Tag: natural

  • Helen & James’ Devon seaside wedding with an ocean sunset

    Devon Westward Ho Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    You might remember Helen and James from their bluebell woods engagement shoot. I was certainly looking forward to seeing

    Helen got ready at The Paddocks, on the Ocean Kave site before making her way to the church in Instow, Helen’s childhood home. I whisked Helen and James off for some pictures by the Ocean – it was a very typical English summer but the moody grey skies gave a very atmospheric feel to the images (I love them!) The reception was at Pier House at Westward Ho! (the only place name in the UK with an exclamation mark in it) briefly interrupted by sparklers and a surprise glorious sunset just as the sun dipped into the ocean, after which the fun when on late into the evening with a ceilidh…

    Congratulations Helen and James!





















































































  • Cherry & Duncan’s epic wedding full of fun – with added trampolining action!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Finally, I’m able to blog this epic wedding, so epic they couldn’t fit it all into one day!

    You might remember their mammoth pre-wedding shoot – brimful of happiness and fun. Well, they had a wedding to match. Cherry, Duncan and their families are all active members of the church as well as the Chinese community. Friends and family travelled from all over the world (from Vancouver to Hong Kong) to witness their union. A rare chance for the bridal party to be together, they hired a house together and the wedding was in fact, just part of a week of fun activities that they had planned!

    This wedding was a combination of both a traditional Chinese and a church wedding. Chinese weddings start with traditional door games and tea ceremonies. The ceremony took place in the church that Cherry went to at school, then I moved on with the bridal party for some photos at a park near Cherry’s home before everyone congregated for the fabulous banquet at Water Sky.

    It was a wonderful day with a great sense of community – everyone being so happy for Cherry and Duncan. They are a really fun couple and when they are around, laughter and smiles are never far away. I’m so happy I could be there to record their wedding for them.

    It was such a big event, I’m going to start off by sharing some pictures of Cherry and Duncan so they’re not lost in the blogpost. Sit back and enjoy!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    If you’re not familiar with Chinese weddings, proceedings are kicked off with a series of door games, where the bridal party issue challenges to the groomsmen.  This is then followed by traditional tea ceremonies, where the couple serve tea to members of their family. The morning started off relatively serenely with Cherry gettting ready…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    In the flat next door, friends and family were gathering to prepare for the door games and tea ceremony…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Some door games are kinder than others. Looks like mischief is afoot here…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    The boys have arrived!!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    And the games begin! How determined are these groomsmen to earn access to the bride?

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Pretty determined it seems! First up…dance challenge 🙂

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Next, the taste challenge…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Some being nicer than others. Luckily for Duncan, the groom was entitled to delegate to his groomsmen. I thought Duncan was pretty smart having so many ushers!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Yes, Duncan thought so too!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Third challenge – no hands allowed! Duncan’s brother Terence came all the way from Hong Kong to show everyone how it’s done…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie ManBristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Followed by this brilliantly photogenic round. I’ll let your imagination get to work on what this challenge was all about! Needless to say it needed his very closest friends (including his brothers Terence and Darren) to step up to the plate!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    I should probably explain the next photo! This round involved snorting….pepper, it’s just pepper folks 🙂

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Mmmmmm, that feels good!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    And the penultimate challenge? It’s a Chinese wedding, it’s about the money of course…Duncan, how much do you think Cherry is worth?!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Having paid a suitably high sum of money for such a fabulous bride, Duncan earnt access to the house. He then had to answer a series of questions and finally…he earnt access to his bride. And doesn’t he look happy about it?

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    But it doesn’t end there! Next….tea ceremony, where the couple kneel and serve tea to their elders. Their offerings are returned with gifts of money and jewellery and blessings for their future together.

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Despite all that bling, the limelight was still stolen by Cherry’s newborn nephew

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    A whole new day. And all is calm…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    The veil was handmade by Cherry’s friend. Amazing!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Meanwhile, over with the boys…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Uh-oh, cufflink down! Glue gun to the rescue…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    All sorted!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    The wedding took place in the church that Cherry went to when she was at school…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    This was a super cute idea…guests signed and wrote messages on little wooden hearts which were dropped into a frame

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Contender for biggest group photo ever

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Despite the rain, the bridal party rocked it at this playground

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Yes, Cherry climbed up onto the fort in her dress. Respect!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Then this awesomeness happened…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Finally, the couple get a moment to themselves…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    We haven’t even got to the banquet yet! The Chinese Banquet…with amazing cake made by Cherry  & Ducan’s friend

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    At Chinese weddings, the guest write messages on long red card or fabric

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Cherry in her traditional Chinese bridal gown. Stunning embroidery and check out her newly acquired bling!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Ready for another round of tea ceremonies

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Time for the second dress change

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    And a whoooooole lot of toasting!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    An amaaazing day! The bridal party went on into the night, but I will just leave you with this shot…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Congratulations Cherry and Duncan. Thanks for having me along for the day, it was swell! Wishing you the very best of luck in your new life together. Good luck in Hong Kong.

    With thanks to James and Gareth for helping me with this big, big day
    If you’re interested in having documentary wedding photography coverage at your wedding, contact Marie

  • Kate & John’s sun-filled Chateau wedding…in the Worcestershire countryside

    Chateau Impney Worcestershire Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    I’m soooo behind with my blogging! But here is a fab wedding from earlier this summer – a surprise day full of sunshine in between rainy days that ended with a glorious sunset which meant we could take advantage of the beautiful grounds at Chateau Impney.  Chateau Impney is a French-styled chateau that the original owner decided to build…in Droitwich, Worcestershire! It is currently undergoing renovation, bringing the bedrooms and suitably Rococo interiors up to par with the exterior.

    Unusually, I hadn’t met Kate or John before the wedding as I had to step in quite late in the day. I absolutely loved covering the bridal preparation – Kate and her close friends knew each other so well and were having a riot. They were super welcoming and I had great fun with them as they got ready, even though I had to turn down the several glasses of champagne they offered me 😉

    Kate and John met on a night out in Leamington Spa and have been together ever since. Kate works in HIV research and in lieu of wedding favours for the day, they made a very fitting donation to the National Aids Trust http://www.nat.org.uk/.  There was a lot of love in the room that day – all their friends were so happy to see them unite, including bridesmaid Anita who had detoured enroute from the Middle East to America to be there! After a dreamy sunset, the day was drawn to a close with a fantastic live band, including a set by John’s brother.

    Kate and John’s love for each other brims over throughout the photos of the day, a few of which I’ll share with you now!

    Credit where its due…
    Dress: Bea Bridal Southampton: http://www.beasbridal.co.uk/
    Hair and make up: Angela Fergusson https://www.facebook.com/AngelaFMua
    Other wedding beauty: Lou and Hannah at Halcyon Beauty: http://www.halcyonbeauty.co.uk/
    Cake: M&S with amazing sugarcraft flowers by bridesmaid Rachael!Florist: http://www.the-wedding-house.co.uk/the-flower-house/ (Kate and Wendy)
    Wedding stationery: http://www.bydonnablundell.co.uk/

    With thanks to my second shooter Kerry.

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    If you’re interested in stylish documentary photography for your Chateau Impney wedding or event, get in touch with Marie.

     

  • Jess & Simon: A walk in a Victorian Cemetary: Bristol engagement photographer

    Arnos Vale Bristol Engagement Shoot by Marie Man

    It might sounds strange, but when Jess and Simon asked for their engagement shoot to be in a cemetary, I was totally excited.

    That’s because Arnos Vale cemetary is a beautiful Victorian garden cemetary, with acres of forestland and beautiful grave sites, not dissimilar to Highgate. In fact, it’s so beautiful that they have their first wedding taking place at the cemetary this year. I recommend to my couples that they choose a location for their engagement shoot that it special to them and Jess and Simon chose Arnos Vale because they live nearby and often go for walks there with their daughter, Eliza. It is a site that has lots of contrasts as you can see from the shoot – leafy, shaded walks, Victorian gothic architecture, classical memorials and some street art thrown in.

    Jess and Simon met at a pub quiz, which we deduced that I may have been at too! Jess makes great (and I mean totally awesome) knitted monsters and Simon develops websites.

    Jess makes knitted monsters

    Jess claims a frown is her natural photo expression, but I didn’t see it…until I asked Simon to think of a moment that she made him proud and he couldn’t think of anything. She suggested perhaps the moment she gave birth to his baby 🙂 They were great fun to shoot with, even when I started calling Simon by the wrong name pretty consistently for the last ten minutes of the shoot!

    I’m totally looking forward to sharing their their literature-themed wedding at the University and Literary Club with you soon!

    Jess & Simon - Arnos Vale Engagement Photography

    Jess & Simon - Arnos Vale Engagement Photography

    Jess & Simon - Arnos Vale Engagement Photography

    Jess & Simon: Arnos Vale Bristol Engagement Photography

    Jess & Simon: Arnos Vale Bristol Engagement Photographer

    Jess & Simon: Arnos Vale Bristol Engagement Photography

    Jess & Simon: Bristol Arnos Vale Engagement Photographer

    Jess & Simon: Arnos Vale Bristol Engagement Photographer

    Jess & Simon: Arnos Vale Bristol Bristol Engagement Photography