Jo & Charlie's Wedding - Balcombe & West Hoathly, West Sussex

How lovely to be able to do my first ever 'Uncle Ted' wedding! The 'Uncle Ted Award' goes to anyone offering outstanding assistance during a wedding & Charlie was only the 2nd ever recipient back in 2007. Since then I have photographed Charlie and now Jo a few times and so when they asked me to photograph their day I was absolutely thrilled.

Simply click on the image below and click on the 'play' button to see their mini slideshow. To see all of their pictures, once in the slideshow view, click on the shopping basket and when prompted the password is Jo & Charlie's surname (case sensitive).


While I was at Jo's home taking a few shots of her with Charlie-girl, Liz and Jo's parents Laura was photographing Charlie & his ushers enjoying their pub lunch. All was calm with Jo and I was so excited when I saw her Caroline Castigliano dress as it was stunning and needed it's own hanging rail! Zara delivered lovely bouquets and Antonia did an amazing job on Jo's hair (thanks for your help with the reflector). After a few family photos I left for the Church where I met up with Laura. It was great seeing Charlie's beaming face as he greeted his guests.

Jo arrived with Charlie-girl, Liz and two of the most adorable flower girls ever in the shape of Beatrice & Georgina. Watching them compare shoes and dresses with the older girls was so sweet and seeing them holding hands all the way to the Church was very touching. Jo arrived and took some getting out of the car, everyone trying desperately to keep her skirts off the ground, and managed it safely to the lychgate only for someone to pipe up, 'where are your flowers?' Ooops. A very small delay while they were collected and then Nick walked Jo down the aisle into a packed Church and both her and Charlie beamed when they met at the end.

The service was wonderful with readings from Simon & Emily, prayers from Andrew, the amazing sound from the army brass quintet & the Church choir of course. The vows and exchange of rings went smoothly with lots of smiles from everyone assembled. After signing the Register they walked back down the aisle and out to be greeted by Millie (along with her very smart bow) in a complete surprise for Jo and their joy at seeing each other was terrific. After the family groups they braved A LOT of confetti and set off in the Old Lady towards West Hoathly and Charlie's brother's home with an incredibly smart marquee ready to receive everyone for a drinks reception and speeches (very funny flags from Nick, Charlie making me scream laughing with his comparison to World leaders of Jo, Jeremy & poor Emily (!), and finally Jeremy with his tales of Charlie's charm from an early age).

We did a little stop off in a beautiful garden and with the help of wonderful Rachel we managed to manoeuver Jo's dress around safely and took some stunning photos. I love that Jo had her boots in the Old Lady all ready for a bit of stomping. Very impressive! [Rachel, thank you, Uncle Ted badge on the way - you were amazing!]

After the delicious meal, it being 5th November, there were fireworks and I was surprised to see that they went on for as long as our village display. How Charlie managed that I have no idea but they were REALLY impressive. Cake cutting (made beautifully by Imogen) was followed by a pretty impressive first dance (lots of giggling) and then the whole marquee fell onto the dance floor and were highly entertained by the Co Stars.

I managed a last shot in front of the marquee (always a good one for the last page of the album) and it looked great with the fairy lights and Charlie & Jo laughing as they had been all day.

Thanks so much for having me there as a part of your day and for the delicious food and lemonade. Laura & I had a wonderful day and we both wish you a very happy future together and please keep in touch with all of your news. It was great to see you today and I'm so pleased that you had an amazing honeymoon. x

Christmas Portraits - BOOK NOW!

Family Location Photoshoots

Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th November 2011

9:30am / 10:45am / 12:00pm / 1:15pm / 2:30pm

Starborough Manor, Marsh Green
Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5QY

www.starboroughmanor.co.uk

Cost: £50 (normally £100)

Photos will be put online by Friday 18th & all orders must be made and paid for by Wednesday 25th to guarantee collection by Christmas

OR

Family Studio Photoshoots

Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th November 2011

9:30am / 11am / 12:30pm / 2pm / 3:30pm

True Studios
51 Barns Court, Turners Hill Road
Crawley Down, West Sussex RH10 4HQ

Cost: £50

Photos will be put online by Friday 25th & all orders must be made and paid for by Wednesday 30th to guarantee collection by Christmas

For questions or to book please contact:

Emma - 01342 811631 or 07769 167260 - emma@emmaduggan.com

Gav & Babs' Wedding - Chiddingstone Castle, Edenbridge (Kent)

Gav & Babs got me excited from the moment we met because not only do I love working at Chiddingstone Castle but Babs had chosen a gorgeous Vera Wang dress. It was also really fantastic to follow their wedding blog which gave me a great insight into their family and friends.

Simply click on the image below and click on the 'play' button to see their mini slideshow. To see all of their pictures, once in the slideshow view, click on the shopping basket and when prompted the password is Gav & Babs' surname (case sensitive).


I arrived at the beautiful Starborough Manor B&B to finally meet the two Charlies and Babs' wonderful Parents. It was a really great vibe because of all of the lovely space and I was thrilled to see that the B&B had a ballroom - perfect for photos. Charlie F proved a real whizz with my 2nd camera which was hysterical to watch. The flowers arrived and were quite simply stunning. When Babs was finally dressed I am so pleased that I had a few minutes to take a few shots of her and her Parents before I rushed off to Chiddingstone Castle.

Gav, Jon, Chris, Kai & Dominic were at the beautiful Orangery along with family and friends all excitedly waiting for the bride's arrival. The car arrived and the cameras all went crazy as Joseph walked Babs down the aisle. Wonderful readings from Charlie F and Chris and an emotional exchange of vows and rings before the Registrar announced that they were husband & wife. Cheers all around & lots of impromptu hugs and kisses before they ran the gauntlet back down the aisle to be absolutely covered in confetti. Little Dominic got right into the middle of the confetti cloud and screamed with delight - one of those classic moments that I will remember for years to come.

After some group and couple photos everyone took their seats for what I later learned was a delicious meal, elegant tea ceremony and finally some dancing into the night. Special thanks to Martin for helping me with the couple shots, and vitally to Joseph for helping me with the reflector. It's the first time the Father of the Bride has helped me and it was brilliant.

Thanks for having me with you on your day and to the two Charlies, Agnes, Jon, Chris & Kai who made it really easy and fun. Dominic was a delight and made the day very special too. And finally to Nathalie and the Team at Chiddingstone who were amazing to work with - it's a very special place anyway but you made it perfect.

Wishing you both a happy & healthy future together and do keep in touch with your news. E x

Alice's Picture

It's not every day that I receive a picture as good as this one, depicting my studio and everthing in it right down to the fire and music playing. So I thought I'd share it with you as I think it's brilliant. It was done by Alice who came in on Sunday to have her photo taken. She even has me with my hair tied back and sat on what I call my, 'I'm feeling very old seat'.

From left to right: Tilly, Me, Alice, and Dad


Thanks so much Alice. It was great to have you in - you were all great fun - and I look forward to showing you your photos very soon. Emma x

Steph & Gavin's Wedding - The Barn at Greens Farm, Newdigate (Surrey)

When I first met Steph & Gavin in February I just loved the sound of their day at the Old Greens Barn at Greens Farm in Newdigate. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the venue - I think that thought I was quite mad when I asked about trees and tractors!

Simply click on the image below and click on the 'play' button to see their mini slideshow. To see all of their pictures, once in the slideshow view, click on the shopping basket and when prompted the password is Gavin & Steph's surname (case sensitive).


I started out at Steph's Mother's home where the girls were busy getting ready and I spied some of Ann's cake which drew my eye slightly. I had lunch with the families the day before and Ann's tiramasu is now stored in my brain and highlighted 'top 10 all time puddings'! I was so excited when I saw Steph's 1950s inspired dress as I have always wanted to photograph a calf length wedding dress. She looked absolutely stunning and her bouquet matched the overall look to perfection.

On to the Barn and Gavin, Geoff and family. I can't believe how gorgeous the decorations in the Barn were - just wonderful and the chairs matched the beams so beautifully. And then guests started arriving and filling the courtyard with excited chatter and lots of smiles. Steph arrived with Ann in a classic Jaguar and they walked into the Barn and down the aisle towards Gavin who was smiling broadly. The ceremony was personal and handled brilliantly by my favourite humanist celebrant, Martin Wooller, who I had the pleasure of working with back in 2007. Lovely readings from Rach & Izzy and a real buzz of joy from the assembled guests.

Out into the courtyard, glass of champagne and a few portraits around the dilapidated barns which were just perfect for photographs as their weather-beaten feel contrasted so well with Steph & Gavin's smart and elegant look. Champagne and canapes while I photographed the marquee and then suddenly huge cheers which made me think, 'what on earth am I missing?' A few minutes later I realised it was the confetti... ooops. Speedy confetti collection on my part, hysterical family groups (thanks for your patience everyone), and then the cake cutting with an everyone shot just before the meal was announced. And then everyone very sweetly threw confetti again and I feel so guilty as it went EVERYWHERE (looked fab though) and I spent the evening noticing it in everyone's hair and clothing.

Ann, Gavin and Geoff spoke to everyone in the marquee and raised so many smiles and laughs from everyone. The meal was delicious and provided by caterers from Wales who Gavin used to work with many years ago. It made it really personal and fun. And then the amazing band who had come up from Wales too. They really were fantastic - do check them out - Nancy & the Hitmen. I had asked Steph & Gavin about what kind of dance they were planning on and they kept VERY quite about the fact that they had learned a few pretty nifty moves. It was a stunning 1st dance and I was blown away. Apparently enough for me to do a combat roll without realising. How utterly embarrassing!

I left just as the party was in full swing and drove home happy and elated by a very special day. Thanks for having me there and I hope you like your photos. Lots of love and thanks. E xxx

David & Carolyn's Wedding - Copthorne Gatwick Hotel (West Sussex)

I was introduced to David & Carolyn by Jon whose sister's wedding I photographed back in 2007 and we immediately hit it off. They have a truly adorable daughter called Hollie who is one of the friendliest & happiest children I have ever met. We did some gorgeous shots in the studio and I loved how Hollie was keen to investigate everything.

Simply click on the image below and click on the 'play' button to see their mini slideshow. To see all of their pictures, once in the slideshow view, click on the shopping basket and when prompted the password is David & Carolyn's surname (case sensitive).


Fast forward one year and to the big day itself and I started at home where the girls were all busy getting ready. It was an extremely calm environment and the horrendous rain certainly didn't dampen anyone's mood. I left before Carolyn was ready and when she walked down the aisle a little later she was transformed. She looked stunning and was preceeded by her sister, Julie, who had Zack & Hollie with her. They looked amazing, Zack in his little suit and Hollie in a gorgeous dress with her little wand. David was a little overcome and delighted to see the wedding party coming down the aisle. Him and the guys all looked extremely smart in their suits. David has the kind of smile that lights up a room so to see him and Carolyn standing at the foot of the aisle together, exchanging their vows, was a joy. Hollie delivered the rings beautifully and watched as her parents exchanged them. It was very sweet. Jamie did a wonderful reading before the Register was signed and they walked back down the aisle as husband and wife.

Sadly it was still raining so we did a few shots inside before the meal and then, towards the end of their reception, the sun finally appeared. We did a shot of everyone outside (horray) and everyone threw confetti to loud applause. The meal was absolutely delicious (yum... thank you) and was followed by the cake cutting & speeches from John, David & Michael. They were all full of laughter and tears and it was so funny when Hollie perked up at the mention of a present.

When everyone left the dining room the sun was absolutely beautiful, and gave off a gorgeous light over the stream. David & Carolyn very sweetly let me borrow them for a few shots outside and they are lovely. What a relief to have a few outside. And then it was time for their 1st dance and a bit of crazy dancing (esp. Jamie & Thomas who rocked it).

It was a pleasure to meet and work with you all - I had a blast from beginning to end. Big thanks also to Jon at Guernica Productions, and Richard & Angie at the Copthorne. You made it really easy & fun. Good luck to David & Carolyn & please keep in touch. xx

Alzheimer's Society & Rockinghorse Charity Dinner 9th July 2011 - Felbridge Copse (West Sussex)

Two weeks ago 150 gorgeous people attended a charity dinner at Felbridge Copse to raise money for two charities, the Alzheimer's Society & Rockinghorse. Loads of local companies and individuals gave very generous raffle and auction prizes and hosts Martin & Paul and Marshfield Palmer Events put on an amazing spread.

After a champagne reception entertained with beautiful guitar music, a cracking caricaturist, and a balloonologist & magician everyone took their seats in the stunningly decorated marquee. 'Heads & tails' started off the evening with much hilarity before a delicious meal and fabulous music.

Christopher Biggins handled the aution in a legendary fashion. He was hysterical from start to finish and his tempo didn't falter for even a second. Then dancing to some fabulous crooner numbers, the raffle and then lots more dancing late into the night.

Here is a slideshow of highlights but in total I took 435 photos so do have a look at these too. Click on the photo below to watch the slideshow (9 minutes). To see all of the photos click on the shopping basket and you'll be taken to an online ordering service. Fifty percent - yes, 50% - of all sales (not including postage) will go to the charities so don't hold back! [I took quite a few shots of the marquee at the start so do skip to photo number 093 to start seeing ones of you]


I have included buying digital images for only £10 which means I can simply email your photos to you. Please allow 24 hours but note that I am moving house on 27th July so the office will be closed from then until 8th August. I will deal with all orders received on my return and apologies in advance for any delay. [Your digital photos can be printed up to 12x8". If you want a larger file because you fancy making a poster then do call me on 07769 167260]

I have taken out all blinks and blurs so sorry if you saw me take a photo and it isn't included. It was taken out for a reason (i.e. you weren't looking your best or the light wasn't right).

A HUGE thank you to you all for making my job such fun and being such a handsome crowd. I hope that you had a wonderful evening. Emma xx