Rebecca Douglas PHOTOGRAPHY
BEST OF 2016
BEST OF 2016 A year in review How can it be the end of another year! Two thousand and sixteen has been a really incredible year and I feel so lucky to have been part of so many wonderful days and as I reflect back, it is just so special to think about what has made this year magical. Last year saw me publish my first annual magazine, celebrating each wedding I have been part of and this is a tradition I wanted to weave into the fabric of my year. It gives me such great excitement to bring you the ‘Best of 2016’ Magazine. We’ve kicked our shoes off and got sand in our toes, bellylaughed under collapsing umbrellas in the wind and rain, chased the aurora borealis in Iceland, got excited about epic light together, climbed up rock faces, explored museums, lazed in long grass, shared a first look in a family beach hut, rode carousels, walked through forests, danced in spring blossom, eloped in an enchanting castle, skipped across stepping stones in rivers and created magic when darkness arrives. This all gives me goose bumps and it is only possible because of you trusting me and I am humbled by this and will forever love you for that.
BEST OF 2016 A year in review Its been so exciting to see my work published on The Huffington Post, Love My Dress, Rock My Wedding, Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, Mr and Mrs Unique and published in amazing magazines Perfect Wedding, Your Kent Wedding, Kent Bride, A Kentish Ceremony, and Wedding Ideas. I won an award for ‘Best use of location’ from Photography Farm for the shot of Paris and Joe under the dancing aurora borealis that you see on the cover. Its no secret that I love Iceland and this year has been a year of many adventures there and I am set to travel and shoot for couples there a lot next year too. My work was exhibited at renowned gallery ‘Plinth’ in Margate, as part of a collaborative project called ‘The Spatialist’. The brief looked at ‘Deconstruction’ and I am excited to unveil these projects as part of this magazine! Look out for ‘Beachcomber’, ‘Plant’ and ‘Siren’. Something rather spectacular happened just before Christmas. Nikon released their ‘I AM 2016’ film, featuring images from Nikon users from across the world and they selected two of my images and used one for the header of the film, which was just so exciting to see!
Behind the scenes, its been an exciting year. I have had coaching with Laura Payne Stanley who helped my crystallise ideas and I can’t wait to share more about this in the coming months! I got to work with fabulous Ignite Films who filmed me at work and helped me to show more of what I do and the beautiful film is on my ‘About’ page over on my website. I’ve loved capturing couples’ proposals, engagement and anniversary shoots both here in the UK and flying to Iceland for some of these magical moments too! Its always a joy to catch up with families and share some precious time with them and to see my couples welcome their newborns! One area I’ve loved developing this year is my personal brand photography, with a documentary underpinning, it is a way of inviting clients into a business and showing them the incredible quality of services and products these wonderful businesses offer. The experience blends portraiture, product shots and behind the scenes imagery and is something that I adore capturing. Personally, I have had a contented year of working away on the renovation of our seaside home in Ramsgate, pottering in the garden, growing my ever expanding collection of succulent and cacti and most of all cherishing lazy days on the beach. This magazine is a little thank you to all of the people who I have spent amazing moments with throughout this year. I really am a lover of life, surrounding myself in all its vibrancy and celebrating the most precious moments, that are the highlights that shine in people’s journeys. I can’t thank you enough or quantify how much all of this means to me! Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a 2017 that if full of health, joy and happily ever after. Much love Rebecca x
TERI & OLLIE The House Meadow - Worsenden
Teri and Ollie got married at the beautiful House Meadow at Worsenden Farm in May earlier this year. I totally loved being part of their day and getting to know them. Teri and exchanged many an instagram chat about all things metallic, copper and drink trolly related en route to their day!
We were treated to some dreamy golden light into sunset and some final shots at their lightup heart, a brand new design from Light It Up UK. Phunky Disco & Event Services got the evening off to an epic start and the dance floor was totally packed. I just adored being part of their epic day!
LAUREN & ALEX Dewsall Court
I absolutely adored photographing Lauren and Alex’s Dewsall Court Wedding day. They are both such sweethearts and I knew from the moment we Skyped that we were going to get along swimmingly! Lauren had such a beautifully vintage look to her hair and make up by Sarah Russell teamed with her Enzoani dress from The Dressing Rooms in Halesowen with a matching veil.
As the time was drawing nearer for Lauren and Alex to finally say their vows, Lauren walked down the aisle to Deseree Kissing You from Romeo and Juliet played by the lovely string quartet. As we were making our way to the reception the umbrella Lauren and Alex were using to shield themselves from the rain collapsed in on them both, but they took all of this in their stride and laughed in the face of it! As the day drew to a close, I took the newlyweds outside where they had a cigar against a smokey backdrop, and resulted in uber-cool photographs.
PARIS & JOE South Iceland
Together with the amazingly creatively Ignite Films on one of the sunniest days on the south coast of Iceland, we visited Vik, The Black Beach and Skogafoss to create an elopement inspiration. The stunning SAJA dress was from the epic boutique Rock The Frock Bridal Boutique and the expertly designed ‘dried out’ bouquet at crown was created by talented Flowers by SP.
HARRIETT & GUY Abersoch - North Wales
Today I got to see a true love story that made my heart swell with so much joy. This pair, wonderful Harriet & Guy, grew up together with their families holidaying in Abersoch. It wasn’t until 4 years ago, that a summer in their next door but one to each other family beach huts led to the realisation that they were falling in love with each other. Adoring their story, they wanted to meet on the beach for a first look, to spend some time together ahead of their day with their parents and weave in the history of what brought us to this day.
We were so lucky with the breaks in the weather to spend time on the beach and thne to leave church covered in confetti. Their love, warmth and affection is something that is so wonderfully radiant and was felt by everyone there. From start to finish it was a total joyfest and I adored dancing away to Uptown Funk in the rain at the end of the night‌..just wow!!
FINLAY
When some of your best friends in the whole world have the most perfect little boy, life just gets a little more special. He arrived on his Daddy’s birthday, the ultimate present! Hanging out with Katie and Finaly before Daddy Lewis came home was an afternoon like time stood still. He is the most content little fellow and I can’t wait to watch him grow.
RACHEL & ANDREW High Rocks Hotel - Tunbridge Wells
Oh September and your beautiful golden light, I’m so overjoyed it arrived for Rachel & Andrew for their wedding at High Rocks today. Their ceremony was beautiful and the drink reception in the warm sun up on the rocks was amazing.
I loved their giant confetti, it looked so pretty and as for Rachel’s dress……it was just incredible! It was a total treat to work with Ignite Films chasing light and creating magic!
GENEVIEVE & KRISTIAN St. Andrews & St. Mary’s
Wow, wow, wow!! What a day this beautiful pair have had. I arrived with Gen who was being pampered by Rebecca Brown Make Up Artist and Rosie McCarthy before heading to the beach to meet Kris and the guys. They arrived in a camper and headed on to Joss Bay, looking epic in their velvet tux! Everyone was so buzzing and I loved the joyful energy that rippled through their day. Gen’s amazing florals were by Flowers by SP and her stunning dress from Bridal Way.
They married at St Andrew’s in Reading Street and we went to Viking Bay with Storm Barbara making it a gusty affair before heading to St Mary’s Church, Sandwich for their reception. As magic would have it, some really fine rain arrived and we stepped out before I left the guys dancing away! What a way to end my year of shooting, a Christmas wedding, in my beloved Thanet with two total treasures!
Number Eurostar 100 2 200 Hotel 100 1 100 Shoot 150 2 300 Lucy 100 1 100 TOTAL: 700
AMANDA & PETER P reston Court
Amanda and Peter celebrated their wedding at Preston Court today on their second anniverssary for the UK leg of their party! What a glorious day it was, Amanda getting ready in the caravan in the court yard before their friend expertly led their ceremony.
Their day was styled by Tiggywinkles and lovely Lee from Shutterbox Films was there to capture the magic. Tayberry foodscatered, with grazing tables and the main course served in picnic baskets. Their day was so relaxed and we explored the grounds together and these are just a few of the previews from their day.
ANNIE & ROB Seaside Engagement
Lovely Annie & Rob did me the honour of caturing some time with them while wonderful Ignite Films worked away on my new showreel! I was pampered by lovely Lucy Baker Makeup and she really created a beautiful make up look for me! We had a great time at the beach on Ramsgate Eastcliff, catching up about their wedding plans and giggling away!
LISA & SIMON Cooling Castle Barn
Wonderful Lisa and Simon married at Cooling Castle Barn on Sunday with a beautiful day weaving in so much autumnal goodness and family and friends travelling from the USA, Lisa’s home country. We totally lucked out with the weather, a jewel of a day between two typically seasonal ones!
I loved the harvest feel to the tables and flowers that Distinctly Floral created and it was great to work with their friend Rich creating some after dark magic!
FRANCESCA & NICK The House Meadow - Worsenden
Francesca & Nick married at The House Meadow at Worsenden Farm today and it was so so gorgeous. Francesca is someone I adore, working togethe on pretty projects for a number of years when she was the editor at Your Kent Wedding, she gave my my first front cover and supported me so much, so to be by her side today was a dream.
The weather was just incredible and Francesca was pampered by Simply Beautiful Wedding Hair and Emma Lily Curran – Makeup Artist before putting on her most epic Amanda Wakeley dress which teamed beautifull with florals from The Vintage Floral Design Co.. I’ve adored working with Ignite Films in all of the glorious light today! As evening arrived, The Soundcasters took to the stage and I stayed to play in the dark and see their sparkler send off.
NICHOLA & MARCUS Iceland - Jokulsarlon
To say this is an honour is an understatement‌.we journeyed with Nichola and Marcus to Skaftafel and then to Jokulsarlon where Marcus proposed!!! Nichola and we were in heaven capturing the amazing scenes where we walked on the glaciers before heading round to Jokulsarlon and that is where the absolute magical moment happened!
A few weeks in the planning went into helping make this happen, with secret planning with Marcus for Ignite Films and I to capture the moment he popped the question in front of the icebergs at dusk‌..it was such an honour and a joy to be there with them at this moment.
ESTHER & CARLOS Wadhurst Castle
Esther and Carlos eloped at Wadhurst Castle in June earlier this year. The fab couple dreamed of eloping from their home in Los Angeles to a castle in the UK, obsessed with the vintage beauty and the history, they both knew that Wadhurst Castle would be the best place!
Esther and Carlos’ ceremony was full of emotion and humor by the wonderful Katie Keen from True Blue Ceremonies before they explored the stunning and vast grounds with their guests. We were totally blessed with amazing weather on this wonderful day, everyone was soaking up the sun and giggling in the gentle breeze. And in what felt like a blink of the eye, our time together drew to a close and I left Esther, Carlos and their guests to enjoy the rest of their day.
JO & ANTHONY East Quay - Whitstable
Jo and Anthony had a superb wedding at Whitstable’s East Quay Venue in March this year! It was such a treat to capture their day as I used to go to school with Jo and her bridesmaids Vicky and Sophie and her Mum taught me biology! It felt like everything and nothing had changed since those good old days!
As the day meandered along, guests were surprised with Ice Cream on the beach by the lovely guys at Treats On A Tricycle before the speeches started, and then it was on to a gloriously traditional Fish and Chip supper! After everyone had finished their meal, Jo, Antony and I headed out to the shore for some pictures. The sun was out in full glory as it was setting into the horizon and gave out such a dreamy glow.
RACHEL & ASHLEY St. Andrews Church
Rachael and Ashley married at St. Andrews Church in Deal in June earlier this year. The church was just opposite the cottage they call home together, and afterwards everyone headed off to The Night Yard in Bridge near Canterbury. Rachael looked gorgeous in her Augusta Jones Bridal wedding dress and I loved the mix of blush bridesmaid’s dresses with the grey tweed suits of the Groomsmen.
Their reception in the courtyard looked absolutely beautiful, with a Tipi taking center stage and so many beautiful florals from The Secret Garden Florist in Folkstone. They also had a rugby ball rodeo, a kissing booth, a photo booth and so many beautiful details that had all been handmade and it was simply amazing! I loved the outdoor speeches in front of the family camper van. The day had such a relaxed, festival video and was jam packed full of joy and fun.
KEIRAN & JASMINE Southbank & Regents Park
We’d planned to meet in Regent’s Park and head down to South Bank, two of their favourite places and where some of their first dates took place. And what a glorious evening it was the most amazing light and the leaves in the park starting to show their autumnal beauty!
We hopped on the tube and got to a bustling embankment and meandered around the banks of the Thames. I love their laughter & can’t wait for their wedding at The Ferry House Inn next year !
NIKI & BEN Katla
It’s been such a treat to capture a Katla engagement shoot for Nikki and Ben in Iceland as Ben recently popped the question just ahead of their trip. We met at our airbnb near the Katla glacier and captured some images with the epic out building in our garden before driving to find a great spot with views of the mountain range
We hiked up the side of an outcropping and the views were just phenomenal‌.Nikki looked amazing in the epic The Couture Company Designer wedding gowns and the gentle breeze caught the sheer silk and the bright sun made the sequin layer pop!
FRANK & RUTH York Street Church & The Charles Dickens
I wanted to share a story that to me draws so many parallels with Christmas, the season of love, light and hope. In late November, I captured a wedding that I had never expected to in all my days, my dear Grandad to his Ruth. Without dwelling too much on sorrow, this pair have suffered great losses in the last year, both losing their partners and through this grief, found strength in each other. Tragedy always helps us to recalibrate, shake our worlds and bring us back to the reality of what is important. Grandad has been a beacon of light, teaching us that you learn to live with the sorrow and as happy times start to grow they promise hope of a brighter tomorrow.
It is such encouragement and comfort for all of us as we look up to our senior years, knowing that no matter your age, love is love and that is a thing to be welcomed, nurtured and treasured when it finds its way to you. They had a lovely service at York Street Methodist Church and then giggled their way through confetti into their friend’s vintage Bentley before their reception at The Charles Dickens, nestled on the clifftops of iconic Viking Bay.
PAULA ROONEY F lorist
Collaborating with Paula Rooney Luxury Floral Designer on her Personal Brand Photography shoot was such a treat. We had planned several scenes that fitted in with the image requirements for her new website along with some beautiful documentary images of her at work at her studio in Hampshire.
SARAH & ROB Newlands Chapel - Worsenden
Sarah and Rob got married in May earlier this year at the beautiful medieval Newlands Chapel in Worsenden. Sarah looked every bit of a dream in her gown, with delicate designs and a soft, yet simple pattern, she really did look beautiful, and of course, paired with the coolest pair of rainbow shoes I have ever seen!
After, we took some time to explore the woodland and were then whisked away with the lovely Steve from VW Brides to Braid Farm Holidays where a relaxed Tipi reception was enjoyed by everyone. They served up a delicious Hog-Roast, followed by Ice Cream. A bit of rain came through in the evening and brought with it some epic looking clouds and we made it look ever so magical!
LAURA & DAN Kent Life
Laura and Dan married at Kent Life today and it was just a wonderful day. The got ready at the neary by Village Hotel Club before celebrating on the farm with their family and friends.
Jackie Brooks Florist created some incredible rustic blooms which looked amazing with Laura’s Yours Truly Bridal House Ltd dress and David’s Bridal bridesmaid dresses. I loved the Victor Valentine tweed suiting too!
BARBICAN CONSERVATORY
The Barbican Conservatory was a botanical garden high on my list of gardens to visit, it opened in the year I was born so I always felt a little more connected to it! I knew it would have a sense of a post-apocalyptic urbanscape, what the city might look like with nature winning its claim over the brutalist architecture and it did not disappoint.
Walking in there was a real sense of light and shade and leaves against lines and my eyes were darting around all over the place! The Barbican is the second largest conservatory in London covering a whopping 23,000 square feet and it is home to over 2000 species of plants and trees, all on top of a theatre! It is wonderfully eccentric and as you move round under dense tree canopies, beautiful gaps appear, revealing the beautiful glass ceiling.
As we took to the stairs past a sprawling Ficus tree, I spied the cacti house as my eye line rose above floor height with each step up. For a brief moment we had it to ourselves, looking at all of the species and getting excited seeing the ones I have in my collection at home. I met a lady who had over 200 cacti in her house which is something to be aimed for! Before leaving this oasis in the heart of the city, I walked around again. There is something that makes me feel so contented around big leaves and to have a gem of a glasshouse so central in London is a real treat.
HAYLEY & MATT Cooling Castle Barn
Hayley and Matt got married at the lovely Cooling Castle Barn in May earlier this year. It was a day they were sure to ‘Never Forget’, and I’m sure they had ‘The Greatest Day, and I’m looking forward to seeing this awesome couple ‘Rule The World’ together! If you haven’t guessed, Hayley’s Dad surprised them both with a fab Take That tribute band, Take This, who totally rocked their party evening.
Hayley and Matt’s day had some really special moments, like when their daughter Evie sang ‘Part of Your World’ from Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ to the whole reception! It was such a joyful day! Another great moment from the day was when one of Hayley’s bridesmaids pretended to release some white Doves from a basket, which left everyone in hysterics!
BLOSSOM & BLUEBIRD
It is always such an honour to collaborate with like minded folk and Blossom and Bluebird organised a shoot at Marleybrook House Wedding Venue to launch her new range of bridal accessories with a beautiful product photography to compliment them.
With the help of talented Lucy Baker Make-up and amazing Megans Hairdressing we created a beautiful set of images.
JOSHUA
I’ve got to spend time with Louise, Greg and their first born son, Joshua. Joshua took everyone by surprise and arrived very early and made Louise a Mummy on Mother’s day this year.
It was such a joy to capture such a precious moment!
LUCY & SAUL The Granary Estates
Lucy and Saul married at The Granary Estates in May earlier this year, and it was such a treat of a day! From seeing the boys at Saul’s brothers house, to joining the girls at a cute cottage just opposite to where Lucy and Saul would become husband and wife, the day was filled with so much joy.
Lu wore a beautiful lace dress with the most delicate detail and design; she looked mesmerizing. The train of the dress flowed elegantly behind, Lu looked like she was walking on clouds. Saul and his groomsmen had their ties made especially for them, a bespoke gift from a dear friend of theirs. It was also fab to work with the fabulous wedding cinematographers, Ignite Films, that captured Lu and Saul’s wonderful day!
BECKY & TOM Pegwell Bay
It was just wonderful to meet up with Becky and Tom and their boys for some family portraits on the beach. We started exploring at Pegwell Bay and looking for Shere Khan from Jungle Book hiding in the grass!
We hunted for the biggest stone, dug holes and played football before scooting over to St Mildred’s Bay for sunset.
LUCY & ANDREW Wye
When I met up with Lucy, Andrew and Waffle over at Wye, revisiting the spot he proposed and lovely waffle was part of the proposal plan – look and see if you can spot how! It was such a beautiful evening and I love it when couples bring their dogs along, as it feels like I get to meet the whole family!
We strolled around in the beautiful golden light and took in the breathtaking scenery! It was such a pleaser getting to know this amazing couple!
RACHEL & STEVEN Tithe Barn - Petersfield
The wonderful Rachel and Steven got married at Tithe Barn in Petersfield in May earlier this year. It was a glorious rustic wedding meets French chic, weaving in their love of France and their Paris proposal! Rachel’s dress was from the lovely Isabella Grace Bridal Boutique; the delicate lace neckline and soft detail really complimented the theme of ‘French Chic’, and the blush pink and green bridesmaids dresses reminded me of Paris in the Spring.
Rachel and Steve’s reception was coordinated by the lovely Your Wedding, Your Way with food from Jacaranda Catering and their scrumptious cake from Final Touch Cakes. The rustic and very chic table décor was from the fab guys at Vintage Styler and Girl & Bird. Rachel and Steven’s even reception was a blast, with a Celidh group dance as their first dance. I left the whole wedding dancing away!
LAURA PAYNE-STANLEY Success Coach
Laura Payne Stanley is a business and success coach that works with female entrepreneurs to realise their potential in their business and across their lives. It was such a treat to work with her and Victoria Farr, Make Up Artist and Hair Stylist to capture a rich range of images for her to use within her business and across her social media.
SOPHIE & SAM P reston Court
Sophie & Sam married at beautiful Preston Court on what was a very unexpected, sunny, humid day and so got to exchange vows, surronded by nature and bird song on the island. Sophie got ready at The Salutation in Sandwich and was pampered by Kimberley Dale: Personal Hairstylist and Wedding Hair.
Sophie looked amazing in her backless Pronovias dress from Teokath of London. They were looked after by the lovely team at Rosebud Vintage Tea and Tayberry foods. We were so lucky with well timed rain and this delivered rainbows and moody skies into sunset and we had a little night time magic at the carousel and with sparklers!
BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
The glasshouses were full of awe-inspiring big leaves and the gardens were filled with the sound of a rag time band. It was a swift hour in and out but the most glorious leg stretch and I captured a few frames
I am a little obsessed with the abstract shapes the leaves make particularly when they create a canopy above‌..
LIZZIE & DAN Whitstable Castle
This afternoon has been really special, capturing Lizzie & Dan’s intimate ceremony at Whitstable Castle. Lizzie was getting ready in the tower room while everyone gathered and as the ceremony finished there was a perfect break in the weather for everyone to enjoy drinks in the rose filled gardens.
We took a few moments to shoot to the beach, which had some super epic moody skies in the distance before heading back to the castle to greet their evening guests.
WILSON FAMILY Ramsgate
I met up with Gemma and her lovely family to capture some portraits of all of the cousins together. We had such a giggle on the beach, digging big holes & building sand castles, racing to sea and chasing waves.
We then set off to the park on the clifftops for an ice cream pit stop before lots of playtime in the park.
KATY & LEWIS Maternity Shoot
Hanging out with some of my treasures who were 34 weeks into the baby cooking game with an amazing sunset to boot, was a special evening! Katie looks totally amazing and we chatted about their hopes and dreams for their little one’s future as we all swooned over the sky. Katie had her hair created by Hair on the Square and one of my best friends looked so beatufiul with her soul mate by her side.
ICELAND
Iceland is so incredibly breathtaking that I have little words to even describe how magical this beautiful country is, but I hope these images reflect the beauty of a place that I hold so close to my heart and I am looking forward to more adventures there next year!
JO & STEVE East Quay ~ Whitstable
I had the best time at Jo and Steve’s wedding in March at the East Quay in Whitstable earlier this year! I’ve known Jo for so long, we both started out at the same time with our businesses and it has been a joy to grow with her and be asked to capture their special day.
As the day moved on, Jo and Steve took their vows under a spectacular arch of florals! Jo’s Dad sang them up the aisle and during his speech had composed an amazing song for them! Jo and Steve certainly didn’t hold back with the floral decorations, as the whole venue was filled with glorious designs, include a hanging canopy of flowers that floated above guests heads at the drink reception.
LUCY & SAM P reston Court
Lucy and Sam got married at Preston Court in June earlier this year. It was a rather unexpected day! Lucy and Sam’s photographer hadn’t turned up and the wanted to know if there was any way that I could get there ASAP. All of my kit was ready for a weekend shoot I had planned, so luckily it was all ready to go! I arrived within 40 minutes of the call. At the end of the ceremony, as unfortunately they were not able to postpone it, I got to know this awesome couple and could instantly tell that they were besotted with each other.
When it was time for some portraits, we were blessed with the most gorgeous golden light and we headed out into the fields to capture some of the beautiful light. When we arrived back, it was time for the cake cut and Sam and Lucy got ready to dance the night away! It was such a dream to photograph their wedding, and I’m so glad I was available to shoot it with such short notice.
plant DECONSTRUCTION HOW WE OBSERVE PLANTS
PLANTS: ETCETERA VINTAGE PHOTOS: REBECCA DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY
CATHEE & SEAN South Iceland
Cathee and Sean booked me to travel out for their Iceland engagement shoot at the start of October and I was super excited to be shooting for them. We had skyped a couple of times ahead of their shoot and we’d used my experience of Iceland for locations and weaved in some of the spots they had fallen in love with whilst on their travels ahead of our time together.
I totally loved exploring the lava tubes they had spotted, literally climbing through natural tunnels carved by lava! The weather was rather windy but we didn’t let that stop the fun and embraced it as part of the experience of autumn in Iceland.
JOANNA & IAN The Bell Inn - Ticehurst
In February, lovely Jo & Ian had the most wonderful Winter wedding at the superbly quirky Bell Inn in Ticehurst! We had such a giggle on our final skype walking through their day, I was really excited to see the day arrive! Jo wore such a beautiful dress from Isabella Grace Bridal Boutique, with delicate lace that matched the chilly vibe of the winter month of February, and all topped off with a pair of Jimmy Choo’s!
Their day was filmed by lovely Sarah from Insta Wedding. The Bell Inn looked very cosy for Jo and Ian’s ceremony and the guests were happily welcomed into the venue. I adored Ian’s beaming smile each time he looked at Jo and the whole day had such a relaxed feel throughout. There was a hilarious moment in the best man’s speech when they gave everyone card board cut out masks of Ian, so there was a room full of Ian during the speeches!
HAWLEY HOUSE Margate
I love being commissioned to capture lifestyle briefs. And boy was this a lovely one, to document the interior of a newly renovated Georgian Town House in Margate. The owner Judi is offering the property as holiday flats and the studio space is bookable for events and yoga.
It is a totally stunning property and it has been an honour to capture these images after months of loving hard work!
LILY
Wonderful Becky & Andrew welcomed their first born, Lily into the world and she is simply adorable! Becky is my cousin-in-law and so it was lovely to catch up with some of the Scottish side of the family this morning as well as meet lovely Lily! Congratulations, guys here are a few previews of our lovely time together <3
JAQI & CHRIS Odoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barn
Wow, wow! What a day! Jaqi got ready at her parents and her amazing bridal look was created by Vicki Lord Session-Stylist and Lucy Jayne Makeup and her beautiful florals were by wonderful The Vintage Floral Design Co.. It was a short walk to chuch as her parents garden connected to the church and everyone returned back to her parents for drinks in the garden.
Then it was on to Odoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barn, such a gorgeous new venue in Bilsington where Sing out Sisters surprised everyone during the meal! Chris is a pastry chef and their cake was an incredible macaron cake! We were graced with glorious golden light for some evening portraits before the party got underway.
SIREN VISUALLY EXPLORING ANCIENT MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE THROUGH A MODERN STORY OF THE SEA. THE CONNECTION OF LAND AND SEA AND DECONSTRUCTION OF BRIDAL FASHION.
BRIDAL FASHION: KEELEY PERKS - THE BRIDAL WAY HAIR: DARREN EATON - SOLARIUM POINT MAKE UP: VICTORIA TURNER - SOLARIUM POINT PHOTOS: REBECCA DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY MODELS: ELIKA ASHOORI & CHLOE PAPWORTH LOCATION: ROYAL HARBOUR RAMSGATE WITH THANKS TO THANET DISCTRICT COUNCIL
ETCETERA Love Lane - Margate
I have been working with the fab guys at Etcetera to capture a range of images for their brand at the stunning location of Addington House in Margate.
The most amazing location house with bare floor boards and original fireplace and the added epicness of all of the amazing plants was my idea of heaven!
LIZZIE & JON Chevening Church - Sevenoaks
Lizzie & Jon had a wonderful spring wedding near Sevenoaks at their church in Chevening. Afterwards they had a homemade wedding with a marquee at their friend’s house. Lizzie got ready at their cottage that they’d recently moved into, with her Mum and bridal party with her. One of their friends was recording a marry-o-kae to Tom Jones, ‘It’s not unusual’ which was just hilarious fun all through the day and started with the girls rocking a routine on the stairs.
After dinner and speeches, we headed out to take some portraits in the rain, but the drizzle didn’t stop us! After a while, the sun decided to show and we all basked in the glorious light in the Spring-time sun. As the day drew to a close, Lizzie and Jon headed to the dance floor to celebrate being husband and wife. Lizzie, Jon and their guests surely did party the night away and I am so pleased to have shot their beautiful ‘bake-off’ day.
SAMUEL
This afternoon has been precious. One of my old school friends welcomed Samuel into the world and we hung out to capture some memories together. He wasn’t very happy about the Elf costume (I think he could see the 18th birthday awaiting him!) and I know they are going to love his ‘angry elf’ face! His sister Ruby was so proud and there is a too cute photo of them together! What a bundle of joy he is going to make this Christmas <3
LILY & VIRAJ Surbiton & Froyle Park
This weekend has been so, so incredible seeing two families come together for the fusion wedding celebration of Lily and Viraj. Their Mehndi and Vidhi took place in West London on Friday and Saturday before everyone headed to Hampshire for their wedding day on Sunday. I feel so blessed to have been part of their celebrations and feel so humbled to have been welcomed by families and friends with open arms and hearts, which always allows me to shoot my best work.
The whole day was planned by The Wedding Dolls and it was such an honour to be recommended to be part of this amazing weekend. Lily & Viraj had their civil and Hindu ceremony at Froyle Park and the whole day weaved such a beautiful fusion of their cultures.
HULME FAMILY
In celebration of a family birthday, the Hulme family invited me to join them on the beach to capture some family portraits for them to treasure!
HAYLEY & DEN Cooling Castle Barn
Sometimes there are moments in this job that stop you in your tracks and take your breath away. When Hayley first contacted me about her wedding, she said she was looking for someone she could trust to capture her day, as the significance of the photos for them were really important and they were planning a day full of fun with a superhero theme, which sounded awesome.
And oh my goodness, Hayley rocked it on her bridesmaid dresses and their cake! We had some great fun after dark too at Cooling Castle, with the super hero theme bubbling up in all sort of ways! These guys really are treasures and its a joy to share the story of their day in photos
CHARLOTTE & ROB Kent Life
Charlotte and Rob married today in a pretty pink chapel at Kent Life with their wonderful family and friends. When we were waiting outside the ceremony a bee landed on Mollyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bouquet which had been a theme of their wedding! I loved how joyful these guys are, always laughing and rocking smiles that light up the room.
We slipeed out for some more portraits at last light before hitting the dance floor.
JOANNE TRUBY F lorist
When lovely florist Joanne Truby Floral Design asked me to be part of her rebrand team, I was really excited. She wanted some shots to showcase her working behind the scenes and a few head shots that she could use on her site and in her marketing.
Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d told me that she had the incredibly talented Becky Lord Designs was working on her new logo and website and we chatted about how she wanted the images to feel.
PARIS & JOE East Quay - Whitstable
Wonderful Paris and Joe married at East Quay Venue today and it really was the most beautiful day with two best friends promising forever to each other. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve adored getting to know these guys and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had quiet a journey, via Iceland earlier this year, to their day. Paris and her 8 maids go ready a her maid of honours house and I loved the moment they all saw Paris in her Jenny Packham dress for the first time!
Their whole day was super relaxed and so joyful and I love being right on the shoreline, just perfect for photos. Its always a joy to work with super talented Ignite Films whom I have to thank for their help with the drill spinning on the last photo.
SOPHIE
There are milestone moments on your journey in photography and yesterday was one of them. It was such a treat, to step into a newness bubble to meet beautiful Sophie, Lisa & Owen’s first born. Its days like this that are “pinch yourself” times, as I got to capture their engagement shoot and saw her Mummy and Daddy get married in 2013 and since then they’ve become great friends, living in the same beautiful seaside town of Ramsgate.
I am adoring these moments with people and when doing your job turns into such a wonderful friendship, it certainly does feel like a blessing. Sophie was a total sweetie the whole time, snoozing and being super cuteâ&#x20AC;Ś.
SAM & JIM The Gardens at Yalding
Sam and Jim married at The Gardens Yalding, a stunning new Kent Wedding Venue and it was simply beautiful. They took their vows in the heart of the stunning gardens, surrounded by family and friends and everyone enjoyed a hot and sunny drinks reception on the lawns.
Sam and her girls were pampered by Kimberley Dale: Personal Hairstylist and Wedding Hair. Their two children were just adorable all day and looked too cute walking up the aisle together after their ceremony!
BEACHCOMB REBECCA D O UG LAS P HOTO G R AP HY
The sense of home is a sanctuary we create within ourselves and is not limited to a physical space. We can often reinforce this with objects from a real, physical space and we attribute value and symbolism to them. I have this sanctuary and sense of home by the sea. When disconnected with it for long periods of time, I experience a mental dystopia, which literally translates as ‘not good place’, I feel disconnected and lost. To pass through these periods, I have travelled to the coast, taken photographs of the seascapes, beachcombed* and topped up on what I longed for. In doing so, I was deconstructing the happy space of the seascape, to decorate the unhappy physical space I lived in, with the taking away of the beautiful item I had attributed value to. The images I created in my minds eye somehow felt faded, a little washed out and hazy. They were never as vivid as the sensory experience of seeing it in the first person. Witnessing the powerful destabilising force of the sea, bringing with it deconstruction of items that it carries or crushes. Now I have been reunited happy space of living by the sea, the need to beachcomb doesn’t exist as my home space is there, I don’t need to deconstruct a space I can see. Beachcomb is a heartfelt visual exploration of acknowledging the past habits to survive a deconstructed sense of home. An intriguing and abstract collection of images will represent the transformative impact of living in my physical utopia by the sea. Images will be created by exploring beaches at sunset near low tide collecting items deconstructed in the space and normally overlooked in the past. The deconstructed items collected will be in abundance on that beach and taken home as a reminder of the journey and determination to create this sanctuary of home.
*A beachcomber - a person who walks along beaches looking for objects of value or interest, ignoring items that are damaged or undesirable.
R A M S G AT E E A S TC L I F F
M I N N I S B AY
W E S T B AY
M A R G AT E
V I K I N G B AY
B OTA N Y B AY
K I N G S G AT E B AY
JENNA & KEV Cooling Castle Barn
Lovely Jenna & Kev married today at Cooling Castle Barn with Jenna and her girls getting ready in the totally incredible new bridal suite! She was pampered by Hair and Make-up by Lisa Alborough/ Kyriacou, before heading over to the main barn to see Kev waiting for her.
The Vintage Floral Design Co. created the amazing table centres and Bellaboo and Beau on styling. We were treated to glorious dreamy golden light for our little evening stroll before speeches and hitting the dance floor.
SHILPAN & VARISHA Botany Bay
A little while ago Shilpan emailed me to arrange an engagement shoot for when Varisha was visiting from Australia. Doing the long distance thing ahead of their wedding in India later this year, they wanted to capture some images of their time together this summer in the UK. When we chatted about locations, Shil asked if I knew anywhere beautiful near me as they were travelling from near London and so I suggested Botany Bay at sunset.
e strolled the beach and spent our time together bathed in such glorious golden light. Its been such a treat to capture some memories with them this evening.
FRANCESCA & RIAHD Mount Ephriam - Canterbury
Francesca and Riadh had an absolutely beautiful wedding at Mount Ephriam in April earlier this year! I was so excited for their day after spending time getting to know them during their Whitstable Engagement Shoot. Mount Ephriam is a gorgeous manor house set in acres of the most beautiful gardens, tucked away in countryside between Canterbury and Faversham.
The grounds at Mount Ephriam are just stunning and we were treated to the most glorious light just ahead of sunset which arrived just after the stormiest of skies! Later in the evening, we went outside for some night time photographs with sparklers, and many giggles and laughs were shared. I had such a blast photographing their day and here is their story.
JONNY & CHEN London
It felt like stepping into an old Hollywood romance as I took to strolling round central London with Jonny & Shenn. They are so clearly besotted with each other and we talked about their engagement and Jonny bought Shenn the gorgeous red dress she wore in the second half of our time together.
We strolled around London, taking in all of the sights and sounds. It truly was a magical day!
DEBBIE & MARK P reston Court
Debbie & Mark had a truly splendid wedding day at Preston Court today. I adored their ceremony, blending the legal bit and cultural traditions, it was just beautiful.
We were blessed with wonderful autumn light for their drinks reception and I loved the nod to autumn with the decorations, especially the gold squash! After their outstanding set of speeches, it was dancing time and a little bit of magic rain arrived with darkness too!
DAISY & BEN Iceland - Reykjavik
I just love it when fate plays a hand!! I had the joy of capturing Daisy & Benâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding in 2013 and when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d shared some instagram posts about travelling in Iceland, Daisy said they would be travelling at the same time!
So, we met up at the world renowned ReykjavĂk Roasters for a coffee and took a stroll around the quirky streets fully of amaaaaaazing coloured tin houses and finished at Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral Church.
Rebecca Douglas PHOTOGRAPHY
BEST OF 2016 www.rebeccadouglas.co.uk