Hyde End Studios Blog

The End of the Road

2008-09-17T19:35:00.010+01:00

The End of the Road Festival :)

It's been a really busy summer and this weekend was my first weekend off in ages. We dropped the kids with the grandparents and had a brilliant time in Dorset at a fantastic music festival. I am a little behind with work and blogging etc. so pictures from the weekend coming soon (when I have caught up a bit).

Vinny and Michelle - The Slideshow

2008-09-17T19:35:00.009+01:00

Happy Anniversary (to me).

2008-09-05T23:59:00.001+01:00

It would be remiss of me to forget to post about my own wedding which was sixteen years ago this very day, when my beautiful wife said "I do". I have never known anyone with so much patience and love (not to mention powers of endurance) so I am posting to say THANK YOU! for everything!

Here's an iPhone snap I took of us in town a couple of months ago.

Kathryn & Jamie

2008-09-05T23:24:00.001+01:00

I am late this week blogging; it's the time of year when everything seems to catch up so apologies, Kathryn and Jamie, for being slow with the pictures...

K&J got married at Guildford Register Office. I shot my first wedding there about fifteen years ago. Just to make me feel really old I remember it was with a Mamiya Twin Lens Reflex camera which took rolls of film with a whopping 12 exposures and was so sloooow to use.

Things have changed so much over the last ten years or so. Those old cameras were so difficult to use in the rain, so I was pretty glad to be there today with my D3's.

The rain couldn't dampen the occasion though and after the ceremony we departed for Pennyhill Park Hotel, where the sun came out and the new Mr. and Mrs. and their guests had a great time on the terrace.

By contrast from their leafy, Surrey wedding Kathryn and Jamie are off to darkest Africa for honeymoon and their complete gallery will be uploaded on their return. **CLICK HERE** and I will let you know when that happens.

In the meantime, a few images that caught my eye from the day.

Jamie, Anthony and Jamie
A little close-up shot during the ceremony

Kathryn holds it together :)
Dodging the raindrops at Pennyhill Park Hotel

A couple of moments alone...

...well almost.

Shiny things

The beautiful bride

Check out the pose :)

Two's company...
The amazing Balmoral room at the hotel was the setting for the meal

Hope you have a brilliant time Kathryn and Jamie, I am sure you will enjoy the sunshine. See you when you get back :)

Michelle & Vinny

2008-08-30T23:59:00.006+01:00

So what happened to the weather today? I can't believe how beautiful it was, it felt like a foreign country, the light was so clear and crisp.

Michelle and Vinny live in Epsom with their boy Frankie and the ceremony was held just down the road at the Christ Church and afterwards at Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot. The three of them are sunning themselves in Crete at the moment and I am looking forward to showing them the pictures when they get back. Here's some that caught my eye when I was downloading the images after the wedding.

The beautiful dress. I love these kind of scene setting images.
In a similar vein, here's a close up of Michelles lilies (or is that 'lilys')? Someone help me out here.

Frankie. Just after a snack - could you guess? This is real life, folks.

Yay, granny's here :)

Vinny and the boys.

Hard work, getting married. Vinny feels the pressure.

Frankie makes a break for freedom.

"Are we nearly there yet?"

The "I can't believe we've done it!" moment.

Freshly married and released into the wild. I love the backlighting in this picture.

The new Mr. and Mrs. arrive at the hotel in style.

The gorgeous bride.

I knew my high jump skills would come in useful one day.

Come to momma!

The official post wedding family picture.

Have a brilliant time in Crete, thanks for having me along on the day - see you when you get back :)

Caroline and Andrew

2008-08-29T23:10:00.004+01:00

My single best photographic purchase of the last few years has to be the mighty Satnav. Today I headed to the wilds of Dorset to help my friend Rob photograph a wedding just outside of town. I understand the argument that the noble Tomtom inhibits awareness of surroundings and can occasionally mess up in spectacular style but believe me, when you have miles of twisty country lanes to contend with, it's truly a blessing. That said, it couldn't help me with the horrendous holiday traffic (apologies to any caravan owners out there, but really - what exactly is wrong with hotels?) Despite this, it was a great day, the weather was fine and it was fun photographing with Rob. Caroline and Andrew (the B & G) were great, very relaxed. Here's a few favourites, more from the wedding will be appearing on Rob's blog.

We pick up our story immediately after the ceremony, Andrew wondering where the nearest drink is.

I love confetti

You'll have noticed I have graduated from the standard 'couple in the mirror' shot to the more advanced 'back of the couple in the back of the mirror' shot.

Look at these guys. Anybody would think weddings are for enjoying yourselves - it's a serious business ladies and gentlemen - behave, please.

The beautiful Caroline.

Andrew looks on embarrassed as Steve, the Best Man practices 'throwing some shapes' (as I believe the young people call it these days).

I noticed the cake looking a little lonely.

What a great room eh? Check out the...

...fantastic ceiling. (Believe me, you get some very odd looks taking shots like these).

Rob set up a terrific shot by the window so I went for this alternative view in a handy mirror.

A little clichéd I know but I like it.

The girls head up hill, impressively outpacing both Rob and I. In high heels too. (Uh, the girls that is...).

The meal begins.

Nicky and Andy's Wedding

2008-08-24T23:10:00.010+01:00

Nicky and Andy got married today at St. Annes Church in Bagshot and in case you are wondering about the picture above, they organised a Spitfire Flypast (as you do) to commemorate the event. Kinda scary, as the fastest thing I normally photograph is a five year old sprinting onto a dance floor or a bride who is very late for her wedding.

The bride and groom have been together a few years and have a beautiful daughter, Amelia, who was pretty good during the day (better behaved than some grownups I have seen at weddings)!

Nicky was very laid back and organised in the morning as I shot some pictures at the hotel and she arrived early (!) at the Church. The vicar gave a really nice sermon and It was a nice, relaxed afternoon as the wedding party retired to Pennyhill Park Hotel for the reception.

Here's a few favourites from the day.

An arty flower shot
Amelia. Isn't she a cutie :)

Andy - a single man!
Your Special Day :)

A fisheye shot from the church floor
The new Mr. and Mrs.

I do like a nice silhouette shot at the wedding.
You can almost feel the sunshine in this shot.
I love shooting detail shots, here's a few at the reception.

Not sure what was funny, but I love the expression :)

Nothing wrong with a traditional cake cutting photo :)
Thanks for choosing me, Nicky and Andy, can't wait to show you the rest of the pictures.

Lauren and Angelo's Wedding

2008-08-23T23:32:00.004+01:00

Lauren and Angelo tied the knot today at the beautiful Stoke Park Club and it was a pleasure to be there to photograph the wedding. It was a special day, beautiful weather, a fabulous location and a couple clearly in love. I was there right through to the dancing in the evening and it was great fun photographing all the things that went on throughout the big day. Lauren and Angelo are busy enjoying their honeymoon in Mauritius so until they get back, here's some moments that caught my eye.

The 2008 Award for the most relaxed, laid back groom goes to....

This is where today all started.

I love the light through the veil on this shot.
What a room eh?

I do like to look out for unusual compositions on a wedding. And I know it's a weird thing to say but I like both the expressions in this photo.

The beautiful Lauren, leaning on the less beautiful but still very impressive Aston Martin DB5.

rorrim eht ni olegnA dna neruaL

A few moments together before going into the meal

Last minute adjustments in the corridor...

Pete, Laurens Dad starts his speech. Lauren wonders what is coming next.

Angelo tells the one about the bartender, the herd of goats and the whipped cream.
A practice smooch on the dance floor

When I had finished and was on the way back to the carpark, I turned around and saw this.
Have a brilliant honeymoon Lauren and Angelo, see you when you get back :)

Oliver & Lisa's Wedding

2008-08-16T21:20:00.004+01:00

Today I headed up the M4 to photograph Lisa and Oliver's wedding. The ceremony was at the spectacular Ealing Abbey. It's an amazing building both inside and out and I must mention the music during the service which was great. After some great pictures on the steps we headed south to Richmond Park and Pembroke Lodge for the reception. The guests had a great view across the park from the terrace and all to soon, it was time to go into the meal.

Lisa and Oliver are off to Fiji on honeymoon and their complete gallery will be uploaded when they return. If you were at the wedding and would like to know when that is, click here :)

Ealing Abbey

Oliver gets sorted - 20 minutes to go.

The best man and ushers busy er...ushing.

The Olympics on the telly has a lot to answer for. Lisa, her brother and the girls sprint up the steps.

Lisa makes it official.

Job done!
Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park

The new Mr. and Mrs.

The lovely Lisa.
Robert Fox, magician extraordinaire, wows the guests (fire extinguisher just out of shot).
The meal kicks off in the Belvedere Suite.

A little smooch to finish things off.

Sarah & Phil

2008-08-09T22:57:00.009+01:00

My second wedding of the weekend was in Frimley where Sarah and Phil tied the knot. A bit of rain didn't spoil the day as, after the service, the bridal party headed for Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot.

I was pleased that we managed to get a few images outside today and fortunately Pennyhill Park Hotel has some really nice rooms and areas to shoot inside so the weather isn't that much of an issue.

Here's a few pictures to tide you over until the complete gallery is uploaded. That will be when Sarah and Phil get back from honeymoon.

Phil, at the church on time

Checking it is in fact the right church...

Sarah arrives during a gap in the rain

First sight of her handsome groom!

A favourite image shot during the ceremony

I like 'framing' shots, I took this through the panelling on the church balcony.

3:24pm

A relaxed portrait of Sarah

Sealed with a kiss

The day wasn't short on meteorological suprises...

Another relaxed portrait outside the hotel

I love shooting candid pictures during the reception, much nicer than too many 'posed' pictures at a wedding.

As always, the room setup at the hotel looked fabulous

Mmmmmm, tasty starters, ready to go.

A little glimpse behind the scenes, a fair bit of planning goes into making sure the meal runs smoothly.

Have a brilliant time on holiday, S & P, I am looking forward to showing you the pictures when you get back!

08 08 08 Jane & Jim

2008-08-08T22:55:00.007+01:00

My 080808 wedding was at Woodlands Park Hotel in Surrey where Jane and Jim tied the knot. Despite a little rain, everything went swimmingly :) We shot some really nice pictures under the trees and it was great to be there.

Here's a little preview!

Jim, the single man (for the next half hour anyway).

The pre-wedding excitement reaches fever pitch.
Jane, a few minutes before...

...heading down to the ceremony.

Listening to Jim's Mum's reading. I love the expressions :)

The obligatory 'top hat on a bridesmaid' photo

Limbering up for the new Olympic sport of full size tag team speed chess.

Look at the lips!

The new Mr. and Mrs. enjoy a few moments alone.

One of my favourites

The bride and groom organised bubbles for the...uh...children...

The man with the drinks looking slightly worried

Thanks for choosing me Jane and Jim, see you when you get back from honeymoon!

Tom and Nicola

2008-08-02T18:26:00.001+01:00

Tom and Nicola got married today in Caterham. My friend Rob was shooting their wedding and asked me along to help out. It was a great experience, Tom and Nicola were very relaxed and friendly and not at all bothered by having an extra photographer along for the day. Rob is a great photographer (check out his pictures on his blog) and it was a pleasure to work alongside him for the day.

Here's a few of my favourites from the day.

Some beautiful flowers for the little bridesmaids...

Tom the Groom. Far too relaxed :)

Tom's Dad gets buttonholed

The little bridesmaids make their way into church

During the ceremony
Tom's shiny brand new wedding ring.

If your name's not on the list, you're not coming in.

Danger, photographer at work.

Job done!

Seconds after I took this pic she shattered her image by gently mangling the flower :)

The paparazzi were out in force today.

The new Mr. and Mrs. take a walk through the roses.

Everyone!

Love blossoms (geddit?)
A last favourite from the day

Sophie & James

2008-07-26T23:59:00.002+01:00

Wow, the hottest wedding of the year so far for me as I was in Marlow photographing Sophie and James' fabulous wedding. I shot some pictures of Sophie and the girls at Danesfield House before moving onto the pub by the church (always a good move) to catch James, Nick and the ushers. After the ceremony, it was back to Danesfield House for a beautiful afternoon on the terrace. Here's a few favourites from the day. If you were at the wedding and would like to know when the full gallery is uploaded click here.

In the meantime, thanks for choosing me S&J, and have a brilliant time in the Far East :)

I love this picture of Sophie's veil in her room at Danesfield

Sophie, in the morning before leaving for the church.

The boys leave the pub. Like Reservoir Dogs but not as scary. Must be the hats.

James' nan, just before the ceremony, giving him a clean hanky. Bless :)
A capacity crowd at St. John the Baptist, Little Marlow.

The very picturesque Danesfield House.

The new Mr. and Mrs.

James' Dad's pride and joy, an original E-Type. Sorry about the bride and groom in the way...

Some serious competition at this wedding :)

The view from the grounds of the hotel

I call this picture 'Small Boy entranced by Violins'. Or something.

The breathtaking Versailles Room was the venue for the Wedding breakfast.

Veronica & Cecil

2008-07-12T23:19:00.011+01:00

Today I had the pleasure of photographing the celebrations of Veronica and Cecil who got married in West London. It was an enjoyable day, the venue was great and everyone had a good time. There were plenty of children at the wedding including the couples four kids who were very well behaved. Mind you the huge plasma TV in the hotel room helped on that front :)

C & V were great to work with and we got some really nice shots.

There were many favourites but I only have room for a few. You can drop me a line if you were at the wedding and would like to know when the complete gallery is uploaded.

The interior of the minimalist and very swish Hempel Hotel
Cecil gets suited and booted

Taken just after a frantic half hour search for the grooms tie
Looking cool and relaxed...

Veronica

I love the expressions in this image. (50" plasma TV just out of shot)

The beautiful bride

A little detail shot during the ceremony
Cecil almost loses it - Veronica holding it together :)

The newly weds

I love this picture :)

- and this is how I meant it to turn out :)
A few moments together in the park outside

Another favourite shot from the day
The dining room at the hotel was amazing, incredible lighting and colour everywhere

This weird little yellowy/green room made a great setting for this funky portrait

The cabaret

Sam & Andy

2008-07-05T23:27:00.004+01:00

A bright and breezy today at the Millhouse Hotel in Swallowfield and the wedding of Andy and Sam. I am so glad that the rain held off until Sunday. Sam was held up a little in traffic on the way so I felt sorry for Andy, waiting for quite a while in the ceremony room!

The couples beautiful daughters were in attendance as bridesmaids and they had a great time running around the garden afterwards.

The new Mr. and Mrs. are off on honeymoon for a week or so and the complete gallery will be posted on their return. Click here if you'd like me to let you know when that happens.

As usual, here's a few favourites so far from the day :)

Check out the tasty cake
Andy and the lads

Fifteen minutes to go...
Sam arriving at top speed

Scott, the best man, and some of the guests patiently waiting...

Daughters Chloe and Abby

Sam's shiny new wedding ring
A quick smooch before heading off in the car

There'll be grass stains everywhere...

Sam's Dad, rehearsing his jokes for the speech :)

Check out those rainclouds - the rain held off though

A few minutes together...
Andy and daughter Chloe

...and a final smooch in the undergrowth :)

Wedding Fair

2008-07-04T15:36:00.005+01:00

There is a wedding fair on the 21st August 2008 at my favourite venue, Pennyhill Park Hotel, in Bagshot, Surrey.

You'll be able to see some of the beautiful rooms set out for ceremonies and wedding breakfasts and get a real feel for the big day :)

Click here for further information.

I will be exhibiting there along with other wedding suppliers, so hope to see you on the 21st!

Karen & Derek

2008-06-28T23:17:00.004+01:00

The wedding of Karen and Derek was held today at Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot. Any fears over the weather were dispelled as the afternoon grew warmer and we ended up with a lovely sunny afternoon and a beautiful reception on the terrace at the hotel.

K & D have four children between them and with the other children at the wedding I confess to losing count at times :) I was really pleased with the pictures from today and am looking forward to showing them to Karen and Derek when they get back from honeymoon in Crete. If you were at the wedding and would like to know when the complete gallery is uploaded, click here to let me know.

A few favourites from the day:

Sparkly shoes!

The boys...

...on the way.

The groom!

Whirling bridesmaids.

Karen, receiving her final interrogation, sorry - briefing - from the registrar.

I love the position of everyone in this shot. Like they'd been arranged like that.

Check out Karen's unusual dress. She designed it herself :)

You can feel the sunshine in this shot.

Aaah, newlyweds eh?

Cat & Charlie

2008-06-21T21:40:00.004+01:00

Today I bravely wrestled with the Kingston one-way system to photograph Cat and Charlie's wedding on Ravens Ait Island. This was a great choice for a wedding reception, you have to press a little buzzer to call a boat which comes across and gets you - great fun (but then again I am easily amused). Cat made a stunning bride and Charlie looked quite dashing as well!

The bride and groom are off on a tour around the Far East and their complete gallery will be posted on their return. Here's some favourites in the meantime

Cat, at home before the wedding.

Cat and the lay-deez!

Time to go...

Ready to roll...

Charlie and David, the best man - subtle little sign, huh?

Charlie the bachelor (well, for the next ten minutes anyway).

Cat and her Dad on the way in to the ceremony.
I like this image, a lot going on - Cat's solemn look, the registrar's book, the girls in the background. the littlest bridesmaid with her flowers in front of her face...

The new Mr. and Mrs.

Mrs. I.

I loved these great favours, the whole room was beautifully decorated.

Thanks again for choosing me, Cat and Charlie, see you on your return :)

Elliott Erwitt

2008-06-19T23:59:00.007+01:00

Tonight I had the pleasure of meeting one of my photographic heroes, Elliott Erwitt.

The exhibition was some the images from his new book and it was amazing to view the pictures and (briefly) meet the man himself. The gallery was pretty packed with a few famous names there as well. Here's some snaps from the night

Elliott himself!

Sting, from popular beat combo The Police, in conversation

Andy Summers, (also a photographer when he's not at the day job).

Legendary French photographer Marc Riboud. now aged 85.

Fairly mad, quite famous British photographer Barry Lategan. His heyday was the 1960's when he shot Twiggys first portfolio and a bunch of other fashion and advertising work. He (quite weirdly) photographs all the time, obsessively and without pausing. Here he is ambushing gallery visitors on their exit from the gallery...

..still going strong...

...finally pursuing a girl that got away up the street to photograph her outside a shop window. Her boyfriend is still stood by the gallery door looking bemused :)

All in all, an interesting night out :)

Random Picture of the Week

2008-06-18T14:32:00.003+01:00

I spotted these blooms this morning outside the back door - I love the purple and green colours (and not just because it matches my logo).

Sadie & Tony

2008-06-14T19:51:00.010+01:00

I was in Bagshot in Surrey today, for Tony and Sadie's wedding at Pennyhill Park Hotel.

It was relaxed wedding today, with around forty guests, nice and intimate. Pennyhill is a lovely place to spend a few hours on the terrace overlooking the golf course. Ihe weather was great and there was plenty of space for the children to run around and expend some energy.

Tony and Sadie are a lovely couple, clearly in love and it was a pleasure to see them married. They have a little girl, Thea, who unfortunately was not feeling too well on the day. Despite that, T & S made it through the ceremony to the meal. Here's a few images that caught my eye and as usual the full gallery will be uploaded soon.

Tony. Not in jail - it justs look like it.

Tony and his brother Andy (the better looking one, Andy tells me...)
Lora, makeup artist, does her stuff. I love Sadie's lace overdress (is that what you call it?) and pale pink sash.

Sadie and her Mum, on the way to the ceremony.

Sadie and Tony tie the knot (supervised by Thea).

A few moments together after the ceremony...

...and just enough time for a little walk

Sadie, the beautiful bride.

The meal room was beautifully decorated. I really liked the favours, especially the ones for the children.

Jack

2008-06-10T09:53:00.003+01:00

This handsome young man is the son of Kate and Martyn whose wedding I photographed a couple of years ago. It's always a pleasure to see my brides and grooms again with their new family.

He's got a great smile hasn't he?