by Liz Baker Photography | Anniversaries, Engagements
Joni and George celebrated 4 years of marriage with this anniversary session – a collection of fine art film images.
They have always loved to take a break together along the coast in West Dorset – a chance to get away and spend some quiet time together. It was almost as if they were retracing old footsteps in the sand as they wandered by the waves, talking together about these first years of their marriage, and their precious young daughter.
The coast is a great place to go for an engagement shoot or an anniversary session, especially if you can easily access both the cliffs above and the beach below. This kind of location offers both variety as well as beauty, drama and romance. I love to shoot at the coast whenever I have the chance!
Although there had been sunshine all day, banks of cloud rolled in off the sea as we began the shoot, creating some spectacular skies over the distant cliffs as the sun shone through, and a maritime feel to the images as the blue-green light bounced around us. This too provided a reflection of their marriage: it’s certainly not always sunny in such a close and demanding relationship and cloudy weather is all part of the package, yet that too is beautiful in its own way.
I believe that the actual process of the shoot – taking the time out, carrying a bouquet, reflecting on the exchange of rings to name just a few aspects – this process is in itself an encouragement to a couple, and an affirmation of their commitment. Grounded in the day-to-day reality of marriage, this celebration is so much more poignant than the original wedding.
For this reason I absolutely love these sessions and the images they produce, which declare to the world, “I still do.”.
by Liz Baker Photography | Branding, Events
Wild yet elegant. Extravagant yet somehow understated. I am an unashamed fan – even a bore – on the subject of the new romantic floral movement and the snapshot of nature that an arrangement in this style produces. As you can imagine I was in my element shooting my film camera in the cutting garden at stunning wedding venue Forde Abbey. I was also happy indeed to pass an hour observing the creativity flowing at this workshop, led by Grace Alexander (whose florals I adore for being all of the above), and documenting it through my lens.
Flower farmer and florist Grace was featured in Rock My Wedding’s series on Garden Gate’s Forage & Feast hosted by Nancarrow Farm. Described there as “a creative force and seasoned florist with real flair” Grace also runs her own creative flower workshops. Having also studied stateside recently at Floret, Grace is passionate about using the very best of what’s in season to create beautiful hand-ties and arrangements.
When Grace and I met for coffee to chat about the florals for my earthy and organic wedding inspiration she welcomed me to photograph her June 2017 workshop, in celebration of British Flowers Week, and I loved every minute of it! Even as she grows and harvests the flowers for her own wedding this year, she is still finding the time to bring beauty and happiness to weddings all over the South West with her home-grown blooms.
Very soon you will also be able to sow happiness in your own plot or garden, with Grace’s new artisan seed collection launching this summer. The collection features varieties not readily available through mainstream outlets and will be available soon via stockists such as Fine Art Wedding Boutique – a fabulous one-stop shop for a range of wedding suppliers totally committed to a beautiful fine art aesthetic.
I hope you enjoy these images of Grace’s workshop at Forde Abbey.
by Liz Baker Photography | Inspiration
Dillington House Wedding – Pastels and Moody Blues
A S S E E N O N B R I D A L M U S I N G S
I am so delighted to share a few preview images from a Dillington House wedding editorial I worked on just recently, soon to be published on an international wedding blog.
Dillington House wedding venue in Somerset, England is a 16th-century manor house with a small but perfectly-formed Orangery. With full-height windows to bathe your wedding in light, it also features the most beautiful local hamstone walls and blue lias flagstone floors. The warmth of the hamstone is reflected so beautifully in these film stills. We also aimed to juxtapose the warm pastel tones against the moody blue tones throughout every element of the styling – from the florals to the silks to the pewter cutlery, and everything in between!
Sassi Holford is a proudly English label, her dresses designed and manufactured right here in England, and we are delighted to feature two of her 2017 designs. Florist Jacalyn of Cottage Flowers created a stunning greenery arch with Japanese lilacs, while stylist Beth produced a striking handlettered invitation suite and menu on acrylic for Apple and Bramble Events. Leanne at Baking Chick worked her baking magic on an exquisite four-tier blush and pewter marble cake.
The warmth of the stone, Old World rentals, Mantilla veil and fruit-laden evening table lend this shoot the feel of a somewhat Mediterranean destination wedding.
Full vendor credits below.
Click here for the full gallery.
Shot on Fuji Pro 400H.
Photographer: Liz Baker Photography https://lizbakerphotography.co.uk/
Planning & Direction: Liz Baker & Beth Ralph
Styling: Beth Ralph & Jacalyn Arscott
Stationery: Beth Ralph for Apple & Bramble Events https://www.appleandbramble.co.uk/
Florals: Jacalyn Arscott for Cottage Flowers http://www.cottageflowersandmore.co.uk/
Dresses: Sassi Holford https://sassiholford.com/
Rentals: Virginia’s Vintage Hire http://virginiasvintagehire.co.uk/
Accessories: Sassi Holford Taunton http://sassiholfordtaunton.co.uk/
Venue: Dillington House http://www.weddingvenueinsomerset.com/
Cakes: Baking Chick http://bakingchick.co.uk/
Make-up: Laura Le Page MUA https://www.lauralepagebridalmakeup.com/
Hair: Rosanne Derryman http://www.bridalhairbyrosanne.co.uk/
Silks: Plant-dyed ribbons and runner via Alison at Border Cottage http://www.bordercottageflowers.co.uk/
Suits: Harrimans http://www.harrimansmenswear.co.uk/
Film Lab: Exposure Film Lab https://www.exposurefilmlab.com/
by Liz Baker Photography | Branding, Inspiration
“One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter.”
― Henry David Thoreau
Stills taken at The Stone House and the beach, Charmouth, using a Mamiya 645 and Canon 5D. Shot on Fuji 400h and Portra 400, processed and scanned by Carmencita.
by Liz Baker Photography | Inspiration
“I write to beg that you will gratify me by taking a drive with me this afternoon. I shall call at five o’clock if that hour will suit your convenience…”
So began one of Woodrow Wilson’s messages to his first wife Ellen, penned in his own immaculate hand. Together they had three daughters and she went on to become First Lady. Sadly she died during the second year of his Presidency.
Wilson is famed for his ardent letters to Ellen… In another message he wrote:
“Please go to ride with us this evening, precious little girl, so that I can whisper something in your ear—something of my happiness and love, and accept this, in the meantime, as a piece out of my very heart, which is all yours but cannot be sent as I wish to send it by letter.”
These simple notes from the late 19th century inspired the following images, taken in a beautiful Georgian Somerset townhouse.
Luxury wedding photography portraits can be taken before or after the big day – enabling you to spend all day with your guests but still achieve beautiful bridal portraits. For example: the bride in the week before her wedding, or the couple on return from honeymoon. Would you like to know more? I would love to hear from you.
Shot on Fuji Pro 400H | Developed & scanned by Carmencita Lab | Florals and calligraphy by Callie and Bea
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