Bridal make-up (and looking great on camera!)

We're often asked by our Brides about make-up on camera and how to make sure they get it right so they look truly fabulous in their wedding photographs. Having your make-up done by a professional on the morning of your wedding is a little luxury we all deserve. Handing over the responsibility of your make-up gives you the opportunity to sit back with a glass of bubbles and soak in the atmosphere around you. It also gives you time to focus on the ceremony ahead and really acknowledge all the feels ♥

In collaboration with the super talented Kaye Salmon here's a few words of advice from the lady herself, 'I always advise my Brides that it's really important they still feel like themselves on their wedding day, but just on a really, really good day! In essence a polished version.' She says, 'it's all about getting the balance right with bridal make-up. You need a little more than you're used to, as it will need to last the whole day and look great on camera, but not too much that you feel uncomfortable or look too made up for a daytime ceremony.' With a specific focus on products Kaye recommends Brides, 'wear a lip colour that's not too light as it can make them look washed out on camera. So something perhaps a shade darker than their natural lip colour, unless they are going for a strong statement lip colour of course!' 

Kaye uses waterproof products and only recommends Brides top up their lipstick throughout the day as she, 'sets the face with a super duper fixing spray so it stays put!' For Brides who tend to have a more oily complexion Kaye suggests using a, 'light setting powder for after the wedding breakfast when they might start to look slightly shiny on camera.'

Kaye firmly believes in treating all Brides as individuals, 'as make-up is such a personal thing, with each Bride having a different version of 'natural' it's important to listen to their preferences and then tweak the look during the trial.' Kaye's main focus is to, 'get the skin looking 'naturally' flawless.' She spends nearly half the time on a make-over working on the skin, 'buffing and blending until it's absolutely perfect!'

Her main piece of advice is, 'You want people to compliment you on how amazing you look, not how good your make-up looks. You don't want the make-up to wear you. It's got to look naturally amazing and enhance your features rather than completely change them,' and quite frankly we couldn't agree more ♥

Spotlight ~ Ashmore Brothers Live Music

Matthew and Liam - the Ashmore Brothers - really are one of the coolest bands around. In their own words, 'We have been performing together since we were knee high, which not only means we have exceptional experience of performing but we have a special connection.' Their energy when they perform is undoubtedly infectious and they really do invest in making your day a truly outstanding affair. If you're looking for a band that can offer everything from, 'an unplugged acoustic set during your ceremony, playing outside in the sunshine whilst you sip champagne to dancing your socks off in the evening', then the Ashmore Brothers really could be the perfect band for you. On top of all of the above they really are the most loveliest of people ♥

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Spotlight ~ Dodmoor House

It's common knowledge Tim and I have a soft spot for Dodmoor House, not only did we get married there ourselves shortly after they opened, we also get to return year after year and capture other couples special days there too. Although the venue has evolved over time, something that hasn't changed is their fantastic attention to detail. The way they look after each couple and ensure their dreams are made a reality is second to none. Come rain or shine, summer or winter this venue holds many qualities that will ensure your day is perfect. The place is quite literally beautiful, but the team of staff are without doubt the venues biggest asset - they are truly outstanding and have been a pleasure to work alongside for the last 11 years.

Take a peek at Dodmoor House's very own Carolyn's big day. This lady is one special person - if you've ever had the pleasure of meeting her you'll know exactly what I mean. She is completely committed to ensuring each and every couples day is perfect and I don't think I've ever seen her without a smile in all the years I've known her. She really is one in a million ♥

Becki and Colin ~ Pre-wedding shoot

The lovely Becki and Colin marry later this year at Dodmoor House. For their pre-wedding shoot we headed over to the Royal Ordnance Depot. This place really is truly magnificent. Originally built for the services of His Majesty's Ordnance and used to store and repair small arms and cannons, the Depot remained in operation throughout the Second World War and through to the 1950s. The site was decommissioned in 1965 and the buildings now remain under Grade 11 listing. They have some exciting plans for the future so if you're interested in military history this place is definitely worth a visit ♥

Spotlight ~ Kaye Salmon make-up artist

Kaye Salmon is undoubtedly a truly talented individual. Based in East Midlands Kaye prides herself on, 'being able to create the most beautiful style through her unique make-up talent.' She uses a variety of high end products in her kit including, 'MAC, YSL, BOBBY BROWN, URBAN DECAY, L'OREAL & BARE MINERALS' to create an individual look that, 'enhances your best features for that perfect, romantic glow.'

We've worked alongside Kaye for many years and can personally recommend her for her obvious talent, make-up that looks amazing on camera, professionalism and just how ruddy good she makes our bridal preparation photographs look! ♥

Woodland fairies

Every autumn and spring we team up with Muddy Education and head over to our favourite secret woodland to create our beautiful woodland fairy shoots. We have pretty fairy outfits available for all our fairies to borrow and the woodland is filled with props and accessories to make the shoot truly magical. After your session there's opportunity to take part in some magical activities, including wand and magic potion making ♥

'Here comes the rain' ~ wet weddings and how to make the most of them!

You can plan your wedding day within an inch of it's life, but the one thing you can't plan for is the weather. It's the one question we get asked all the time, 'but what if it rains?' Unfortunately planning a summer wedding in the United Kingdom does not necessarily guarantee fabulous weather so it's important you have things in place to enable you to get as many shots as you can outside. Tim's never afraid to get wet and can often be found working under a rain cloud (whilst the couple remain completely dry of course!) Our advice when approaching photographs in wet weather is always, 'wellies, an umbrella and an open mind!'

Megan and Simon married at Dodmoor House on quite possibly one of the wettest wedding days we've ever been part of! Regardless of the heavens seeming to be permanently open, this couple fully embraced the weather and made the most of Dodmoor’s natural shelters and open doorways. This made for some really beautiful outdoor shots. For me, this couple epitomise happiness and prove just how incredible a ‘wet wedding’ can actually be. Take a look at what can be achieved in challenging weather conditions with a little bit of optimism ♥

Spotlight ~ Lemon Zest

We've been working alongside Lemon Zest for over 11 years, mainly at Dodmoor House, but also at other wedding venues across the county. They're a family run business founded back in 2002 who pride themselves on understanding that, 'no two events are ever the same.' They also thrive on the fact they, 'love creating new dishes for people that compliment their image and personality.'

The team are headed up by Natasha, a rather amazing lady who always looks after our couples with the upmost care and professionalism. The team of staff around her are equally as brilliant and always ensure each wedding day is one that everyone remembers. We're always super happy when we see 'Lemon Zest' on the timings sheet from the venue - not only do they always look after Tim, they also work closely with us to ensure the day runs as smooth as clockwork - they really are at the top of their game ♥

Lauren and Rory ~ Dodmoor House

Lauren and Rory became husband and wife surrounded by their nearest, dearest and most beautiful little girl. Blessed with glorious sunshine this wedding really does show Dodmoor House off at it's very best. Gorgeous blue skies, coupled with a beautiful wedding dress, flowers and an amazing cake, this wedding is well worth a peek ♥

Helen and Tom ~ Dodmoor House

Helen and Tom became husband and wife earlier this year, marrying and celebrating at Dodmoor House - a rather beautiful family run grade II listed barn wedding venue in Northamptonshire. With a stunning gown with delicate detail, a pretty bouquet and a groom in a fabulous blue suit, the day was destined to be nothing short of perfect ♥

Caroline and Mark ~ Brampton Halt

Caroline and Mark tied the knot earlier this month at The Guildhall in Northampton. They then went on to celebrate with their friends and family at the Brampton Halt. Caroline looked exquisite in her bridal gown (with Mark looking pretty dapper in his suit too!) They were blessed with beautiful weather on the day and the lake area at the Brampton Halt provided the most wonderful backdrop for their images. Take a look at some of their portrait shots - more to come from this amazing day very soon ♥

Here's what Caroline had to say after the day, 'the wedding day was amazing, thanks to all the lovely people involved, including Tim! He was so good ... he has such a lovely personality and is very patient, I can't recommend him highly enough.' 

Laura and Dan ~ Dodford Manor

Laura and Dan married at Dodford Manor back in July this year. Dodford Manor is nestled amidst rolling Northamptonshire countryside and is indeed one of the most beautiful barn wedding venues in the county. Both barns are beautifully restored and really do facilitate the most spectacular sunset. Laura wore a super pretty Stella York gown from A Brides World, which was complimented perfectly by glamorous gold Sorella Vita bridesmaids dresses ♥

Little Lucian ~ 8 days new

Lucian came to the studio when he was just 8 days new. Number 4 in a truly beautiful family unit, it was an absolute pleasure capturing these special moments for his parents ♥

Here's what Lucian's Mummy had to say ... 'massive thank you to Tim and Helen for taking these amazing pictures of our little man, it was such a friendly and relaxed experience.' 

Baby Violet ~ 12 days new

Baby Violet came to the studio at 12 days new and as a granddaughter of a local florist we just had to include plenty of florals in her photo shoot! This little lady was an absolute dream to photograph ♥

Ellie and Andy ~ Dodmoor House

Ellie and Andy recently said 'I do' at St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Weedon Bec. After the ceremony they went on to celebrate with their friends and family at Dodmoor House. This wedding sported the most beautiful pair of Rachel Simpson shoes, a gorgeous bridal gown, a heavenly bouquet made by the super talented Julie-anna flowers and a rather dashing Groom in a kilt! Take a peek at their day ♥

Here's what Ellie and Andy had to say after their wedding day, 'we'd just like to say a huge thank you for the stunning photos you took of us on our wedding day ... Everyone has commented on what stunning pictures we have, and we adore the shots that Tim so carefully did for us. All that standing in the fallow field was incredible! Thank you again for all that you have done to make our wedding and the memories so special.'

Rachael and Jack ~ Pre-wedding shoot

The rather lovely Rachael and Jack are due to marry this month with a church service in Husbands Bosworth and then on to the fabulous Dodmoor House for their wedding reception. Here's a sneaky peek at their pre-wedding shoot ♥

Kimberley and James ~ Barton Hall

The lovely Kimberley and James married at Barton Hall back in July this year. This romantic wedding venue is a Grade II listed building located in the picturesque town of Barton Seagrave. We've photographed a few weddings here now and we really do love the beautiful gardens and truly fabulous light these buildings have to offer. If you're still looking for the perfect wedding venue this place really is worth a look. With the Bride working in a local bridal boutique, we knew her choice of dress would not disappoint! The dress was stunning - coupled with beautiful accessories and a pretty bouquet, Kimberley really did look truly perfect. Take a peek at their big day ♥

Here's what Kimberley had to say ... 'from the moment that we met Tim for the first time, we knew that we were working with a true professional. We were made to feel welcome from the moment we stepped through the door and knew that we wouldn't want anyone else to capture our big day. The communication and customer service from Tim & Helen is second to none and we cannot recommend them highly enough. Tim is a fantastic photographer, and Helen is fabulous at keeping on top of your requests and questions. The packages that Tim Hill Photography offer are amazing and up to date. Different options of albums and prints make sure that every individual style is catered for. We cannot thank you both enough for everything that you have done for us.'