedding shoot at The Plunge Edenfield

A couple of weeks ago I met with Rachael and Jimmy at The Plunge in Edenfield ahead of their Last drop village hotel wedding. I was extra excited for this one as they were bringing along their two dachshunds YAS! As the biggest dog lover and someone who grew up with dachshunds I was super excited.

We walked down by the water and through the trees chatting planning and all things weddings. I love meeting couples prior to the wedding for a chance to get to know one another and squeeze in some photos.

If you’d like a relaxed pre wedding shoot drop me a message to see what I can do for you :)

Emily and Ed's colourful wedding at The Old Grammar School Middleton

The Old Grammar School in Middleton is such a hidden gem tucked away just out of the centre of Middleton. Standing over 600 years old its full of character and charm whilst being super close to Manchester city centre. As a Lancashire wedding photographer I love having the opportunity to explore venues for the first time.

I first met Emily when I photographed her brother and sister in laws wedding 2 years ago and was absolutely thrilled when she got in touch to see if I was available to shoot her big day. 

The day started off nice and relaxed with the girls getting ready together at Emily's mums home surrounded by bridesmaids, with flower girls Poppy and Ada excitedly waiting upstairs jumping on the bed. I was super excited to see Emily’s “light up” shoes and colourful bouquet that she had previously told me about and it did not disappoint! If you want to inject some colour and fun into your flowers then take note because this is how to do it!

After a drive in the appropriately named “Emily” wedding car Ed and Emily were married in a beautiful service at St Marie’s church in Bury surrounded by their closest family and friends.

A quick showering of rainbow confetti and time for some portraits of the pair outside of the church and it was time to head over to The Old Grammar School. The traditional stone and oak building looked incredible filled full of rainbow flowers and fairy lights – the brighter the better!

After an afternoon spent in the sunshine with family and friends Ed and Emily settled down for a BBQ and speeches before kicking off the dance floor to sound of The Midnight cats. Thanks so much for having me at your big day Emily and Ed it was beautiful !

Here’s a little preview of what the day looked like

Wedding Suppliers:

Venue: The Old Grammar School

Make up: Vicki Sillett

Hair: Alicia Davies

Flowers: Bealey’s florist

Cake: Julia’s icing on the cake

Band: The Midnight Cats

Sarah and Glen's arcade couple's shoot in Blackpool

A couple of weeks ago I asked good friend and fellow wedding photographer Sarah to come along to Blackpool for some fun on the beach at sunset. As a first timer to Blackpool and *hold your breath* first time in an arcade I loved being able to show Sarah exactly what it is I love about Blackpool- the colour, the fun and the care free nature. 

I met Sarah and Glen outside of Coral Island on the beach front at Blackpool and we headed into the came to play on some classic arcade games- who doesn't love a 2p slot machine!? A quick round on Mario and the obligatory failed attempt to bag a teddy on the grabber machines we headed out onto the beach as the tide came in and the sun came down.  

It was so much fun dodging the water and going for a walk/ run across the sand. I can't wait to shoot more couples here and get planning more fun couples shoots. If you're interested in a natural couples shoot drop me a message or keep an eye on my social media for dates and locations I'd like to shoot at.

Ben and Lizzie's pre wedding shoot at Heaton Park

A couple of weeks back I headed to lovely Heaton park in Manchester for Ben and Lizzie's pre wedding shoot ahead of their Heaton park wedding in a few weeks. We walked around the park chatting wedding plans and travel (my 2 favourite subjects) while squeezing in some photos of the pair and their beautiful daughter Eleanor. 

Having spent lots of time in Heaton park with friends and family growing up I was really looking forward to heading there for the shoot and scouting locations for their wedding photos. Lizzie and Ben chose to hold their wedding in the park after both meeting and getting engaged here so it felt pretty special to be taking photos of their family here ahead of their wedding. 

I'm can't wait to be heading back in a few weeks for their wedding and hopefully we'll be treated to a little bit more of the very rare Manchester sunshine we've been having recently. 

Here's a little bit of what we got up to ... 

If you're interested in a relaxed couples or family shoot in or around Manchester/ Lancashire/ Yorkshire/ Cheshire drop me a message to see what I can offer for you :) 

 

Olivia x 

Danielle and Ian's pre wedding shoot at Meols Hall

I loved meeting with Danielle and Ian ahead of their Meols Hall wedding later this month. We were lucky to get one of those rare sunny days that seem the norm recently (Crossing everything that it stays that way) We walked around the insanely gorgeous surroundings of Meols hall and the many grounds it boasts- we even got to see a little hedgehog!

Here's a little bit of what we got up to!

 

 

If you're planning your wedding or even just want some photos of yourself and your partner together in a relaxed style at a location of your choice drop me a message  to see what I can do for you :D 

Joseph and Ninoshka's pre wedding shoot at Dunham Massey

From the first time I met Joseph and Ninoshka I've been excited for their wedding and with it now only a couple of weeks away I cannot wait! When Joseph suggested Dunham Massey for their pre wedding shoot ahead of their big day I was so happy I LOVE Dunham Massey and have visited many times before to walk around the house and gardens and spot the deer. When the day arrived and the sun was beaming I was practically jumping for joy- I couldn't have wished for anything more after a very wet and cold start to the year! 

The love shared between these guys is incredible and shines out of them, I absolutely adored photographing them and chatting through their wedding plans in the most beautiful setting. Here's a little bit of what we got up to... 

I absolutely LOVE couples shoots, getting to hear all about their love story and documenting them together. If you'd like to book in for a relaxed couples shoot or to enquire about prices and packages pop me a message.

Duane and Ellie's pre wedding shoot in New Mills

I met Duane and Ellie last week at their home before heading to one of their favourite spots for a walk with dog Trevor. We were lucky to dodge the thunderstorms and be graced with some very rare but welcomed sunshine! I always love heading to places that are personal to a couple for pre wedding shoots. 

When we reached the top there was the most amazing view out to Manchester and I was so glad we had a clear day to see the view. Not wanting to be left out Trevor did a quick lap to be centre frame in some of Duane and Ellie's images.

After our walk we headed back to Duane and Ellie's house to chat through plans for their wedding and I CANNOT WAIT! In August I'll be heading down to Cornwall for the pairs festival themed wedding! Every single thing about this wedding sounds incredible and I am so so excited to be photographing their big day.

If you'd like to meet to discuss booking me for your own wedding or booking in a couples shoot drop me a message to see what I can do for you.

 

Olivia x 

Charlotte and Jame's pre wedding shoot at Fountains Abbey

When Charlotte suggested meeting at Fountain's Abbey for her and Jame's pre wedding shoot ahead of their wedding at Barton Grange this summer I was over the moon, when she then asked if Millie the dog could be involved I was even more excited! After previously visiting the incredible beauty of this National Trust site years ago I was more than a little excited to return. Despite the typically British April showers we walked around the preserved site of the Abbeys ruins with dog Millie and managed to dodge all rain showers that came on the drive from Lancashire to beautiful North Yorkshire. Although after recent snow, rain, sunshine and all other elements a little bit of dry was welcome weather! 

After meeting in the cafe in the courtyard we made our way down the hill and explored the various ruins (which are the largest monastic ruins in the country) set alongside the river in Ripon and chatted all things weddings and pets! There was plenty of beautiful archways and stunning scenery for backdrops for their pre wedding photos. Here’s a little bit of what we got up to….

If you’re thinking of a pre wedding shoot its a great way to warm up in front of the camera and see how I work. Don’t worry its not hours of standing in one spot saying cheese, I want to see how you react with one another so heading to a spot you love to simply have a walk and a chat about your plans is the perfect place to start! For more information on pre wedding shoots drop me a message :)

 

Olivia x 

Laura and Sam's pre wedding shoot in Blackpool

Back on Easter Sunday I met with Laura and Sam for their pre wedding shoot ahead of their wedding in Blackpool this June. We met early on, in the unexpected sunshine, with the hope to beat the high tide and have a walk along the beach. Unfortunately, along with the sun, mother nature had other ideas and washed out the beach entirely! But that didn't matter as we walked across to the local gardens with Lily the dog for some pictures. 

It was a great opportunity to chat through plans for their relaxed wedding and of course get in some photos of the pair and Lily- just look at that smile! 

Carwen and Matt's family pre wedding shoot at Llangollen

Today I'm heading to the beautiful Sweeney Hall in Oswestry for Carwen and Matt's wedding. Coming from the North west and previously living in Wales for 3 years I love any opportunity to head back and explore the many beautiful towns, cities and villages Wales has to offer and last week was no different. I headed to the ridiculously stunning town of Llangollen situated in North East Wales to meet with Matt, Carwen and children Cai, Bella and Oscar. 

Right on the edge of the Berwyn mountains situated on the River Dee Llangollen was full of idyllic spots for photos. Bright and early on Saturday morning after meeting outside the Corn Mill, where Matt and Carwen had their first date, we headed down beside the river to get some family photos and images of the two of them together in preparation for their wedding. Prior to the shoot Carwen had told me she was nervous but she didn't need to be as the whole family were naturals and I absolutely loved having the opportunity to spend the morning with them all. 

Following a morning walking along the river taking photos we headed to a local cafe to chat all things weddings, I absolutely loved hearing all about their upcoming wedding. And just as we did the typical British weather arrived and the rain came down!

Here's a small snippet of what we got up to...

Pre wedding shoots are not only a fab opportunity for you to get a selection of photos together other than the selfies on your phone its a brilliant opportunity for us to meet. I love meeting couples before the wedding and often couples agree experiencing having their photo taken before the wedding puts their mind at ease on the day. If you would like to book in for a meeting or couples shoot drop me a message :) 

 

Olivia x  

Sam and Pranesh's autumnal pre wedding shoot at Carlton Towers

Next week I will be heading back to the incredibly beautiful and grand Carlton Towers in Yorkshire to document Sam and Pranesh's big day. Back in the autumn I headed up crossing the Lancashire to Yorkshire border to meet the pair for a pre wedding shoot. We had a relaxed walk round the venue and discussed all things weddings and wedding plans. 

The building was covered in the most amazing red ivy and we had the whole place to ourselves to explore! A beautiful mix of large state rooms dressed in gold and ornate fireplaces and intimate cosy rooms perfect to snuggle on the sofa in and surrounded by 250 acres of estate parkland there was plenty to explore. 

We had such a lovely morning full of love and laughter and it made me so so excited for their big day! After a quick tour of the venue we started in the state rooms and worked our way through the house and into the gardens for some pictures.

Pre wedding shoots are not only a great opportunity to get some photos of you as a couple but they are a fab opportunity to chat all about your big day, not to mention understand a little bit about how I work and what you’ll be doing on your wedding. Aside from this I LOVE shooting couples, if you’d like some photos of you and your partner (engaged or not) pop me a message and see what I can do for you!

A very special couples shoot in the Lancashire hills

I love each and every shoot that I get the chance to do and I especially love working alongside couples to capture their personality in beautiful settings. And this shoot above any other stands out because its my very own lovely mum and dad. Right on the door step of my childhood family home is the beautiful setting of Ashworth Moor in Lancashire just on the outskirts of Rochdale, growing up we would head up the lane to this beautiful setting of rolling hills, waterfalls and reservoirs to walks our two dachshunds and now I love to spend weekends up in the hills. 

Seeing heather in bloom on impulse I quickly grabbed my mum and dad and took them up to the moors for a walk in the hills and a few photos. It was extra special to see how they reacted with one another especially after 33 years of marriage, my mum and dad have always been a massive inspiration and shown me exactly what a relationship should be like. 

This was the first time since their own wedding they had the opportunity to have some photos with one another (which is crazy considering they had a photographer in the family). Unlike the traditional photos taken on their wedding I wanted to be able to inject some fun and personality into these photos are really show off the amazing relationship they have. These pictures will always be super special to me and I am so excited to finally be showing them off. 

I love exploring the great outdoors and especially love going for adventures in new places so if you’re planning your wedding and would like a pre wedding shoot or know someone who would love some new portraits drop and message and get in touch and lets plan something awesome!

Best of 2017

2017 was such an amazing year for me. I met the most amazing couples sharing their big days documenting the tears, the laughter and the incredible parties that followed! I am so grateful to each and every couple that chose me to document their day. 

I've been lucky enough to work at some amazing new venues, tick some off my bucket list and return to some favourites from previous years. I've travelled up and down the country working with the BEST couples. I have second shot for some incredible photographers and undergone training from some of the best. 

The year kicked off at The Victoria hotel in Oldham and ended at beautiful Mitton Hall. In between I travelled to Kinross, Scotland, Swansea, Fawley Hill and Bristol and so many other incredible places.

I can't wait to see what 2018 holds, I'm nearly fully booked with just a couple of dates remaining and now taking bookings for 2019. I'll be travelling across Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Wales and further afield. If you're still looking for your photographer drop me a message to see what I can do for you. 

Happy New Year!

Olivia 

 

Michaela & Ken's Chester Zoo pre wedding shoot

Last month on a very sunny Saturday I headed to Chester Zoo (yay!) to meet up with Michaela, Ken and daughters Annabelle & Taliah to chat all about their wedding plans, stroll around the zoo and sneak in a few pictures ahead of their wedding day. 

I am so excited for this one and know its going to be an absolutely amazing wedding full of fun, love and incredible animals. 

Here's a little look at what we got up to when we met. 

 

 

Shai & James' autumnal couples shoot at Heaton Park

This weekend is a little throwback to my favourite time of year when the leaves have fallen and the ground is scattered with the perfect shade of orange. I met Shai and James down by the boating lake in beautiful Heaton Park in Manchester. Full of beautiful spots spanning over 600 acres in the grounds of an 18th century country house there was plenty of amazing photo spots. 

We walked around chatting about all my favourite things- weddings and animals! We even befriended some of the squirrels that occupy the park. 

There was plenty of laughs, cuddles and pictures to show off how perfect these two are for each other! 

Heaton park made the perfect setting for photos. With a stunning backdrop of autumnal colours and animals it is an idyllic haven from the busy centre of Manchester.