matt parry photography

Sam & Julia Kick Off 2012 in Style...

2012-02-10T02:10:00.000-08:00

A great start to my year with a wonderful venue, some unseasonably warm weather and gorgeous winter sunshine. Sam & Julia's wedding had all the ingredients of a memorable day...top hats, cute kids, kind weather, a VERY happy couple, proud parents, embarrassing speeches, great food, a good drink, live band, silly dancing and a drunk uncle! A selection of my favourites and slideshow below

Its going to be a busy year..and all I can ask for is 'more of the same please'...photos by me and music by Greg Holden

Emily & Stephens Central London Winter Wedding Bonanza

2012-02-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

Soho. A Very Cool Couple. Smithfields meat market and a boutique hotel in Clerkenwell..what a way to end a brilliantly diverse year with a brilliantly diverse wedding. Emily & Steve are reading this blog in SE Asia on their 6 month RTW honeymoon so I have included an extra large portion of my favourites and a slideshow with travel inspired soundtrack below.
I started the day in Soho with Steve and his mates in a pub with a shaggy dog before a wonderfully cool ceremony at the Soho hotel and whilst the guests took a magical mystery tour on a route master me, Emily and Steve headed to Smithfields (where Emily and Steve got engaged) for some fun and relaxed shots before catching up with their guests at a hotel in Clerkenwell. photos by me and music by Gomez...enjoy

Emma & Corey - Woburn... A Winter Wedding

2012-01-12T08:46:00.000-08:00

This was the first 'photographers' wedding I have shot...and I have always imagined it to be a stressful experience but Corey was great and just let me get on with capturing his big day. Proceedings began with the craziest bridal prep I have experienced for a long time...I had to keep reminding the girls that there was a bloke in the room (honestly some of their stories are still making me blush). The weather called for the odd umbrella but with all the celebrations taking place under the one roof it didn't make a blind bit off difference to a great day just before Christmas. Here's a few of my favourites....enjoy

Gillian & Dennis, The Olde Bell Hurley

2012-01-09T03:57:00.000-08:00

Gillian and Dennis made their big day completely unique to themselves...which always makes a photographers job so much easier. From handmade flower arrangements to Dennis's illustrations adorning the menus, table plan and top of the cake..... they both really stamped their own brand on the day! Even their shoes stood out from the crowd (and you know I love shoes!!). It was another VERY cold December day but in the brief time we had outdoors before and after the ceremony the winter sun was a beautiful golden brown...again making a photographers job so much easier! The day ended at the fantastic Olde Bell in Hurley with fantastic food and roaring fires warming up the guests. A selection of my favourites below, with a slideshow at the bottom...enjoy. Photos by me and music by Amy Macdonald

Tina & Karl, A Cotswold Christmas Wedding

2012-01-03T04:49:00.000-08:00

The first of my 4 weddings over Christmas was in the beautiful Cotswold Town of Chipping Campden. Tina & Karl and their 2 wonderful children made me feel really part of the day and I was christened Harry Hill by all the kids (and most of the adults too). After bridal prep in the morning Karl came to meet Tina and the three of us walked the short distance to the church grabbing a few photos along the way...although plans to stop and spend any longer outside were aborted as it was absolutely bloody freezing. The rest of the day was much warmer and like so many big days I share wonderfully relaxed and informal with plenty of laughing, joking and general silliness to capture (every wedding should a nice slice of silliness included) A nice big selection of my favourites below with a slideshow at the bottom...enjoy. photos by me and music by the bird and the bee

2011 - The Best Bits

2011-12-20T04:06:00.000-08:00

If somebody had told me 2 years ago that in the year 2011 I would shoot 48 weddings, I would have slapped them round the face with a wet fish and declared them mad. It's not that I didn't want to shoot 48 weddings BUT from a standing start I just didn't think it possible, so I am truly humbled and full of thanks to everybody who has trusted me with capturing what for many is one of the biggest days of their lives! So here's my favourite bits..and although I couldn't squeeze every bodies venue, cake, feet, smiles, shoes, laughter, silly dancing, tears, children and drunken guests into 4 minutes 30 seconds hopefully it will give you a flavour of my year and how much fun and emotion plays out in front of my lens...enjoy! photos by me and music by "allo darlin'

The Ice Maidens Of Battersea Park

2011-12-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

As my quiet period continues time to partake in some more pastimes that the warmer busy months simply do not allow...this time catching up with my photography buddy Gary and his partner Claudia who regularly organises photo shoots for her twitter/facebook groups. Not usually my sort of thing at all...in fact it was the first time I have shot an actual model EVER and although I had a great day give me an emotional, giggly and excitable bride any day of the week! But what did I learn, well unlike us 'norms' models have the ability to look down a lens without pulling a funny face and they NEVER blink...EVER. They are also lovely girls who were willing to brave a very cold day in flimsy dresses and crazy eyelashes to give us photographers something to point our cameras at...thanks ladies. A selection of my favourites below and with 4 weddings coming in December I promise normal service will be resumed shortly

Autumn in Andalucia

2011-12-02T05:42:00.000-08:00

Autumn in Sevilla isn't like autumn in London......its 28 degrees and people eat tapas outside wearing t-shirts until the early hours of the morning. As October and November bring me a little free time, me and Mrs mattparry photography (aka Carla) jumped on a 2 hour flight to Sevilla and grabbed a week of food, wine and sunshine taking in what has to be one of Europes most beautiful cities and a nearby bustling coastal town called Cadiz. Of course I took a camera and as I will not have another wedding to blog until December I thought I would share the results below...hopefully the blue skies and vibrant colours might warm us all up a bit. enjoy!

Gillian & Sean, Lauderdale House Highgate Village

2011-11-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

Back to North West London and some fabulous autumnal colours for Gillian and Sean's Big Day. As is often the case I arrived a little early and as is also often the case the Bride was running a little behind schedule, so rather than wait around with nothing to point my camera at I joined Gillian at the hair salon, which her bridal party including 3 glamorous flower girls had taken over for the morning. Once nails were dried and curlers (lots and lots of curlers) were removed we headed back to the house for some crazy final prep before I headed to the venue and what proved to be a fantastic relaxed occasion followed by some good old getting on down and probably my favourite 'dance like nobodies looking shot' of all time....see if you can spot it in my selection of favourites and the slideshow at the bottom. Photos by me and music by the Cure...enjoy

Kate and Martin, Sopwell House, St Albans

2011-11-11T03:18:00.000-08:00

Sunshine, guests in sunglasses, pimms, an amazing short dress..and more sunshine! Would you believe me if I told you that Kate and Martins big day took place at the middle of October...not the middle of July? In fact the only give away was the beautiful Autumn colours in the trees around the venue and the lovely mellow golden brown light which shone through them (I love Autumn I do)
Look out for that AMAZING dress (and it's blue bow), Sideshow Bob on the decks, Pirates and lots of dancing as if know body was watching (surely the best type of dancing!)...enjoy. Photo's by me and music by Ellie Goulding

Once Upon A Time In Paris

2011-11-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

Some shots from a recent flying visit to Paris. Some a little touristy, some not so, and some a little silly... enjoy (normal wedding service shall be resumed shortly)

Stacy & Jonny, Audleys Wood Hotel

2011-11-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

It’s not too common for a country house venue to have an ensuite disused factory...but when they do I’m all over it, as you will see from the first shot below. Stacy and Jonny got married in a tiny village on the outskirts of Basingstoke and seeing as Stacy was a very fashionable 45 minutes late to the church I got to spend a bit longer with the boys than is usual before everybody headed to the Audleys Wood Hotel. A selection of my favourites below with a slideshow at the very bottom...look out for Jessie J and Robbie making an appearance during the bridal prep, somebody flying low, 2 very different wedding cars, that disused factory and Jonny’s brother recounting a childhood bb gun incident. Photos by me and music by the Divine Comedy...enjoy

Anna & Phun's Chinese Wedding Spectacular

2011-10-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

OK guys, bear with me on this one whilst I explain how Phun and Anna's crazy (in a good way) day unfolded otherwise the slideshow and photos below may become a bit confusing....so here goes. The day began at Anna's parents. EARLY. Phun arrived with the boys and was forced to perform silly door games and pay his entrance into the house before he could see Anna. Then lots of tea was drank during 2 ceremonies at Anna's then Phun's parents homes. People had some breakfast (still early) and I took some shots of the boys infront of a scrap yard entrance...still with me? We then all headed to the beautiful Beauberry House in Dulwich Village, Anna changed into a western wedding dress and the wedding ceremony took place...keeping up? confetti was thrown, a cake was cut and Anna and Phun went for a walk in the park to take a breather (I tagged along). Then all the guests joined about another 400 additional guests at a huge restaurant, ate lots of lobster and drank lots of brandy and I nearly collapsed after taking photos for over 12 hours. Does that all make sense ?....thought not!
A brilliant day, a brilliant couple and hopefully a set of photos that capture the sheer scale of the celebrations...my favourite shot? has to be Phun's look of pride as his bride approaches over his shoulder (he had looked nervous as hell right up to that point!!!). Photos by me and music by Gomez...enjoy

Charlotte & Ian's Autumnal Hampstead Heath Wedding

2011-10-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

charlotte and ian are both a similar age to me...but they look so much younger! and as well as their youthful looks they have an equally youthful exuberance which makes them so much fun to work with . I am the last photographer who you will find overusing such words as super.awesome.cute..etc but I have to admit (and if you take a look at the very last picture in my selection below you will have to agree.....) that charlotte and ian are super cute together (there I said it).
my slightly shorter day began at their venue, lauderdale house in highgate north london, where bride and groom met at the gates and walked down the aisle together beaming from ear to ear! and after a rainy start the sun broke out so we could grab a quick walk and some pics in the very autumnal looking hampstead heath which adjoined the house...a selection below with a slideshow at the top (for a change). photos by me and music by the maccabees...enjoy

Della and Grant's Super Seaside Windy Wedding

2011-10-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

oh I do love to be beside the seaside...something about the wind in my lack of hair that really cleanses the soul...so whenever I get the opportunity to capture a seaside wedding I jump at the chance. grant and della’s ‘seaside’ of choice was the christchurch harbour hotel, a lovely deco inspired building overlooking the water....and even on a brisk september day (before the indian summer arrived) it made for a great backdrop to their special day. a pretty huge selection of my favourites below with the slideshow at the bottom. look out for the world’s biggest can of hairspray, limited mobile phone coverage, twin brides, flashing guests, windswept veils’ and plenty of dancing. photos by me and music by the courteeners...enjoy

Vaishali & Phil, The Tithe Barn Petersfield

2011-10-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

a nice early coffee fuelled start to the day with a 9am ceremony at the beautiful petersfield registry office helped along by a jovial registrar who woke everybody up and got the day started with a bang. we then all headed to the tithe barn for more coffee and brekky before a full on colour explosion hindu ceremony beneath a mandap juxtaposed beautifully with the old barn interior. I don't class myself as a traditional indian wedding photographer...infact this is only the second hindu ceremony I have captured! but the fun, colour, emotion and all the elements I love to capture at any wedding are supplied in abundance and I just soak it all up and hopefully let my camera capture the excitement and tell the story of the day. look out for all of the above plus: a pensive toastmaster, lots of henna and the best kid sized bollywood dancing this side of bombay, in a selection of my favourites (in no particular order) below....enjoy. photos by me and music by krissy and the jackdaws

Pete & Fiona, Silchester House

2011-10-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

my wedding roadshow moved onto berkshire and the beautiful silchester house...the second bijou wedding venue I have shot this year and as with notley abbey another stunning old property with a light contemporary interior. pete and fi found me through my twitter feed, after fi’s sister put a shout out looking for a modern, relaxed photographer to her many followers. I know the response was pretty huge...so I thank the guys (and lori) for picking me out of what was a very long list. I have had some great fun in the sunshine this year and as I enter the winter wedding season I’m gonna miss waiting patiently (usually lying on the ground) for the giant jenga to fall. more jenga in my selection of favourites below..and don’t forget the slideshow. photos by me and music by wolfman...enjoy

Rufus : A Photographers Friend

2011-09-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

well as the year draws towards its close (41 weddings shot and 7 remaining) i thought it might be nice to share a little personal project I have been putting together since march. I get very little time to do any other ‘professional’ photography other than weddings, but my camera is rarely out of arms length...so when we decided to get a dog to keep me company during my long hours of editing and my wife carla company whilst I am away most weekends shooting, i thought it a good idea to capture him as he turned from a little ball of wrinkles to a full grown border terrier. his name is rufus by the way...he’s a handful but we both love him to bits. these shots below show him from 4 weeks old until 7 months old, with the final image taken just today on our doorstep.....enjoy (back to the weddings next week...i promise)

Oli & Mel, Lynford Hall Norfolk

2011-09-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

my busy summer wedding roadshow moved on... this time to the beautiful norfolk countryside. the church in tiny weasenham st peter and its slightly nervous vicar hadn’t conducted a wedding ceremony for over 2 years.....which is strange as its arched entrance must have one of the best views in the whole of east anglia (see pictures). oli and mel live in london and mel , a huge animal lover, works at battersea dogs home..you may even spot their dog cooper in the slideshow. another great day and an emotional day for mels family who were all visiting from australia (thankfully they brought us some sunshine) photos by me and music by brooke fraser

Naomi & Ben - London Zoo Wedding

2011-09-20T02:46:00.000-07:00

naomi and ben are one of those couples who don’t believe in stuffy outdated wedding traditions; so they hung out and got ready together on the morning of their big day...oh and they got married AT THE ZOO! the day began in my old stomping ground of camden before heading to the pavilion overlooking london zoo’s outback enclosure where the ceremony took place. a little rain couldn’t dampen the spirits and a visit from a one eyed parrot and a chilled out llama certainly added to the occasion. but the highlight of the day was the sun appearing as the zoo closed to the public and all the guests heading to the gorilla enclosure for a cocktail reception and a little human to ape bonding. before I left for the day naomi, ben and me headed into the ‘closed’ zoo for some shots on the abandoned carousel. needless to say it wasn’t long before security caught up with us and sent us back to the gorillas..spoilsports! my favourites and a slideshow below, photos by me and music by noah and the whale...enjoy

Rupal & Lee's WOW Wedding

2011-09-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

WOW where to start? firstly a big thanks to rupal and lee for putting their trust in my style and approach instead of choosing a more tried,tested and ‘traditional’indian wedding photographer...i only hope they are as pleased with the results as i am. such a busy day with 2 ceremonies, 2 bridal preps, 2 pairs of jimmy’s, numerous costume changes and about as much colour and activity as one colour loving candid photographer could handle. it’s also been a long edit to ensure i really did all those colours and costumes justice...but worth every hour!

so here it is...my first indian ceremony and rupal and lee’s special day. a TINY selection of my favourites below with a slideshow at the top (for a change). photos by me and music by a fine frenzy...enjoy (i am off to get some rest!)

Lauren & Bobby, Hitchin Priory

2011-08-31T08:23:00.000-07:00

a white classic car driving through the cobbled streets of a historic market town spewing bubbles from its rear sounds the stuff of roald dahl novels...but in this instance it was on the occasion of lauren and bobby’s big day. hitchin town centre is a lovely place and said cars short drive from its church to its priory grabbed the attention of all the locals even if there was a hint of rain (and bubbles) in the air. I had a great day; lauren, bobby, their dog jumble and all the guests were great fun...the only slight downside (apart from the rain) was a highly eccentric vicar who seemed to blame me for the bride being a very fashionable 45minutes late and ordered me to go and buy him a banana as he was likely to miss his lunch (strange but true story). My favourites with a slideshow below. photos by me and music by ellie goulding..enjoy

David & Cristina, Boys Hall Ashford

2011-08-26T03:47:00.000-07:00

I get to witness a LOT of first dances but dave and cristina’s has to be my favourite of this year! The sheer volume of their chosen track ( the baz luhrmann moulin rouge version of ‘your song’) and the sheer exuberance of their guests who stormed the dance floor as the song reached its orchestral climax made for an amazing moment...I couldn’t help but join in and jumped right into the thick of the fun grabbing a few shots which hopefully give a guests eye view of the mayhem! latin weddings are always a lot of fun and cristina’s spanish friends and family didn’t disappoint which only helped to increase the volume and merrymaking of all the british contingient! so all in all a very passionate, love filled day which even a few rain showers couldn’t dampen (even the one during the outdoor ceremony). my favourites and a slideshow below. photos by me and music by bright eyes

Rob and Beccy, Halswell House Somerset

2011-08-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

rob and beccy live half a world away in sydney...but as always that was no problem as a glass of wine (for me anyway as it was morning in sydney) over a skype video call is just as useful as a 'real life' meeting in a coffee shop. choosing a photographer from afar is one thing...but a venue? that's a whole other issue. but thankfully rob and beccy trusted the search to their families who came up trumps with a simply stunning house in the somerset countryside surrounded by rolling fields of uncut wheat (a dream for any photographer). their day was relaxed, emotional, fun and sun kissed with a finale of a retro light up disco dancefloor for all their guests to strut their stuff upon.
as their image discs may take a little longer in the post I have included a larger selection than usual to give an even better flavour of the day...but don't forget the slideshow at the very bottom. photos by me and music by anni b sweet. enjoy

James and Claire - The Voyage of the Princess Wendy

2011-08-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

james and claire met on a boat called the princess wendy and during its voyage they fell in love... hence the title of this blog and the theme for their wedding reception. like so many of my weddings this summer the weather was a little changeable but for the most clear blue skies shone down on the west sussex countryside for their ceremony in midhurst and the following reception in a nearby beautifully converted barn. another wonderfully relaxed day and equally relaxed couple who fully embraced my style and approach and were a joy to capture. here's a few of my favourites with a slideshow below. photos by me and music by the maccabees

Tammy & Mark - A Pretty Buckinghamshire Wedding

2011-08-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

tammy and mark (aka junior) got married in a pretty buckinghamshire village and walked the short distance from the church to the village hall reception venue with all their guests under a warm blue sky. the relaxed reception had afternoon tea table decorations, a pub quiz, silly dancing, lego men and pirate hats...the perfect ingredients for any british summertime wedding. a selection of my favourites with a slideshow at the bottom. photos by me and music by the plain white t's...enjoy!

Kelly-Ann & Richard (plus little Stanley) at Porchester Castle

2011-08-01T03:06:00.000-07:00

I love a good seaside wedding! especially in a chapel set within the ruins of porchester castle! add to that some blue skies and a bright red london bus (which I don't think ever made it to hyde park corner?) and I am quite simply in my element. I am lucky that my style and approach to wedding photography tends to attract couples who's approach mirrors mine i.e fun and laid back (weddings are parties after all) , but kelly-anne took laid back to a whole new level and because of that enjoyed her day from start to finish. as always the bride was the star of the show but a close second was kelly-anne and richard's son stanley who enjoyed every minute in his matching suit and little black converse. a selection of my favourites and a slideshow below, photos by me and music by john mayer...enjoy

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James and Catherine - Great British Weather Wedding

2011-07-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

here's a selection of shots from a recent wedding that prove how 'changeable' the british summertime can be! james and catherine's day began with torrential rainfall...but as if by magic the storms cleared to sunshine allowing the planned bbq celebrations to go ahead. as everyone tucked in beneath gazebo's on the lawn the heavens opened once more but the guests kept smiling and laughing until once again, as if by magic, the sun reappeared before dessert was served. check out the last 3 shots below which hopefully capture how quickly the weather changed and the fun spirit that ensued.

Cornelia & Gero - Love Is All You Need

2011-07-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

cornelia and gero are probably the most amazing couple I have ever had the privilege to shoot! and if you can find a photograph in the selection or slideshow below that doesn’t involve one or both of them beaming from ear to ear then you’re not looking properly because they didn’t stop smiling all day/afternoon and night! as well as the amazing handmade ‘love is all you need’ sign they had erected, cornelia and gero had lots of little cultural quirks involved in their day from their homelands of sweden and bulgaria respectively. one of these was cornelia’s ‘best woman’ juni escorting her to the top of the aisle where gero was waiting to escort his bride to be to the front of the congregation..and all this beneath a beautiful blue sky. just perfect! for the portrait shots we found a small clearing in an enchanted forest and cornelia and gero practised the routine to their first dance to my acapella accompaniment whilst the camera captured the results. to hear which song I attempted to sing listen to and watch the slideshow below. photos by me and music by etta james

Duncan & Maria, Priory Hall Suffolk

2011-07-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

I see a lot of wedding cars from black cabs to rolls royces...but the bright red austin healey that maria's dad had lovingly restored for his daughters big day has to be one of my favourites so far. I often ask if anybody knows the collective noun for bridesmaids (maybe a posse?) but all 5 of maria's wore matching red dresses which made for a really colourful day at the lovely priory hall in hadliegh. duncan and maria had a very british theme serving afternoon tea, followed by chip shop delivered fish and chips all washed down with pimms and local suffolk ales and cider...a another great day! my favourites with a slideshow below...photos by me and music by laura viers.

Rupal & Lee, Milton Keynes E-Shoot

2011-07-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

OK so milton keynes isn't the most obvious place for an engagement shoot but there lies the challenge...and like all my photography its all about the people first and foremost with the locations coming second. so on a blustery thursday evening myself rupal and lee met at milton keynes gallery and headed into nearby campbell park beneath a dramatic sky. you may notice I don't do many pre wedding shoots, mainly because they go against my ethos of 'as it happens' photography, but on the odd occasion that I do I attempt to make them look and feel as relaxed as possible. lee, like most of my clients (and me) hates his photo being taken so its a case of getting the interaction with rupal and not with me or the camera that hopefully brings out the better more natural side of people. nothing forced or faked..except maybe a little white heart to add a touch of romance! rupal and lee's big indian ceremony is in august so keep watching the blog for what should be a very colourful and eventful day

Jennifer & Arsenio Gilwell Park

2011-07-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

I originally met jen and nio at a wedding fair and they ended up changing the date of their big day to suit my availability...and I am glad that they did! jen looked stunning and arsenio has a face that the camera loves, because he never stops laughing and smiling! and it’s all for real, never forced and never put on for the camera! the guy is just happy and is not afraid to show it.
the chosen venue for jen and nio was gilwell park which is the home of the cub scout movement in epping forest, a great venue, but like any venue would have it only played second fiddle to the fantastic array of colourful characters that make up jen & nio’s friends and family...an amazing party from start to finish!
I only hope that the slideshow below gives at least some flavour of the fun! photos by me and music by nina simone...enjoy

Alex & Charlie, The Wasing Park estate

2011-07-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

If i get the chance to spend some time with both the bridal and grooms parties before the wedding then a few truths become apparent: the girls will take an age pampering themselves surrounded by champagne, hairspray, hair rollers and girls aloud albums whilst the boys will take,at tops, 10 minutes before checking their reflections in a dirty window.
charlie is a very talented wedding makeup artist and you will probably guess from the pictures that alex serves in the army which added a real officer and a gentleman feel to the day.. although his bestman’s chosen retro outfit did add a slight dads army twist to proceedings (his words not mine). seriously though it was one of the most romantic weddings I have ever shot and even a bit of rain couldn’t dampen the spirits. here’s a selection of my faves with a slideshow at the bottom. photos by me and music by mumm-ra

Untitled from matt parry on Vimeo.

Adam & Suzanne aka Mr & Mrs Love

2011-07-07T15:14:00.000-07:00

I reckon that if the grooms surname means the happy couple will end the day as mr and mrs love then you have to be on to a winner...and adam and suzanne certainly were. I always say the one thing you can’t organise for your big day is the weather! but if there has to be a thunderstorm during your ceremony (making an already dramatic church..even more dramatic) it’s only fair that the rain should stop at the exact moment you say “I do” and emerge outside as man and wife! and that’s exactly what happened...thank god (literally)

by the time we reached addington palace the lawns had dried enough for the kids to roll around and the adults to enjoy a glass of bubbly under blue(ish) skies. a small selection of my favourites below with a slideshow at the bottom. photos by me and music by the divine comedy..enjoy

Alexis & Anthony, Hanbury Manor Country Club

2011-06-23T02:52:00.000-07:00

as a photographer who loves using natural light whenever possible, the conservatory at hanbury manor offers probably the best light of any ceremony I have shot this year. add to that a chequer board floor, a black cab, plenty of pimms and a load of happy but slightly warm guests and you have got yourself a great wedding to capture. alexis and anthony got married on a scorching hot day earlier in june and as you will see from some of my favourite shots below sunglasses were very much in order for kids and adults alike....enjoy and don’t forget the slideshow. photos by me and music by sixpence none the richer

Untitled from matt parry on Vimeo.

Lizzy & Brad, Sunshine, Smiles and Campervans

2011-06-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

you would think that attending approx 1 wedding per week would harden me somewhat to the emotions that take place in front of my lens.....but NEVER! I love it and am often knocked sideways by a speech or first kiss etc etc. during liz and brad's register signing a friend surprised the whole congregation by singing candi staton’s you got the love...it was mind blowing,filling every inch of the beautiful church and even making my eyes get a bit sweaty. fortunately I managed to get myself together long enough to capture lizzy’s sisters reaction as the singing began (see below). the whole day was amazing, so different and full of fun! ..you know I love a bit of colour so with blue skies and a pink VW campervan I was in my element. so many to choose from but i managed to narrow it down to 13 images below, but watch the slideshow for the best overview of what was a great, great day (look out for bouncy castles, cheeky ushers, jazz musicians and lizzy’s dad playing double bass with drum sticks.....yes drum sticks). photos by me and music by krissy and the jackdaws...enjoy

Lucy and Mark, The Tower - Leez Priory

2011-06-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

semi interesting fact: as recently as 1995 leez priory became the first english country house to be issued with a license to conduct civil marriage ceremonies (I did say SEMI interesting) and today has various location within its grounds that allow a ceremony to take place. lucy and mark chose by far the most romantic of these, the room high in its tower! although romantic also reads as intimate leaving me pretty much just enough room to sit on a kindly ushers knee throughout the ceremony (the first part of my editing process required the deleting of the shots that contained in some part a section of the registrars backside) the priory's grounds and its architecture are simply beautiful, and even more so under the bright blue skies that lasted all day and into evening giving us some great light for the romantic/giggly shots of lucy and mark (lucy didn't stop smiling, laughing and giggling all day). my favourites and a slideshow below. photos by me and music by ingrid michaelson..enjoy

Tafflyn and Danny, Sopwell House St Albans

2011-06-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

during their preparation a bride may use many different techniques to keep calm and relaxed: drinking champagne is the most favoured approach, but tafflyn chose to get jiggy and become the fourth member of destiny's child (see below). sopwell house is a beautiful venue with fantastic grounds allowing tafflyn and danny to conduct their ceremony outside under blue skies and a blazing sun which forced some follically challenged guests to take emergency measures (see below) whilst I, as per usual, just got burnt! another great day full of fun, laughter and loadsa man hugs...just the way it should be. some of my faves below with a slideshow to enjoy. photos by me and music by amy macdonald.

Retro blog post - Ian & Sammy in SOHO

2011-06-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

to celebrate the launch of my new and improved blog I thought it a good idea to feature some of my favourite blogs of the last 2 years in retrospect......first up its ian and sammy from 2010 a wedding that has been since been featured on the brilliant rock n roll bride blog (hit badge in the sidebar for the feature)

"I am so lucky to enjoy my job and look forward to every wedding as a fresh challenge, but I must admit that ian and sammy's wedding was one that I had really been looking forward to since we met at their soho venue the century club earlier in the year. just as I try to bring a different approach to my wedding photography, ian and sammy brought a different approach to their wedding day with fantastic outfits, venues and quirky additions throughout the day! the day started at the dean street townhouse in soho before the ceremony at london's most iconic registry office the old marylebone townhall and then a routemaster to a roof top reception overlooking shaftesbury avenue. amazing. again so hard to pick, but some of the shots we took out and about on brewer street are some of my favourite ever (look out for bride and groom being congratulated by a lady working the peep show entrance) . photos by me and music by nick cave....enjoy"

Paul and Becky, Hunton Park Wedding

2011-06-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

some lovely blue skies and bridal anticipation for me to capture in this one. paul and becky got married on FA cup final day, but as paul is an arsenal fan there was little chance of there being a clash with his big day! ( sorry paul! although his stoke based family members could be seen in front of the hotel bars TV screen at various points). I truly believe that wedding photography is as much about persistence and being in the right place at the right time as it is about the more technical aspects, and the first shot I have chosen as my favourite below shows if you persist then maybe one day you will capture a heart shaped piece of confetti......in just the right place at just the right time. photos by me and music by bright eyes...enjoy

Laura & Dave, Croydon's Hidden Gems

2011-05-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

think of croydon and you don't think of manicured gardens and grand churches, but I can assure you that all of the below took place within the boundaries of that very town! honest. laura and dave booked me well in advance and being a budding photographer herself laura had been keeping a close eye on my blog (I hope she likes me new 'pimped' up version!!!) and it is always so enjoyable when you are trusted to get on with capturing any big day 'as it happens' and that's exactly what they both did and hopefully the results show what a great day it was. look out for laura's canadian cousin elizabeth and aunt barb who both got into daves families geordie spirit by both donning newcastle footy kits complete with names and ages across the back...hilarious! photos by me and music by jason mraz...... h'way!!!

Kim & Paul, Weston Manor Oxfordshire

2011-05-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

kim and paul were the perfect bride and groom. lovers of music, fully understanding and trusting of my approach, full of both a great sense of humour and fun and ultimately relaxed and determined to enjoy the happiest day of their lives. when you click with your clients, hopefully the photos reflect that connection and truly capture the essence of the day..its what my job is all about and the reason I love it so much. so here's a small selection of my favourites with a slideshow at the bottom. photos by me and music (as a pre arranged surprise for paul by myself and kim) by the wonderful nick cave. enjoy

Matt & Dawn, The 'Royal' Pink Wedding

2011-05-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

I thought it a bit inconsiderate of wills & kate to try and muscle in on matt & dawns big day...fortunately it was over and done with by midday leaving all the guests at woburn sculpture gallery to enjoy the more important of the 2 weddings......the royal pink wedding! great weather, a stunning venue and yet another pair of bobby dazzler bridal shoes (the fascination continues). a selection of my favourites follow with a slideshow below. photos by me and music by a fine frenzy..enjoy

Rich & Becky, Fun 'n Games Wedding

2011-05-15T02:15:00.000-07:00

I see lots of different wedding table 'themes' but rich and becky's board game idea was absolutely brilliant..with each table being allocated a classic including pop up pirate, jenga, hungry hippo's and kerplunk! great fun for guests and photographer alike. a selection of my favourites below including a bobby dazzler pair of bridal shoes (my wife is becoming increasingly concerned about my growing shoe fascination). photos by me and music by mint royale....JENGA..I mean enjoy

Daniel & Nicola, Eversholt Village Wedding

2011-05-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

more blue skies and red foreheads at nicola and danny's big day (which even got a mention on graham nortons radio 2 show as I was driving from the brides house to the reception venue). eversholt is a picture postcard village just outside of woburn and its village hall and adjoining cricket green gave host to the merrymaking and celebrations which had a lovely relaxed 'garden party' feel as nicola, danny, their daughter gracie, family and friends sipped pimms and soaked up the april sunshine. a small selection of my favourites and of course a slideshow (with music) below. photos by me and music by the plain white t's...enjoy.

Caroline & Jon - The Century Club

2011-04-28T02:54:00.000-07:00

shaftesbury avenues exclusive century club played host to caroline and jons big day. its fantastic open air roof terrace gives a great birds eye view of the busy central london streets below and allows guests to dance under the moonlight until the early hours. the weather held all day and caroline simply did not stop smiling from start to finish. thanks to bride, groom, guests and even jim the doorman for all being such good sports and letting me capture the fun, emotion and merrymaking as it happened. photos by me and music by al green....enjoy

Gemma & Noel. Lifes a (Bournemouth) Beach

2011-04-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

gemma and noel live in ireland but decided to have their big day in gemma's hometown of bournemouth with the irish contingent heading over en mass. the spectacular highcliffe castle played host to the ceremony with the reception held at the marriott perched high above bournemouth beach. The sun shone all day and without a single cloud in the sky little protection was offered to my exposed head (ouch) and nose (ouch). we even braved the crowds and headed via a free ride in the funicular railway down to the beach for some shots among the sun worshippers. a great day, even though I am still finding sand in funny places 2 weeks later. some of my favourites below with a slideshow at the bottom. photos by me and music by the courteeners...enjoy

Edward & Katie, 'Blue Skies' Wedding

2011-04-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

my second sunny summertime wedding in a row *fingers crossed* they keep on comin !! edward and katie married in a beautiful barn on the outskirts of chichester and the sun shone on the beautiful sussex downs which surrounded the venue pretty much all day. my favourite quote of the day came from one of the registrars who upon seeing me grab a shot of 2 little guests taking photos of the happy couple (see below) remarked "oooh one of them maverick photographers" and favourite shot of the day has to be ed and his best mans faces as katie enters the ceremony room! that shot, a few more and a slideshow below...enjoy. photos by me and music by wolfman.

Rachel & Craig's 'Summertime' Wedding Day

2011-04-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

ok..so mid march isnt officially british summertime. but the blue skies, hazy sunshine and flowers in bloom gave rachel and craig's special day at the stunning notley abbey a real summertime feel! another wonderful couple who have been together since their schooldays and really suit the label of childhood sweethearts! thanks for a great day guys and here are a few of my faves with a slideshow at the bottom. photos by me and music by feist..enjoy!

Angel & Donna's Big Smiley Wedding

2011-03-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

I love a challenge and capturing donna's bridal prep was certainly that! donna got ready at her brothers house in the bedroom her 3 nephews share, so most of my shots are taken from the bottom bunk of a bunk bed! it was organised chaos but loads of fun and I think the shot of donna being placed in her dress whilst her girlfriends continue to finish her hair perfectly sums it up! the day was completed by angel who was without doubt the smiliest groom I have ever captured! another great couple and fantastic day..cheers guys! photos by me and music by amy macdonald..enjoy!

Joanna & Ben, wedding preview

2011-03-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

another visit to the wonderful parklands venue for joanna and bens big day. the wind blew but we didn't let that dampen our spirits...with loads of pure emotion to capture! tears, laughter, italian kissing toasts and of course some good old fashioned air trumpet.....my favourites and a slideshow below. photos by me and music by bright eyes, and as the sign on the pic n mix table says...enjoy!