I recently interviewed Ginny Bevan a wedding planner based in beautiful Lake Garda Italy who specialises in destination weddings

Who is Ginny Bevan?

Hi, Ginny, I am a Nick Bunton, a wedding videographer and photographer based in Essex UK. I love doing destination wedding videography or photography and thought it would be great to speak to you about how you help couples who are planning a destination wedding at Lake Garda Italy. Can you please tell me a little about yourself and I have some questions for you that will help couples looking at a destination wedding.

Hi Nick, I am Ginny Bevan of Weddings at Lake Garda I am a wedding planner and love helping couples with destination weddings from all over the world. I am based in Polpenazze del Garda on the western hills overlooking the lake.

I cover many sorts of weddings, mostly UK couples but I’ve had couples from Australia, New Zealand, America, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Hong Kong. I’ve done weddings for 2 people as I’ve done weddings for 150 with budgets that vary equally as much.

What services can you offer to a UK couple to assist with their wedding if they wanted to get married at Lake Garda?

Everything Italy side – from researching the location to suit their needs, wishes and budget to flowers, music, paperwork, photography & video, transport and also some less obvious details such as ice cream carts, doves, caricaturists, yoga, wine tasting, micro magic, children’s entertainer, fireworks etc etc

How do you advertise in the UK to get business?

website, Facebook page, Instagram and I find more and more through word of mouth from couples or guests who have been at another of my weddings.

What are the normal steps if a UK bride contacts you and wants to commission you to organise their destination wedding?

We start with what they want – which they often don’t really know other than Lake Garda Italy, so it can take some time to go through options and the ins and out of each one before they decide on a location. Then the date, number of guests, likely spend and max budget. Once we have a good idea of all of those we can confirm the locations & date, get deposits paid and then get into the finer details like photos/video, music, flowers, logistics and transport confirmed. Following that we move onto smaller details and other ways that the couple want to make the day uniquely theirs.

In your own words, what would a destination wedding in Lake Garda offer a couple to make them pick that over a traditional wedding here in the UK?

Many come for the weather of course, the draw of a possible reception ‘al fresco’ is what brings most couples to Italy along with the romance of the idea. Italian food & wine is hard to beat and many couples enjoy the possibility to introduce their guests to somewhere new, often Lake Garda is already a place very special to the couple themselves. Some couples want something intimate for the whole family/group to make a holiday out of so they have more time together. Others are quite simply used to the idea of destination weddings, there are some circles like that and the couples themselves are fitting their own wedding in between another 3 destination weddings of friends and family. It also offers the possibility to do something different, even if sometimes it isn’t very different. The simple fact of taking your guests out of the country strips them of expectations and leaves the couple a lot of freedom to pick and choose what they want to be part of their wedding day.

How long have you been a wedding planner and what experience do you have?

This is my 10th year planning weddings and after well over 150 weddings in Italy, I am beginning to feel like an expert although there’s always something to keep me on my toes. In my previous life I worked in tourism, initially as a holiday rep then an airport manager and logistics person for a tour operator so I’m used to, but even more importantly, love dealing with people.

How do you keep a couple updated when you are planning their destination wedding?

We e-mail – A LOT! But we also use whats app for photos and videos of say the ceremony location so they can get a reminder of the space to decide if they prefer it this way or that way? Video calls also are a great way to kick start the planning process and then touch base a few times during the year because it can be difficult for the couple to even remember that it’s real as there is a certain detachment which comes with the distance. I think for those most part this actually stops the brides from getting over anxious but I’m always around for a quick chat if they are having a worry.

How many times do you need to meet a couple if they want to book you and at what stages?

Everyone does it differently. Some get in touch before they come to view venues on Lake Garda and we will have made a short list of places to see. Others have already chosen their venue from previous visits or research and have already made that choice. There are some couples who can’t get over before their wedding and everything is done by e-mail. This is true especially couples from further afield but equally not everyone can take the time from work or perhaps children for more visits before the wedding itself. That’s why phone & video calls are so great. But as I live on Lake Garda I’m always available for those who are able to make more trips out here to visit the locations and go over the details in person.

Can you please share some of your highlights of being a wedding planner?

Translating the ceremony for any of my couples is such an emotional moment. It’s read in Italian of course and so needs to be translated and this I love to do myself because, after a year of e-mails, every couple feels like friends and, as well as professionally, I’m emotionally committed. There are many times it’s hard not to well up while asking them such important questions. I’ve also had some pretty famous guests which is always a buzz. A boat trip on the lake with any of my weddings is always a treat. Then there are the couples themselves and we hug and laugh because we’ve been through so much together. Many times guests of the couple make a point of coming over to thank me for my help and that’s really touching. And it can go on, I just had another thank you whats app just because they were remembering their wedding day and wanted to share that with me again. I LOVE that. Every wedding is a highlight really. They are all so different and personal to the couple but always very special memories for me.

Below are some photos of weddings Ginny has arranged at Lake Garda Italy

Have you worked with any videographers or photographers from the UK?

Yes, more and more couples are bringing their own with them and more UK videographers and photographers are offering great deals because they like to do something different and have those photos in their portfolio.

Finally any tips you can provide for a bride considering a destination wedding at Lake Garda or Italy?

Be clear about what’s really important and be prepared to make compromises on the lesser details, like everything in life. Filter any outside advice, no matter how well-intentioned and remember it is YOUR DAY which is why I believe it should be YOUR WEDDING, YOUR WAY.

Thank you for your time to speak with me and answer some questions that will help UK couples

If you are a couple from the UK thinking about a destination wedding at Lake Garda Italy, please do get in contact with Ginny. Also if you are looking for a wedding videographer or photographer I would love to discuss your needs.

Useful Links

Ginny Beven
Website: http://www.weddingsatlakegarda.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weddingsatlakegarda/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weddings_at_lake_garda/

A travel agent specialising in destination weddings
Jules Turner: https://julesturner.notjusttravel.com/

Videographer: https://nickbuntonstudios.co.uk/wedding-videography

Photographer: https://nickbuntonstudios.co.uk/wedding-photographer

The post Destination Weddings at Lake Garda Italy first appeared on Nick Bunton Studios.

AN AMAZING AUTUMN WEDDING AT THE YE OLDE PLOUGH HOUSE WHICH WAS FANTASTIC

Rebecca and Jack got married in autumn at the spectacular Ye Olde Plough House, which is a beautiful barn-style venue in Upminster Essex. They had their ceremony at St Margarets Church, which is their local church. It was such a fun wedding and even the rain didn’t dampen the day!

Bridal prep

Rebecca got ready at her parents home with the bridesmaids, and the atmosphere was so relaxed. All the girls were really happy and excited. The wedding party then took two vintage wedding cars to get to the ceremony. Jack got ready at their home with his groomsmen, they were his dad, Dave and his two brothers Alfie and Charlie (Charlie was also best man), his best friend and the other best man Connor and his brother Antonio. The group travelled to the ceremony in a surprise Rolls Royce which Jack’s mums organised. 

The ceremony

The ceremony was a beautiful service at their local church in Stanford-Le-Hope, Essex. St Margaret’s church is a grand old traditional church set in the heart of Stanford-Le-Hope. Their beautiful son Ari was also baptised there. During the ceremony, they had two readings. It was so personal and so meaningful. As the bride and groom made their way out of the church they looked amazingly happy.

The afternoon

The reception was in the main hall at Ye Olde Plough House. They chose the venue because they wanted a barn style venue, after being guests at friends wedding there a couple of years ago and they just fell in love with it. It was a traditional wedding, which was great fun. I love shooting Ye Olde Plough House weddings because the surroundings are so gorgeous. The venue and staff were great, the food is amazing and I love the venue decor near Christmas. It makes some great video and photos.

They had a really great sweet cart for all the children in the afternoon, and a photobooth in the evening. They decorated the venue with lots of personal and very beautifully crafted extras and candles, because the bride had so many wonderful ideas and it looked incredible. The attention to detail was amazing, it was mainly neutral colours and was just perfect!

For dinner, they served a fabulous top quality choice menu, which was loved by all the guests. When I saw the food being served, it looked absolutely delicious and the presentation was excellent. The first dance was a romantic slow dance, and they finished off the evening with plenty of dancing! This was a fantastic opportunity to get some amazing video footage and photos of the evening entertainment.

The most memorable part of the day was the dancing, because everyone was really enjoying themselves and having a lot of fun. They also did an Italian tradition during the first dance – it was so unique! The parents and grandparents put streamers all around the newlywed’s which I haven’t seen before and it was very colourful.

The couple

Rebecca wore a beautiful traditional wedding dress and Jack wore a lovely suit and they looked so perfect. Rebecca’s wedding dress was sourced locally at Romford bridal shop after she fell in love with it and Jack’s suit was supplied by Moss Brothers. which looked fantastic.

The couple met young at a pyjama party and have been together for ten years. They got in touch with me just a few days before their wedding day and their enquiry really intrigued me. They said the wanted a relaxed videographer who can capture natural footage and wanted all the family captured on film, and I thought it was awesome that they were so fun. The Italian tradition during the first dance was so lovely and different.

Rebecca and Jack’s wedding was such a laugh and so laid back. Here’s their wonderful wedding!

If you’re planning an amazing wedding and looking for a wedding videographer or wedding photographer, get in touch!

Suppliers

Videographer: https://www.nickbuntonstudios.co.uk

Photographer: https://www.amobilestudio.co.uk/

Venue: https://www.yeoldeploughhouse.co.uk

Dress: http://www.bridalshopltd.co.uk

Suit: https://www.moss.co.uk/

Makeup: https://www.instagram.com/Demiraesheekey

Hair: https://www.instagram.com/annies_hair_xx

The post Ye Olde Plough House Autumn Wedding – Rebecca & Jack first appeared on Nick Bunton Studios.

Fantastic wedding at the Ye Olde Plough House Upminster Essex

Rebecca and Jack had a fantastic wedding on Saturday 23th November 2019. They get married at St Margarets church in Stanford-Le-Hope Essex and then went onto Ye Olde Plough House wedding venue in Upminster Essex.

The Wedding Venue

Ye old plough house wedding venue looked incredible for Rebecca and Jacks wedding, all the Christmas decorations just added to the theme of this late autumn wedding.

Wedding Teaser Video

Here is a short teaser video we have quickly put together for the lovely newlyweds Mr & Mrs Newson, congratulations to you both!

Please let us know what you think in the comments below.

The post Ye Olde Plough House Wedding Teaser Video – Rebecca and Jack first appeared on Nick Bunton Studios.

The post ROSLIN BEACH HOTEL AUTUMN WEDDING – SAMANTHA AND KIERAN first appeared on Nick Bunton Studios.

We loved this wedding at the Roslin Beach Hotel in Thorpe Bay Essex

Samantha and Kieran had an amazing wedding on Thursday 24th October 2019. Our job was to join them at the Roslin Beach Hotel in Thorpe Bay Essex to cover from the speeches and into the evening.

Attention to Details

Samantha and Kieran had clearly put a lot of thought and effort into their wedding, the details was just amazing, we made sure I captured plenty of it for the full wedding highlight video.

Wedding Teaser Video

Here is a short teaser video we have quickly put together for lovely newlyweds Mr & Mrs Watson, congratulations to you both!

Please let us know what you think in the comments below.

The post Wedding Teaser Video – Sam & Kieran first appeared on Nick Bunton Studios.

Would you love an amazing full makeover photoshoot experience

We have now officially launched our new beauty portraits for women of all ages. This is a full hair and makeup makeover followed by a portrait photography session in a small selection of outfits you wish to wear and using a few different backgrounds.

My goal was to create an experience for a woman to be a supermodel for the day, this is not only fun, but I will capture photos of you looking so beautiful that you will fall in love with them.

If you would also like a couple of images captured towards the end of the session with your partner this is absolutely fine, bring them with you or they can join you for the last thirty minutes.

Let us talk about the experience!

When booking onto one of our makeover portrait sessions, we start with a pre-consultation, this enables us to get to know you a bit more, find out what you really want and to advise you on what to wear and expect.

On the day of the photoshoot, you will arrive at the studio without makeup and your hair natural. After putting the kettle on, we will take a ‘before’ photo of you as you arrived, this will be paired with one of the photos captured during the photo shoot, an example is shown below.

Next, you will take a seat and be pampered with a full makeup and hair makeover by one of our stylists, she will be with you for the duration of the photoshoot for any touchups or small changes as we go. Trust me you will enjoy this!

Once you are ready you will be asked to change into your first outfit, after this we can begin the photoshoot. You will be assisted with posing throughout, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about, just enjoy the experience.

About the portrait photographer

I am Nick Bunton and have been working since 2007 as a professional photographer capturing weddings, portraits and commercial photos. I am always looking for a new edge in my art when working as a photographer.

I live in South Benfleet Essex and have a small home studio or access to a bigger studio within 2 miles of my home. This allows me to be a portrait photographer who can also do larger groups both in the photo studio or out on location.

Behind the scenes video – The Experience

Take a look at this short behind the scenes video we captured, this will show you the whole experience from arrival to the end.

Want to try the experience?

Would you like to try the experience or treat a loved one to this great opportunity?

To book or for more information on our beauty portrait photo-shoots, please click here

The post Women’s Beauty Portrait Photographer in Essex first appeared on Nick Bunton Studios.

Where to take location photos

Over the years I have been asked on many occasions to do a portrait photoshoot on location. These are great fun with kids as they can almost play and just be themselves. However, they work just the same with adults or families, so where do you take them?

Well, that’s easy, you want to find a location that isn’t too busy to avoid people in the background, but then where do you go? Some people will only see negatives and think everywhere is not good enough, the grass is too long, full of weeds, all graffiti on the walls etc.

What to look for

Once you stop seeing the negatives, the positives will be right there for you. Take a look at this photo, this was taken at the edge of an old castle ruins path, it was just long grass and weeds, but to me, it was just perfect for what I wanted to capture.

Here is another example of how to use whats all around you to create lovely photos, using the outdoors like this produces photos with the most beautiful colours.

Other locations to use for photos

Other locations include the beach, just go early or later in the day as the light is softer then and fewer people around. The woods are also a favourite of ours, especially in the Autumn months! Most of the time you can just shoot with natural daylight, but it’s worth having an external flash with you to use for fill light to add that sparkle to the persons face.

Below is an example of what you can capture in the woods on an average day, just using a simple fill light and a little post-production editing produces something great

If you have any questions or would like to know anything else, please put it int he comments below and we will answer any questions.

Thanks for reading

Nick Bunton Studios

The post Where to capture portraits on location first appeared on Nick Bunton Studios.

Should you get pre-wedding, engagement or couples photos or video?

A pre-wedding or couples photoshoot or video shoot is great for many reasons.

If you are celebrating an engagement or having a pre-wedding photoshoot, this will give you some beautiful photos in your smart-casual outfits that are more you. It’s also a very informal and relaxed session.

If you are thinking about having a pre-wedding photoshoot, you can use some of the images at your wedding, also why not frame your favourite in a large frame with a large mount area, then you can ask your wedding guests to sign on the mount around the image and keep this as a guest book that can hang on your wall to keep that great memory fresh in your head each day when you see it in addition to your smile.

Even if you are already married or not planning a wedding at this time, a couples photoshoot is a great fun experience with your loved one and you get some beautiful images of you both.

Everyone is different, some couples will be more intermate in front of the camera and others are more reserved, this makes no difference, you need to be yourselves and nothing more.

Below is an example, this was taken on the pavement under a railway bridge, I loved the colour of the graffiti on the walls to add to this image.

We also offer a video for those who don’t want just photos, we can capture lots of short clips of you over an hour and edit them down into a short video to capture those moments that would otherwise be lost in time.

This is another sample image I captured and this time I processed it in black and white.

The post Should You Get Pre Wedding Engagement Photos? first appeared on Nick Bunton Studios.