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Looking for a beautiful historic wedding venue full of character, with sea views and a pool? Beldornie Tower is the place for you. One day during the weird covid fuelled times of 2020, I found myself at this gorgeous grade II listed beachfront villa in Ryde, with some great (socially distanced) and hard working Isle of Wight Suppliers, all showing off their craft. Dom & Jen are actually an engaged couple, it was their first time models, and they were a joy to work with. They hadn't told their family and friends they were doing the shoot, so there was a hilarious interlude where they shot a few selfies and pretended via WhatsApp group chats that they had eloped! More about the house; it has been completely renovated, the lawn looks straight out over the Solent, and it has plenty of space for an outdoors reception, lots of potential for sure! The drawing room was where we shot the ceremony photos and it is a great space to use for that. Lots of character, but you could also definitely put your own stamp on it too. The house also has a self contained flat which you can see more of here - very handy! Be sure to check out all the suppliers below, because they're bloody fab: Venue: Beldornie Tower Styling, Concept & Props: Proper Vintage IOW Photographer: Holly Cade Photography Videographer: Captured Videography Models: Dom & Jen Marquee and furniture: Coast and Country Marquees Marquee and garden lighting: StageGear Hire Crockery, cutlery and glassware: Coast and Country Marquees Hair, nails & make-up: Style Sisters - Emma (Hair Stylist) Rosie (MUA) Amy (Nail Tech) Wedding gown: Forget- me- Not Designs Suit: Visual Impact For Men Cake: Miss Dotty's Cakes Florist: J&K Floral Deigns Table favours: Duxmore Botanics Bar: Eazi Bar Mobile Bar & Dispense Solutions Spirits: Mermaid Gin and Mermaid Salt Vodka Wine: The Harbour Kitchen Holly |
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Karen and I had talked on and off for a while about a photo shoot that would draw some inspiration from the 1970's, particularly as back in 2020 (when we did this shoot) it was the festivals 50th birthday! Obviously coronavirus happened though so it put an enormous amount of spanners in the works with various different life things, including of course photo shoots. Karen got in touch with me and let me know that she had a new venue in mind for our shoot, and with the now recent world events we wanted to show how small wedding can definitely still be beautiful.
Karen designed and made an absolutely fantastic dress, and from there I have to say she took the wheel with this one, I was happy to come along and purely photograph what she and all the other amazing suppliers had come up with.
Our beautiful venue, The George Hotel In Yarmouth, just oozed with modern elegance, and my brain just started exploding with ideas for shots. Normally I’m more keen to have natural candid moments, but with this shoot it seemed to work better with the venue to have more poses with strong confident expressions from the models, almost like the models (who are also a couple in real life) were royalty. When the venue is so stunning, the models look fabulous and the suppliers do great work, it's nothing but a joy!
Wedding Dress and Veil: Karen Dornellie
Photography: Holly Cade Photography
Make Up: Isle of Wight Make up and Face Paint
Hair: Charlotte Back of Scotts Hair Salon
Styling: The Events Co
Cake: Gladys May Cakery
Flowers: JK Floral Design
Menswear: Visual Impact
Venue: The George Hotel
Models: Leonie & Sam
Karen designed and made an absolutely fantastic dress, and from there I have to say she took the wheel with this one, I was happy to come along and purely photograph what she and all the other amazing suppliers had come up with.
Our beautiful venue, The George Hotel In Yarmouth, just oozed with modern elegance, and my brain just started exploding with ideas for shots. Normally I’m more keen to have natural candid moments, but with this shoot it seemed to work better with the venue to have more poses with strong confident expressions from the models, almost like the models (who are also a couple in real life) were royalty. When the venue is so stunning, the models look fabulous and the suppliers do great work, it's nothing but a joy!
Wedding Dress and Veil: Karen Dornellie
Photography: Holly Cade Photography
Make Up: Isle of Wight Make up and Face Paint
Hair: Charlotte Back of Scotts Hair Salon
Styling: The Events Co
Cake: Gladys May Cakery
Flowers: JK Floral Design
Menswear: Visual Impact
Venue: The George Hotel
Models: Leonie & Sam
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How do you really choose the right Wedding Photographer for you?
Speaking as someone who people have chosen, and someone who had to do the choosing, here are some honest tips to help you find and choose the right photographic companion on your wedding day.
1. DO YOU REALLY LIKE THEIR PHOTOS?
Starting out with a really obvious one I know, but sometimes wedding planning can feel like you're trying to get through a long to-do list, and if you're not careful some decisions can be a tad rushed. This is the person who is documenting the whole day and giving you your main record of it - the photos are important. Have a look at all their website and social media accounts, and don't be afraid to wait a couple of weeks for you both to mull it over.
2. DON’T HANG AROUND WHEN IT COMES TO BOOKING.
This kind of contradicts the end to point number one, but good wedding photographers notoriously get booked up QUICK, so honestly if you really like someone's work, you think they could be a great fit for you and you have a wedding date set, get in touch and see what the next steps are to booking them! Once a day is booked, it's gone.
3. START LOCALLY, AND THEN SHOP AROUND.
There are a lot of wedding photographers out there so do a local search first, even if it's just purely a starting point, then look further afield if no one grabs you. If you hire someone who isn't local you'll probably have to pay for their travel expenses, and whist this is fair there might be someone else you dig just as much locally.
4. DO YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THEM?
I'm going to be honest, your photographer is probably the one wedding supplier that you’ll spend the most time with. If you don’t click with them and they are not easy to be around, as talented as they might be photographically other things could really outweigh all of that. Meet up and/or do a phone/video chat with them if you can, and engagement shoots are also a great way to get to know them and see them in action.
5. DO THEY HAVE GOOD AND RELEVANT FEEDBACK?
Are you looking for a Photographer to take control, who is hugely outgoing and poses every one of your couple portraits, or are you looking for someone who is more laid back, is comfortable at giving directions when needed but does the candid thing a lot more. I'm more the latter, but neither is right or wrong in itself - it's whether or not it's right or wrong for you. Take the time to really read reviews online and see if it speaks to you both personally.
6. BINGE THEIR PORTFOLIO.
Don’t get me wrong I love Instagram and social media, BUT sometimes it doesn’t give a very in-depth view of how well a photographer can capture a wedding day in full. This is one of the reasons my website and blog posts are full of photos. It's one thing to have beautiful couple portraits, but did they photograph the wedding prep well? Did they capture a little moment between the bride and her best friend? What about the wedding details that took you weeks and months to plan, buy and get absolutely perfect? It’ll give you a better idea of if they'll give you a good coverage of the day. Click here to see my portfolio.
One more thing: DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS.
It comes as no surprise that as I am a wedding photographer I know a fair bit about weddings. Captain obvious right? But they are something I work on on a pretty much daily basis. If there is something you aren't sure about (it doesn't even need to be strictly photography related) just ask us! We don't bite and the worst thing really a photographer can say is "I don't know, sorry!"
Speaking of which, if you have any questions you'd like me to answer, feel free to ask.
I hope you found this helpful and happy wedding planning!
Speaking as someone who people have chosen, and someone who had to do the choosing, here are some honest tips to help you find and choose the right photographic companion on your wedding day.
1. DO YOU REALLY LIKE THEIR PHOTOS?
Starting out with a really obvious one I know, but sometimes wedding planning can feel like you're trying to get through a long to-do list, and if you're not careful some decisions can be a tad rushed. This is the person who is documenting the whole day and giving you your main record of it - the photos are important. Have a look at all their website and social media accounts, and don't be afraid to wait a couple of weeks for you both to mull it over.
2. DON’T HANG AROUND WHEN IT COMES TO BOOKING.
This kind of contradicts the end to point number one, but good wedding photographers notoriously get booked up QUICK, so honestly if you really like someone's work, you think they could be a great fit for you and you have a wedding date set, get in touch and see what the next steps are to booking them! Once a day is booked, it's gone.
3. START LOCALLY, AND THEN SHOP AROUND.
There are a lot of wedding photographers out there so do a local search first, even if it's just purely a starting point, then look further afield if no one grabs you. If you hire someone who isn't local you'll probably have to pay for their travel expenses, and whist this is fair there might be someone else you dig just as much locally.
4. DO YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THEM?
I'm going to be honest, your photographer is probably the one wedding supplier that you’ll spend the most time with. If you don’t click with them and they are not easy to be around, as talented as they might be photographically other things could really outweigh all of that. Meet up and/or do a phone/video chat with them if you can, and engagement shoots are also a great way to get to know them and see them in action.
5. DO THEY HAVE GOOD AND RELEVANT FEEDBACK?
Are you looking for a Photographer to take control, who is hugely outgoing and poses every one of your couple portraits, or are you looking for someone who is more laid back, is comfortable at giving directions when needed but does the candid thing a lot more. I'm more the latter, but neither is right or wrong in itself - it's whether or not it's right or wrong for you. Take the time to really read reviews online and see if it speaks to you both personally.
6. BINGE THEIR PORTFOLIO.
Don’t get me wrong I love Instagram and social media, BUT sometimes it doesn’t give a very in-depth view of how well a photographer can capture a wedding day in full. This is one of the reasons my website and blog posts are full of photos. It's one thing to have beautiful couple portraits, but did they photograph the wedding prep well? Did they capture a little moment between the bride and her best friend? What about the wedding details that took you weeks and months to plan, buy and get absolutely perfect? It’ll give you a better idea of if they'll give you a good coverage of the day. Click here to see my portfolio.
One more thing: DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS.
It comes as no surprise that as I am a wedding photographer I know a fair bit about weddings. Captain obvious right? But they are something I work on on a pretty much daily basis. If there is something you aren't sure about (it doesn't even need to be strictly photography related) just ask us! We don't bite and the worst thing really a photographer can say is "I don't know, sorry!"
Speaking of which, if you have any questions you'd like me to answer, feel free to ask.
I hope you found this helpful and happy wedding planning!
hOLLY
XO.
Let’s cut the small talk.
If you’re reading this I can assume you know what “2020” was. If we weren’t separated by the internet or social distancing, I would give you an enormous hug, partly because I haven’t hugged anyone but my husband for nearly a year, and say something along the lines of “fuck, we made it through!”
The year where literally you could take nothing for granted about everyday life, where the thing you were going through was what everyone was going through globally at the same time. Where we laughed at how naively we’d set “goals” for the year, had dared to maybe book a holiday, even bought diary’s for the year and that we were so confident we wrote upcoming events in pen. Oh how naive we were!
I can’t say this year has been completely terrible for me. Partly because I am more often than not optimistic and proactive, and partly because it wasn’t all a shitshow.
Some of it yes, I make no secret of that. It’s probably been the most stressful year I’ve had. My heart went out to people who had lost loved ones to covid many times, as well as fellow business owners, wedding couples who had the extremely difficult job of planning a wedding during a global pandemic, the industry that I love and am a part of struggling like never before.
My mental health (and a couple of times my physical health) took a nose dive a few times. I am absolutely confident that I am far from alone in that. It’s maybe such a cliche to describe this year as a rollercoaster, but to be fair I think it’s a pretty accurate description. I learnt self care and compassion in a way I have never before, completely letting go of what was out of my control and doing my best (whatever that looked like day to day) with what was in my influence and control.
Just as the first lockdown was starting to slowly wind down, my Gramp (Grandad) passed away pretty suddenly. I wished things were normal purely so grieving and saying goodbye could be more what it would be like in normal circumstances. He was such a beautifully free spirit and such a kind person who was always absolutely himself, loved playing Irish folk music, and along with my Nan had a big positive influence on me growing up, particularly about being an artistic creative person. He was an absolute gem and I will always miss him.
Honestly there were times I had never been so uninspired to pick up a camera. But it turns out that over the year I did take photos off my own back through facetime shoots, a couple of photo challenges where people on social media joined in which was pretty cool, and I was so grateful that when lockdowns finished and restrictions allowed I was asked to take photos for some really lovely people too throughout 2020. I’ve also received more wedding enquiries this year than I have ever done, who’d have thought?! I haven't included photos from every shoot and project I did because I wanted to try and keep the numbers of photos down so the blog isn't packed with a silly amount of photos.
I also did my first solo photography workshop for beginners, which was a success and I will definitely be doing again when this covid world allows!
We also decided to get away when we could and went to the Peak District for a week - Me, my Husband Pete and our dog Scampi. Just the 3 of us, lush! New surroundings, lots of fresh air and walking, tasty food and chilling out.
I had a whole summer off for the first time in a VERY long time, don’t think that fact was lost on me when I sat in the garden for hours and took many more trips to the beach than I usually do.
I’m not “grateful” for 2020. I’ve seen this idea floating around and I understand the thoughts behind it and that’s great if it works for you. Honestly I don’t feel that way about it. Not as a whole.
BUT I’m glad I didn’t write the whole thing off and condemn the whole year as being a disaster, because as hard and scary as it has often been, there are things I am genuinely grateful for and lessons that I have definitely learnt. I absolutely have had moments where things went well, but there were other times I was determined to see the upside and to not take anything personally. Make the best of the fact that I am still here and that I am lucky to still be here.
An enormous thank you to everyone who worked with me this year and booked me for weddings, it’s absolutely kept me going as a business and personally too. As special as I knew documenting people together and wedding photography was before all of this, I got more choked up this year at every wedding I did. It seemed incredible and beautiful that despite everything that had been unfolding throughout the year, love was not cancelled and celebrations and joyfulness was still possible. An enormous boost every time.
Whatever this brand new year has in store, just remember we got through the last one. Onwards and upwards!
Holly x
If you’re reading this I can assume you know what “2020” was. If we weren’t separated by the internet or social distancing, I would give you an enormous hug, partly because I haven’t hugged anyone but my husband for nearly a year, and say something along the lines of “fuck, we made it through!”
The year where literally you could take nothing for granted about everyday life, where the thing you were going through was what everyone was going through globally at the same time. Where we laughed at how naively we’d set “goals” for the year, had dared to maybe book a holiday, even bought diary’s for the year and that we were so confident we wrote upcoming events in pen. Oh how naive we were!
I can’t say this year has been completely terrible for me. Partly because I am more often than not optimistic and proactive, and partly because it wasn’t all a shitshow.
Some of it yes, I make no secret of that. It’s probably been the most stressful year I’ve had. My heart went out to people who had lost loved ones to covid many times, as well as fellow business owners, wedding couples who had the extremely difficult job of planning a wedding during a global pandemic, the industry that I love and am a part of struggling like never before.
My mental health (and a couple of times my physical health) took a nose dive a few times. I am absolutely confident that I am far from alone in that. It’s maybe such a cliche to describe this year as a rollercoaster, but to be fair I think it’s a pretty accurate description. I learnt self care and compassion in a way I have never before, completely letting go of what was out of my control and doing my best (whatever that looked like day to day) with what was in my influence and control.
Just as the first lockdown was starting to slowly wind down, my Gramp (Grandad) passed away pretty suddenly. I wished things were normal purely so grieving and saying goodbye could be more what it would be like in normal circumstances. He was such a beautifully free spirit and such a kind person who was always absolutely himself, loved playing Irish folk music, and along with my Nan had a big positive influence on me growing up, particularly about being an artistic creative person. He was an absolute gem and I will always miss him.
Honestly there were times I had never been so uninspired to pick up a camera. But it turns out that over the year I did take photos off my own back through facetime shoots, a couple of photo challenges where people on social media joined in which was pretty cool, and I was so grateful that when lockdowns finished and restrictions allowed I was asked to take photos for some really lovely people too throughout 2020. I’ve also received more wedding enquiries this year than I have ever done, who’d have thought?! I haven't included photos from every shoot and project I did because I wanted to try and keep the numbers of photos down so the blog isn't packed with a silly amount of photos.
I also did my first solo photography workshop for beginners, which was a success and I will definitely be doing again when this covid world allows!
We also decided to get away when we could and went to the Peak District for a week - Me, my Husband Pete and our dog Scampi. Just the 3 of us, lush! New surroundings, lots of fresh air and walking, tasty food and chilling out.
I had a whole summer off for the first time in a VERY long time, don’t think that fact was lost on me when I sat in the garden for hours and took many more trips to the beach than I usually do.
I’m not “grateful” for 2020. I’ve seen this idea floating around and I understand the thoughts behind it and that’s great if it works for you. Honestly I don’t feel that way about it. Not as a whole.
BUT I’m glad I didn’t write the whole thing off and condemn the whole year as being a disaster, because as hard and scary as it has often been, there are things I am genuinely grateful for and lessons that I have definitely learnt. I absolutely have had moments where things went well, but there were other times I was determined to see the upside and to not take anything personally. Make the best of the fact that I am still here and that I am lucky to still be here.
An enormous thank you to everyone who worked with me this year and booked me for weddings, it’s absolutely kept me going as a business and personally too. As special as I knew documenting people together and wedding photography was before all of this, I got more choked up this year at every wedding I did. It seemed incredible and beautiful that despite everything that had been unfolding throughout the year, love was not cancelled and celebrations and joyfulness was still possible. An enormous boost every time.
Whatever this brand new year has in store, just remember we got through the last one. Onwards and upwards!
Holly x
onto the photos! Four weddings, two proposals & A vow renewal...
It all started when Nichelle (Angelica’s sister), contacted me asking if I would take pictures of Sunil proposing to her sister, and if I was happy to potentially travel off the Isle of Wight to do so - both answers were a big fat YES!
The weather decided to drizzle constantly which was a wee bit disappointing, particularly as we’d been having a massive summer heatwave just a couple of days before, but when Sunil and I were discussing proposal plans I knew it was going to be by High Point Lighthouse at Hurst Castle, it did cross my mind that it might look potentially more romantic in the rain? And in telling the story it does add an extra romantic edge I think if you add “by a lighthouse on a beach, in the rain”
The weather decided to drizzle constantly which was a wee bit disappointing, particularly as we’d been having a massive summer heatwave just a couple of days before, but when Sunil and I were discussing proposal plans I knew it was going to be by High Point Lighthouse at Hurst Castle, it did cross my mind that it might look potentially more romantic in the rain? And in telling the story it does add an extra romantic edge I think if you add “by a lighthouse on a beach, in the rain”
Either way, the date was set to stay in line with Sunil & Angelica’s staycation plan, after their holiday abroad had to be cancelled due to that damn ‘rona that’s turned 2020 upside down!
Off I went on the boat to Lymington, and then across on a little ferry, where it turned out they were both in front of me in the queue, and sat across from me on the boat, quite nerve wracking and funny from my perspective, but I was so desperate not to give the game away, so I only unpacked my camera when I felt it was safe!
Off I went on the boat to Lymington, and then across on a little ferry, where it turned out they were both in front of me in the queue, and sat across from me on the boat, quite nerve wracking and funny from my perspective, but I was so desperate not to give the game away, so I only unpacked my camera when I felt it was safe!
It's safe to say that this was not the April 2020 anyone was expecting.
Now is the time of year I'm usually revving myself up, ready for at least six months of glorious wedding season madness, and it's beyond surreal that for the first time in seven years that's not happening.
I’ve watched more TV on the past month than I want to admit (is there anyone out there who hasn't seen Tiger King?? It's like the other big thing of 2020 so far), and done jobs around the house that have been put off for AGES.
In all seriousness though I don’t need to tell you that times are hard, because we’re all going through it. Apart from the hugely serious side of this whole pandemic, there is the daunting side to these times we've found ourselves living in, where mine and many other peoples income went from normal to nonexistent in the matter of a couple of days, and no one really knows when things are going to go back to normal in just that respect, daunting to say the least.
I want to thank my wonderful 2020 couples, I’ve received some lovely messages. They really have meant a hell of a lot. I am truly grateful for you all.
Now is the time of year I'm usually revving myself up, ready for at least six months of glorious wedding season madness, and it's beyond surreal that for the first time in seven years that's not happening.
I’ve watched more TV on the past month than I want to admit (is there anyone out there who hasn't seen Tiger King?? It's like the other big thing of 2020 so far), and done jobs around the house that have been put off for AGES.
In all seriousness though I don’t need to tell you that times are hard, because we’re all going through it. Apart from the hugely serious side of this whole pandemic, there is the daunting side to these times we've found ourselves living in, where mine and many other peoples income went from normal to nonexistent in the matter of a couple of days, and no one really knows when things are going to go back to normal in just that respect, daunting to say the least.
I want to thank my wonderful 2020 couples, I’ve received some lovely messages. They really have meant a hell of a lot. I am truly grateful for you all.
Things I've loved this month:
· That my loved ones are safe and well.
· The sunshine.
· Doing up our garden (finally! It’s only took lockdown to make us get around to it right?)
· Watching our plants & seeds grow.
· Our treat box we got from The Cakesmith.
· Early morning walks with our dog Scampi.
· Doing FaceTime shoots.
· Doing weekly photo challenges on Facebook, and Instagram.
· The sunshine.
· Doing up our garden (finally! It’s only took lockdown to make us get around to it right?)
· Watching our plants & seeds grow.
· Our treat box we got from The Cakesmith.
· Early morning walks with our dog Scampi.
· Doing FaceTime shoots.
· Doing weekly photo challenges on Facebook, and Instagram.
One year ago today, Karen and I were trudging up a field from Karen's parked car towards the corner of a field on a farm, that we had only managed to hire for the shoot 24 hours before. The sun was shining, Covid-19 was something that was unheard of and we were looking to get creative before the summer season for 2019 started.
So firstly an enormous thank you one year on to Forest Farm shepherds hut and camping, for stepping in at the very last minute because we'd been let down by our first venue. Not only did they allow us to use their farm, they were extremely lovely and accommodating and even let us play with some of their animals on the shoot. We could not have done this without you!
So firstly an enormous thank you one year on to Forest Farm shepherds hut and camping, for stepping in at the very last minute because we'd been let down by our first venue. Not only did they allow us to use their farm, they were extremely lovely and accommodating and even let us play with some of their animals on the shoot. We could not have done this without you!
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Before the country was in lockdown and not long after social distancing had begun, Hannah and Simon renewed their wedding vows on Compton Beach after 14 years of marriage.
Simon wore his actual wedding suit and Hannah wore her wedding dress, plus a jumper because it was so cold that day! Unfortunately the sun did not come out to play that day, and just to rub it in there was loads of sunshine before that Friday and for the whole weekend. Hannah made the flowers from ones they'd bought from Tescos, and the heart they used in the ceremony was from Alum Bay, filled with sand they collected from Alum Bay & Compton Beach and dried out on a radiator at home. I loved the sweet little personal touches they did for their intimate renewal ceremony!
Seeing Sue from Wight Celebrants in action for the first time was brilliant, she was great! Sue is a friend of mine and I've known her for a long time. We worked together on weddings before in her previous business as a florist (and she was bloody good at that and all!) Plus any ceremony that includes a Lord of The Rings quote gets a huge thumbs up from me. Lovely to see her Husband Paul too!
There's even a photo I took below of Simon checking on his phone what was said in one of the first daily Coronavirus press conferences from Downing Street that evening, definitely not taken a shot like that before.
Simon wore his actual wedding suit and Hannah wore her wedding dress, plus a jumper because it was so cold that day! Unfortunately the sun did not come out to play that day, and just to rub it in there was loads of sunshine before that Friday and for the whole weekend. Hannah made the flowers from ones they'd bought from Tescos, and the heart they used in the ceremony was from Alum Bay, filled with sand they collected from Alum Bay & Compton Beach and dried out on a radiator at home. I loved the sweet little personal touches they did for their intimate renewal ceremony!
Seeing Sue from Wight Celebrants in action for the first time was brilliant, she was great! Sue is a friend of mine and I've known her for a long time. We worked together on weddings before in her previous business as a florist (and she was bloody good at that and all!) Plus any ceremony that includes a Lord of The Rings quote gets a huge thumbs up from me. Lovely to see her Husband Paul too!
There's even a photo I took below of Simon checking on his phone what was said in one of the first daily Coronavirus press conferences from Downing Street that evening, definitely not taken a shot like that before.
The Ramblings of Holly Cade:
Wedding and Portrait Photographer - based on the Isle of Wight.
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