So September 19th would have been Chester Zoo Wedding day for Bethan’s and Carl. They held out as long as they could, even planned downsized numbers to conform to new guidelines. Restrictions of time though, meaning less time to celebrate and for photos in between ceremony and meal led to the decision to eventually postpone. On one hand obvious disappointment for this couple, the other so honoured that photography and having us shoot their Chester Zoo wedding was a major consideration to their decision.
So like a few other pre-wedding shoots this year, we opted to do a shoot on their would have been day and capture some beautiful images for them. Covid 19 is not going to spoil making memories! A wonderful opportunity to walk around the zoo and check out the areas they would like to use on their new day next Spring.
We have shot a couple of Chester of weddings before but there are always new things to see. The Oakfield has been updated since and a new Orangerie now graces the front of the venue going to be an amazing space for their wedding. The lions have moved to a new home in the zoo – no longer will their roars be heard during the ceremony or reception!
We enjoyed a good wander, the weather was just perfect, although a little bright at times. Plenty of nooks and crannies can be found Particularly enjoyed the Japanese and sunken garden areas. The giraffes and elephants were a big hit too.
After wandering around the Islands we let our couple has some time to themselves before they met up with family for a meal at the new Oakfields. So thank you for this day at the Zoo Bethan & Carl, glad you could make the best of what could have been a difficult day. We look forward to the memories to be created next year. For now, enjoy your highlights from your Chester Zoo pre-wedding shoot.
had to see the meerkats of course, and squealed with delight when we saw the baby ones!
We do feel for all our couples who were due to have a family shoot or pre-wedding shoot with us and have had to postpone for the moment This time will pass and we can reschedule – we have various options, so please don’t worry, they will happen!
Port Sunlight Family Shoot
We were blessed to capture Casey and Chas along with their adorable girls – don’t you just love their bobble hats! Their Wirral family shoot took place in Port Sunlight at the end of February this year. It was a little chilly but a good excuse to cuddle up and keep each other warm and for the girls to run around. The Dell area in Port Sunlight is always a popular choice, spoilt for choice for locations. The early signs of Spring were around with crocuses and blossom coming out. We dodged a few rain clouds and chatted over hot chocolate afterwards to warm up and catch up with wedding plans.
We are always happy if you have children for them to come along on a pre-wedding shoot – it’s a great way to get to know each other. Get any shyness out of the way and to build a rapport with each other. Then we are all relaxed on the day at the beginning. All our couples absolutely love this time, when they can escape the planning for a wu=hile and take time out to be with each other. Plus they get some gorgeous precious family keepsakes. Chas and Casey, we know, are looking forward to getting some family images framed.
Hope you see from this short selection of images they will be spoilt for choice. Enjoy guys and we really look forward to your wedding. It may not be in May this year. Whenever it is it will be an amazing special family day and we will be there for you. xx
At Pixsmiths you know we love to take a special engagement ring shot
In the scenic northwest of Corfu is the prettiest place of Paleokastritsa with its scenic bays, coves and caves. The best vantage point is the village of Lakones some 4km above Paleokastritsa. Far-reaching views of the bays and down onto the monastery. This was the chosen location for a little;e pre-wed shoot with Tammi and Dave and their family, a couple of days before their fabulous wedding.
We virtually had the village to ourselves – we arrived just before the bar opened – and enjoyed a stroll around the old houses and alleyways.
The Lear’s path is the donkey path up to the village. We will save that hike for another time. Too hot in July carrying camera gear though
The next day we were delighted to join all the wedding guests on a sunset cruise around the bays and see 6 caves. Stopping at sea as the sun went down was a memorable moment. Tanmi and Dave had a wonderful pre-wedding evening with their guests
The perfect end to the cruise and the promise of a wonderful day to follow.
We cannot wait to share from the actual wedding of this wedding n Corfu/ Watch out for that that one soon!
An enjoyable time capturing a family shoot as well as some pre wedding pictures Its nearly time for this family to be celebrating a wedding! Our couples always love a pre wedding shoot with us and family are always welcome too It’s always good to get some pics on your own too so we suggest a responsible adult comes along to look after any young children whilst teh couple have their own portraits.
Our style is very natural, not over posey. We want our couples to engage with each other and that is exactly what Emma & Kevin did. Lots of smiles and laughter at the ready. Really going to enjoy their spring wedding at Inglewood Manor. It was lovely to meet mum and the family too on this pre wedding shoot in our favourite local park on the Wirral – Royden Park.
Unfortunately the walled garden was closed during the visit – looks like they were re-planting and organising the garden Still plenty of other options to enjoy. The daffodils made for a beautiful frame. Emma spotted a Wirral rocks pebble which made for a unique ring shot.
Enjoy these highlights, just a few weeks to go til the wedding itself.
What a start to 2019! We love a bit of romance so when Matthew approached us to capture his surprise proposal to his girlfriend Kerrie over the Christmas period. We were only too happy to oblige! A Surprise Proposal is something that has been on our bucket list of things to shoot Ashton Park was the chosen location as this was where they had first met and they love the walk their rescue dog Louie here or along the Wirral Way too
The Surprise Proposal Plan
Matthew arranged a chat with us a month or so before and also so we would recognise him on the day! There was location scouting of the park for where Matthew could propose and we could be out of sight at different places and capture the moment Images were sent – denoting choices and a certain tree was earmarked for a certain time. We had our plan! As it happened New Year’s Day was the best day and time was set for mid morning so they then had the rest of the afternoon and evening with their families to share the news.
Capturing the Surprise Proposal
So New Year’s Day dawed – a little rain early o. The plan B for under the bridge to escape any rain was not needed as the skies cleared and evened turned to blue skies We made our way , a short walk from home to Ashton Park and took up our positions out of sight, hiding behind bushes! Soon Matthew and Kerrie arrived and we clicked away. Turned out just perfect, neither of them saw us! Sure they were just engrossed with each other.
We left them for a couple of minutes to hug and enjoy the moment to themselves, before joining them to congratulate them. kerrie was completely surprise. This was such a privilege to capture and what a wonderful start to 2019 for them.
The shooting didn’t end there we continued with an engagement shoot for them. Some 100 images in their gallery for them to treasure Here just a few highlights to enjoy.
If you know of any romantic guys who would love to surprise their girl with a ring and have it captured discretely them please get in touch!
Historic Birkenhead Priory what a great choice for this autumnal pre wedding shoot with Laura & Darren. We love trying out new locations for our couples on their pre wedding sessions. Birkenhead Priory was founded aground 1150. The monks of this former Benedictine monastery tended to travellers for about 400 years and began the first organised crossing of the River Mersey. The road leading down to the waterfront is called Monks Ferry. The Priory now hold a small museum and a chapel were marriages can take place on the Wirral The Refectory above the Chapter House can also be used for your reception. St Mary’s tower can also be climbed for some fabulous views over the river and adjacent shipyard The Priory is the oldest building standing on the Wirral so its definitely worth a visit.
Back to our shoot and we were blessed with no rain as we wandered around the ruins of the historic priory. It is well maintained and supervised by volunteer staff they will happily provide info. The kind staff of Birkenhead Priory and St Mary’s Tower kindly permitted us to shoot here. Lots of photo opportunities in a small area, perfect for this shoot. The neighbouring shipbuilders of Camell Lairds makes for some interesting angles of old and new structures.
Beautiful engagement ring of Luara’s with unusual claw setting, Daren did well!
Darren and Laura were soon relaxed into the shoot, we don’t over pose and let couples be themselves. So there were lots of natural giggles, hugs and kisses. Love it when couples enjoy their session with us. Lots of gorgeous images for them which they will receive with their wedding USB
Ha this was a funny shot, a hair raising kiss!
Never believe a photographer when they say “think that’s a wrap”! We spotted a few more shots by an old brick wall. Plus some glorious golden autumnal colour on the trees still. Then we headed down to the river to see where the monks would have taken the ferry across the Mersey. Of course ideal opportunity to kick up some autumn leaves and more giggles!
We hope you enjoyed this shoot from Historic Birkenhead Priory. Why not pay it a visit – check out the planned activities at the Priory
If you are planning a wedding here or at their associate Williamson Art Gallery please do contact us for a special quote
Ha this was a funny shot, a hair raising kiss!
Never believe a photographer when they say “think that’s a wrap”!
