London & Cornwall wedding photography by Marianne Taylor

St Pancras Renaissance Wedding Photography

October 9, 2017 · 14 Comments

I’m so late blogging this London vow renewal and wedding celebration! I don’t quite know how the summer is already in the rearview mirror and we’re heading straight into winter. It feels like only yesterday when we gathered at St Mary Abbots for a beautiful ceremony and, afterwards, hopped onto a Routemaster that took us to St Pancras Renaissance Hotel for the Wedding Breakfast and evening celebration.

There were beautiful flowers by Lavender Green Flowers, a gorgeous cake by Abigail Bloom Cake Company, and of course the stunning Courtney, who looked amazing in her customised Amanda Wyatt gown and Emmy London shoes. Jess from St Pancras Renaissance Hotel was in charge of catering, and it was so lovely to have a mini reunion with some of my favourite vendors, the Wedding Smashers who got everyone on the dancefloor, and Gorgeous Films, who were there to capture the day on video.

Ever since their engagement shoot in Cornwall, I knew that their day would be something special, and I wasn’t wrong! Thank you so much for letting me play my little part in everything! xo

Aynhoe Park Wedding Photography

August 26, 2017 · 10 Comments

It was such a pleasure to get to return to Aynhoe Park for another beautiful and unique wedding day. The summer weather was showing its best, and the grounds of this beautiful venue transformed into a wonderland with cocktails on the lawn and deer coming up to see what was happening. There were out-of-this-world-beautiful floral arrangements, flamingoes, unicorns and plenty of laughter. Thank you once again Aynhoe for providing such a perfect backdrop for celebrating love!

Countryside Summer Wedding at Soho Farmhouse

June 26, 2017 · 9 Comments

It felt like such a long time since Anne & Archie’s London engagement session, but when their beautiful countryside wedding day at Soho Farmhouse finally arrived it was certainly worth the wait! The day started in such an idyllic setting, with the girls getting ready at the cutest cabin where Gemma Sutton was in charge of hair & makeup. When Anne got into her exquisite Mira Zwillinger wedding gown and put on her Aquazzura wedding shoes, there was not a dry eye in the room!

A horse-drawn carriage took the bridesmaids to the ceremony before returning with Anne’s father on board to fetch her. The perfect summer day added to the atmosphere of the most picturesque day in the country.

The reception, organised and catered by Soho Farmhouse, continued the summery theme. Anne’s home country of Norway was incorporated into the look of the floral decorations and the traditions (such as getting the bride & groom to stand on a table and kiss at the clink of a glass!), making the whole event feel like a real life midsummer’s dream. I have to also give a shout out to The London Essentials, who were truly amazing, entertaining the guests with their music in their own energetic interactive way. Definitely a hit with the crowd!

It was such a pleasure to be there to photograph this gorgeous day, thank you so much for having us, Anne & Archie! Wishing you all the sunshine for your future! xo

Enchanting Elopement Wedding in London

June 21, 2017 · 2 Comments

Both Milla & Nelo’s families live far away from their home in London and trying to arrange a big wedding that would bring everyone together just seemed like a too stressful task, so the couple decided to ‘run away’ and get married without telling anyone in advance!

I really do enjoy elopement weddings because there’s a certain sense of adventure and spontaneity about the proceedings. The day also lets the couple concentrate all their attention on each other, instead of worrying about the million tiny details that go with organising bigger weddings.

I loved playing a small part in Milla & Nelo’s intimate day, it definitely feels like a huge privilege to be in on such a massive secret! Seeing how in love these two are, I don’t think their family and friends can deny their day was perfect – for them. I’m sure there will be a party of some sort to celebrate with nearest and dearest at some point to make up for it!

Milla & Nelo, thank you so much for allowing me to document your special day! xo

Garden wedding in Cornwall

May 16, 2017 · 3 Comments

I can’t quite express how much I love photographing weddings local to me. I moved to Cornwall for its immeasurable beauty and relaxed lifestyle, and Cornish weddings tend to reflect these very same qualities.

Tara & Simon got married in a beautiful marquee on the lawn of their own house in St. Ervan in North Cornwall. The day started in Tara’s own bedroom, with getting her hair & makeup done by the Pop Up Salon, before stepping into her Jimmy Choos and beautiful Claire Pettibone gown.

The morning looked a bit overcast and gray, but after the ceremony at St. Ervan Parish Church the sun broke through and brought with it the most beautiful golden evening. The simply stunning marquee by LPM Bohemia was beautifully decorated with flowers by Ginny’s Flowers, while Emma Easdon from Cornish Bluebird made sure things ran on time and Jack Bristow was in charge of catering all the delicious Cornish food.

While music from Mountain Ash mingled with the excited chatter inside the marquee, and the early spring sun stretched its beams over the beautiful countryside, I couldn’t help but feel like I had the best job in the world.

Thank you for having me, Tara & Simon! I wish you many happy surf-filled years together in your bit of Cornish paradise!

Victoria & Charles : Kensington Palace wedding with old school glamour

June 23, 2016 · 11 Comments

Time is a funny thing. It seemed like I had been waiting for Victoria & Charles’ wedding day for ages, and yet it felt like it was only yesterday when we got together for their engagement session in Somerset. Taking on such a limited number of weddings means I’m looking forward to each one with even more enthusiasm, and I couldn’t have been more excited when Victoria & Charles’ big day finally rolled around!

Victoria got ready with her sister and friends at her childhood home, which added something really special to the proceedings. It was lovely to be surrounded by all the photographs and mementoes that told such vivid stories and formed a map of memories. Pat Mascolo, the mother of one of Victoria’s oldest friends was on hand for make-up, and Lauren from Tony and Guy perfected Victoria’s stunningly glamorous wavy hair-do.

Before Victoria stepped into her Valentino shoes and the most beautiful (I, mean really!) Monique Lhuillier gown from Browns Bride, her and Charles’ dog Albert came in for a quick cuddle and a pose. You could literally hear all the hearts in the room melting! After popping on her great-great grandmother’s pearl and diamond earrings, and Charlie’s family onyx and diamond bracelet, and picking up her simply stunning Hayford and Rhodes bouquet, Victoria was ready.

It was a short walk to the church of St Mary Abbots and after the ceremony, all the guests continued on foot to the Orangery at Kensington Palace for the party. There, Rhubarb was in charge of the catering and Pearl and Groove had created the most amazing gluten free cake. As well as stationery from Wren Press, Victoria’s own illustrations also played a part in the look of the day. She had illustrated all the escort cards to look like ‘Royal Ascot Enclosure’ badges, and each guest got a small cut-out caricature of themselves instead of a place card. It was definitely fun talking point (and a selfie opportunity!) and the guests took their portraits home.

Another talking point was a wonderful Photo Booth with a bespoke Reynolds oil painting backdrop, operated by the Photo Booth Guys. When the night fell, everyone got on the dance floor, and with a little help from the DJ’s Prelude Entertainment, boogied the night away.

It was such a pleasure to be a part of this joyful and beautiful day, and also to get to work with the amazing Gorgeous Film again. Victoria & Charles (and Albert!), I wish you all the best in your life together, I’m pretty sure it will be full of laughter and adventure! xo

The year in pictures

December 31, 2015 · 7 Comments

Favourite images from 2015 by Marianne Taylor Photography.

What a strange and wonderful year 2015 has been! When we were leaving Cornwall after a short stay last December, I remember saying a silent goodbye to the ocean and wishing I never had to leave… It’s kind of mindblowing that now, a year later, we actually live here!

Most of 2015 got swept up by the whole rigmarole of selling our old home, finding and purchasing not only a new house in Cornwall, but also a little ‘city base’ closer to London, and everything that goes with it, including two moves. We’re still trying to figure out the new rhythm of life, when to be where, how to get used to the travelling, but there’s one thing that’s certain – I’m never happier than under the Cornish sky, watching my beloved ocean.

Despite the year being a bit of a whirlwind with lots of new challenges on all fronts, I did get to take photos of some wonderful people and beautiful events, while also mentoring many incredible photographers via Her Lovely Heart. I hope you’ll enjoy this small collection of my favourite photos from 2015!

Coastline in Cornwall, UK.

Photographer in Cornwall.

Family Beloved Together Photography in Bushy Park London by Marianne Taylor.

Fine art destination wedding photography in the South of France by Marianne Taylor. Click through to see more.

Creative wedding reportage photography by Marianne Taylor

Coastline in Cornwall, UK.

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Charley & Freddie | Wedding

October 5, 2015 · 15 Comments

Charley & Freddie’s wedding was special for many reasons. Not least because I had earlier photographed Charley sister Jess’s wedding to Luke, and prior to that Jess’s friend Lucy’s wedding to Matt, and even further back Lucy’s brother David’s wedding to Eleni. So being there for Charley & Freddie’s wedding made me feel connected to a long line of people, and also gave this strong sense of time passing and me getting to be a witness to its flow. Which is pretty special.

The day started at Park House Hotel in Midhurst, where Charley was getting ready with her girls. Lillie Lindh was in charge of make-up and hair, and florist Hannah Berry Flowers had created one of my favourite bouquets ever. Charley’s beautiful wedding gown was by Suzanne Neville, and she added some glitter to the proceedings with her L K Bennett wedges.

The ceremony at Church of St Mary and St Gabriel in South Harting was a joyous occasion, after which we headed back to the house where Freddie grew up. The garden had been transformed into a pretty magical wedding reception space, and even though rain had threatened earlier, once the guest arrived the sun came out and bathed everyone in lovely warm early evening autumn light.

Blue Fig were in charge of the food and the cake, which was set up in a gorgeous marquee by DP Marquees. There was just so much pretty and joy around, and it was a real pleasure to get celebrate Charley & Freddie with everyone. I also have to big up bride’s father Adam, who really is the wedding planner extraordinaire (I’m not sure whether he’s available for hire, but if he is, he’ll make sure an event runs smoothly!).

Thank you Charley & Freddie for letting us play a part in your day, I hope you’ll enjoy a lifetime of adventures together! x

Creative wedding reportage photography by Marianne Taylor

Creative wedding reportage photography by Marianne Taylor

Creative wedding reportage photography by Marianne Taylor

Jenni & Ibrahim | Wedding

August 31, 2015 · 5 Comments

It’s a gloriously sunny Bank Holiday Monday in Cornwall, which makes my mind wander back to Jenni & Ibrahim’s equally sunny (albeit much, much hotter!) elopement wedding in Vienna. The Finnish-Turkish couple currently live in Ibrahim’s home city of Istanbul, but as Jenni was born in Vienna, they decided it was the perfect location to ‘elope’ to, with just their witnesses and Jenni’s Vienna-based family members. The unusually hot weather added to the joyous atmosphere, as we went on mini adventures on the beautiful picturesque streets, first trying to locate the registry office, and then in search of a pretty location for a few portraits.

It was a privilege to be a part of this intimate day, and I have to say I loved every minute of it! Congratulations guys, see you soon in London! ;)

Vienna elopement wedding reportage photography by Marianne Taylor

How to take intimate candid shots of people

January 31, 2015 · Leave a Comment

How to take intimate candid shots of people.

I receive questions about photography & about being photographed almost daily. I share some of my favourite questions on the blog, so that everyone can benefit from the answers.

Q: How do you get such intimate candid shots of people without spooking them? Everyone always seems so natural and relaxed in your photos.

Thanks for the question! These are my favourite kind of shots to take at a wedding, and I especially love them at the getting ready stage and later during the cocktail hour. There are so many lovely moments and authentic interactions to catch at these times.

There are couple of different approaches to taking candid photographs of people. First of all, let’s talk about the technical aspect of photographing these moments. Personally I tend to shoot fairly close up, with a 35mm or a 50mm lens, so I’m definitely in the moment with the people, and I mingle quite a bit with the guests when photographing the cocktail hour. However, I often get comments afterwards to the effect that no-one saw me the whole day, so they were surprised to get all the photos they did!

With my approach to candid photography the biggest factor is demeanour. If I were to act awkwardly people would be awkward in my pictures. When I approach people in a way that doesn’t make them feel like I’m doing something weird, they’re not spooked. I have been told that I come across quite calm, which can be a good addition to nervous situations, and helps with the intimacy.

My assistant generally shoots candids with a longer lens (often the 100mm), which lets her sneak shots from further away without people noticing. I myself have started using the 85mm a bit more as well, it’s sometimes nice to be able to catch moments from slightly further away. Obviously the different focal lengths create a visually different kind of feeling to each other as well, and the compression of a longer lens creates a lovely ‘social portrait’ look rather than making the viewer feel like they’re part of the action.

The Best of 2014

December 29, 2014 · 14 Comments

Favourite images from 2014 by Marianne Taylor Photography.

2014 has been one of those funny years… on the other hand, it seemed like Christmas and the end of the year caught up with me way too fast, but at the same time it felt like a looong old year. So many challenges and changes took place that looking back it seems crazy it all fitted into one year. As well as spending a year working on developing the Beloved Collective until May this year, creating the Beloved Magazine, and, of course, getting Her Lovely Heart up and running, I did fit in lots of lovely shoots, and memorable moments filled with love and laughter. I have to say I feel rather relieved that 2014 is drawing to a close though, and I am so happy about feeling way more focused and excited for the next year than I was this time last year. I really think 2015 is going to be different, surprising and amazing!

Here’s to everyone I shared laughter, tears and meaningful moments with, thank you for making 2014 all it was! xo

P.S. as always, you can click on the images to see more.

How to plan for photography on your wedding day

October 31, 2014 · Leave a Comment

How to plan for photography on your wedding day. Click through to read.

I receive questions about photography & about being photographed almost daily. I share some of my favourite questions on the blog, so that everyone can benefit from the answers.

Q: I’m a bride planning a wedding and I’m wondering if you have any advice about what we should be aware of and take into consideration in regards to our photography during the day?

A: Congratulations on your engagement!

First of all, take some time thinking about the style of photography that most speaks to you. Be honest about what is important to you – are you keen on traditional images and formal group shots, or is it more important to you to catch the real moments – and choose your photographer accordingly.

While preparing for the actual day, think about the details and colours, as well as the kind of atmosphere you want to create, and try to instil your personality into everything – the more individual the style of your wedding is, the more interesting the pictures will be. If you’re getting married outside, check out how the light falls at the time of your ceremony. If one of you is under weird spotty light, you might want to consider moving slightly, or having some sort of cover, such as fabric or a parasol, to even out the light.

Expect everything to take a little longer than your initial instinct is, and then write down a schedule for the day – and remember to give this to your photographer. Also keep in mind that if you do want formal group shots, make a list of the groups and designate a person in your wedding party who will get these groups organised – and, you guessed it, give this information to your photographer. Expect each group to take around 3-5 minutes (when you start adding the times up you realise how much time this takes away from actually capturing what’s happening on the day, which is why I limit the amount of group shots I take).

If creative portraits of the two of you are important to you, allow at least 30 minutes to be spent alone with your photographer. If you’re after some magical sun-flair shots, the best light for those is generally around one hour before the sunset, so see if at least some portrait time can be worked into your schedule at that time.

For me personally, the most important thing you can do is to ENJOY your day and let me capture your happiness in a relaxed environment. So once all the planning is done and the big day is upon you, just let go of the reigns and trust the professionals you’ve hired for your day!

Charlotte & Luke | Wedding

September 29, 2014 · 5 Comments

It’s always such a pleasure to return to Preston Court, and I’b been waiting for the next time impatiently ever since Charlotte & Luke’s engagement session.

The day started at the Bell Hotel in Sandwich, in a room bustling with maids and children, including Charlotte & Luke’s son Ethan. It was also the second week in a row that Gemma Sutton was on hand for hair and makeup, what were the chances! Charlotte’s gorgeous gown was from Confetti & Lace, and she wore the most adorable strappy Jimmy Choos I’ve come across yet. The girls travelled to Preston Court in style in a beetle and a camper van by Kent Beetles, hands down the cutest wedding cars I know.

Stationery by Hello!Lucky set the tone for things to come, and the special touches made by Charlotte herself (she sells her hand made items through Mamma Made This) really made the decor unique. Caterer Relish was in charge of the delicious food (not to mention took amazing care of us!) and the beautiful cake was by Hall of Cakes. Add in some gorgeous blooms by Euphoric Flowers, and what you get is pretty much my idea of wedding heaven.

Thank you so much, Charlotte & Luke, for letting us play a small part in your gorgeous day filled with carousel-fun, bouncing babies and much much laughter. I wish you all the best for your future together! x

Marianne Taylor creative fine art wedding reportage photography

Marianne Taylor creative fine art wedding reportage photography

Fleur & Nick | Wedding

September 25, 2014 · 2 Comments

‘He dived in, with no lifejacket, barely having even known me a week, and saved me from drowning to death in the Philippines sea. I would not be here today were it not for Nick, and I will never be able to repay him for that.’

By the time I got to these words within the story of how how Fleur & Nick met and fell in love, tears were running down my face and I knew I would reschedule what was supposed to be a trip back home in order to photograph their wedding. And even if their story wouldn’t have been as emotional as it is, I still wouldn’t regret my decision one bit, as I loved every minute of their wedding day.

The day started at Fleur’s childhood home, where Gemma Sutton was in charge of hair and makeup. After Fleur got into her beautiful Charlie Brear gown, and slipped on her sparkly Jimmy Choo shoes, we headed to St.Michaels Church in Chenies for the ceremony. But it was at Pidgeon House Meadow at Hall Barn Estate in Beaconsfield, where the full force of the gorgeousness really hit. A teepee in the middle of a field, filled with gorgeous blooms by Andrew Flemming and all the special touches Fleur spent a long time planning, really was the most magical setting.

The whole day was filled with such joyful emotion, which wasn’t dampened even by the rain showers. James Henton provided the perfect soundtrack for the day, and it was such a huge pleasure to get to work with Kissing Gate Films again. Caterer Caper & Berry was in charge of the most beautiful food, and the amazing cake was created by The Cake Parlour.

Thank you so much Fleur & Nick, for letting us play a small part in your incredible story. I wish you all the happiness in the world for your life together! x

Marianne Taylor creative fine art wedding reportage photography

Marianne Taylor creative fine art wedding reportage photography

Rachel & Alexander | Wedding

June 19, 2014 · 15 Comments

This is a day everyone involved had waited for a long time! Rachel & Alexander were supposed to get married the year before, but due to health reasons had to postpone their date. The silver lining in this was that, while I wasn’t available on their original date, I was on the new one. And I am so so glad I got to be a part of this truly magical day.

Northbrook Park looked better than ever, with the gardens in full bloom and the weather showing us it’s best. Add to that the amazingness that Steph aka Fairy Nuff Flowers created, she really outdid herself with the amazing flower arrangements! Rachel looked gorgeous in her Phillippa Lepley wedding gown and Jimmy Choo (of course!) shoes, and she completely took Alex’s breath away when coming down the aisle.

It was such a pleasure to work with wedding planner Always Andri and Jacaranda catering again. Othes I need to mention are The Cake Parlour, who was responsible for the amazing cake, and Louise Richardson who created the adorable stationary. Chrystal Palace String Quartet provided beautiful music throughout the day, until night fell and none other than The Wedding Smashers took to the decks and got everyone on the dance floor. I don’t know how they do it, but it just always happens like magic!

Northbrook Park is one of those place where I really wouldn’t mind working every weekend if I had to. But I am so glad it was this particular weekend, and this particular couple. Thank you so much Rachel and Alexander for having us share your gorgeous day with you! xo

Marianne Taylor creative fine art destination wedding reportage photography Northbrook Park

Marianne Taylor creative fine art destination wedding reportage photography Northbrook Park

Marianne Taylor creative fine art destination wedding reportage photography Northbrook Park

We love… stationery collaboration with Berinmade

March 28, 2014 · 3 Comments

I first met Erin & Ben way back in 2009, when I photographed their engagement session. A lot has changed since then! This adorable power couple are now busy running Berinmade, where Erin puts her illustration skills to good use creating beautiful paper goods, while Ben is in charge of the operations, plus they recently welcomed their gorgeous baby girl, Phoebe, to the world.

Since the beginning of Berinmade, we have collaborated together in small ways through shoots such as this pink & turquoise one, or using Erin’s gorgeous love sign in an engagement session, to Erin designing the logo for my agency Her Lovely Heart.

But our latest stationery collaboration was a little bit more special than anything we’ve done before. Erin came up with gorgeous designs for ‘save the date’ & ‘thank you’ photo cards and asked if she could use my images to illustrate how the finished products could look. Of course I said yes, but only if I could also photograph the results!

I hope these images get you in the mood for spring! xo

The Year in Pictures

December 30, 2013 · 18 Comments

Favourite images from 2013 by Marianne Taylor Photography.

I can’t quite comprehend that 2013 is over already! I genuinely feel like I was only just getting used to writing out the correct year, and now we’re suddenly hurtling into 2014! Whoa.

Looking back at the year, it was packed full of good stuff, though. So many lovely weddings and together sessions, a lot of travel and good times with friends. Many new adventures, challenges and opportunities embarked upon.

It looks like 2013 was full of love & kisses between beautiful people, it’s just a shame it didn’t stick around for longer!

Sarah & Boris | Wedding

September 24, 2013 · 6 Comments

I do love it when I get to photograph a wedding in my local neighbourhood, so Sarah & Boris’ wedding at Hampton Court Palace was a real pleasure. After getting ready at their (gorgeous!) home, Sarah slipped into her Caroline Castigliano gown and headed to the Little Banqueting House where Boris was waiting. The rainy weather couldn’t dampen the spirit of the beautiful ceremony, and lunch among close friends and family that followed. Rhubarb caterers were in charge of the amazing food on the day, and Buds and Bloom from Esher created the flowers.

When the evening fell, the party moved outside into the most incredible marquee, where The Chandeliers and the Wedding Smashers kept the evening guests entertained.

All in all, Sarah & Boris’ day was a blast, and the beautiful mix of Russian and English touches symbolised the coming together of two people and cultures brilliantly. Thanks so much for having us be a part of it!

Marianne Taylor creative fine art wedding reportage photography

Marianne Taylor creative fine art wedding reportage photography

Tracey & Hardip | Wedding

September 5, 2013 · 5 Comments

Tracey & Hardip’s wedding at Northbrook Park was a real coming together of two families and cultures. There were both Chinese and Indian traditions, such as a tea ceremony and a sagan, integrated into the day, plus a beautiful outside ceremony in the garden.

The day began with Tracey getting ready in one of the cabins, where the fabulous Mariam Jensen was in charge of make-up and Tracey’s cousin Jenny Liu of hair. Tracey had more than one knockout outfits for the day (plus of course two pairs of gorgeous Jimmy Choos!), her main gown being a breathtaking Elie Saab creation.

Wedding Planner: Carmen Yuen-Stevenson was an absolute star, making sure that everything ran perfectly and taking brilliant care of us all. Sanctuary Catering was responsible for the food and the amazing Euphoric Flowers for the gorgeous flower arrangements and bouquet. And the cake, oh the cake! It was pretty much love at first sight for me when I saw the stunning ombre cake by Rachelle’s. It was also much fun working with videographer Simon Clarke (and his lovely wife Anna).

When the evening fell, one of the biggest surprises of the day came when Hardip announced his favourite band, The Brand New Heavies, was there to perform for everyone. What a spectacular ending to a perfect day!

Thank you so much Tracey & Hardip, we loved every minute of your gorgeous day! x

Marianne Taylor creative fine art wedding reportage photography

Marianne Taylor creative fine art wedding reportage photography

Beidi & Tanzib | Wedding

September 2, 2013 · 3 Comments

The amazing Mr. Ed Peers joined me as a second shooter for Beidi & Tanzib’s super cute wedding at Winchester House in Putney. The whole day was such a labour of love, with all the handmade details, stationery designed by Beidi, and family and friends helping to pull everything together. It was a small and perfectly formed affair.

After a ceremony in the garden, conducted by a friend, and drinks on the grass, the reception took place inside where Beidi had created the perfect setting with long tables filled with gorgeous flowers and the cutest details. When the evening fell The Street Swing Band created an intimate atmosphere under the adorable lanterns.

Thank you so much Beidi & Tanzib for having us share in your special day! x

And thank you Ed for being incredible as always. P.S. Ed is guest speaking again at this year’s mnoo school workshop on October 14-15, come join us!