church – Laura Jane Photography

3rd December 20183rd December 2018

Tips & Tricks to make the best of your Winter Wedding

Winter weddings can be truly magical. Do you love the idea of twinkling lights, wrapping up in a faux fur cape, and sipping hot chocolate with your guests by a roaring fire? Then a Winter Wedding may be your ideal time of year…

Although wedding season typically starts to calm down for the Winter months, I still have a couple booked in which I absolutely love, however it is important to make yourselves aware of a few things before you sign on that dotted line with your chosen venue.

DAYLIGHT HOURS FADE FAST

Daylight hours dwindle fast during those winter months, so make yourselves aware of the daylight times on your wedding day beforehand. We want to make the absolute most of that light outside, so if you’ve got a 2pm ceremony in a church in November, bear in mind you probably won’t be coming out until 3pm(ish) which gives us just an hour to get all those beautiful photos of you guys together, plus your guests too. It may be worth considering moving your ceremony time forward to 12 or 1pm if you can. Below are approximate sunset times for the Winter months.

October expect the sunset to be around 6pm (5pm after clocks go back)

November expect the sunset to be around 4pm

December expect the sunset to be around 4pm

January expect the sunset to be around 4:15pm

February expect the sunset to be around 5pm

March expect the sunset to be around 6pm

2. KEEP YOURSELVES & YOUR GUESTS WARM

Are you happy with layers? A faux fur cape or stole, or a unique cardigan can look amazing over the top of your beautiful dress, and always helps when I ask your Groom to pull you in tight for those gorgeous couple shots of the two of you together. Alternatively long sleeve dresses can look insane, especially with some snow in the background too! Ladies…is it a long dress? Chuck on some thick tights & a pair of boots, no one will ever know (and your bridesmaids can do this too!!)<3

Don’t forget about your guests too! Pick up some blankets, scarves and other accessories for your guests to enjoy and keep warm with if you’re having a special outdoors ceremony, or you need them to be outside with you for a certain amount of time. They’ll thank you, and it really adds to the decor!

Umbrellas are also a good necessity to have just in case. Even if it’s only a couple of matching ones for your bridal and grooms party, definitely worth being prepared for all weather outcomes!

Instead of a champagne welcome drink, why not opt for a hot chocolate or tea welcome drink? Something warm for everyone to wrap their hands around upon arrival (and will save on the pennies for you guys too!)

3. DECOR

Check with your venue when they begin to put up their Christmas decorations, and if they’ll be up on your wedding day then what is their Christmas colour scheme. You wouldn’t want your fuscia pink flowers to clash with their rosy red baubles on the Christmas tree. If their decor is not to your taste then is it ok for them to take them down for your special day? Always worth asking.

4. NIGHT TIME SHOTS

Does your photographer do any night time portraits with lights? This can be good fun, and create some amazing imagery especially if you’ve booked an incredible venue with beautiful outside exterior. During my weddings I like to have two 15-20 minute sessions with my Bride & Groom for some portraits of just the two of you together – one straight after the ceremony and another in the evening after you’ve finished your wedding breakfast. Typically I look for ‘golden hour’ which is the hour of beautiful light we get before the sun sets, however in winter when the sun tends to set about 4pm, but we want to go out for photos about 7pm, then I bring out my lights and we create some gorgeous intimate shots of the two of you together instead. It’s a great chance for you two to take a break and look back on how amazing your day has been too <3

5. MAKE ALLOWANCES FOR TRAVEL TIME

If you’ve got two or three venues to make it round to on your wedding day (ie prep address, Church and then Reception Venue etc) then make sure you have given yourselves plenty of time in case of bad traffic. Although a Bride being fashionably late is typically something we’re use too, it can bring on unnecessary stress for your poor Groom waiting at the alter, and can also make guests feel twitchy too. Plan well guys!

6. UMBRELLAS

‘Nab some umbrellas for those ‘just incase’ moments – it’s always great to be prepared and they can make some great props for couple shots too! Plus your bridal party will thank you for keeping their hair dry if it is looking to be a tad wet on the big day!

Winter Weddings can be just as magical as Summer Weddings so just enjoy it! Brave the rain, snuggle in closer and make the most of one of the most amazing days of your lives together!

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21st September 2018

Kate & Jon ~ A Wedding at Caldicot Castle in Wales

Kate & Jon had booked their wedding for Caldicot Church followed by a unique reception with family & friends in Caldicot Castle across the road and I was psyched to be heading over to Wales as their Wedding Photographer!

Everything was on site and within the same area making driving around a lot lot easier! We had church one side of the road, the castle the other side aaaaaaaaand the pub right next to it!

Laughing down the phone on our initial consultation, Kate & Jon admitted that if it wasn’t for Kate’s Mum and sister planning and booking the majority of their wedding day then they probably wouldn’t have worried too much. They’re happy, they’re in love and ready to spend the rest of the lives together…however a beautiful wedding wasn’t going to slip through Kate’s Mum’s plans for her daughter, and a beautiful relaxed wedding is what these guys got. It was really truly lovely!

Ok so the weather may not have been on our side throughout the whole afternoon, however everyone embraced, enjoyed, laughed and cheered with Kate & Jon as the sun went down over the castle.

Huge Congratulations to you guys; thank you for having me document your special day!

L x

Venue: St Mary’s Church, Caldicot

Venue: Caldicot Castle, Caldicot

6th March 20186th March 2018

Kelly & Reiss ~ A Magical Winter Wedding at Gosfield Hall in Essex

I was super excited to be shooting Kelly & Reiss’s wedding at the stunning venue that is Gosfield Hall. Kelly & Reiss had booked me thirteen months prior to their wedding date so it had been a long time coming and we’d had a lot of excited phone calls on the build up to their big day! If you’ve never seen it, I would definitely recommend a visit over to Gosfield Hall. The long driveway, rural surrounds and sweeping lawns with gravel pathways lend itself to a beautiful red brick Georgian Mansion set in the idyllic Essex countryside perfectly set back to enjoy your day in a space you won’t be disappointed with.

I met Kelly in the Lady’s Chambers Cottage where bridal prep was in full swing with her Mum and four Bridesmaids as they enjoyed the pampering and chit chat of what was to come throughout the day. Once moved up to the Rococco Bridal Suite, Kelly changed into her breathtaking dress (which was actually a lot lot heavier than it looked!) and continued to finalise her hair & make up ready to meet fiancé Reiss at the end of the alter. Her winter-themed bouquet teamed with silver decor and thistle matched perfectly with the delicate hair piece and cute ballet-bow heels she’d carefully picked out for her special day.

The couple wed in The Queens Gallery; a beautiful oak-panelled room where Kelly had to hold back tears as she walked down the 120ft long aisle with her Mum to meet Reiss at the end. The couple’s son Hudson was chuffed to bits as he watched Mummy walk towards Daddy, and couldn’t decide who he wanted to be held by throughout the whole ceremony so he kept everyone laughing as the couple continued to bend and pass him around as they said their “I do’s”.

The emotions from this day are still hitting me now as I write this, and I can’t help but smile as I relive their wedding through these images.

Thanks to these beauts for choosing me to photograph your amazing day <3

I wish you both a lifetime of love, laughter and romance!

Venue: Gosfield Hall

Flowers: Re:Creation Flowers

Dress: Matchmaker Bride

Hair: Gail Gardner
Make Up: Elaine Marie Makeup Artist

Balloons: Tiffany’s Balloons

22nd February 2018

My Wedding Photography Bucket List

A friend of mine recently asked…if I had just one more wedding to photograph, what kind of wedding would I choose to shoot? I absolutely adore my job and am so thankful to all my wonderful clients who have chosen me as their wedding photographer in the past. I have loved shooting every single wedding over the last five years and I am so passionate about photographing couples in love. This question got me thinking and laughing to myself, as I really couldn’t narrow it down to just one kind of wedding… so here goes My Wedding Photography Bucket List!

If your wedding involves aaaaaaaany of the below then please GIVE ME A SHOUT!!

I promise there will be an exclusive discount to be had.

A destination wedding (I love to travel and see/photograph new places so this is my ultimate no.1)
A wedding ceremony on a beach
A wedding with fairground rides (bonus if theres a merry-go-round)
A tipi wedding
Inside a castle BOOKED – Kate & Jon 2018 YAYY!
An elopement
A themed wedding (bonus if it’s Game of Thrones / 1920’s Peaky Blinders / Disney)
A ‘Don’t Tell the Bride’ wedding
A wedding in the snow (has to be abroad – sadly we don’t get enough in the UK..boo!!!)
A wedding at the Roman baths
A wedding which involves the Bride riding a horse BOOKED – but it’s a secret, 2018!
A wedding in a treehouse, forest or floral field
A wedding at the Lake District

Give me a shout if your wedding involves any of the above – you may be surprised! 🙂

5th February 20185th February 2018

Dogs at Weddings – 10 things to consider!

So you’ve decided to include your dog at your wedding… YAY YAY YAY!!

I LOVE seeing dog’s at weddings and can’t wait to meet your furry friends!

It doesn’t come as a shock to me when a couple mention they’ll be including their dogs in their wedding… in fact you don’t see this but my heart skips a beat when I hear there’s a Frenchie as Flower Girl, a Border Collie as Bridesmaid or a Retriever as Ring-Bearer… you get the jist 😉

A wedding day is widely celebrated by so many in front of friends & family, as it is an enjoyable and memorable experience to be remembered forever. Your nearest and dearest are there to toast your special day, so why not include your furry friends in the ceremony too? They are a massive part of your family too!

There is a LOT of planning and thought that needs to be considered when you make this decision though, but I completely understand the need for so many couples nowadays to include their dogs in the ceremony alongside them. They have become such a huge part of your life and should be with you on your special day as long as you have the appropriate safety measures in place.

1. Does your venue allow animals?

This is really a massive decider; if you’ve already booked your venue and then as an after-thought forgot to mention your dog will be present they may be against the idea and then it’s bye-bye to having your pooch there with you. Most weddings I’ve attended with the family dogs have been at country weddings or garden receptions, although one of my Weddings last year at Baddow Park did have my Bride & Groom’s two labradors show up as a complete surprise to them just after they had tied the knot! Let’s just say there was plenty of happy tears from my Bride Laura <3

2. What part of the day will your dog(s) be taking part in?

Are you wanting them present for the morning as you get ready, the Ceremony as you say your “I do’s”, the Reception where you relax and enjoy time with friends and family, or the evening when everyone is partying? A wedding can be a very long day for people let alone animals, so make sure your dog can handle whatever part you want them around for during your Wedding. If they are present all day, make sure they have food and water available, and a quiet area for them to lie down should they want some time away from the electric atmosphere.

3. Can they cope?

It might not seem like it but most dogs do like routine so this is totally out of their comfort zone being surrounded by people, noise, little children (if present), food and all the attention. If they’re young & springy will they be liable to run off if it is a different location to where they’re use to? If they’re older will they snap and bite if they’re scared? All questions to think about.

4. Is it an indoor or outdoor Wedding?

I adore outdoor weddings – all the natural light, beauty and warmth of a Summer wedding is precious and so so beautiful ! Although with a dog present you do need to make sure guests keep their eyes peeled for those doggy do-do’s on the grass. I’m pretty sure your best friends won’t be too impressed with a brown mess on their Jimmy Choos’ when they go home later!

Indoors can be less to worry about with the do-do’s although someone does need to be aware that your pooch does need to go to the toilet and be let out for a break every now and then! Also are they liable to chew anything if you’re in an unknown venue? You don’t want to be forking out for a new rug if your furry friend has decided it tastes too good!

5. Do you need a Dog Chaperone?

To take the pressure off you, is it worth having a dog chaperone present so you don’t need to keep looking over your shoulder to make sure they’re ok? There are plenty of services out there that cater for this so you don’t have to miss out on having your furry friend(s) there celebrating with you. These guys make sure the dogs are collected, walked, brushed, behaving, fed, watered and looked after all day so you don’t have to worry about a thing! Could be a great investment to include…

6. Are they playing a role in the Wedding?

Would you like to consider them as Best Man, Ring-Bearer or Bridesmaid? I’ve seen some adorable dogs taking on important roles at a wedding but again it is something you need to consider as it can be a big ask for them to take part. Would it be best for them to just be present as a guest instead of carrying out a role? As long as they’re there it can be less of a stress for you than worrying, for example, if they’ve still got the rings attached to their collar EEK!

7. Are they wearing something special?

A tux collar, a flower crown, special booties, a dress… are you suiting them up especially or are they to be running freely?

The suits and dresses can look super adorable and so great in photos but realistically are your dogs going to be comfortable wearing them? Make sure they don’t rub, or are too tight as this can be added unnecessary stress for them, however a matching dress with your bridesmaids, or bow tie can really bring together the wedding party!

8. Will your dog cause problems for the caterers?

Hehe I had to chuckle as I know my pooch certainly would!! Being part Labrador he can sniff out a plate of sausage rolls, a kitchen worktop of chicken dishes, or scratch open a hostess to steal the roast spuds.

You’re paying your caterers to provide a service to eat and enjoy, so try not add extra hassle onto them if you know your dog will be following them about all afternoon with his puppy-dog eyes. They already have a HUGE task of feeding yourselves and all of your guests some wonderful food, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on anything after your pet pooch has decided to scoff the sauteed potatoes or lick the gravy dish clean!

9. Let your guests know your dog will be there too!

Something so small but can be a huge deal to some guests. It could be that Aunt Maud has an allergy to fur, or that the Best Man has a fear of dogs. By letting people know, this may ruin a nice surprise but can also allow others to prepare themselves if they are not so dog-happy to see them there.

10. Let your photographer know!

Definitely!! If they are anything like me they will be absolutely thrilled and so so excited. It also means we can be well prepared with dog treats and squeaky toys if need be to make sure we get those beautiful photos of you all together 🙂

18th January 201818th January 2018

Emma & Darren ~ Essex Wedding Photographer at Layer Marney Tower

On the morning of Emma & Darrens wedding I woke to rain, with the forecast predicting it to be with us all day – not a great start especially as we had quite a large wedding party and I had big plans for photos all over the gardens after the ceremony that afternoon!

Emma had chosen a beautiful delicate and daring low backed wedding gown to fit her gorgeous slim figure, finished with the flower ‘gip’ braided through her hair and a bouquet of baby blue, white roses and more gip to match. Her Bridesmaids dresses continued the soft baby blue theme with matching gip flowers for the girls and button holes for the boys.

Emma got ready with her Bridesmaids at her parents house in Colchester, before being driven with her Dad in a beautiful Rolls Royce to the Church doors at Layer Marney.

The venue itself is a gorgeous Tudor Palace, built as a statement house in the 1520’s and boasts beautiful views overlooking fields, ponds, farm animals and a long driveway with perfected gardens for all to enjoy.

Emma has a love for history so this venue was perfect for what she had been looking for. Keeping it traditional the couple wed at the on-site church set behind the towers in a lovely ceremony complete with family and friends watching on as they said their ‘I do’s’. From here on out out, we were so lucky with the weather! Apart from a few spots as we left the church (it gave Emma the chance to use her umbrella for the confetti 😉 ) that was all the rain we saw throughout that afternoon until the food was brought out, thank goodness!

The gorgeous backdrop of Layer Marney Tower proves a very popular area for photos so we made the most of it during the formal group shots, and then I got to whisk the couple away for a half hour together and some time in front of my camera as newly weds! I so love this part and could go on for hours if I had the chance!

The food came out in the Long Gallery and everyone headed over to feed their hunger and enjoy the hilarious speeches led by Darren, Emma’s Dad and finally Darren’s Best Man. The fun and games continued into the evening with the Cutting of the Cake and the First Dance before it was finally time for me to depart. However, not before we managed to capture some of those iconic night time shots of the Bride & Groom outside the towers together!
I love my job and I have the most amazing clients! Thank you so much for having me guys! Wishing you both a a lifetime of love, laughter & romance <3

Keep up to date and follow me on my social media pages:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ljphotography

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Laura_JanePhoto

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16th January 2018

Marie & James ~ Essex Wedding Photographer at Ingatestone Church

Taking you back to this beautiful English countryside Wedding <3

Marie & James were married on what can be argued as the hottest day of 2017!

The wedding took place at St Edmund and St Mary’s Church in Ingatestone; a unique centre-piece to the small village on the outskirts of Chelmsford. This beautiful Church was also where the couple chose to have their Engagement shoot back in January and boasts lovely grounds out the back as well overlooking the village centre.

Marie was delivered to the Church in a beautiful old Rover whilst the public lined the pavements of the small village of Ingatestone to take photos and offer kind words before she walked down the aisle. After the ceremony we headed to James’ parents home in St Osyth for a beautiful garden Reception with a stunning decorated marquee complete with hanging paper lanterns, trees & plants, all matching in the perfect pink that the bridal party & groomsmen were fashioning. I just love how they’d incorporated the countryside look inside with such tasteful decor!!

James’ Mum had gone to a huge amount of effort to ensure that her gardens were spectacular and they didn’t disappoint, everything looked stunning and was in full bloom on what could only be argued as one of the hottest days of the year! The speeches were fantastic and the food was amazing, and before long it was time for the First Dance.

James and Marie had opted for a live band to perform and they were awesome! They twirled around one another before dragging the rest of the guests onto the floor to party the night away! 💃🏼 💃🏼 💃🏼

Congratulating these guys on such a beautiful Wedding! Thank you for having me capture your special day 😊

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1st January 2018

2017 Roundup | Laura Jane Photography

Well what a year 2017 has been! I can’t believe we’re right around the corner from 2018 and I definitely say this every year but just how quick did last year go!!!

As is every year, there were a lot of highs and lows for my little family although at this stage I am more happy to remind myself of a few of the highs we’ve achieved this year…

Managing to secure and update our house to an even better one (in just under a year of only being in the old house!!)
Seeing our family grow by adding another furry member into the mix 😉
Enjoying a wonderful break away to the city of Rome, somewhere I have been dying to visit for the last few years!

Work has also been insane this year!! Here’s a little of what’s been going on…

A total of 18 Weddings shot in Essex, Suffolk and Kent in 2017, topping last years count and looking even more positive for 2018!
Booking so many Equestrian & Canine shoots and made tons of friends during the sessions – I love getting to know my clients & their quirky animals. One of the main reasons my job totally rocks!! <3
Setting up my own little office during our house move so I now have a whole room dedicated to my photography work Eek!! I’m so use to having an office in the corner of my old spare bedroom that this small change has been really appreciated!
Next year brings a Wedding booked in a castle in Wales YAYYYY – the furthest my photography has taken me! I’m so psyched I literally can’t wait for next year to start!!

To show how amazing my 2017 has been, I’ve narrowed it down to a very select few of my favourite moments to share with you <3

Thanks 2017 you’ve been amazing…Here’s to an fan-dabby-dozy 2018!! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! 💃🏼 🥂 🍾 💃🏼 🎊

Laura x

www.laura-janephotography.com

I would love for you to keep up to date and follow me on my social media pages ☺️ if you feel you would like to check in and see the whats going on, follow me on:

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Best Wishes for a fabulous 2018!

Laura x

20th November 201720th November 2017

Kirsty & Simon ~ Essex Wedding Photographer on the Dengie Marshes

I bumped into Kirsty at the Crowne Plaza Wedding Fair last November, and was chuffed to bits when she asked if I would do their wedding in June this year. At the time I was waiting on another enquiry for the same date but after the first couple couldn’t commit (as they were still waiting on Church confirmation), I was able to release the date and offer it to Kirsty & Simon instead! I was so excited when I went to meet with them at their beautiful home in the Dengie. They ran through their details and everything sounded amazing! I absolutely adore ‘home’ Weddings in the beautiful countryside and couldn’t wait for June to come around.

The Wedding came around all too quick, and before I knew it I was knocking at Kirsty’s dads door to meet up with the Bridal Party that morning. To make my day even better, Kirsty’s Dad lives in a small exquisite house in the seaside town of Burnham-On-Crouch, and it was so quirky and carefully decorated I felt like I was walking into a show home. I don’t want to delve too much, but just picture white walls with pale pastel coloured decor, vintage posters, and black and white pictures on the walls with original wooden floor boards and a stunning back garden sheltered with wild flowers and coast around the corner WoW!! I was in photographer heaven and set to so I could make the most of taking pictures here.

Kirsty & Simon wed at the lovely St James’ Church at the top of a hill hidden from the rest of the world. This gem overlooks beautiful scenery and is luckily less than a mile down the road from the family farm so it made life easy and the party started sooner!

The speeches were on form, delivered by Kirsty’s proud Dad followed by Simon’s two best men who also happened to be his brothers. They had the whole marquee in stitches and kept everyone reaching for their glasses for toasts and cheers!

Food was delivered by the wonderful Linda Hamilton Catering who produced a wonderful spread of Afternoon Tea, Sandwiches and Cakes to go along with the Garden Party theme, and worked beautifully against the rustic backdrops and decor displayed in the marquee.

The sun continued all afternoon, and fun & games started in the garden with the Ice Cream truck also making an appearance for the couple and their guests. Before long it was time to cut the cake and get the party started with the First Dance. Everyone was having a great knees-up together as I stole the couple away for a few more shots as the sun began to descend.

Kirsty & Simon, what a fabulous day you’re going to remember! Congratulations to you both and I wish you all the best for a long, happy marriage together.

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9th April 201724th July 2017

Emma & Darren ~ Engagement Photos at Layer Marney Tower

Recently I got to catch up with these two ahead of their wedding in September at the gorgeous location that is Layer Marney Tower. For anyone who’s never been, please go there for a day out as it is beautiful and there is so much to see and do! We spent the afternoon lamb feeding, as well as checking out the wildlife and of course the beautiful gardens surrounding this unique location.

Not only for it’s beauty, and because it’s so close to home; Emma & Darren also chose to have their wedding here for the historical aspect it brings aswell. The ancient buildings, the on-site Church and the Long Hall for their Reception seemed like a perfect place to keep their wedding wrapped up without having to move about too much. They’ll be able to celebrate the whole day with family & friends so fingers crossed for a beautiful day!

These guys were so easy- going and up for anything, we even had some fun feeding the lambs on site too (Emma’s idea…not mine 😉 ) but nevertheless there were some pretty adorable little baby’s in the barn guzzling milk from these two as quickly as they could!

I’m super excited to be back here in a few months time to capture these guys in a slightly different attire!