Sarah & Craig’s Tipi Wedding

This Bride and Groom wanted a relaxed chilled out wedding day and a party in the evening so The New Plough in Newcastle was the perfect venue.

The day started for me with the Bride, Sarah and her family at home getting ready with hair, makeup and a few drinks even the father of the bride got in on the act.  It was great fun.  The whole day was seemless and very chilled.  When Sarah walked into the tipi I am sure I heard Craig take a big breath to hold in his emotions, she looked amazing and her dress was just perfect.  Surrounded by family and friends they became Husband and Wife to the joy and excitement of all in the tipi.

Following the reception drinks and yummy cocktails, I took the happy couple down the road to an open space to take their pictures.  It was a lovely part of the day where the couple got to chat and relax with each other, the joy of photographing with a long lens is that I can’t hear what they are saying to each other so I can just observe and capture the natural interaction between them and only posing them when I needed to.

We then went back to the New Plough for the reception meal, speeches and of course the party in the evening with the band Hip Operation which was fantastic fun.

Here’s a quick look at the highlights from their big day.

The New Plough is the perfect venue for couples that want a venue that is a little different.  If you are looking for a wedding photographer in the North East please get in touch.

Eshott Hall-Wedding Photography|Newcastle Wedding Photographer

Vanessa and Cameron are two of the loveliest people  I could ever hope to meet, being asked to shoot their Eshott Hall wedding photography was just wonderful. The whole day had a relaxed and natural flow to it, simply perfect!

They had their ceremony in the grounds of the Hall, the rain had threatened to call an end to the plan but just at the 11th hour the sun broke through and it was glorious, the most emotional part of the day for me was when Vanessa made her entrance she looked simply stunning and there was a real sense of love in the air as the couple exchanged their vows, rings, and two red roses.  Afterward, we headed back to the main building and the drinks reception was soon in full flow with laughter filling the air, it was such a happy day.

I love photographing weddings at  Eshott Hall, the venue is perfect for a romantic and private wedding day.  Lots of places to provide beautiful backdrops to their newlywed pictures.  I sneaked them off for a little time alone to take their portraits before we went into the dinner reception.

The speeches were very emotional and extremely moving with the bridesmaid doubling up as the Best Woman, simply because she brought her two friends together, set them up on a blind date and the rest is history.  Both dads made heartwarming speeches and you could feel the love that everyone has for Vanessa and Cameron.

What better way could there be to finish this wonderful day than to have everyone was on the dance floor joining the happy couple and boogying the night away!

Many thanks to Vanessa & Cameron for inviting me along to capture your special day, it was an privilage to do so.  I wish you lots of love and happiness for your future together xx

If you are also looking for a photographer for your Eshott Hall wedding please send me a message HERE

The Vermont Hotel in Newcastle is a fantastic venue to work at. It is a classic 1930’s art deco style Hotel in the heart of Newcastle with a roof top terrace which has great views over the Newcastle city skyline, making it a very chic location for your wedding day ceremony and reception.

It was lovely to be back at The Vermont for Claire and David’s wedding day. I was thrilled when they asked me to be their wedding photographer for the day. Their wedding day was classic but not formal, relaxed and centered on their family and friends. All in all, a really wonderful day.

Here are our favourites from their day

Wedding photography in the North East covering Newcastle and the Durham and Sunderland

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Affecting Wedding Plans

Hello lovely 2020 couples.

It is an extremely worrying time for everyone at the moment with the  UK government announced that all pubs, cafes, bars, and restaurants to close on the 20th and the continuing instruction to stay at home you must be very concerned about your wedding day plans. A majority of retail shops, salons, Hotels/Wedding venues have announced that they are closing and this will have a direct influence on if your Wedding going ahead as planned or not.

If your Wedding is unable to go ahead on your original date or you wish to postpone it’s important to act as quickly as you can. It is also crucial you follow the instructions below:

I know you gave a lot of your mind and not sure what to do but You MUST:

• If the planned date is not going ahead get as many free dates as possible from your Wedding venue. 

• Contact all of your suppliers who offer their services on the day and send them your list of new dates. They will let you know which dates they are free, vendors are all working together on this and you will have the day of your dreams. Pencil in the new date and contact the suppliers so you can confirm that they are available, once this is done, confirm with your venue.

• To give you peace of mind, all monies paid will be transferred across to your new date with no extra cost to pay. However, if you choose to cancel your booking then contract terms and conditions will still apply.*

If you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are ALL in this together and we WILL get through this together.

Best wishes and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Michelle xx

Why book a professional wedding photographer?

Yes its true everyone’s got a camera on their phone, there are some apps that take really good photos on them and most people know someone who has a good camera and likes to take pictures but is that the same?
Are you thinking of asking that friend with a nice camera if they’ll be your wedding photographer.

Here are a few reasons why you really should be looking for a professional wedding photographer to capture your wedding?

Be our guest – You want your guests to enjoy the day!

Wedding photographers work over 10 hours on a wedding day.  Taking pictures all day long, your friend /family member might not be able to relax and enjoy the day as your guest. Let them come and enjoy themselves!

ERROR – Professional photographers carry back-ups!

Do not chances – the wedding day is too important.  I always carry a back-up camera on me throughout the day, so if the worst happens, I can still capture those one-off moments. In addition to a back-up camera, I carry spare lenses,  batteries, flashes, and memory cards (lots of them) sewing kits, pain-killers, hair grips, and tissues.

Just turn up on the day, take a few pictures that would be great

Yes okay, you may think that there really is nothing to it, but you are not going to ask the chef if your friend can come in and use his kitchen to cook the food because they do a great Sunday roast!  There’s more to it than meets the eye. 
The reality is that the professional photographer will have planned out the whole day in advance, working with your timetable of the day, watching the weather, knowing where the sun will be and when it will set, it’s all about the light!  They work with your venue, mapping out some great locations for photographs, making sure your day runs smoothly. 
They will spend several-day editing and enhancing all your photos to make them look as beautiful as possible.

Professional photographers have invested time and money into their craft, sourcing the right equipment, and training because they love what they do. A good photographer wants to get the WOW factor, to capture images you will want to frame and hang on your walls. 
Whereas your guests will be wanting to catch up with family members, your photographer will be concentrating on your photography.

Anyone can buy the professional camera but tt’s really not all about the gear

Professional photographers have spent countless hours with a camera in their hand, they know it back to front. But it’s much more about the artistry, how to compose a shot, how to take stunning images in all different lighting and weather conditions, how to take beautiful photos all day long. Auto mode on the camera doesn’t mean you can just point and click and expect wonderful wedding photography.

Accidents will happen! – Professional photographers are insured

Where there is blame there is a claim.  We have some amazing venues available for weddings in the North East from stately homes to country barns, they offer wedding days to thousands of brides every year but…. what If your friend who you’ve asked to take your photos breaks something at the venue, or injures themselves or someone else while taking pictures for you, what happens?  Did you know that most wedding venues will require an insurance certificate from the photographer.

Please remember, your photos are the only lasting memory of the day, the food, cake, and flowers will not survive- don’t take any risks. You’ve only got one chance to capture those memories, so you need a photographer who you can totally trust.

Ready to secure your Professional Wedding Photographer?

Hello and welcome to the highlights of Helen and Richard’s wedding at The Grand Hotel Tynemouth. It was a lovely day from start to finish. In the morning Helen had a quick trip to the hairdressers Ticketyboo in Whitley Bay to start her bridal transformation. After a little processco and hairspray Helen travelled back to Laurel House, which is part of the Grand Hotel in Tynemouth , to get ready with her ladies. These ladies call themselves the T club (the T will always be a secret) which is a friendship that was formed years ago and they have become each others anchor.

The morning was not without a few hick ups. Helen’s goddaughter had unfortunately left her flower girl dress at home in Wales. So after visiting nearly every TKmaxx between Wales and Newcastle the dress was posted overnight and arrived at 10am – thank you Royal Mail! So what’s a bride to do when the flower girls dress has arrived in the post? That’s right, get the ironing board out! Honestly we had such a giggle getting ready to walk down the aisle. It was fabulous to be with these ladies.

In the meantime Rich and the Gentlemen had arrived in the bar at The Grand Hotel to get a few drinks and settle some nerves. Richard was all smiles, as this was the day he had been waiting for. He took a last sip of his drink as he went in to the Orchard Room to wait for his bride!

He did not have to wait long, as it‘a a short walk from Laurel House to the Grand Hotel, and thankfully the rain held off! Within 30 minutes they were husband and wife and their smiles where infectious.

Following their “I do’s” they went back in to the bar area as the Orchard Room was to be transformed for afternoon tea. It was the ideal time to complete their family photographs. We took their portraits on the staircase at the Grand Hotel as by then the rain was coming down very heavily and nobody wanted to get wet. The staircase makes for a wonderful backdrop for photographs.

Afternoon tea was served and it was delicious! That’s all I can say!!!

The couple then took time to relax and prepare for the evening celebrations were they would have more of their friends arrive to enjoy an evening of dancing! These girls love a little bit of Abba

To Helen and Richard, I wish you all the best for your future together. You have found that person you cannot imagine being without and that fills my heart with joy for you both.

Love Michelle xx

I’ve shot a fair few weddings at The Copthorne Hotel in Newcastle now and I’ve got to hand it to Anthea and Ollie… this was definitely one to remember  You see these guys are just great fun, there’s no other way to describe them, and their day was completely unique to them.  It was relaxed, fun, definitely romantic, and at the end of the day  it was one big party with all their nearest and dearest.  

I love talking about weddings, but instead, let’s find out what Anthea and Ollie thought about their wonderful wedding day….

The Love Story
We met in Ibiza 10 years ago whilst we were both on holiday. We knew in Ibiza that we were meant for each other and that we met our soulmate. We had a long-distance relationship for 6 years and although hard at times we always had our exciting goal of living up here together and getting married at heart.

The Best Part Of The Wedding Day
Olly- Anthea walking down the aisle and our first dance.

Anthea – Us saying our vows to each other and our first dance.

The Dream
We wanted to share our love for each other and our love for Ibiza with our nearest and dearest. It was great fun giving everyone a taste of Ibiza in Newcastle! Glitter, glow sticks and great music!

The Wedding Details
The dress I chose was the complete opposite of what I thought I wanted. I wasn’t even going to try it on but after trying a fitted fishtail style dress I knew I wasn’t going to be able to throw shapes at the reception in it! When I tried my dress on I felt like a princess and loved that I could actually move and breathe! I loved the lace detail and sparkles. I came across some fab ideas on Pinterest for wedding flowers. I loved the idea of floral fans as I felt they were in fitting with our Ibizan theme, quirky and beautiful. It was a hot day so they came in useful too!

Why Was Photography Important To You?
Photographs contain memories and moments forever and it was important to us to find someone who we connected with to capture our special day.

After meeting Michelle we quickly realised how incredible she is! Her passion, style, and attention to detail (even things we had not thought about) blew us away. Michelle gave us so many ideas and guidance for other parts of the wedding and really helped guide us into making some important decisions. On the day Michelle was fantastic and so many of our guests have commented on how great she was and how much she helped out. At the start of the day, she was helping the hairdressers with my hair and later fixed my underskirt in my dress! She really went above and beyond on our day and we recommend her highly to anyone.

The Advice For Future Brides And Grooms
Don’t be afraid to choose things out of the ‘norm’ if it’s what you both love. Your wedding is a celebration of your love as a couple so give people a taste of your personality and interests. Most importantly… have fun and enjoy every moment!

The Best Part About Being Married
Being able to call each other husband and wife every day!

If you think weddings at The Copthorne Hotel on the Newcastle Quayside looks fabulous, you’d be right…   Oh and did you know you know I’m a recommended photographer there?

Looking for a photographer to capture your own wedding at The Copthorne Hotel Newcastle in a natural and relaxed style?  Get in touch by clicking HERE!

I was back at in Durham for the marriage of Wendy and Louise. Both Brides looked amazing, their smiles radiated the joy they shared at committing their lives to each other. We started their wedding day with an intimate wedding ceremony at the City of Durham Registry Office. Surrounded by close family they promised to love each other for the rest of their life and where proclaimed at life partners to a wonderful round of applause and massive smiles After a beautiful wedding ceremony, they travelled to Bowburn Hall Hotel after a quick stop off at Greggs for a coffee to start the celebrations, with Service of Worship that incorporated music, reading and hymns selected by the couple. It was a fantastically day with these two lovely ladies and a joy to be involved.

Here are a few pictures of their day…

6 Things That Make a Photo Beautiful

Have you ever wondered what makes a photo stand out and stir certain emotions in you when you look at it? Of course, photos of your family and places you love will naturally give you the warm and fuzzies or leave you in awe but there are also very specific elements in great photos that help bring them to life and make you take a second look.

1. When a photograph has beautiful lighting it gives the image a certain mood and highlights the important aspects of a photo. Light is an incredible tool so using natural light from an open window or door or even a soft artificial light can make all the difference.
2. While focusing on a specific person in a photo is how we naturally take photos, that person is only a part of the greater whole. Your background and any other objects in a photo all make up the structure and scene that draw you into that moment.
3. A good quality photo will usually allow you to pick up on certain textures such as a pair of woolly socks or the texture in a heavy wooden door.
4. Sometimes the most beautiful photos are taken from a different perspective such as getting down to a toddler’s level at a birthday party or taking a shot of a tall building by looking all the way up from a street corner.
5. Play with colors when you take photos, match them up or emphasize specific colors to draw the eye to a certain detail in a picture.
6. The moment. Capturing a moment that will never happen again makes for incredible photos.

Photography isn’t only for the professionals. Everyone has the ability to take a great photo by focusing on a few simple elements, getting creative and being ready to capture something beautiful or everywhere you go.

Cute ways I capture the relationship between father and child.

A dad has such a special bond with his children and it started the very first moment he met them. If you’re looking to book a “daddy and me” photo session with a newcastle family photographer in order to capture this wonderful bond, below are a few ideas I use to perfectly capturing these memories.

1. If there’s anything that dad’s do better than most, it’s playing games and having fun with their children. If they love being outside, capture them playing on the swing or enjoying a game of hide and seek. If they would prefer to be indoors, let them build a puzzle together or play with their favorite toys.
2. Snuggle up and relax. Get out a few blankets and books and have dad read to them on the floor or on a couch.
3. Hugs and kisses. This is a great one for young children who love nothing more than to shower their dads with hugs and kisses. While this is a simple idea, it can make for some of the best photos.
4. Take a stroll. Find a pretty location such as a lake or a park where father and child can take a walk. Capture them walking hand in hand or have your child sit on dad’s shoulders.
5. Get close up. Close up, portrait shots of their faces are a beautiful way to capture the similarities between father and child.

When planning your “daddy and me” photo session, choose a setting that allows your children to feel comfortable and where they most enjoy spending time with their dad.

If you are ready to book your photo session please get in touch to check dates and location availability

What you’re paying for when you hire a professional photographer.

When you start shopping around for a professional photographer the prices can sometimes seem quite daunting. What very few consumers realize though is that there is a lot more to photographing your event than just clicking a button at the right time.

So what are you paying for when hiring a professional photographer?

1. Time is money. Just like any other professional, a photographer needs to put in the hours to get the job done. This includes the consultation, traveling to and from the location, shooting the photos, editing and processing the orders. You’d be surprised at how long it takes to get the end result that is finally delivered to you. Once they shoot the photos, it’s not as simple as downloading the images and delivering them to you. They have to process the files, convert it to the correct file type as well as make sizing and colour adjustments to make each image pop. If your photographer is also creating a book or album for you, they need to spend time designing it too.
2. Equipment is expensive. Even though this is a very small part of why photographers charge the prices they do, it’s important to remember that quality equipment plays an important role in being able to produce the photos that they do. Professional equipment not only allows for the production of high quality images, it also gives photographers the ability to work in areas with less than favourable lighting conditions or at venues where using a flash is prohibited.
3. They have spent years acquiring a very specific skill. Photography, like any other profession, requires experience and specific skills. From knowing what lighting and camera settings to use, to knowing how to pose people and help them feel comfortable in front of the camera. Great photographers don’t rush the editing process either, it takes time to produce the desired result and turn your photo into a work of art that you’ll proudly want to display in your home.
4. It’s still a business. A professional photographer is still running a business, which means they will more than likely have overhead costs such as rental fees for their studio and the upkeep of equipment. Photographers also need to budget for professional association fees, equipment and liability insurance and fees for courses that will allow them to stay ahead by continuously honing their craft.

A professional photographer who is dedicated to their art and willing to go the extra mile for their clients is always well worth the price.

During the Easter weekend, I was at Healey Barn in Northumberland to be the wedding photographer for Lisa & Gareth.  what a wonderful day their wedding day was.What can I say about these two?  Lisa and Gareth are a beautiful couple.  On their wedding day, they wanted to be relaxed and have fun surrounded by the family and friends, and that is exactly what they did.  Although the weather altered plans a little be all battled through the snowy roads of Durham and Northumberland.  Determined that this was going to be a fabulous day, wellington boots and umbrellas for all.

Relaxed and beautiful wedding day

I adored working with and getting to know them as a couple, their boys and their extended families and friends.  It was a joy to be their wedding photographer, a day that I won’t ever forget, especially because of all the snow!

Lisa said “We absolutely love them, Michelle! They capture the day brilliantly.  Honestly, you did such a great job Michelle. It’s made me want to do it all again just looking at them. Thank you so much”

If you would like to chat about how I could be your wedding photographer please get in touch

What can I offer you as a Newcastle Wedding Photographer?

My vision and love of capturing the little moments and details of your special day in my photographic eye.

Contemporary and timeless style, keeping is all simple, relaxed but stylish. No awkward posing involved, just a little guidance and then let you be yourselves on the happiest day of your life with your family and friends.

Respecting you as my clients.  Throughout the planning process, you have open access to me at any time. I am more than happy to meet up or simply message me with your questions and thoughts.  It’s your day and I have no intentions of controlling or taking over.  I will blend into the background to capture you and your guests having a wonderful day together. Documenting the day as it unfolds, capturing the big moments and the little ones too.

Guidance and a helping hand.  I want to relax and ease any worries or nerves that you have by helping you plan the timeline of your day so that you are not rushed in any way.  Then guiding you and helping you relax in front of the camera so that you are natural and effortlessly happy being together in those first moments as newlyweds.

A fast but personal service. I understand that these photographs are important and you will want to relive your wedding day as soon as possible.  Your social media will be filled with friends tagging their selfies with you.  But my imagery will be more than just photographs, they are memories that will last for generations to come.  So my commitment to you is that you will have some highlights of your day, 48 hours after you say I do!  The full gallery of images will be loveling edited and with you within 3-4 weeks so you can re-live that wonderful day as soon as possible.

Confidence in what I do, I love my work and I know how I can capture your wedding day in the most relaxed, fun and unobtrusive way.

“Michelle is fabulous! She was our wedding photographer and made all my guests feel comfortable.  It wasn’t like having someone at our wedding just to take photos it felt like you were part of the wedding party and many times I was asked if we were friends to which I answered yes! Thank you for all you did on our special day.”  Stephanie & Andy

Photoshoots with your Pets

For many people, pets are furry members of the family. It comes as no surprise that they want to include their pets in their photos. Including your pets in your photo session does require a little extra preparation but it is certainly doable.

Below are a few tips to prepare you for your photo session with your pet.

To make this work, you will need to get your pet to sit still and behave. Pets can get very excited when new people are around so let your pet become acquainted with your photographer beforehand. Bring treats and toys that your pet enjoys so that you have something to use to grab their attention if necessary.

Keep a leash or harness ready, just in case. Even though your pet might be well trained, it never hurts to be prepared. You may also want to arrange your poses so you can hold onto your pet securely without it looking like you are hanging on for dear life. Your photographer will help you with this.

If you know that your photo session is going to take some time, give your pets the chance to take breaks, walk around and drink water. You won’t be able to force a pet to sit still if they are thirsty or agitated.

As a pet owner you probably know how perceptive your animals are to energy and emotions, so it’s important that you are relaxed when you get to your pet photo session. If you really want to keep your pets relaxed too, try and arrange your photo session in a place where your pet will feel most comfortable such as your garden or a park.

I have previously worked with animals and have had animals in my life from an early age. This will help make the process of photographing your pets even more enjoyable.

To book you photoshoot please send me a message:

It is nearly Mothers Day!

The bond between a mother and a child is unlike any other, one that can be beautifully captured with a camera. But if you’re anything like me, you’re always the one behind the camera in family photos and hardly ever in them. Even when we have our family photos professionally taken, I’m always too busy worrying about everyone else and don’t get to relax and enjoy the photo session. The photos also tend to focus more on the kids and I hardly ever get to capture moments of us being ourselves.

Be in more photos with your children

I’ve recently been reminded that life is truly precious and filled with moments we sometimes take for granted.  I want to be in more photos with my children and this is why I have come to realise how important my Mummy and Me photo sessions are. Now is the perfect time to capture memories with your children, regardless of where you or your kids are in life.

I want to make this photo session work for you, so whether you want a few photos with your children, or you simply want some memorable pictures of you and your own mother; I am here to guide you. This is your chance to get creative and really make a photo session about you and your kids and the special bond that you share.

What to bring with you to your photo shoot

Bring along anything that will make you all feel comfortable and will help you spend some time together as I do my job. For example, you might want to bring a blanket and some of your daughter’s favourite books so that we can capture your snuggles and story time. Maybe you want to stop and grab some ice-treats with your son or bring along a game that you both enjoy playing. This is all about creating a space where you can enjoy being together so that we can perfectly capture these moments for you.

An alternative to the traditional family portraits

If you are looking for an alternative to the traditional family portraits, the Mummy and Me portraits are ideal. While a family portrait can be a wonderful way to capture those special moments of you and your children through the years, it does require some extra effort to get everyone together and in the same place. A Mummy and Me photo session is easier to style and coordinate.

I love that Mummy and Me portrait photography is intimate and sweet with very little fuss. These sessions don’t take very long and will free up your schedule to spend more quality time together. These sessions provide a space where those natural interactions and emotions can play out, resulting in a mini time capsule of your current relationship.  You might even want to make this an annual tradition so that you can beautifully document the relationship with your children.

Book your session now! – Mothers Day in 11th March

Family Photoshoot Newcastle,

Newcastle Family Photography

Family Photoshoot Newcastle,

Mini session – definition:

Mini sessions are simple, fun and quick, 30-minute sessions I offer periodically throughout the year at a discounted rate. They are held at a specific location and are usually themed towards a specific time of year or holiday (Valentines Day, Mother’s or Father’s Day, Spring, Easter, etc.).

PRICE

£35 session fee  | £100 session and ALL digital images 

PAYMENT

At the time of booking a payment request will be sent via email, If I do not receive your payment then your session is not secure.

WHAT DOES THE £35 INCLUDE?

This low price includes one high resolution, fully edited digital image to download from a password protected gallery. Along with a licence to print this image.

EXTRAS. 

So you receive your gallery of edited images and you want more than one image? What happens?

Well, additional images will be available to purchase. I will also be offering you the option to purchase add ons such as professional quality prints and professionally printed packs of Prices will be sent with the images.

WHAT NEXT?

If you would like to book in for one of these two sessions, simply sent me a message below with your date and time preference. I will then email you back to confirm availability and send you the invoice/booking confirmation.

Questions asked about my Mini Sessions

• How much are mini sessions?  Mini sessions are £35 per session or £100 for session and all images
• What do I get for my £100?  You get a 30-minute session at a beautiful location and an online gallery with download availability of all of the edited images.
• Are the digital images full sizes?  Yes, they are high resolution so you could do what where you would like to with them
• What if I want to get some prints?  I always send a link to my favourite printer house digitalab based here in Newcastle very download invitation.
• Do I own the copyright?  I maintain copyright on all of my images as the creator but you have a license to print, which means you can do whatever you want with them as long as you don’t sell them.
• Can I use the images on social media?   Of course, you can, all I ask is that you tag my business or me in the images so that it helps friends and family discover my business,
• What ages are mini sessions suitable for?  Mini sessions are usually suitable from around 6 months upwards or as soon as baby can sit up unaided.
• I have a large family of 10, can I book a mini session?  I’m afraid anything over 5 plus the family dog and you really will need more time but you can book a double session for only £200, do make sure you book well in advance though as it’s much trickier to find 2 slots together.
• Can I cancel and get a refund?  Mini sessions are non-refundable, transferable as a gift certificate and if anything happens with sickness or the weather we’ll reschedule.
• What happens if it rains? Hey I understand that its not fun standing in the rain trying to look happy. Soggy portraits are not what I would want to put on my walls so I will always reschedule in the case of rain or high winds if it’s a beach day (sand storms are awful)
• What should I wear?  Dress for the weather and as long as you all don’t wear clashing colours or patterns you should be absolutely fine!  My clients and I seem to love Warehouse & Next!
• Which locations can I choose from?  I regularly hold sessions in Jesmond Dene, Saltwell Park, Ponteland Park and the beaches of Tynemouth.
• I’d like to buy a session as a gift can I do that?  Yes, you can, I sell gift certificates that are E-Vouchers so all you have to do is click, print and gift!
• How long are the vouchers valid for?  Currently, all vouchers expire in six months of purchase.
• How long after the photo shoot will I receive my images?  I try to work as quickly as possible but I estimate that you will receive you gallery information within 5-7 days of your shoot date
• How many digital images will I receive?  There’s no set amount but my clients typically receive approximately 20
• Who are mini sessions suitable for, families, couples, babies from 6 months old, kids
• Can I bring my dog?  Your dog is also a member of your family and so you should have them in the photographs.
• Should we bring anything with us?  Little snacks are always great to have in your pocket, bubbles always work brilliantly and add something to your photographs or on the beach buckets and spades can be useful, a favourite toy is always an excellent idea,

BOOK NOW email: michelle@michellemercerphotography.co.uk

After sessions I usually share my favourite images on Facebook, and Instagram posts and sometimes on my main website, if you would rather I didn’t please mention this to me at your session, It is very important I protecting your privacy.

“What to wear” – This is always the number 1 question people ask after booking a photo shoot. But lets face it I ask myself that question everytime I get up in the morning and stare at my wardrobe hoping from inspiration from the fashion gods. Yes I hope my hand up I have found myself turning to instagram and you tube for looking at ladies that have more style in there little finger than i do in my whole body.  So what i really want to say is that there really aren’t really any “rules” for what to wear I do have some tips that I have put together to help you come up up with a fashion plan!

DO: Wear something you feel comfortable in! You want to be able to have fun and feel relaxed during your photo shoot, so be sure you are all wearing something that will help you feel relaxed! Also, layer, layer, LAYER! Pair a shirt with a vest, add in a sweater or jacket, and top it off with fun accessories like scarves, hats, or anything else that you think will work! Layers work really well with family photo shoots.

DON’T: Feel like you have to match. It’s not about all wearing the same exact thing; it’s more about finding coordinating colours and styles that flow well together.

Please keep in mind – I’m not saying you need to look exactly like any of these. If you already have ideas on your outfits, that is perfectly fine! This is just for those of you who need inspiration. And that’s just what this is – inspiration and ideas on some styling options that I like.

At the end of the day, it’s really not about the clothing. I’m going to be capturing the love and connections between your FAMILY! That’s the most important thing. So don’t feel too stressed out about finding the ‘perfect outfit’ for everyone. Just have fun with it!  And if you have ANY questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Laura and Mark’s Rustic Autumn Durham wedding was a day so full of joy, love, and laughter, I’m still smiling now.

There was everything a wedding should have – friends and family surrounding them to celebrate the love of a couple who were clearly smitten with each other.

Durham Wedding Day

The fun began as the bride got ready at The Radisson Blu hotel in Durham, the ladies had enjoyed a relaxing morning with when I arrived in a room filled with lots of giggling and excitement. We soon realised that there was someone missing from the preparation group.  The hairdresser and makeup artist had failed to show up! Yes this is a bride’s worst nightmare but Laura took it in her stride, and I put my camera aside after offering my services in hairdressing.

Durham City provided the perfect backdrop for the festivities – a stunning view down the river towards the cathedral provided a great setting for some lovely natural portraits of the happy couple.

The evening party was equally memorable, with a fantastically energetic singing and dancing which pretty much everyone got involved in.

Read on to hear their story…

The met whilst at The University of Roehampton, in London, Mark was in his second year Laura was in her first. They stayed friends for about six months and were best friends and just kind of got together, so when people ask, did you have any awkward first dates, the answer is no because they were already good friends. So the process was enjoyable. You just can’t write better love stories than this.

Mark proposed to Laura at Disney World Florida it was right in front of the castle and was Laura’s first time to the states and just after a romantic meal at, ‘Tony’s Italian” the restaurant from “The Lady and the Tramp”, Laura’s favourite film.

When asked “What was the highlight or your favorite part of your wedding day?”

For Laura, the first dance and the cutting of the cake was her favourite part as she could finally relax fully and when everyone came onto the dance floor at the end of the song, really the feeling of togetherness for everyone

For Mark, the speeches were the best part of the day, as the speeches were heartfelt and funny and were so nice to hear all the lovely words said about Mark and his wife. Also to look out and to see everyone who was there.

I asked the Laura and Marc why was photography important to them and why did you choose Michelle Mercer Photography Their answer was;

“to capture the true emotions of people on the day is priceless, and Michelle did a spectacular job at this, looking through the photos it tells a story better than any words can. Formal Photos are great but rarely tell a story. We chose Michelle initially because of her great work, but one thing I didn’t really think of is the personality she brings to each of the photos, most of the people we spoke to at the wedding fair we attended seemed like they were only doing it for a job. However, this is Michelle’s life and passion and went above and beyond our expectations of what a photographer can do with a camera and have made looking back at them even more special. “

I asked them both if they have any advice for brides and grooms who are planning their own Wedding Day?

“It will be stressful, it will be handwork, things will go wrong and people won’t show up… However, it will be the best day of your lives and will be worth every bit of stress and worry. You may not feel that it’s worth the stress, but trust me it will be and having someone to document the day for you to relive those memories is every bit as important as the day itself.”

What is your favorite part of being married now?

We get to do everything for the first time again, for example, first time on holiday as a married couple, the first kiss in the snow as a married couple, first Christmas as a married couple.

Congratulations to you both are was wonderful to capture your wedding day.

Beamish Hall Wedding photographer

A Beamish Hall wedding is always fabulous! The venue is perfect for a wedding, I just love to photograph in these beautiful grounds.

Claire & Mickey were an absolute dream couple to photograph. The couple that are so in love, full of fun and could not wait to be married!  When I first met them we talked about what they wanted theirs wedding day to be like. They wanted a relaxed day filled with lots of laughter shared with family and friends. The wedding day was their dreams came true.

Here is a little glimpse at how their day unfolded…

XX

Happy to become Husband and WifeFor relaxed and creative wedding photography anywhere in North East and beyond, get in touch and it will be a pleasure to do the same for you too !

I love New York

New York, what a wonderful city.  Last week saw us take a trip to New York, we have been planning to go for over four years, and this January we finally booked our tickets to a wonderful place! Great City and fabulous people !  busy streets, towering buildings and a lot more. Anything you want and more. I had a wonderful experience. I enjoyed every minute of it.

The sun was shining and weather was sweet, as we headed out of our hotel on an adventure to explore this beautiful city and New York did not disappoint.

Newcastle wedding photography

What to expect ?

Your Wedding is the most emotional and exciting day of your life and naturally you want to capture every moment of it.  By now the Church and venue are booked, you have been reading all the wedding blogs online and have a stack of bridal magazines by your bed.  You have been trying on dresses and may even have bought the dress of your dreams! So what is next? you need find the perfect photographer for your day. Here’s what you can expect from me!

“Am I right for you?”

My style is classic and contemporary, natural and relaxed.

“Is your date available?”

If you like my photographic style please don’t hesitate to contact me by calling or emailing me to confirm your date is available. Likewise, if you have a few questions I’m always here to help.

“Arrange a meeting”

We will appoint a date to meet up and discuss everything YOU WANT for your photography. This is the ideal chance for you to tell me YOUR plans and ideas. This is also a perfect time for you to view more of my work and see my style of photography first hand. No hard sell and no obligations, just a friendly chat that will hopefully help you determine that I am indeed right for you.

“Great. You want to book”

Simply call or send me an email to confirm you would like me as your photographer, and I will send out my pack of information which includes booking forms for you to complete and return along with a £150 deposit to secure your date. Your date may well be several months, a year away or even longer so please do feel free to friend me on Facebook, it’s a great way to keep up to date with my recent work and we can always chat there if you feel you need to any time!

“The Big Day”

I will truly capture the essence of your day, starting from the bridal preparations – capturing the excitement of the bridal party and emotions of the proud parents and family – along to the individual details of what makes your wedding unique. Groom preparations are also available on request.

“The Ceremony”

The high point of the day! Nerves and anticipation of the groom and the arrival of the bridal party are captured along with candid journalistic style shots of your guests. Your full ceremony will be covered, although this is subject to permission from the registrar or church, please ensure you discuss with your chosen ceremony venue what photography they allow during the service. After the ceremony comes the time when we capture the well wishes from your guests as they congratulate you, resulting in beautiful and natural style photographs. As your guests then relax and enjoy your day, we will have an opportunity to wander around the grounds and capture your wedding portraiture, it is also a time when you can have a few moments to yourselves. I capture a mixture of romantic, fun and intimate shots for you both to treasure for years to come, these are your first pictures as husband and wife.  I stay throughout your day to record the cutting of the cake, the speeches up until just after your first dance and a little bit of party time this ensures you can look back and see all the emotions and splendors of your day.

“The Images”

Each and every one of your images are individually edited and enhanced to look their very best. A selection will be available online 48 hours after the wedding day as i know you will want to see a snapshot of the most important day of your lives so far.  When your wedding images are ready i will publish them on an secure online gallery so that you can share them with family and friends. Your finished images will be presented to you in a USB folio at a high resolution for you to print yourself, along with full print rights and proof of permission to show any print labs or shops. The digital images will be ready within approximately 6 to 8 weeks after your wedding, although we always aim to give you them earlier if at all possible.

”The Album”

Once your images have been enhanced and edited, they will be uploaded onto your own personal secure pass-worded gallery, available for you and all of your friends to view,this is an opportunity for you to choose your favourite images for inclusion in your album.  This is when we create your album, your first family hierloom. Once completed, I will send you an electronic version of your album as a PDF file for you to view and approve.

Every wedding is unique and my aim is to capture the true essence of it. I simply offer contemporary and stylish wedding photography with love!