Classic But Cool Contemporary Wedding Photography from Spinning Your Dreams

THE START OF A GREAT YEAR!

2008-01-12T14:35:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

A little late but Happy New Year!

Our new website has been live for about a month now and the feedback and response has been amazing!

We'd like to thank Laura and Mark at http://www.caffeinate-it.co.uk/ for creating such a terrific new website for us - we've loved working with you and are so happy that you will be maintaining the site for us too!

We are receiving so much interest and in fact have nearly booked all the Saturdays in summer 2008 and are fast booking up the Saturdays for 2009.

I would suggest that if you have firmed up your date �?? then just get in touch with us by email or phone �?? and I will within 24 hours send you our Information Pack with pricing. Then when you have both had a good look through all the information and the testimonials �?? you can come and see us if you would like. Evenings and some Sundays are OK as well as weekdays.

If you spent some time with us here at our home �?? informally with no obligation �?? then you would see that we are something very different in the Wedding Photography World!

I guarantee that you would have the day you are both dreaming of. That is always our aim and our pleasure!

I hope to hear from you soon and if you have any queries, please just ask. We will within about 2 weeks have the facility to pay online securely with cards �?? just being set up!

We now have a Client Management System on our new website and should you book us you would have a username and password just for your Wedding and post-Wedding your gallery would be hosted there. This is where friends and family can view your photographs and if they want buy prints securely online.

Although our Album Creator Partners are Queensberry of New Zealand [all our Albums are made from your approved draft in New Zealand] �?? and they are not far short of the best Albums in the world �?? you do not have to have an Album. You can have a print-ready DVD of all your photographs �?? high resolution files �?? and then you can handle your Wedding Photographs yourself. The DVD can be copied to pass to family and friends if you wish �?? your choice.

So we are �?? when all is said and done �?? led by what you want �?? we take a full brief from you about your Day and have a Briefing Meeting for an hour or two prior to your Wedding when we talk about timings �?? family dynamics �?? and the photographs you definitely want on the day. We do not say �??this is what we do �?? this is what you have�?? we say �??what do you want�??!

We will also have a site meeting at your venues if we all think that will help in the planning.

Again �?? wishing you all a fabulous 2008 and if your Wedding is this year �?? 2009 or in fact 2010 �?? it is not too early to get in touch �?? I assure you. Don't leave it - prioritise - Martin and I can make sure all those plans come to fruition and that you have fabulous memories of the best day of your lives!

Warmest regards. Julia

P.S. Over the last 2 years I have blogged about all aspects of planning a Wedding - if you have time - please look at my PREVIOUS POSTS AND THE ARCHIVES and you will find loads and loads of tips and advice about planning your Wedding!

New website is live!

2007-12-04T16:21:00.000Z

Hi there

Our new website is live! We are thrilled! We hope that you enjoy having a look around it.

Please get in touch if you are planning your Wedding - your photography will be the lasting memory you have and is worth a high degree of investment!

We have a fabulous new gallery which will be updated regularly and also a few slide shows of our photographs at some favourite venues! All well worth a browse!

Our Website creators are www.caffeinate-it.co.uk - we highly recommend them!

We hope to hear from you soon!

Warm regards. Julia
http://www.spinningyourdreams.co.uk/

2007-08-15T19:50:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

I have not bogged for a while and before we get on with a total revamp of our website [coming soon] - I thought I should blog now!

Firstly �?? if you are embarking on planning your Wedding please look back on my directory of blogs where I have given specific advice and even a time table of things to do.

We are booking quickly for 2008 and a quick �?? no obligation �?? call to me to check we are available on your Wedding Date would be time well spent. I say this as at our Wedding last Saturday, the Bride said to Martin and me that we were the best decision they had made about their Wedding Day. This is music to our ears �?? we adore being at Weddings and making sure all goes to plan �?? as the way the day pans out is mainly down to us �?? be it a civil or church wedding �?? and the hugs we get from the whole family when we leave after the first dance goes to prove that we are doing everything right!

We are based 15 minutes from Shrewsbury �?? on the Welshpool Road �?? and 8 minutes from Rowton Castle. We are 30 minutes from Oswestry and about an hour from Chester. We are 45 minutes from Telford and an hour from Birmingham. We love where we live in the Welsh Borders �?? beautiful countryside to come home to after a busy Wedding Day. We travel to Weddings all over The Midlands, Cheshire, The Borders and Mid-Wales and across the UK in fact.

We welcome couples to come and see us in Trewern [Post Code SY21 8DS] and often see couples in the evening and on some Sundays as well as weekdays. It�??s easy and a couple of hours spent with Martin and myself talking about your Wedding �?? as the Bride said on Saturday �?? will be one of the best decisions you make about your Wedding Day �?? if you come to see us �?? we will tell you why!

Give me a ring or email me 01938 570069 or julia@spinningyourdreams.co.uk and let me know your thoughts on your Wedding Photography. We follow your Brief for your Wedding Day - we are not on our own agendas.

I will happily send you all our information with an email or post our folder to you �?? just get in touch and add our information to your Wedding Folder �?? which I know can get quite full!

We are dedicated to fabulous Wedding Days and timeless, perfect memories! What more can we guarantee?

We look forward to hearing from you �?? be your date in 2008 or 2009 or 2010 it will never be too soon to be in touch. Don�??t miss out on having caring, supportive, fun, passionate, creative and lovely people photographing one of the most important days in your lives.

We�??ve just been booked for 10 May 2008 by a London couple getting married in Shropshire �?? the Groom�??s email to me today reads:

�??From what we've seen from your emails Julia - we can't anticipate there being any problems and we don't want to risk you getting booked by someone else.�??

They are coming to see us when they are next in Shropshire. This was in response to my email with all our information and reviews. If you email me I will send you the same information and we would hope that your response would be the same! Of course if you are more local you can come and see us straight away!

Warm regards. Julia Webb
www.spinningyourdreams.co.uk

WONDERFUL WEDDING VENUE IN SHROPSHIRE - IN A HURRY?

2007-06-11T18:36:00.001Z

Hi Everyone

One of our favourite wedding venues in Shropshire has a few dates still available this year. I highly recommend this totally private venue - if you need a venue for a Civil Service this year in Shrophsire - consider Delbury Hall - if a Church Wedding - the Church at Diddlebury is just round the corner. Then of course consider us for the Wedding Photography - and you are what they call 'sorted'!

We photographed the first Civil Wedding at Delbury last year and we think you would have to go a long way to find such a romantic, exclusive and beautiful venue in Shropshire. We live 30 minutes from Delbury Hall - so it is very convenient indeed to meet couples there for a first meeting and talk about the Wedding in detail. We would always be happy to do that if it was more convenient for you when you are visiting Delbury.

What we are impressed about at Delbury is that - unlike some Private Venues who have temporary catering facilities - Delbury has a state-of-the-art professional kitchen for caterers to use - which is fabulous!

As a Wedding Venue it definitely has WOW factor! Don't overlook it!

Just a quick blog!

Warm regards. Julia
www.spinningyourdreams.co.uk

ARE YOU ABOUT TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING?

2007-05-25T15:26:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

Yet another Friday �?? these weeks seem to go by so quickly during the busy Wedding Season!

I have mentioned before the great book the �??Wedding Bible�?? by Sarah Haywood and you might be forgiven for thinking that I am on a commission arrangement with Sarah �?? but that is not the case! I just think that it is such a wonderful book to have by your side when you embark on planning a wedding and at £25 �?? it is a big book �?? it is worth its weight in gold really! Sarah has published her Wedding Planner now and it is worth buying to keep all your Wedding Documentation in order. Sarah has us on her 'people we like page' - have a look!

Sarah says that �??there is no right or wrong way to plan a wedding. But it could be stressful and time-consuming when it doesn�??t have to be�??. Sarah has a Wedding Budget Checklist in her book and also these tips to �??survive and thrive as a bride!�??

Wise Money Management - plan only for the type of wedding you can afford

Be Organised �?? the biggest sanity saver

Present a United Front �?? create the day together and present a united front to families �?? leave a little room for family in-put

Respect and Compromise �?? be sensitive to the desires and expectations of your families and respect their views �?? even if you reject them. Be prepared to negotiate and compromise - especially if they are offering financial assistance! Delegate �?? behind every beautiful bride and gorgeous groom there is a fabulous and efficient team!

Bridesmaids and Best Man Selection �?? have a reliable Best Man and Chief Bridesmaid �?? if your closest friends are not reliable [!] �?? give them something else to do on the day!

Hiring and Firing �?? do not hire anyone or anything until you have seen or sampled their wares. Get every detail in writing �?? before signing a contract ask �??is this your best price?�??

Keep cool, calm and collected �?? be especially tolerant of your nearest and dearest. Don�??t alienate anyone you�??ll need later on!

Wedding Free Zones �?? have wedding free zones in your home and wedding-free evenings with your intended!

Planning Your Wedding - I have compiled below an outline list of things you need to do �?? there is a very comprehensive phase-line for each aspect of a Wedding in the �??Wedding Bible�??. If you are beginning to plan your Wedding - I hope that the list below will inspire you! Please get in touch with us to see is we are available on your Wedding Day - it is never to early to do that!

Have a great Bank Holiday weekend. Warm reegards. Julia

ACTION TO LIST TO GET YOUR STARTED!

12 months before or when you get engaged

�?� Decide upon your wedding date

�?� Decide on your budget

�?� If you are getting married in church you will need to agree on the arrangements with your local minister

�?� If you are getting married in a register office, you will need to give notice to the Registrar �?? only possible 12 months before your chosen Wedding Date

�?� Decide on the number of guests and make a list

�?� Book the wedding reception

�?� Book the marquee suppliers �?? if required

�?� Book the caterers �?? if required

�?� Book the photographer

�?� Book the florist

�?� Book musicians, band or DJ for the wedding reception

�?� Book the wedding transport

�?� Book the toastmaster if you intend on having one

�?� Book the honeymoon and apply for a new passport

�?� Order the cake

�?� Start looking for your wedding dress. Decide whether you want it to be a designer dress or an 'off the peg' dress

�?� Decide on your bridesmaids and ushers

�?� Decide on your �??Best Man�??

�?� Confirm all bookings in writing

6 months before

�?� Order the wedding invitations and other stationery

�?� Attend initial fitting for the wedding dress

�?� Choose the bride�??s wedding shoes and accessories

�?� Choose the wedding attire for the groom, best man, bridesmaids, fathers, mothers and ushers

�?� Choose the bride�??s and groom�??s wedding rings

�?� Order your wedding favours

�?� Notify your bank, Building Society and relevant authorities that you intend on changing your name and as of what date it will take affect

�?� Take out wedding insurance, if required �?? check what the exclusions are

�?� Arrange to see your hairdresser or barber about what hairstyle you want on your big day. Brides should take along a picture of the dress and veil or headdress and other accessories to help the hairdresser create a hairstyle that will compliment and finish off the look�?� Book a beautician for your wedding day, if required

3 months before

�?� Send out the wedding invitations �?? you may have sent out �??keep the day�?? cards earlier

�?� Decide upon your wedding list, and make it available to all your wedding guests

�?� Advise your guests to book any overnight accommodation now while there is still availability�?� Confirm your ceremony details with either the registrar or the minister

�?� Decide upon your chosen wedding music or hymns

�?� Arrange for the �??Order of Service�?? sheets to be printed

�?� Buy gifts for the best man, ushers and bridesmaids

�?� Discuss the seating plan with the caterer/hotel

�?� Arrange to have any vaccinations done, if required

�?� Start to plan your hen and stag parties1 month before

�?� Arrange for a final fitting of your wedding dress

�?� Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the reception venue

�?� Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the caterer

�?� Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the photographer

�?� Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the florist

�?� Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the company supplying the wedding transport

�?� Reconfirm the honeymoon arrangements

�?� Have the hen and stag nights

�?� Finalise the seating plan with the caterer/hotel

�?� Arrange a date for a wedding rehearsal, if required

�?� Telephone any guests who have not yet responded to your invitation

�?� Organise a date when you can pick up your wedding outfits

�?� Write the wedding speeches (groom, best man, father of the bride)

�?� Collect Orders of Service, menu and place cards

7 days before

�?� Have the wedding rehearsal

�?� Pack for your honeymoon

�?� Wear-in your wedding shoes. It will give brides who are not used to walking in high heels a chance to practice

�?� Organise with a close friend to have an emergency wedding kit, just for the bride, containing makeup and a repair kit for the wedding dress, so you can be ready for any minor hiccups through the day

�?� Order your foreign currency and /or travellers cheques

�?� Give the best man a list of all the wedding services involved in your wedding day, in case they need to be contacted

A RECENT REVIEW FROM A GROOM!

2007-05-16T12:43:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

One of our Groom's Shaun has very kindly written this review for us - thank you Shaun!

In a word? Truelyfantasticallybrilliant!! Reviewer: shaun from Shrops

Jacqui and I were astounded by the brilliant photographs Julia and Martin took of our special day, they truly are fantastic! When we first saw Julia and Martin at the Shrewsbury wedding fayre, we both thought that they seemed very professional, yet very personal too. We both looked at other photographers at the fayre, yet once we met, Spinning Your Dreams were the only photographers that both Jacqui and I were going to be happy with, putting together memories of our special day in an album.

From the first meeting with them, we had no hesitation in booking them to do our wedding album, as it was then that we realised just how passionate they both were about making the day a very happy, memorable and stress free one. On the day itself, what can we say! It was a lovely warm day. They both showed just how much they love their work, and how much they care about their main couple. Julia and Martin weren't at all intrusive, bossy neither did they rush us about like a lot of other photographers we've seen.

The after care they both give their couples is second to none. We must say the mints and water as soon as we came out of the church took us both aback! That was just what we needed - we were parched! The whole day was a memorable one, and one of the most precious memories Jacqui and I will never forget is the kindness, professionalism, and complete understanding of our requirements they both showed us, this also goes for the after care with the utter patience they showed us.

The album was second to none! We are continually getting comments from people on how good it is. We recommend all who ask to Spinning Your Dreams. We also regularly look through the album, can�??t get enough of it really!

If you are planning your Wedding - be it 2007 or 2008 or 2009 and we are getting enquiries for 2009! Please just give me a ring or email me! julia@spinningyourdreams.co.uk 01938 570069
Hoping to hear from you soon for a chat about your Wedding.

Warm regards. Julia
www.spinningyourdreams.co.uk

BESPOKE BRIDAL/WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

2007-04-02T21:36:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

Small reminder that we are booking fast for 2008 and if you do not want to miss out on having Spinning Your Dreams photograph your Wedding - Martin and I would suggest a quick call - just to see if we are available - we are disappointing couples already - especially for 8 August 2008 which is a hot spot! I am afraid that we do not have that date available. Don't leave it to the last minute or even to later this year - if you have your Wedding Date - ring me!

NEWS RELEASE - Hayley J - the Shrewsbury based bespoke bridal designer - has launched a fabulous new website - well worth a look. I have blogged about Hayley before and I have no hesitation in blogging again about Hayley!

How Brides want to feel on their Wedding Day has to be one of the 'dreams that must come true'. I can confirm that Hayley does deliver this dream as she designed my Wedding Gown back in 2003. Total perfection! What more can I say!

Make an appointment and go and experience that feeling all Brides relish - knowing that you will be wearing a unique - exclusively designed and beautifully made Wedding Dress on their Wedding Day. Worth any Bride's time to see what Hayley would suggest for your figure and colouring and make real your dream for how you would like to look on that Perfect Wedding Day!

Well, Easter approaches - Martin and I got married on Easter Sunday in 2003 so it is an anniversary for us but so is 20 April when we did get married!! Any excuse for a celebration!

Martin and I both hope that you have a peaceful and happy Easter - and although we have a Wedding on Saturday - you can always email me about your Wedding Photography and I will reply after Easter - or please give us a phone call and leave a message - I will phone you back!

All the best. Warm regards. Julia and Martin Webb

FABULOUS WEDDING VENUE

2007-03-05T16:04:00.000Z

IF YOU HAVE TIME CHECK OUT THE DIRECTORY OF WEDDING BLOGS I HAVE PUBLISHED IN THE PAST FROM THE LIST OF ARCHIVED BLOGS. IF YOU CANNOT SEE THE LIST THEN PLEASE LOG ON TO OUR WEBSITE AND THE LIST IS AVAILABLE IF YOU CLICK ON WEDDING BLOG

THE POST BEFORE THIS ONE WAS ABOUT OUR NEW ROWTON CASTLE ALBUM!

www.spinningyourdreams.co.uk

- IF YOU CAN ALREADY SEE THE ARCHIVED LIST ON THIS PAGE

- CLICK ON THEM!

ADVICE AND SUGGESTIONS FROM SOMEONE WHO IS

PASSIONATE ABOUT WEDDINGS!

Hi everyone

We are very pleased indeed to recommend a very lovely Wedding Venue to you. We are about a 30 minute drive from Delbury Hall and once booked always meet our couples there for the in-depth Briefing Meeting nearer the Wedding.

We photographed the first Wedding in The Coach House at Delbury Hall back in June 2006 and found it to be a really great place and a very private venue for a Wedding.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS: The photographs on the flyer - which is used for the venue - are ours!

MORE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS: More of our photographs are included in the downloadable brochure on the Country House Wedding Venues website.

We know that any couple choosing this venue would be very pleased indeed with the whole atmosphere and we know that guests are impressed because they have told us!

If you are still at the stage of looking at venues - don't miss out Delbury Hall. The first Wedding we photographed there was for a London couple and I know that they adored the place!

Phone the contact number 0845 200 5243 and go and see it. There is a lovely Church close by in Diddlebury!

Warm regards. Julia Webb part of the photographic team called Spinning Your Dreams - other part is husband Martin Webb!

www.spinningyourdreams.co.uk

NEW ROWTON CASTLE ALBUM - NEWS RELEASE!

2007-02-09T20:09:00.000Z

Hi Everyone!

As I write this new blog the snow outside is deep and from the window today it was very pretty indeed!

I have two pieces of great news!

NUMBER ONE - OUR NEW SHOW ALBUM WHICH FEATURES ROWTON CASTLE, SHREWSBURY - THE 7TH MOST POPULAR CIVIL SERVICE VENUE IN THE UK!

Our new Show Album for Rowton Castle has arrived from New Zealand from our Album Creators - Queensberry [click on Queensberry to go to their website]. It is beautiful and if you are considering Rowton Castle please come and see us and we will show you this Album which is 15" x 12" and its cute total half copy. They both have a photographic cover of Rowton Castle in sepia. If your Venues are else where please still come and see this new Album as it gives the best possible idea of how we can draft and have created a totally bespoke designed Album which - if the feedback is anything to go by so far - has the WOW FACTOR! Come and see us - no obligation at all - to have a chat about your Wedding - and if you are considering Rowton Castle - which is so popular - you may be looking at 2008/2009 - don't leave it though come and see us. We live only about 15 minutes from Rowton Castle.

NUMBER TWO - The Author of the "WEDDING BIBLE" Sarah Haywood - whom I have quoted many times in my blog - with her full approval click on this link to go to her website - has just published THE WEDDING PLANNER - these 2 publications would be a marvellous addition to any Bride's preparation and planning filing system! The Wedding Bible is so packed with the best advice I have ever read about planning a wedding and The Wedding Planner lets you organise all your bits of paper and lists etc. All great mementos of your Wedding too! [by-the-way this is nothing more than me wanting to recommend the very best in my wedding blogs - which I aim to do all the time!]

Before I finish - I would like to post this testimonial from one of our Brides - these words are wonderful for us to read - if you have time please read Helen's words:

The photos made me cry...again and again!! Reviewer: Helen from Worcs

I have to say that the thing I was most nervous about when planning my wedding was choosing a photographer I felt that I could really trust with the most important part of the day (next to the ceremony that is). From the moment we met Julia and Martin I felt totally at ease and comfortable with them both, they understood what we wanted from our photos and I was so confident that I gave them our booking immediately, we didn't see anyone else, I didn't need to.

Julia was in constant contact with me on the run up to the wedding, organising a photo session at their home because I wanted a signature frame for our guests to sign, emailing to check I hadn't lost my mind and offering tons of advice, nothing was too much trouble for them.

On the big day, Julia and Martin were there from the start; Julia was on hand with her emergency kit, in case of any emergencies!! Throughout the 'before' photos, Julia was very calming and Martin was very funny, keeping us amused, proved by the numerous shots of me laughing my head off. During the ceremony, you would not have known they were there and the posed photos were done quickly and painlessly. The rest of the shots were reportage style as we had requested.

They stayed up until the first dance, and we genuinely were sorry to see them leave, they were so much a part of our day!! The photos were ready to review when we got back from our honeymoon, amazingly fast!! We were not prepared for the volume of shots that they had taken between them, over 800 pictures!! They were all amazing and it was hard to choose but we managed to select our favourites. 3 weeks later we met with Julia and Martin at home to view the layout of the album and it was beautiful, they let us have a say in how it was set out so it would be really personal.

We were so happy with it; I didn't think I could be happier.I was wrong. The album was ready for collection the week before Christmas and I travelled to Julia and Martins to see it. Martin was so excited; I swear he likes it more than me!!! When I opened the Queensberry case I was amazed by the photo cover, the tears came almost immediately!! The album really did tell our story, page by page, it captured the emotion, the happiness, the fun and lots of laughter!! We had a canvas wrap done too of our favourite photo, it sits on our wall and makes me smile every time I look at it!!

If I was asked to recommend one service to get right it would be the photos. You could not go wrong with Julia and Martin. They have become true friends to us and 3 months later I still email Julia nearly every day. Spinning Your Dreams really did create the album of our dreams, something to really cherish forever. Book them, it will be the best decision you make!!!
Helen & Jon Dolphin �?? The Albright Hussey 8th September 2006

I hope the snow is not causing you any problems - wishing you all a great weekend.

I hope to post blogs regularly as we approach the Wedding Season - please subscribe to the RSS FEED and they will come through to you automatically - I didn't know what a RSS FEED was before I started blogging 6 months ago! I don't see who is subscribing just how many are! :-) You can click on this as a link to the RSS FEED or go to our website and go to RSS FEED!

Warmest regards. Julia :-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

2007-01-01T14:03:00.000Z

WISHING YOU ALL A FABULOUS 2007!

I hope that you all had a great Christmas. We had Weddings right up to Christmas and two between Christmas and New Year which was lovely �?? it was so enjoyable to be in the hotels all decked out for the festive season.

For those of you who have a Wedding in 2007 and perhaps planning one for 2008 or even 2009 �?? I hope that you feel energised to continue or embark on the massive planning. Since having an advertisment in Bride and Vogue - we now have Weddings booked all over the Midlands and further a field too. Don't give our location [20 mins from Shrewsbury] a second thought - we travel where ever we are wanted! We are 10 minutes from Rowton Castle - where we love working and also 25 minutes from the Albright Hussey - again a very favourite venue of ours - as we got married there in 2003! Last year we found ourselves in Essex and Cheshire and on the Welsh Coast too!

TO HELP WITH YOUR PLANNING:

I would like to recommend two publications to you which would help you so much - The Wedding Bible [£25] and The Wedding Bible Planner [£25] both written by Sarah Haywood. I would say that the money invested in these two publications would be very well spent indeed. The Wedding Bible and the Planner would make great mementos of your Wedding Planning months �?? I didn�??t have the Wedding Bible for Martin�??s and my Wedding in 2003 �?? I wish I had. I have now bought it and I regularly quote it in my blogs.

Wedding Bible author Sarah Haywood is the �??Wedding Doctor�??. She regularly appears on television and radio in the UK and abroad and her weddings are featured in bridal and celebrity magazines. Her clients range from high-spend celebrities and aristocrats to those looking for glamour and style on a limited budget.

A former journalist and TV news presenter Sarah now works alongside some of the best known names and companies in the wedding business; bridal designers, couture houses and the fashion famous, celebrity hairdressers and make-up artists, top photographers and videographers, leading hotels and country houses and florists to royalty and the stars. Many of them are featured in her books.

Sarah has very kindly added us to her Website Links as �??People She Likes�??.

PRIORITIES:

You may have a top six priorities which you would like to get booked or confirmed as soon as possible for your Wedding. I hope that one of them is your Wedding Photographers! Hopefully your list looks like this:

Wedding Date
Wedding Venues
Wedding Photographers
Wedding Dress
Wedding Party �?? bestman, bridesmaids and ushers
Wedding Flowers

During January and February - which are a little less busy for us - we would be delighted to meet you here informally at our home - just as a fact finding meeting for you both. We can talk about your Wedding and your Wedding Photography and show you our fabulous Queensberry Albums.

OUR EXCLUSIVE AND UNIQUE ALBUMS:

Our Album Partners are Queensberry of New Zealand and they are virtually the best in the world. The options are so wide ranging - that you can have what you want. Traditionally, Digital or both within your own unique Album.

We have a display album at The Albright Hussey and one will be in Rowton Castle by the end of January.

Give me a ring [01938] 580055 �?? check with me that we are available on your Wedding Date - tell me your thoughts for your Wedding Photography and we can make a time for you to come and spend an hour or so with us - we will give you a package of information to take away and consider in your own time.

If you have time - please read my blogs from 2006 - full of tips and advice on planning your Wedding. If Martin and I were not called SPINNING YOUR DREAMS I think we would be called WEDDINGS R US! We are passionate about Weddings.

Again, Happy New Year to you all. Very best wishes,

Julia - one half of the duo - Julia and Martin Webb aka Spinning Your Dreams!

Words we love to hear!

2006-12-07T23:00:00.000Z

I haven't got to grips with Dreamweaver yet to publish on our site - it is a January project! So I am posting 2 messages from Claire & John and Teresa and Will [Mr and Mrs Whitfield] because the words mean so much to us!

Hi Julia and Martin

We just wanted to say a massive thank you for our Wedding Album. We cannot put in words how pleased we both are with it. You have captured our day perfectly. We are so proud to show people, they all comment on how different it is and are blown away by the quality and everybody, including us are so impressed. Your passion for what you do makes you perfect for wedding photography, you wanted everything to be as perfect as we did!

We wish you both every success in the future, not that you will need it, your pure hard work and dedication will ensure that!

Thank you once again for everything.

Claire & John xxxx
Albrighton Hall Hotel 5 August 2006

Hi both

We got back today and the first thing we did was look at the photos. They are wonderful. The more you look at them, they just get better and better. We love them.

I have copied them over to my computer so we can go through and pick out our favourites.....where do we start????

You captured our day perfectly and I think we may need your help with the final choices for our album. I have turned a few of them into black and white and they are just stunning!!!

I'm off to look at them again.

Lots of love

Mr & Mrs Whitfield xxxx
Skenfirth Near Abergavenny 25 November 2006

I've had many more over the last months but been a bit busy to publish - they will find themselves on our website soon! Warm regards. Julia

What are you doing in January?

2006-12-07T22:34:00.000Z

Hi there!

If you are planning your Wedding - be it for 2007 - 2008 or 2009 you may be buying the Bridal Magazines out there for inspiration! Catch our advert in Bride and also in Vogue in January's issue.

Martin and I know it can be a little anticlimactic after Christmas - it is also a great chance to start getting all your boxes ticked and organising all your suppliers for your 2007 Wedding - even your 2008/9 Wedding - look at our Venues pages for ideas.

We are not as busy in January as we are during the rest of the year and it would be a really wonderful opportunity to use those free Saturdays and Sundays to welcome couples to our home and have a good chat about their Weddings and show them our truly beautiful display Albums from Queensberry - New Zealand.

We have just put a new fabulous display album in The Albright Hussey Manor Hotel in Shrewsbury [25 mins from us] - if you have a chance over Christmas and the New Year - go and have a look - it is in the lounge. You may consider the Albright Hussey for your Wedding Venue!

We will also have a great new display Album in Rowton Castle Hotel near Shrewsbury [and 15 mins from us] maybe before Christmas but definitely in the New Year. Again - go and have a look - it will be in the lounge. Rowton Castle - a wonderful Wedding Venue too!

So we believe January can be a time for getting things moving with your 2007 or 2008 or 2009 Wedding. We are getting booked up for 2007 and a quick ring to me will see if we are available on your date. We could put a date in our diaries for a meeting when we could all have a chat for an hour or so about your Wedding. No obligation - just to meet and see what your ideas are for your Big Day!

We'd love to hear from you - please ring any time - if you don't get us leave a message and we will ring you back. Or please email julia@spinningyourdreams.co.uk

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Fantastic 2007!

Warm regards. Julia and Martin Webb - Spinning Your Dreams - "the best way to remember!"

Words from a Groom

2006-10-16T14:54:00.000Z

Hi everyone - I haven't been blogging of late - Martin and I have had a very busy summer season which has been great! We are now going into our Autumn/Winter Season and I just thought I would post a blog!

We were pleased to be the first photographers to shoot a Wedding at The Coach House at Delbury Hall near Craven Arms, Shropshire back in June. It is a beautiful setting and such a fabulous private venue for a Wedding. We had a wonderful day with Sarah and Fraser and Fraser has very kindly written these words which I thought I would share with you as we have not scheduled an update of our website yet and this testimonial will go on the website then! Fraser - we are sure - would be pleased to talk to any prospective couples on the phone if they wanted to speak to him!

Martin and Julia of Spinning Your Dreams provide one of the best services I have ever experienced in any industry. I cannot recommend them highly enough as wedding photographers. They provided a product that stands out from other photographers, they provided it with a professional attitude, their attitude was extraordinarily supportive, and they demonstrated commitment to ensuring that our wedding day was how we wanted it.

In terms of product, we were offered full day coverage, with reportage and formal photographs, from the start of the day until the first dance. It is important to note that you get two photographers with Spinning Your Dreams. This gives you a much better chance of collecting great candid shots from even the most camera shy guest , as the guests relax once the most obvious photographer has shot a photo, and the second photographer gets a great shot from another angle. We had a huge number of photographs to choose from.

The album choice is phenomenal. There are a huge variety of album covers, formats, and options for each page of the album.

Professionally, all our queries were responded to quickly, and we had every confidence at every stage in the performance of Spinning Your Dreams. In a marked difference form many wedding contractors, the original prices are clear and do not hide any VAT or other costs that can blow your budget.

One striking aspect was that Martin and Julia encouraged other photographers amongst the guests to get any shots they wanted. Martin's explanation for this - offered before the wedding - is his confidence that Spinning Your Dreams can offer photographs that amateur photographers will not have the skills to capture. This meant that all the guests were able to participate. In one or two incidents, Martin even agreed to snap a group shot with other people's cameras. While this was a slightly cheeky request from our guests, it shows just how friendly and accommodating Martin and Julia are.

Finally, Martin and Julia make you feel very special. That is difficult to explain - but if you meet them, you will understand how they can help you feel like the most important people in the world on your wedding day.

Sarah and Fraser - 15 June 2006 - Delbury Hall, Shropshire

Sarah and Fraser wanted a very relaxed day and photojournalistic coverage where their photographs were concerned. They fully briefed us and that is indeed what we did for them.

If you have booked your Wedding Date and Venue for 2007-2008. I would encourage you to get in touch with us if you would like us to be there on your Wedding Day and on your Team for that day!

Between June and September next year we only have five Saturdays left!

It won't do any harm to just ring me and see if we are free on your date. We can have a chat on the phone [I love to know what couples are planning for their Weddings and I am just as passionate about it all as they are] - I can send our Price List in an email and you can - of course - come and see us! We do see couples in the evening and some Sundays and weekdays.

I have said this before but please don't leave your Wedding Photography too late - it's the tangible record of your Big Day!

All the best and warm regards. Julia :-)

The Wedding Week

2006-09-07T21:35:00.000Z

Hi - Good Morning! Friday yet again!

We have a Wedding today and Saturday and Saturday's is in Essex! What I would just like to say at the beginning of this blog is that we do travel! If it is logistically possible to be at a Wedding then we will be there!

I know we live 15 minutes from Shrewsbury [and 8 mins from Rowton] - just into Wales - in the gorgeous Welsh Countryside - I would say that this should not be a concern for you wherever in the UK or further a field you live or your Wedding will be! Just wanted to say that today! :-) We are working now-a-days in Cheshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire - as well as Shropshire and Mid-Wales! And Essex too!

I've been in close contact this week with both the couples for today and tomorrow and this brings me to my subject today - The Wedding Week!

Excellent information in Sarah Haywood's book the "Wedding Bible" about a Checklist for the Wedding Day and a Schedule. It's a gorgeous book and such a lovely memento of all your planning and so very helpful!

In the week before the Big Day have confidence in those to whom you have entrusted your day! Martin and I are totally part of the team on the day and we will help in any way we can! It's been said more than once that we are more than photographers!

When you look through your checklist try and delegate to a trusted friend or relative and for the day decide who will be in charge and IT SHOULD NOT BE EITHER OF YOU!

I always carry a kit with me on the Wedding Day that has: sewing kit, pins and safety pins, sticky tape [to remove pollen] and loads of other things including headache tablets! So I always have that to hand and I do use it quite a lot! We also have water on a hot day at a Church Service.

In the days before your Wedding try and get some rest. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water!

On the Big Day - try and have some breakfast - the dress will still fit! I have had Brides tell me that is why they did not eat and then they are swimmy headed. Get dressed somewhere quiet with good light and power points for hair dryers etc.

I have noticed that when all the girls get ready together there are loads of bags in the Bridal Suite. Someone should be delegated to remove them so that you don't have bridesmaids knocking on the door on your Wedding Night! Sarah Haywood suggests putting luggage tags on the bags with their destination for the night!

I think a tip I would pass on is that the Groom and the Best Man and the Ushers all get their button holes on as soon as possible. The Groom and Best Man do usually remember - but the Ushers are in the photographs before the ceremony too!

Try and let the nerves go - you will have planned a brilliant support team and Martin and I could be there too!

So your Wedding Day ....... [tips from the "Wedding Bible"]

You will both feel loads of different emotions and they are all normal!
Your mood and behaviour are contagious though - everyone is there to support you and so smile and make eye contact.
Have a smile for your Groom and for your Father.
Take your time entering the room/church.
This is your moment under the spotlight, the one time in your life when it is all about you!
When the ceremony is over the celebrating begins!

Now I would say - but I am totally and utterly biased - that your Wedding Day needs to be the dream day you've planned and you need photographic evidence of that dream coming true - you need Spinning Your Dreams! There I had to say it! :-) I think I am allowed!

If your Wedding happens to be very close - we wish you the Best Day of Your Lives! Enjoy yourselves - it will all go by very quickly indeed!

Martin and I adore Weddings - we love being there and we love photographing them - I hope that through my blogs and our website that you have got that idea! :-)

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend. Until next Friday. Warm regards. Julia :-)

Are You About To Plan Your Wedding?

2006-08-31T21:31:00.000Z

Good Morning! Yet another Friday �?? these weeks seem to go by so quickly during the busy Wedding Season!

I haven�??t picked a specific subject for this Friday�??s blog because I wanted to say a few things more generally about planning a Wedding. I have mentioned before the great book the �??Wedding Bible�?? by Sarah Haywood and you might be forgiven for thinking that I am on a commission arrangement with Sarah �?? but that is not the case! I just think that it is such a wonderful book to have by your side when you embark on planning a wedding and at £25 �?? it is a big book �?? it is worth its weight in gold really!

Sarah says that �??there is no right or wrong way to plan a wedding. But it could be stressful and time-consuming when it doesn�??t have to be�??.

Sarah has a Wedding Budget Checklist in her book and also these tips to �??survive and thrive as a bride!�??

Wise Money Management - plan only for the type of wedding you can afford

Be Organised �?? the biggest sanity saver

Present a United Front �?? create the day together and present a united front to families �?? leave a little room for family in-put

Respect and Compromise �?? be sensitive to the desires and expectations of your families and respect their views �?? even if you reject them. Be prepared to negotiate and compromise - especially if they are offering financial assistance!

Delegate �?? behind every beautiful bride and gorgeous groom there is a fabulous and efficient team!

Bridesmaids and Best Man Selection �?? have a reliable Best Man and Chief Bridesmaid �?? if your closest friends are not reliable [!] �?? give them something else to do on the day!

Hiring and Firing �?? do not hire anyone or anything until you have seen or sampled their wares

Get every detail in writing �?? before signing a contract ask �??is this your best price?�??

Keep cool, calm and collected �?? be especially tolerant of your nearest and dearest. Don�??t alienate anyone you�??ll need later on!

Wedding Free Zones �?? have wedding free zones in your home and wedding-free evenings with your intended!

Planning Your Wedding - I have compiled below an outline list of things you need to do �?? there is a very comprehensive phase-line for each aspect of a Wedding in the �??Wedding Bible�??.

12 months before or when you get engaged

�?� Decide upon your wedding date

�?� Decide on your budget

�?� If you are getting married in church you will need to agree on the arrangements with your local minister

�?� If you are getting married in a register office, you will need to give notice to the Registrar �?? only possible 12 months before your chosen Wedding Date

�?� Decide on the number of guests and make a list

�?� Book the wedding reception

�?� Book the marquee suppliers �?? if required

�?� Book the caterers �?? if required

�?� Book the photographer

�?� Book the florist

�?� Book musicians, band or DJ for the wedding reception

�?� Book the wedding transport

�?� Book the toastmaster if you intend on having one

�?� Book the honeymoon and apply for a new passport

�?� Order the cake

�?� Start looking for your wedding dress. Decide whether you want it to be a designer dress or an 'off the peg' dress

�?� Decide on your bridesmaids and ushers

�?� Decide on your �??Best Man�??

�?� Confirm all bookings in writing

6 months before

�?� Order the wedding invitations and other stationery

�?� Attend initial fitting for the wedding dress

�?� Choose the bride�??s wedding shoes and accessories

�?� Choose the wedding attire for the groom, best man, bridesmaids, fathers, mothers and ushers

�?� Choose the bride�??s and groom�??s wedding rings

�?� Order your wedding favours

�?� Notify your bank, Building Society and relevant authorities that you intend on changing your name and as of what date it will take affect

�?� Take out wedding insurance, if required �?? check what the exclusions are

�?� Arrange to see your hairdresser or barber about what hairstyle you want on your big day. Brides should take along a picture of the dress and veil or headdress and other accessories to help the hairdresser create a hairstyle that will compliment and finish off the look

�?� Book a beautician for your wedding day, if required

3 months before

�?� Send out the wedding invitations �?? you may have sent out �??keep the day�?? cards earlier

�?� Decide upon your wedding list, and make it available to all your wedding guests

�?� Advise your guests to book any overnight accommodation now while there is still availability

�?� Confirm your ceremony details with either the registrar or the minister

�?� Decide upon your chosen wedding music or hymns

�?� Arrange for the �??Order of Service�?? sheets to be printed

�?� Buy gifts for the best man, ushers and bridesmaids

�?� Discuss the seating plan with the caterer/hotel

�?� Arrange to have any vaccinations done, if required

�?� Start to plan your hen and stag parties

1 month before

�?� Arrange for a final fitting of your wedding dress

�?� Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the reception venue

�?� Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the caterer

�?� Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the photographer

�?� Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the florist

�?� Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the company supplying the wedding transport

�?� Reconfirm the honeymoon arrangements

�?� Have the hen and stag nights

�?� Finalise the seating plan with the caterer/hotel

�?� Arrange a date for a wedding rehearsal, if required

�?� Telephone any guests who have not yet responded to your invitation

�?� Organise a date when you can pick up your wedding outfits

�?� Write the wedding speeches (groom, best man, father of the bride)

�?� Collect Orders of Service, menu and place cards

7 days before

�?� Have the wedding rehearsal

�?� Pack for your honeymoon

�?� Wear-in your wedding shoes. It will give brides who are not used to walking in high heels a chance to practice

�?� Organise with a close friend to have an emergency wedding kit, just for the bride, containing makeup and a repair kit for the wedding dress, so you can be ready for any minor hiccups through the day

�?� Order your foreign currency and /or travellers cheques

�?� Give the best man a list of all the wedding services involved in your wedding day, in case they need to be contacted

Next week I plan to write my blog about the Wedding Week including a Checklist and a Wedding Day Schedule. The days leading up to your Wedding Day can end up being not only very exciting but very stressful too. It's all in the planning and now it is in the double-checking! Creating a Wedding Day Schedule - says Sarah Haywood - allows everyone involved to know what is happening and when. More on that next Friday!

I hope that you all have a fabulous weekend. Warm regards. Julia

The Wedding Cake

2006-08-25T10:06:00.000Z

Hi everyone! Friday again! :-)

Martin and I were extremely lucky back in 2003 as Martin's Sister, Christine, made the most fantastic Wedding Cake for us! We know that if there is a member of family who is good at cakes - they do often make the Wedding Cake for the happy couple and that is always a very personal and special thing!

You can always ask your Wedding Venue who they recommend for Wedding Cakes.

When planning your Wedding Cake - keep in mind how many people it has to feed!

Will you want several flavours and will you want to keep a layer for a future occasion?

Will you want to send cake to absent friends and family?

Will you serve the cake as dessert?

All good advice from the "Wedding Bible" by Sarah Haywood - visit her website - you can buy her Wedding Bible at a discount on the site. It is a lovely book as a momento of your planning and full of time schedules and very good advice from Sarah and other experts!

Sarah tells me that she soon to publish a new wedding planning tool. A folder [and accessories] in which you can put all your planning information and swatches etc. She will have it available on her site as soon as it is ready! :-)

The history of wedding cakes is a fascinating one, with a story that starts with the celebration of nuptials as far back as ancient Roman times when a simple cake of wheat or barley would have been broken over the bride's head in order to ensure her future fertility. Guests would scramble to obtain a crumb for themselves, a custom that led to the sharing of the modern traditional wedding cake.

Eventually the cake evolved in both size and decoration until breaking it over the bride's head became impractical, if not impossible!

Medieval England saw the introduction of mounds of small buns, a fashion that has gone full circle with the re-introduction of the individual cup cake tower as a popular alternative to the traditionally tiered wedding cake.

The bride and groom would traditionally try to kiss over the top of the tower without knocking the cakes down. If successful, prosperity and health would await the lucky couple. For convenience the small cakes were eventually frosted together with sugar.

Thanks to a visiting French chef during the mid-1600s, wedding cake design took a distinct turn towards the style of cake we're familiar with today. The Frenchman's aversion to cakes falling to the floor prompted him to design an alternative, the tiered and frosted cake, a wedding cake design that quickly caught on and that has since held its popularity.

The history of wedding cakes then started out on its last leg before reaching the traditional wedding cakes we have today, mostly due to brides striving to outdo each other. The more admiration a wedding cake design received, the greater the chance of a marriage steeped in good fortune and peace.

Demands for larger, more elaborate wedding cakes appeared as the number of guests celebrating the happy couple grew. Big receptions meant big wedding cakes that often took months to create. Understandably, without the luxury of modern refrigeration, cakes made from dried fruit and fats became popular because of their longevity in the larder. A thick sugar frosting helped prevent moisture loss, ensuring the cake would be moist and tasty when finally served and devoured. Wedding cake history had taken the final step along the road to the cake we know today.

Before the Victorian era, only the rich could afford the very finest sugars needed to make pure white icing. This resulted in the white wedding cake design becoming a symbol of wealth rather than purity, as is often believed.

The Second World War forced brides to be imaginative in order to have a beautiful wedding cake using limited ingredients. As sugar was rationed and therefore scarce, cakes were generally reduced in size and, so as to resemble a traditional wedding cake design, served inside a box decorated with plaster of Paris.

Whenever we see a bride and groom cutting the wedding cake, we're witnessing a very long tradition of the bride vowing to help her groom wherever possible, and when they proceed to feed one another from that first slice they're committing to provide for one another forever.

One superstition says that if a bridesmaid puts a piece of the wedding cake under her pillow she will dream of her future husband!

Now that you know the history, wedding cakes will never be quite the same again. They are, after all, far more than 'just a cake'.

We do recommend a very good Cake Supplier in Shrewsbury - they made Martin's Daughter's Wedding Cake in June this year and it was magnificent. So do give them a try Cake Creators, Frankwell, Shrewsbury [01743] 361415

I haven't decided on the subject of my blog next Friday - so it will have to be a surprise! :-)

If you are reading this on Friday 25 August - have a great weekend. Warmest regards. Julia :-)

Wedding Flowers

2006-08-17T15:28:00.000Z

Hi - Friday again! We have a Wedding today and tomorrow - certainly the busy time of the year.

My blog on Wedding Flowers is going to be personal - as was my blog on the Wedding Dress - because Martin and I got married in 2003 and so we have recent experience!

I think the paramount point to remember when employing a Florist is that you are buying her/his expertise and skill as well as the flowers! A bit obvious I know but it is a fact!

I know how it feels to have your dream come true regarding your Wedding Flowers. I had quite well defined ideas about my Wedding Flowers and when I presented those ideas and saw them become a reality in 2003 - I knew I had had a fabulously talented Florist on my team! More of that later...

If you are just beginning to plan the flowers then here are a few things to consider:

What flowers do you already like?

Do you prefer traditional floral arrangements or a few wild flowers presented in a simple vase?

What flowers do you buy for your home?

How do these preferences fit with the style of wedding you are hoping to have, what you'll wear, your choice of venue[s] and the time of day and year you are marrying?

Are flowers a priority?

Do you want a few simple blooms or hugh, elaborate arrangements. Are they the starting point of creating your day?

You can arrange your own flowers, use a local florist shop, a freelance floral artist or employ a florist with a national or international reputation.

Our very favourite Floral Designer Sue Cotterill of Shrewsbury has very kindly written a few words for my blog today! We know Sue well as she created our floral arrangements and the bouquets for our Wedding in 2003. We highly recommend her to all our couples - without any hesitation - she's brilliant! Her work has recently been featured in new edition of "Brides" Magazine [Sept/Oct] on Pages 249-251 for the Wedding at Walcot Hall where she works a great deal. She is a delight to work with and nothing is too much trouble with Sue to make the Floral Element of a Wedding Day perfect!

WEDDING FLOWERS BY SUE COTTERILL

"When choosing your florist, it is essential that she has reputation of consistent reliability, because she could turn your dream wedding into a nightmare if she fails you. Ideally, employ someone that has been recommended to you and after a consultation book her as soon as you have made a date for your 'big day', because popular people have full diaries.

It is important that she has an understanding of your expectation and your budget. Remember, simple bouquets and displays can in everyway be as effective as lavish expensive creations. 'Communication' is the key word when choosing your designs because they will compliment your dresses and theme. Without a good rapport between you and your floral designer, there may be disappointment.

Your florist should give you continued advice and confidence throughout the months before the wedding. You should be able to draw on her experience and imagination to provide you with the perfect flowers, enhancing your special day with fragrance and co-ordinating colours.

Be very sure you have an enthusiastic professional who will be prepared to give you that all important 'wow factor'!!"

I have again found valuable advice in the "Wedding Bible" by Sarah Haywood.
"Blooms the world over are airfrieghted-in and sold at flower markets up and down country. They can be used to wonderful effect to clearly express and signify who we are as individuals, couples, families and communities. If trying to create a specific style, mood or theme there's a flower or flowers to match. They can transform a venue, bringing it to life, creating a beautiful environment and a stunning sense of occasion" Sarah Haywood

Going back to Sue - I know what she means by 'wow factor!'. She accomplished that at the Albright Hussey Manor in the Imperial Suite when Martin and I got married. 'Wow' is what we wanted and 'Wow' is what we got! Sue is quite honestly passionate about flowers and people!

Sue's number is [01743] 353924

My bouquet and the floral arrangements had big burgundy roses in them and I have never seen the like of them before or since our Wedding - they were superb! Sarah Haywood who wrote the "Wedding Bible" says "One thing you should never skimp on is the bridal bouquet - it's in all the photographs!"

And we should know! Have a great weekend and look out for my blog on The Wedding Cake next Friday. Warm regards. Julia :-)

The Wedding Dress

2006-08-11T08:14:00.000Z

Hi - hope you are all feeling great on this Friday morning! My blog today is about The Wedding Dress. I bought a Wedding Dress in 2003 when Martin and I got married. I have to say that I had a very strong idea of what I wanted - so much so that I was even sure of where I was going to go to make my dream come true! More on that later! .....

Again this week I have found some very relevant advice and tips in the 'Wedding Bible' by Sarah Hayward - there are many bridal services available. Off-the-peg, made-to-measure, dressmaker and couture - to name the main ones.

The off-the-peg and made-to-measure service will have an alteration service - basically a made-to-fit service. You will need to find out all the costs involved and be sure of the process.

The dressmaker may well be a fantastic dressmaker - try to speak to someone who has used the dressmaker's service before and been happy with the result. If you were to take in a photograph for a dressmaker to copy then how do you know that it will suit you? I think that is the critical point - what suits you?

Cut out photographs of dresses you like and show them to your fiance [!] - see what his reaction is to them! Think about who your style icons are. When you go shopping take someone you trust or go alone. If you normally shop alone your might want to try that first. Also if you take your best mate make sure she does not have her own agenda - will she encourage you to have what she would wear?! Also Mums have their own set ideas too!

Remember that some dresses have no hanger appeal - so you have to try them on! Try on shape after shape and eliminate as you go along and know why you have done so!

Don't limit yourself to finding an outfit which you could later alter and wear again - you will need to widen the search from bridal wear.

There are many hire services for mostly the traditional-style white wedding dress. What you might not get with this service is an alteration service - so check.

If on a budget - then options are: nearly new - once worn and ex-hire dresses. Never buy a dress over the internet without knowing its condition - get a written description as well as photographs. Ask as many questions are you can.

STARTING POINTS:

White Wedding or not?
Make an appointment with three or four outlets - they might not be able to fit you in if you just pop in.
If you can, shop on a weekday - you'll be given more time and it will be quieter.
Take someone you trust or shop alone.
Buy a good bra!

"What you wear on your Wedding Day is a serious statement of personal style and it is likely to be amongst the most costly clothing you'll ever buy! However, now-a-days the modern woman can be the bride she wants to be. Bridal fashion today is an exciting blend of old and new that reflects the diversity of contemporary culture and the various ways we celebrate marriage". Sarah Hayward the "Wedding Bible".

I said I would tell you more about my Wedding Dress in 2003. What I had had in mind was something a little unusual - I wanted some embroidery which I knew would be unique and a dress and a matching coat for our April Wedding. So I made an appointment with a couture bridal designer Hayley J in Shrewsbury. Hayley also made my outfit for my step-daughter's Wedding in June this year. I must have loved the process the first time around! Hayley has very kindly written something for me for this blog - but before I put her article in my blog today I need to tell you this.....

The process of creating my dream Wedding Dress with Hayley was fun and enjoyable, fun and enjoyable because Hayley knows what suits Brides' shapes and that help is invaluable and she is so passionate about the design and creation of the dress - it's a pleasure to go for a fitting and watch the dress progress to completion. Then you go in for the final fitting - this last time it is not the calico 'draft' anymore - it is your dress! Very emotional and poignant moment and a memory to treasure. So Hayley's words:

The Wedding Dress by Hayley J - couture bridal designer of Shrewsbury

"There are three important garments which most women will wear in their life. The christening gown chosen by your parents, the shroud chosen by your partner at the end of your life and the most pleasurable of all is the wedding gown worn to celebrate your marriage whether it a religious or civil ceremony this gown symbolizes the occasion.

Going back in history women would have worn their best dress for their wedding day which would have then been used every Sunday at church and special occasions. This garment would have been made by hand. The fabric would have been dyed with a natural vegetable color so therefore been coloured in muted tones of browns greens and blues.

It was Queen Victoria who set the trend for the white or light coloured bridal gown and hers was cream with mimosa flowers.

The white wedding dress was born and the fashion set for many years. White is also quite a deceiving color, as pure white was not available until bleached cloth was made by manufactures. A softer natural ivory was the true color of the fabric.

Through the years designers and dress makers have had a limited path to tread, as wedding dresses have rarely changed in style or color. This has all changed now as brides increasingly know exactly what style and shape they want.

The designs have become more varied, influenced by main stream fashion. This modern woman is full of ideas and themes for their big day which influence the dress from Hollywood glamour to medieval history. There has never been a more amazing choice of designs.

The Wedding Dress is the latest fashion accessory.

The most important element of the design of a wedding dress is basically the body shape of the wearer. Who depends solely on the cut of the gown suiting her figure to make her feel fantastic on her day." Hayley J

So an appointment with Hayley will never be wasted time - one Bride whose Wedding will be photographing next year told me "I went in to see Hayley and I tried on some dresses and suddenly Hayley said that is the one for you and she was right - so much so that - although I did go to other outlets - I went back because that dress was calling to me and it had to be that shape because it suited me and I feel great in it".

Well this blog got quite personal today as I have had recent experience of organising my Wedding Dress. If you are reading this today - have a great weekend!

Next week the subject will be - The Wedding Flowers. Bye for now. Warm regards. Julia :-)

The Perfect Wedding Venue...

2006-08-03T14:38:00.000Z

Hi there! :-)

Here with my Friday Blog again! :-)

Martin and I know because we got married in 2003 - that you pretty much start deciding on where you are going to get married as soon as you think of getting married! If it is a Church Ceremony - you book the Church and then the Reception Venue and if it is a Civil Ceremony - you book the Hotel/Private House. Through our years of experience we have been privileged to be at many different ceremony venues and reception venues - they are, of course, all different. So what should you consider when making your choice for your Wedding Day Venues?

We met up with one of our couples last evening at their venue for our usual Briefing Meeting - their Wedding is on 16 September - and we talked about why they decided on that particular hotel. Lyndsay and Adam said that they hadn't actually considered that hotel at first - but decided to check it out and they just knew their Wedding would be there when they walked into the hotel and looked around the grounds.

Unless you are sure of where you want to be - perhaps a favourite hotel or a marquee at your parents' home - somewhere which means something to you both - then it will be best to visit some different venues to get a feel for them. Like Lyndsay and Adam many of our couples tell us that they almost know as soon as they first go to a venue that they will feel special there and it has to be that venue.

One of the things we like to do with our couples is meet them at their Venue so that we can discuss the photographic opportunities and take a full brief of the photographs they would like - nothing left to chance on the day and our couples have the confidence in us to capture everything!

I have found some invaluable advice in the "Wedding Bible" by Sarah Haywood.

Sarah talks of the Big 5 - How? Where? When? Who? Budget?

How? - A religious service or a civil ceremony?

Where? - A geographic location.

When? - Ideal dates?

Who? - How many guests?

Budget? - How much can you spend on venue, food and drink?

I thought I would note the important points which Sarah has listed in her book with a little of my own input too!

1. The Reception Venue should be not more than about 30 minutes drive from the ceremony. We have had a 45 minute drive from the church to the hotel - from Sarn near Newtown in Powys to Albrighton Hall near Shrewsbury two years' ago. That was certainly a long enough drive and had to be calculated into the day's schedule - travel times should not be overlooked when planning the timetable.

2. Before visiting Venues work out the numbers of guests, your budget and the type of reception you would like [formal, informal or buffet or sit-down]. At least go to your first meeting at a venue armed with this information. A good Wedding Co-ordinator at a venue will also advise and help with these decisions. They have - when all is said and done - more experience than you! :-)

3. Check with the Venue that they can accommodate you on your chosen date. This really goes for all your suppliers and especially your photographer - yes I know I am biased - but we get booked up for all the main dates at least a year before.

4. Try and be flexible and adaptable if the Venue doesn't conform exactly to your ideas - if you love the venue and they cannot accommodate your guest numbers - perhaps scale it down a little. Flexibility in your thinking at the beginning is an advantage.

5. Ensure you meet the person who will deal with your Wedding before you secure the booking. We have experienced varying levels of capability with Wedding Co-ordinators at venues and the best are worth their weight in gold! I could tell you of one in the Shrewsbury area who is in fact made of gold!

6. Will yours be the only Wedding on that day? If not, are the function rooms independent? Do you want to see strangers in the bar on your Wedding Day? Or sitting on the patio watching you mingle with your guests? We know that exclusivity fees can take a big chunk out of your budget - weigh up how much that would mean to you. An option here is to have a venue which is a large private house/hall - there are many of those. They do in fact cost quite a lot too - so the figures have to be done!

One item of advice here from Martin and myself would be that if you have your Wedding Ceremony and/or Reception at a Private House/Marquee you will need a Master of Ceremonies. Sometimes the Bestman will take that role - some couples book a red coated Master of Ceremonies and sometimes Martin does it! :-) We will always step in on a Wedding Day if something is needed to be done! We are more than just photographers!

7. If you do not have exclusive use find out which areas are yours exclusively.

8. If you would like the Venue exclusively - see if there are cost advantages to being there mid-week. The only day we have not photographed a Wedding is a Monday! Couples are getting married on all days of the week now-a-days!

9. Ensure there is plenty of accommodation for guests either at the Venue or close by.

10. If using venue-recommended suppliers, make sure of their suitability before hiring them.

11. Put safety considerations before cost when hiring a marquee and go to a reputable company.

12. If getting married abroad use a specialist tour operator or destination wedding planner. Check health and visa requirements as soon as possible. We will willingly photograph your Wedding in an exotic place - just get us there and we will capture every romantic moment! :-)

We have some links to venues and suppliers we like on our resources pages. I hope that has given you some ideas if you are embarking on finding your Wedding Venues. Martin and I got married at The Albright Hussey Manor Hotel in Shrewsbury and can recommend it very highly indeed - in fact please go and see Paul or Jayne or David and say we said to go and have a look! You won't be disappointed! :-)

Warm regards. Julia :-) Next Friday my Blog will be on The Wedding Gown. :-)

If you knew fabulous Wedding Photographers you would book them - wouldn't you?

2006-07-24T15:27:00.000Z

If you knew fabulous Wedding Photographers you would book them right now wouldn't you? Problem is you don't [yet] and you've never had to hire a photographer before and it is very daunting.
I have pointed out some pitfalls and added my advice about helping you make the right decision for your Wedding Day - Ten Tips to think about - I hope they help!

1) Please don't approach your choice of Wedding Photographer as an after-thought - a Wedding Photographer should be very high on your list. Selecting the right Wedding Photographer is as important as all the fun details that the guests will see - like the gown, the cake, the flowers and the Wedding Venue and the Wedding Breakfast. Why?

2) Well, the photographer you choose to capture all the moments of your Wedding Day will play a very significant role in what is likely to be the single most important day of your life. A Wedding Photographer is the 'director' for most of the day and then long after the band stops playing, the guests have gone home, the flowers have wilted, all that will remain are memories and photographs. The memories of the day need to be as wonderful as the photography.

3) I would say that it is advisable to begin looking for a Wedding Photographer as soon as you become engaged and plan your Wedding. It is never too early to book your Photographer. During the Summer I get many phone calls to ask if we are free in a few weeks' time - even sometimes in a couple of weeks. I have to say 'no very sorry we are booked that day' and I hear the frustration and disappointment in the bride's or groom's voice as they struggle to find a photographer at all.

4) I know that couples do sometimes randomly pick a name from the telephone book, believing that one Wedding Photographer is as good as the next. That just isn't the case. [Not all Wedding Photographers were born equal!] And then later when that day they've waited a lifetime for has come and gone, and they see the photographs, all of the disappointment begins to set in because they did not place the right emphasis on booking the right Wedding Photographer.

5) And, if you do think of asking a friend to take your wedding photographs you will probably get holiday snap quality and they probably won't enjoy your Wedding with all that pressure. They may be good at one section of your wedding, with the people they know, but they will not capture the full story and they will not know how to run a Wedding Day. A good professional photographer will give you the full story of your day and help it run smoothly and with as little stress and pressure as possible.

6) If you can take the time to visit several different photographers and examine wedding photographs they have taken in the past. Ensure that you are specifically shown samples of their own wedding photography. Looking at pictures of babies, pets, or sunsets won't give you any indication of the photographer's ability to take good wedding photographs! Every Album of a Wedding should be different - see complete Wedding Albums as examples. Also make sure that the photographer you are seeing is the person who will actually be there on your Wedding Day. You don't want a total stranger taking your Wedding Photographs and being a big part of your day when you have not even met them before!

7) It is always a good idea to phone a photographer and see if you have instant rapport - remember you are going to be spending most of your day with your photographer! Will you enjoy spending so much time with him or her? Feeling at ease with your photographer is as important as liking their work. Photography is a passion, but you also need a passion for people to be a good Wedding Photographer.

8) A good photographer will ask you many questions and be happy to spend time with you to learn about what you both want from your Wedding Photography and even the dynamics of your family and get the full picture from you. Taking a Brief which includes timings, transport plans and those extra photographs you would like.

9) Experience is important, not just for the quality of photographs, but also to ensure that your photographer knows how to professionally conduct himself or herself at your Wedding and to deal with the intensity of a Wedding. A Wedding Photographer has to be confident to direct your guests with an appropriate manner. It is essential that a your Wedding Photographer has a sense of humour! Sounds strange - but it is important!

10) The passionate Wedding Photographer will be able to keep up with the pace of your Wedding Day, and be able to deal with the fact that he or she will have an atmosphere of excitement and emotion swirling around him as he or she works. Most importantly, he or she will know precisely how to capture that emotion, fun and sheer uniqueness of the day and preserve it for a lifetime.

Well, those are a few of my thoughts on the role of a Wedding Photographer. I will be putting fingers to keyboard about Wedding Venues next Friday, 4 August. If you go to 'articles' on our main website menu - you can subscribe to my articles [blogs] and whenever I post a blog it will automatically be sent to your email address! Well that is my first official 'tips and advice blog' - I've really enjoyed giving you an idea of the importance of having a good Wedding Photographer there on your Wedding Day.

Warm regards. Julia :-)

I highly recommend "The Wedding Bible" by Sarah Haywood - I bought this book myself as I heard Sarah on the radio a few weeks ago - I thought she was talking so much sense about Weddings and her book is full of that great advice. I asked her if I could mention her book in my blogs and of course she said "yes!". "The Wedding Bible is a pretty rare phenomenon - a book that looks stunning but is also full of very helpful advice... comprehensive and practical whatever planning stage you're at. A brilliant book for anyone who's planning a wedding." Scottish Wedding Directory

Are you new to Blogging?

2006-07-24T13:28:00.000Z

Hi - if you are new to blogging - let me say so am I! Martin and I went live with our new website a few weeks ago and one of the features we wanted to have on it was a Wedding Blog! So Welcome to my Wedding Blog!
What I will be doing over the next few weeks is offer some advice to prospective Brides and Grooms about - not just their Wedding Photography but also - the Wedding Day!
One publication I was thrilled to see published recently was 'The Wedding Bible' by Sarah Haywood. As you embark on planning your Wedding I would highly recommend you get a copy! It would be beautiful memento of your Wedding planning and preparations. I have Sarah's agreement to my quoting from her Wedding Bible over the next few weeks.
So what I plan to do is this - with my years of experience simply being at Weddings as a Wedding Photographer and talking to couples in detail about their Weddings - I have seen which aspects of a Wedding Day need the most attention, where things can go wrong, what in fact can be done to make sure that a Wedding Day runs smoothly and without stress and with the emotion and fun that such a spontaneous day should have!

Martin and I very much hope that you enjoy our new website - still a couple of images to add - in fact that includes a photograph of us! We manage it ourselves now and are learning as we go along!

Please feel free to post me a question on the contact page and I will reply with my answer. I will be adding a frequently asked questions page soon to the website.

We are in the midst of a very busy Summer Wedding Season and we are also seeing many couples about their Weddings next year. Please come and see us about your Wedding Photography - don't overlook that aspect of your Wedding Day - don't leave it to an after thought. I will be explaining why your Wedding Photographer can make or break your Wedding Day in my first instalment of my Wedding Advice to go live on Friday, 28 July.

Bye for now. Warm regards. Julia Webb :-)