Morgans Hotel Swansea winter wedding of Nia and Ian.

Morgans Hotel Swansea winter wedding of Nia and Ian.

We just love Christmas weddings and Nia and Ian’s was no exception, St. Catherin’s Church in the lovely town of Brynamman was the venue for the ceremony, a bit wet, but a little rain never harmed anyone. Once the service and formalities were completed we followed the wedding car onto the Black Mountains for a few photographs overlooking one of Nia and Ian’s favourite views. Nia had a silly moment sitting in their wedding car, looking and laughing at myself and Lucy being buffeted in the wind and trying to keep our balance with all our equipment: Still they were brave enough to join us on the mountain for at least two minutes while we all braved the elements, just to record this special moment in Nia and Ian’s lives. Glad to be back in the warmth of the cars we started the 30 minute drive to The Morgans Hotel in Swansea. A very wet arrival, but as always a very warm welcome by the staff who always manage to create such a friendly atmosphere in the hotel.

Just put together a few of my favourite images from your big day, hope you’re both enjoying the sun on honeymoon, and see you on your return to the Welsh rain.

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 17,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 6 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Margam Orangery winter wedding of Danielle and Gavin.

Margam Orangery wedding of Danielle and Gavin.

We must be so lucky attracting the best wedding clients in South Wales, every wedding this year has been a pleasure to photograph, and of course Danielle and Gavin were no exception. A late November wedding in one of our best venues, Margam Orangery, and Margam Castle being one of the Danielle’s favourite spots, it was fingers crossed for a fine day. Everyone looked gorgeous with the sun arriving on time, as ordered earlier on in the week. Danielle and Gavin made the most of this beautiful venue for their photographs before joining all their guests at the Orangery for the celebrations.

 

 

Carreg Cennen Castle winter wedding of Annette and Geraint at ‘The Barn’.

Carreg Cennen Castle winter wedding of Annette and Geraint at ‘The Barn’.

Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together, we’re so so lucky to run a business which allows us to creating beautiful images, the days preceding last Saturdays wedding couldn’t have been any worst, Friday being a pig of a day with torrential rain all day, but waking up on Saturday morning it seemed as if we were in a different world, I thought I’d gone to Heaven, what a wonderful day and I knew we had Annette and Geraint an absolutely gorgeous couple getting married at a marvelous location,  ‘ The Barn ’ at Carreg Cennen Castle isn’t life just wonderful, well sometimes anyway. The ceremony was held in the new vaulted woodshed which has breathtaking scenery through it’s massive picturesque windows, of one of the most romantic castle ruins in Wales.

After it was a short car ride for the couple to indulge in romantic thoughts while walking on the moor overlooking this majestic castle. Then it was back to the grounds of the Barn for a wonderful reception with family and friends.

Manor Park Country House wedding of Sarah and Wynne.

Manor Park Country House wedding of Sarah and Wynne.

All Seven Sisters residents seemed to be outside St. Mary’s Church this lovely September morning to see Sarah and Wynne arrive for their wedding ceremony, and they were not disappointed, both looked absolutely fantastic. Leaving Seven Sisters as a married couple we took the opportunity to stop at Neath Abbey Ruins for a few romantic images with just the couple before joining all the family and friends for the celebrations at The Manor Park Country House in Clydach. Here are a few of my favourite images of the day.

 

 

Victoria & Chris’s wedding at Dafen Church and Llyn Hall Llwynhendy.

Victoria & Chris’s wedding at Dafen Church and Llyn Hall Llwynhendy.

Lucy started early at Victoria’ house on the morning of the wedding, while I started with meeting the boys at St. Michaels and All Angels Church Dafen. After a lovely service conducted by the Rev. Gary Powell, Victoria and Chris walked down the isle as husband and wife. Park Howard in Llanelli was the next stop for the family photographs, then down to Llanelli coastal front for photos with the couples pet dog, unfortunately this we had to cut short due to the weather turning quite nasty and ended up taking the photograph of the three of them in the dryness of the wedding car.

Cawdor Hotel Llandeilo wedding of Nia and Richard.

Cawdor Hotel Llandeilo wedding of Nia and Richard.

Married at St.Lleian’s Church Gorslas by Canon Michael Lloyd Rees, Nia and Richard enjoyed every part of their big day even down to the smallest detail. A Journey with a difference, a double-decker bus took family and friends to Aberglasney Gardens Llandeilo for the official photoshoot, and what a beautiful garden to photograph in. Next stop the lovely Cawdor Hotel in Llandeilo; it’s always a pleasure attending a wedding in the Cawdor with its elegant surroundings and more than helpful staff. Here are few of the 800 images taken during the day.

 

Stradey Park Hotel Llanelli wedding of Bethan and Eurig

Stradey Park Hotel Llanelli wedding of Bethan and Eurig

Saint Gwynog Church in Llangennech was the venue for the marriage of Bethan and Eurig, the ceremony beautifully officiated by the Reverend Peter Jones, a lovely surprise awaited the couple as they walked down the church isle to a volley of bubble blowers, quite a spectacular sight. Next stop Parc Howard Llanelli where we were very lucky to finish the official group photos before the heavens opened and had to take shelter in The Mansion House, we did however take advantage of our beautiful surrounding to capture a few indoor portraits of the happy couple before journeying to The Stradey Park Hotel for the main reception celebrations.

Oxwich Bay Hotel wedding of Victoria and Ben.

Oxwich Bay Hotel wedding of Victoria and Ben.

It was an early start to Victoria and Ben’s wedding day Lucy attending Victoria in Llanelli for the bride’s preparations and myself travelling to Swansea to start the ball rolling with Ben’s family. Oxwich Bay next stop for the official ceremony in the Hotel, weather wise it turned out to be one of the best days of the week much to the delight of everyone, after the official photo-call in the hotel grounds the guests made their way to the Marquee with it’s beautiful views over Oxwich Bay while we sneaked Victoria and Ben off to our favourite location overlooking Three Cliffs for a few romantic images. Here’s just a few of the many images taken on the day.

Celtic Manor Newport wedding of Lyndsey and Matthew by High Society.

Celtic Manor Newport wedding of Lyndsey and Matthew by High Society.

The 13^th definitely didn’t turn out to be unlucky for Lyndsey and Matthew on their August wedding day. St. Mary’s Church in the village of Llanwern was the venue for the ceremony, officiated by the Rev. Sue Colingbourne both Lyndsey and Matthew looked like the cat that’s just had the cream; they both couldn’t stop smiling all day. Next stop The Celtic Manor in Newport, first for a few informal photographs in the main hotel foyer and the beautiful grounds then to the Chairman’s Marquee at The Lodge a the family photographs. Enjoy your honeymoon Lyndsey and Matthew, here’s a few of my favourite images from your day.

Wedding at the Stradey Park Hotel Llanelli of Rachel and Gareth by High Society Photography.

Rachel and Gareth’s wedding at the Stradey Park Hotel Llanelli.

The rain started as Rachel arrived at St. Albans Church Treboeth, some say it’s a lucky omen to have rain on your wedding day, rain or shine it didn’t make any difference, Rachel looked absolutely fabulous as she arrived with dad, and by the time Rachel and Gareth had completed the marriage vows and stepped outside the Church as a married couple the sun started breaking through the clouds, couldn’t have been better timing. Next stop Parc Howard Llanelli with close family for our small groups and then a few romantic photographs with just Rachel and Gareth in these wonderful picturesque grounds, then it was off to join all the friends and family at the Stradey Parc Hotel. Just a small sample of some of the fantastic images awaiting the couple on their return from honeymoon.

Oldwalls Leisure wedding of Sara and Alun by High Society Photography.

Oldwalls Leisure wedding of  Sara and Alun by High Society Photography.

What a beautiful day for a wedding, we’re just not used to this warm weather in August, it will certainly be a day to remember for Sara and Alun, even Dylan their Goldern Retriever joined in and had his very own cravat. The marriage ceremony took place in Oldwalls leisure in The Gower, and once the official duties were over it was in the Love-bug (campervan) and down to the sea for a few fun and romantic photographs on the beach, what a lovely couple to photograph, we enjoyed every minute of it, then reluctantly it was back to Oldwalls to join in the celebrations with family and friends, here are a few of my favourite photographs.

Village Hotel Swansea wedding of Kelly and Robert by High Society Photography.

Village Hotel Swansea wedding of Kelly and Robert.

Caersalem Newydd Chapel, Treborth was the venue Kelly and Robert picked for their marriage, the lovely ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Vaughan Rees, next everybody left by vintage bus, first stop Llewellyn Park Morriston, this park held happy memories for Kelly and Robert, so what better place for a few romantic images. Off again in the bus to the Village Hotel in Swansea’s SA1, to conclude the calibrations in style.

Morgans Hotel wedding of Sian and Carl by High Society Photography.

Morgans Hotel wedding of Sian and Carl by High Society Photography.

With all the planning in the world life sometimes throws you a curved ball, a couple of days before the wedding Sian found her foot in plaster, and not able to get about easily, with a wedding dress and crutches to cope with. But from the photos and atmosphere of the day you’d never guess, Sian was a trooper and it was a pleasure to photograph their day, first at Carmel Calvanistic Methodist Chapel Pentredwr and later at the Morgans Hotel in Swanea, we have promised that once Sian’s mobile again, we’ll pop down the beach and Clyne gardens as both Sian and Carl had set their hearts on photographs there.

Coed y Mwstwr Hotel, Coychurch, Bridgend wedding of Claire and Jonathan.

Coed y Mwstwr Hotel,  Coychurch, Bridgend wedding of Claire and Jonathan.

St Benedicts Church in Clydach was the place to be last Saturday, where Claire and Jonathan joined together and became one, what a lovely day it turned out to be, the sun shone, and we had 117 happy guests what more could a couple ask for. After a beautiful ceremony we left Clydach behind and headed for Coed y Mwstwr Hotel in Coychurch, Bridgend, no need to stop en-route for picture opportunities as this venue has it all within it’s outstanding grounds. A little light rain when we arrived led us into the lounge where Claire and Jonathan relaxed with a drink in their hand for a few minutes until the rain cleared away, the ushers then organised everybody outside for a few large group photos. With the formal photography over we whisked the couple off for a few romantic photographs together before again joining their guests for the rest of their celebrations.  Here’s a few of the images, a peek while you’re still enjoying your honeymoon.

Enjoy,

Lucy and Collin

Towers Hotel Swansea Bay wedding of Carly and Carl.

Towers Hotel Swansea Bay wedding of Carly and Carl.

It was a very wet start to Carly and Carl’s wedding at Samlet Church in Llansamlet, but when the bridesmaids arrived in their lemon coloured dresses it surely lifted the whole atmosphere, such a fresh beautiful colour they lit up the whole church. Carly looked fantastic in a drop waist dress, certainly brought a smile to Carl’s lips as he watched her walk towards him down the isle.  We called at Neath Abbey for a few romantic photographs  before arriving at the Towers Hotel for the rest of the celebrations, enjoy your honeymoon Carly and Carl and we’ll see you both when you return home.

 

Slebech Park Hotel Haverfordwest wedding of Gemma and Liam, July 2011

Slebech Park Hotel Haverfordwest wedding of Gemma and Liam.

What a wonderful venue to celebrate your wedding, Slebech Park in Haverfordwest, this delightful Georgian Houses dates back to 1760 and is one of the few remaining Georgian houses in Wales, it commands a stunning position on the shores of the upper reaches of the Daucleddau Estuary.

Gemma and Liam’s wedding day started at Robeston Wathen Church in Narberth for the ceremony officiated by the reverend Peter Lewis a delightful service, then it was back to Slebech Park’s picturesque grounds, we did stop on route at one of Gemma’s favourite spots overlooking Pembrokeshire’s lovely country landscape.

Back at Slebech Park Gemma and Liam took time out for a stroll over to the ruined 13^th century Church within the grounds for a little photo opportunity, before joining family and friends at the marquee for the rest of their celebrations. Here’s a few images from your day, enjoy your honeymoon and thanks for leaving Lucy and myself be part of your big day.

Swansea Photographer Scoops Welsh Photographic Awards 2011

Welsh Master Photographer of the Year 2011

High Society’s photographer Lucy Littlewood sweeps the board at the annual Welsh Master Photographers Associations Awards in South Wales last night.

Lucy won:

 Classical Portrait of the Year with a delightful image of Cerith and Rhian Lloyd’s eight month old daughter Erin. This image was taken on Erin’s second visit to the studio as part of the National MPA Cherub promotion, where parents bring alone their babies for three sittings within their first fifteen months, and a watch me grow complementary triple folio is presented to the proud parents after their third visit.

Contemporary Portrait of the Year with young lady Patience pictured as a fairy in a wooded backdrop, the actual portrait being photographed in the Studio against a green screen and the wooden backdrop, Moose and wings added digitally later.

Baby Portrait of the Year a beautiful image of 10 day old Skye, daughter of Tegan Rance from Llangennech again taken on a Cherub portrait sitting, but this being the first of the three sittings, as a past Cherub client we were delighted when Tegan asked to photograph Skye at this adorable age.

Overall Print of the Year the gorgeous monochrome image of Erin looking lost on that huge chair.

Lucy also won 2 merit awards in the Classical Wedding a 2nd in both the Children Portrait and the Pictorial, Illustrative and Fine Art.

And keeping the best award until last, overall winner and

Welsh Master Photographer of the Year 2011

Oldwalls Leisure Gower wedding of Faye and Chris June 2011

Faye and Chris married in the beautiful  surroundings of Oldwalls Leisure complex Llanrhidian on the Gower Peninsula, then after the ceremony at Faye and Chris’s request it was  a short car journey to Weobley Castle for a few together images in the castle and surrounding countryside, it did turn out to be a wee bit too windy so we didn’t take long returning to Oldwalls where the lake turned out to be far more sheltered. A few images as a preview while you’re still on honeymoon.

Margam Orangery wedding of Taralee and Tom.

Margam Orangery wedding of Taralee and Tom.

If rain is lucky then Taralee and Tom must be the luckiest couple on this planet, it was torrential rain from early morning to nightfall, what a beautiful wet day, but did it spoil the couples day, not one little bit. The ceremony took place at St. Davids Church in the centre of Neath which has a lovely spacious interior with beautiful lighting, allowing us to capture the full service in all it’s glory. Next it was a short journey to the Tudor-Gothic style Mansion House in Margam Country Park for a few images of Taralee and Tom against it’s interior very dramatic backdrops and off course out of the rain. Then back to the Orangery to meet up with all family and friends for the celebrations. Here’s a sneak preview of a few of my favourite images from your very wet lucky wedding day.