So, I read that I own my blog so I should post on it at least 3 to 4 times a week. I am sorry but I micro-blog on my Instagram page and to be honest I would rather use the time to correspond with my clients. So, if you are reading this and looking at the service I provide try not to judge me on my lack of blogs. Trust me I’d rather chat with you than be searching constantly for content here. Adios Amigos!
Blog
Surfing the waves of Insta I came across a photo of a wedding dress that then led me to the website of L’Arca in Barcelona. Click on the link for the full yum of dresses available.
If anyone looks at my Instagram and pays attention to the photographer then they will know that often it is Jo Kemp, we work at weddings quite a bit and we often do yoga together. Yep, we are mates. When Jo started doing wedding photography (one of her firsts was the wedding of my ex ……. which was amusing) I knew she was going to be amazing at it. With everything Jo gets a buzz-on for she is absolutely the type of person to take a rocket to the moon to get the results she demands from herself. The latest buzz is to become a shepherdess and a few of us are hoping she doesn’t disappear to pursue that adventure (bit chilly Jo). She has just sent me a wedding blog that we did together last year. Here it is. This is Amanda & Kieran and here are Jo’s cool photos. Lastly I need to say that everything Jo says about Kieran and Amanda I echo mucho.
So I have tried to write this blog three times, one would think that with being in total Isolation for a week I would have written 20 blogs and caught up on my to do list and so on. But the impacts of a pandemic (how surreal!?) on a small event based business like mine has been pretty big! finding focus with so many new things to navigate, taking care of family members, its all a lot isn’t it people!.
However, Today I woke up feeling that this could be the day! writing a blog is a nice virtual gift for my couples and with that I have re-found the mojo in my Jo! May it transport us back to happier times, especially for you Amanda and Kieran and give all you love birds some fab inspo and something to look forward to on the other side of these crazy times when you say I do !
Let me introduce you to Amanda and Kieran, I promise you this is a wedding will bring a smile to your face! Amanda is one of those people that finds quality comedy in every moment and even before I met her I was having a little chuckle to myself as I read her client form” Kieran and I are both from Co Cork, and growing up he was (and still is) my older cousins good friend. So, needless to say as a very cool drummer in a band, he was my school girl crush! He however didn’t even know I existed, and the last we had seen of each other was when I was 17, he was 22, and we went off on our separate ways.. That was 7 years ago and I'm happy to say now that my school girl crush is going to be my handsome husband”
Venue Goodness!
These two chose Almiral De La Font as their wedding venue. A stunning Spanish Masia in Sitges Spain with a killer infinity pool, jaw dropping sunset views and a uniquely renovated interior that can sleep a good proportion of your wedding guests. Surrounded by vineyards and with a beautiful ceremony platform and outdoor dining its got a big wow factor.
Personal touches!
I absolutely loved all the little thoughtful details these two had dreamed up and weaved into there day. Amanda, a make up artist ( one of her many talents, more of that later on!) chose to do her own make up which made for some of my fave getting ready pics ever! Amanda surprised Kieran with cousin Keith playing an acoustic version of Everlong by the Foo Fighters (these too like there rock bands) as she walked up the aisle, she felt it very apt as Kieran likes to think she takes too long to get ready :-) Keiran’s mum made the hand ties for the ceremony using lace from Amanda’s mum’s wedding dress ( how awesome is that!). For the Spanish tradition of the letter in the wine box they had brought Amandas Grandads Hammer for the fun moment of bashing the nails and sealing up the box.
They tried to involve all family members in the ceremony in some way and Kieran’s mum crocheted a mini A and K as a little surprise for the top table.
Mutual weirdness forever!Music is so important to these too, so the tables were named after there fave bands, “Tool” for the top table and everything from “Incubus” to “Thin lIzzy” for the rest, you get the vibe! A bucket full of champers with a Clue tag tied around the neck of each bottle gave all the guests a good laugh as they tried to work out the answer to find there table. When it came to couple pics I totally went with what felt most natural for these too, a quiet shared cigarette moment post ceremony, and then later on we found a moment for a sunset stroll through the vineyards with A and K wearing a a monkey and a unicorn mask , as you do! :-) both moments a lovely confirmation for me as a photographer that couple shoots need no posing and love needs no direction and that magic happens when we really allow a couple to be themselves.
Little bit of Rock starAfter a lot of laughs and a fair few tears during speeches, that were full of Irish wit and charm, out came the glitter and with it the rock star in the bride! The girl can sing, impressing her drummer hubby and the front man of el club de las Muneacas as she belted out tune after tune.First dance was to Incubas followed by a good old romantic smooch under the stars. I found it hard to leave this wedding, we made friends in a day and I went home just loving my job and feeling blessed to get to know such lovely human beings that care about all the right things.
Have a good scroll to the bottom ( literally hahah) to read what Amanda and Kieran had to say about having me as there photographer and to get the full vendor and wedding attire details.
Leave it some good vibes , give it a share it on Pinterest, spread the love people when we need it most!
Amandas beautiful dress by Willow by Waters, veil by Aisling designs both from Memories Bridal Boutique in Cork, shoes by Jenny Packham from Lk Bennett, bridal Jewellery by Loulerie ,
Kieran very dapper in a custom linen suit by Tom Murphy, Scull and cross bone Cuff links a a surprise present from Amanda by J fox and wedding bands by Bespoke Diamonds Dublin
Al Miral De La Font - Beautiful and close to the small coastal village of Sitges
Finishing touches in the Bridal suite at Almiral De La Font
Quiet little shared moment post ceremony
Philippa - I am going to interrupt here and explain what happened. Kieran & Amanda had shared their kiss and walked back down the aisle, everyone let out a brilliant cheer. Now it is time for me to guide all the guests down to the entrance to the aperitivo area. The plan is to line them all up and with myself and my assistant hand out petals making ready for the newly wedded to make their way down to be greeted with clouds of confetti. The cava is about to flow, everyone is armed with petals. Time for me to give the okay to K & A. Where are they? All the guests lined up and looking expectantly up the path for the gorgeous couple but they don’t appear. I find them and Jo says “yeah, they are just having a moment and a smoke” . Okay, these are my clients and I cannot disturb them and didn’t want to. A wedding day is such an emotional day and therefore not everything HAS to go to plan. So, as I am walking back towards the path, I put on a big smile and explain that we need a moment and how about everyone quenches their thirst with a cool glass of cava whilst waiting. Pop pop went the corks and wonderful staff walked up and down the lines of guests with cava. Glass in one hand confetti in the other all good. Kieran and Amanda soon came down and following photos explain the rest.
What a beauty!
Gorgeous bridesmaids dresses from St Frock an Aussie Brand
Mum & Daughter LOVE
Almiral De La font has it’s own vineyard, perfect or a stroll at sunset
When a monkey and Unicorn went for a stroll
First Dance Gold
Great job Jo!
And lastly the kind words that Kieran and Amanda had for Jo….
“I don't even know how we can say thank you as we are lost for words...a mean feat for me!! Every time I go to look through our gallery there is another brilliant photo that just takes us right back to our big day. One of the big worries you can have getting married is "are the guests going to enjoy it?" And looking at your photos we can honestly say that everyone looks so happy. You captured exactly what we wanted - natural, unposed ,real moments across the board and looking back through the photos brings us right back to that day. Just pure and utter fun and enjoyment and that has been the greatest gift we ever could have asked for. You know that Kieran wasn't exactly looking forward to being in front of a camera but it's clear to see how comfortable you made him, and everyone else on the day too! So many people have told us how much they were in awe of you - a total photo ninja who never stopped going and yet it felt like you were totally part of the furniture!
Aside from your outstanding skill, we just love you as a person. It didn't feel like we had a "vendor" ,it felt like we had a friend there with us on the day. I can honestly say I have a major girl crush so I will be insta stalking you forever now 🤣🤣
Thank you doesn't seem to cut it at all Jo , there is no way for us to ever thank you for the amazing job you did. You made us feel like rock stars! And I hope you know how much it all meant to us. Next time we visit we will have to take you out for a treat! Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our little mad hearts ❤️ “
Now for the vendors!
Wedding Planning/ florals/ https://www.philippaevents.com/
Mua bridesmaids and mums/ https://www.nikoletamakeup.com/
Celebrant https://www.theweddingman.eu/
Catering https://www.gaucatering.com/en/
Band El club de las muneacas
Video odosvideos
Alexandra & Cooper - beautiful elegance mixed with a dash of rock god. From N.Y to Sitges. Classical sass - the bridal party.
Venue - Masia casa del mar - Photographer - Fotografia Sitges - Cake - Fantasty Cakes - Planner - Philippaevents.com - Flowers - Philippaevents.com
Perfect musicians for your ceremony and post ceremony
10 eco-friendly gifts from Love My Dress by TAMRYN SETTLE
We all need to consider how we can reduce our carbon footprint. I would like to share with you part of an article from Hitched which gives some tips on reducing the impact on our environment. This blog site is UK based so links will be in the UK. There are however many blogs that are featuring articles on Eco - Weddings so for sure you will find similar articles in your country.
Image: Sanyukta Shrestha
Go For a Vintage or Pre-Loved Dress
Reusing a dress by going vintage or pre-loved is a great eco option and reduces the cost. Tara recommends Abigail’s Vintage Bridal and the luxury site Open For Vintage as great places to start your search. For second-hand dresses, StillWhite is your first stop to get a designer bargain and Preloved. This is equally as relevant for bridesmaids dresses – vintage styles flatter most body types so your girls will all find something they love.
Sitges
Town in Spain
Description
Sitges is a coastal town in Spain's Catalonia region, southwest of Barcelona, backed by the mountainous Parc Natural del Garraf. It's known for its Mediterranean beaches and seafront promenade lined with grand mansions. Sitges is close to the airport for Barcelona and a 40 minute train journey to the City. The weather conditions are sun, sun, sun with a few rainy outbursts to keep the area green (we almost never have to experience ‘drizzle’). The food and wine are delicious. A good bottle of red is only going to cost around 6 euros. Winter months are normally dry with sunshine so you’ll need sunglasses with your coat. Then there are the fiestas which happen throughout the year. Festa Major is in August and the streets are taken over with diablos (devils) and fireworks. Carnaval is during the colder months. Next year Tues, Feb 18 to Wed, Feb 26. This is a great time for clients to come over for menu trail, hair & make-up trial, meet the services as you get an incredible party thrown in. This little village is perfect destination for weddings. Please get in touch for more info on holding your wedding here.
Re-posting from 100 Layer Cake a brilliant source for inspiration … Yum Yum!
Frikking hell you are going to love these photos. Please click here to see the full blog on Festival Brides. This shoot was done locally and shot by Jo Kemp who is available for weddings. She is great stuff and a GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER.
Massive thanks to Once Wed for this highlight!
Did you know the average wedding emits 63 tons of CO2? That’s more than a single person emits in a full year! Operating in a beautiful, natural environment such as Aspen, Colorado, Bluebird Productions knows a thing or two about planning a sustainable and eco-friendly celebration. We asked for their top tips for how you too can strive to tread lightly on the environment when it comes to your wedding day. We think you’ll find it’s easier than you’d expect.
Think Local: Everything looks best when it fits the locale. Look for local flowers, local food and beverage options and gifts for your gift bag. Not only will your carbon footprint be smaller, but you will be supporting the locale!
The goodies: Skip the bubbles and other goodies wrapped in plastic. Select welcome bag items and favors that are mindfully manufactured packaged. If you can source these locally, even better! Edible favors ensure that the item ends up in a belly instead of a landfill.
Decor: Put a little extra thought into decor to reduce waste! Would live plants supplement cut flowers nicely with your design? Can you use soy wax candles? A lovely linen using natural fibers versus manufactured fibers will reduce your carbon footprint as well.
Waste: Every event has it! Talk to your venue team and event planner to set up a plan for recycling and compost.
Paper: We adore paper. Beautiful paper can still be gentle on the environment though. Talk to your stationer to consider paper and inks that are gentle on the environment.
Shipping: Plan ahead instead of rushing items to your wedding venue with overnight shipping. Consolidate packages when appropriate and possible as well. This will result in less packaging waste and weight.
What an amazing day. Both Kelly and Dave were the most laid back, relaxed couple of people about to be wed. The entire day was beautiful. Whilst prep was taking place guests were relaxing beside the pool. The venue is so pretty and quiet that I think it sends out sprinkles of calm over anyone that stays there. I even had time to make Kelly a bouquet from the wild flowers around the venue. Perfect day. Congratulations & Love to K & D.
Being a verge stalker I have always wanted a bride to ask me to create a wedding using flowers that are growing wild. Here in Spain I don't have the abundance of wild flowers that you get in my wetter homeland of the UK. However we do get the olives, vines and grasses and definitely splashes of colour. The basket above is a result of a walk yesterday morning with my dog Maggie.
These 2 photos are the result of my rummage in the hedgerows. The bouquet doesn't have any large blooms but instead it is beautiful and wispy. This shape would work perfectly with a long straight wedding dress.
The boutonnières are a lovely mix of dry and fresh grasses and flowers. These small flowers would work beautifully with a floral crown, wrist corsage, ankle corsage etc. I have a growing Pinterest board dedicated to eco-florals. To view the board please click here.
Please click HERE to go and see a sneak preview of Steve's great photos from the recent wedding of Jess & Simon. An amazing day! I have loved working with Jess, we had a great time bringing the day together. I am going to miss her. Thankfully I still have Steve's photos to look forward to.
A few photos from a very cool & sexy couple. Big thanks to Alice at Nou Studio for these images.
To view the review from Jill & Aaron please go to my Feedback page.
This was a very small intimate wedding. The guest number was 30 including a good giggling group of children. The day was really relaxed and I loved decorating the old wooden tables that are at this venue. Casa Felix
The day unfolded with a lovely calm. The children were in the pool and there was a very peaceful no stress feel coming from everyone.
Dougie with his Dad
Beautiful Nikki
Consuelo is one of those people that you meet and would like to have them around you for the rest of your days. This lady is made of all things good and funny with lashings of love.
A whirlwind of events led up to the wedding day but all was good with Consuelo having her two daughters Olivia and Jackie close to hand to sooth away any nerves.
Jim and I had been chatting via emails and I could feel I was corresponding with a really nice person. Upon meeting James I found him to be quite a quiet person, very calm. Underneath that exterior I also found a wickedly good sense of humour. Never underestimate the quiet ones!
Consuelo’s dress looked amazing. Very sexy and so great to take a side step away from the white/cream wedding dress. Consuelo told me that she had looked for a long time and eventually found the dress online. No alterations needed as it fitted her perfectly from the start.
The Bridesmaids —Jackie, Olivia, Madeline and Claire.
The ceremony was performed by Jim who is one of Jim’s closest friends. Olivia sang the song ‘Todos Vuelven’ as her mother walked down the aisle. This song was a favourite of Consuelo’s mother who used to sing it to Consuelo encouraging her to join in. A very touching moment.
Jim with his daughters Madeline & Claire. Consuelo with Philip and his partner Jim who held the ceremony.
“As a wedding photographer, you get to spend time with your clients and share intimate moments, interesting conversations about their lives and what brought them together. It was during Consuelo's make-up and hair preparations that I got to know a little about her and her family. Consuelo's mom was from Perú so that provided an explanation to the name. I was fascinated by her stories, a past mixed with joy and hard blows, a present of illusion and a future filled with hope and happiness together with James, her soon to be husband.Unknown to us then, these facts would be masterfully resumed later during dinner, in the most touching speech we have witnessed to date. The casual feel of the day didn't prepare us to what we were about to take in later. Our wedding planner friend Philippa and I could only look at each other with watery eyes and wide open mouths.” — Ramiro at Fotografia Sitges
The D.J and dance floor had been set up outside for the evening party. The D.J knew exactly what to play and they loved him for it. There is a gentleman three lines up that is wearing an orange bow tie and he was on the dance floor for a very LONG time. He was brilliant and definitely had the moves.
I loved this wedding. The couple, their families and their friends. Happy vibes the whole day.