2018, You’ve Been Magical!

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I actually can’t believe I’m sitting here doing another end of year round up! Although it’s all gone so fast, 2018 has been a year of many amazing experiences, happy times, incredible people, some insane light and heaps of family time! I’ve shot weddings at some incredible spots, from the lavender fields of Domaine Les Roullets in Provence to a quarry on Alderney! I’ve been back to many of my favourite venues – Southend Barns, Upwaltham Barns & Botleys Mansion and discovered a few new gems – Fitzleroi Barns, Coworth Park, The Brompton Oratory and the stunning Chichester Cathedral. I had the absolute pleasure of photographing not just one but THREE weddings on the stunning island of Alderney, with it’s crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches making every photo just drop dead gorgeous. I’ve also been to many beautiful family homes for marquee weddings, which I always love as they feel so unique and personal.

I’ve worked with so many incredible suppliers I can’t possibly name them all but without them all none of my photos would look half as good! A special big up to Stephanie from Wepinprovence and all the team who worked on Alison & Christian’s stunning wedding there for making it truly magical, the team at Southend Barns ESPECIALLY Alice for choosing me to photograph her own wedding there last month and all the team from The Georgian House on Alderney, especial Judy & Holly. I’ve discovered two new dress designers whose gowns are incredibly beautiful – Dana Bolton & Ruth Milliam and three new spectacular florists – Louise Avery, Lucy from The Floral Artisan and the incredible Martha & The Meadow.

This year has been a year of new beginnings as I started a new networking community with an amazing friend Abby called The Collective. I started this as I missed face to face interactions and having a support community. It has led to me meeting some truly inspiring people and gaining some wonderful friends as well as giving myself something new & exciting to get my teeth into!

I also did my first two styled shoots at Hill Place and Southend Barns with two equally amazing teams. I shot both on film, which was incredible, if not a little scary! The Hill Place shoot alongside my bestie in the industry Camilla Arnold and the marvellous Briony from Toast Events was recently featured on Magnolia Rouge, which has always been a massive goal for me and I’m so proud to have finally achieved it! The shoot at Southend Barns alongside the lovely Rachel from Brightword Comms will be on Coco Wedding Venues blog at the end of the month – WATCH THIS SPACE!

The main thing about 2018 was once again meeting so many epicly (is that a word?!) awesome people and getting to see them all loved up and happy! Weddings will never lose that special touch of magic for me; every one teaches me something and reminds me of what’s important in life. I always get back home after a wedding and spend quite a long time staring at my children and hugging my husband, so appreciative of all I have and all the love in my life.

So, on that soppy note here is some of the incredible feedback I’ve received this year. Nothing makes me smile more (well, asides from family & friends) than testimonials like these and knowing I’ve given my couples something they’ll treasure for ever, moments captured that would possibly otherwise be forgotten. Wow, now I’m getting seriously cheesy so I’ll just leave it here! Cheers everyone and here’s to a kick ass 2019! Helen xxx

“Myself and Em have just spent the last 3 hours laughing and crying our way through the photos. We cannot tell you how much we love them!!
Thank you so much for capturing seemingly every amazing moment in our day in the most beautiful way. Cannot thank you enough, we owe you a drink!” – Dan & Emily, Alderney

“Wow wow wow, thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for these photos! We are absolutely thrilled with them and have spent the whole weekend showing them to our family and friends. You have captured the day exactly in a way we wanted. Thank you so much! We shall treasure them forever.” Lynsey & James, Southend Barns

“Helen is a wonderful photographer who captured our special moments in such a natural and beautiful way. We absolutely love our photos and will treasure them forever. We cannot advocate Helen enough. Not only does she produce stunning photos but she is an absolute delight to have around. We received so many compliments from our guests on how fantastic Helen was. It is not an exaggeration to say Helen is a pleasure, indispensable and makes you and all your guests feel so relaxed! If we ever need to capture special memories in the future, we will certainly be asking Helen to join us.” Georgia & Richard, Polhawn Fort, Cornwall 

“Helen is exactly what every couple needs on their special wedding day!  Helen has been an amazing photographer, capturing all the special moments and she is friendly and professional.  With her wealth of experience, you know you are in good hands from first phone call leading up to the wedding day to receiving actual photos within weeks!  Thank you Helen! Xx” Jenne & Sam

“The best feedback I can give is that looking back, I barely remember Helen being there on the day! She has such a natural and friendly way about her that it felt as though she was an extension of our wedding party, not the photographer. She always had a smile on her face but still managed to guide and direct us throughout the day so we never felt rushed or awkward. We’ve now got the most beautiful wedding photographs we could ask for which capture absolutely everything we loved about our day. We can’t thank Helen enough!” Jade & Steve, Tithe Barn, Petersfield

“We just wanted to say thank you so much for the most amazing photos. We took your advice, popped the bubbles, put them on the big screen & relived the day through your pictures & they really have brought back every magical memory! Thank you so so much!” Chris & Hannah, Braye Beach, Alderney