Check out the latest blog posts of South Wales Wedding Photographer Simon Murray
Wedding at Château de la Valouze
Brittney and Nick’s wedding at Château de la Valouze
Wedding at Château de La Valouze
It’s such a pleasure to be sharing the images from Brittney and Nick’s stunning Chateau wedding which took recently took place at Château de La Valouze near Bordeaux, France, Nick proposed to Brittney in Paris in September 2019 and exactly 2 years later they travelled from Chicago to France, the country they dearly love to get married!
An awesome day at an amazing venue with lovely people!
Venue - http://www.chateaudelavalouze.com/
Wedding Planner - https://www.dkmluxuryrentals.com/
Your Wedding – Your Way!
Bride Buddy is a unique service offering Experienced Fun Celebrants & Wedding Planners in Essex, Kent UK, France & Kefalonia, Greece.
Bride Buddy is a unique service offering Experienced Fun Celebrants & Wedding Planners in Essex, Kent UK, France & Kefalonia, Greece. We make your dream wedding a reality by offering alternative ceremonies without the restrictions of a civil ceremony. Bespoke, personal, affordable Your day - Your way. The Bride Buddy team are former UK Registrars and we are dedicated to making sure we give you nothing less than our best. Focused, and proud of what we do with years of experience and knowledge. Completely trusting each other which means you know that you can trust us too.
Our celebrants are located across Essex & Kent, South West France and in Kefalonia, Greece, where we also have a full wedding planning service. We work with you - one to one, to create a ceremony that has special significance to you both. We also offer help and guidance on any legalities involved, and plenty of sound advice.
Within England & Wales wedding ceremonies are restricted by law as to what can and cannot be said and done and they are also limited by the kind of venue where the wedding can take place. More and more couples are looking for something less standard and more personal to them and are opting for a celebrant ceremony following a formal registration of their marriage at the Register Office.
How does it work?
· By having a simple legal marriage at the Register Office first, usually with just you and two witnesses, there is nothing in law stopping you having a big celebratory wedding ceremony anywhere you want to or abroad afterwards.
· This is a way to have a separate ceremony that will enhance the occasion by giving you the opportunity to have a meaningful ceremony in a place that has special significance to you both without restrictions.
· Perhaps you would like a celebration in your garden, on your allotment, in the woods, on the beach, abroad etc – wherever you want (subject to permission)
Some couples who have been in touch with us are happy to book a venue that is licensed by the register office but the registrars were fully booked on the day of their choice, others just wanted to have a more bespoke ceremony at the same venue.
Some marriages are inter-faith and with a celebrant ceremony any symbolic aspects can be included.
A celebrant ceremony has no restrictions over place or time, large or small gatherings, woodlands, beaches, gardens fields, or your favourite pub, club or restaurant.
Are you looking for a bespoke ceremony for your same sex or LGBT wedding? Just get in touch.
We have performed hand fasting ceremonies, sand and water ceremonies, ceremonies with religious or symbolic elements and even one that spoke about 'our place in the Universe. '
All the elements that are important to you both can be included and friends and family can take part and contribute too.
Are you considering getting married abroad? We offer services in France and Greece. Whether you are looking for something small and intimate or you would like to make it a large family affair there are so many options to choose from. We are also happy to help if you are looking for a same sex or LGBT wedding. As well as creating a personal ceremony for you we can also organise all the legal requirements for your wedding abroad along with expert professional guidance on the documentation process in the UK.
Our full wedding planning service in Kefalonia can offer you a fantastic wedding day, here in the Greek sunshine for you and 20 guests for under £4000. Our bespoke Ceremony Celebrants services are available in the UK for £480 and in France for £580.
Check out the website today at www.bride-buddy.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
How to entertain your wedding guests
I have put together a few ideas to help keep your guests entertained at your wedding.
I have put together a few ideas to help keep your guests entertained at your wedding. They are all fun and some are quite unique too – a nice way to offer your guests something a little different.
Lawn Games
Whether it’s welly wanging, giant Jenga, a bucking bronco or croquet, it will undoubtedly get everyone involved and showcase their skills … albeit a little alcohol fuelled!
Live music
Music brings an amazing vibe and energy to a wedding party. It could be a lyrical solo performer, a larger than life five-piece band, or even a DJ spinning your favourite tunes you can’t help to dance to, live music is always a good idea.
Guestbook
A beautiful guestbook and an instant camera, guests can take photo’s and then paste their snaps into the book and write their well wishes. In this digital age, this is a lovely keepsake that you’ll look through for years to come.
Caricaturist or Live Illustration
Hiring a Caricaturist or a live Illustration artist for your Wedding is the perfect entertainment for between proceedings, during the photographs or at the wedding reception, it will entertain everybody and provide a great talking point. And, in addition, it will also leave your guests with a memento of your special day.
Photo Booth
Let your guests get a little crazy, dress up like it’s 1984 and take their own pics with an instant camera! You’ll end up with lots of super fun shots of your guests wearing brightly coloured wigs, silly hats and oversized glasses too!
There you have it, just a few entertainment tips to avoid ‘boring’ at your wedding. Check them out and book some of your own to make your wedding memorable for the right reasons.
Don’t forget to let me know your thoughts below about the cool activities you have enjoyed at a wedding!
Singing Waiters
Whether you are engaged to be married, are helping to plan a wedding for a loved one or are just looking to contribute to the wedding with the gift that keeps on giving, the Singing Waiters in France (also covering the UK) can help make any wedding day one to remember by delivering the ultimate wedding entertainment! CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR WEBSITE
Wedding at Crug Glas Country House
Charlene and Stefan's summer wedding at Crug Glas Country House
Crug Glas Country House | Charlene and Stefan
15th June 2019
It’s such a pleasure to be sharing the images from Charlene and Stefan’s gorgeous summer wedding which took place at Crug Glas Country House in West Wales on the 16th June 2019. Crug Glas is a country house, in Pembrokeshire. Set in 600 acres of land in St Davids, it offers breathtaking views of unspoilt countryside and easy access to the area’s world-famous coast.
All the decorations at this wedding were handmade by the bride, and Charlene even made the cake herself and as you can see from the photographs it all looked amazing!
There was a fun rodeo ride to entertain guests, amazing music from the band and a hog roast.
An awesome day at an amazing venue with lovely people!
Venue website - www.https://www.crug-glas.co.uk/
This wedding has also featured on the Whimsical Wonderland Wedding blog - https://whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com/crug-glas-country-house-wedding/
Supplier love -
Videography - Reel Fine Productions - https://www.facebook.com/ReelFineProductions/
Make up – Farhana Ali – https://www.facebook.com/FarhanaAliArt/
Hair - https://www.facebook.com/rachelmorganfoster/
Venue - Crug Glas Country House - https://www.facebook.com/CrugGlas/
Flowers - Artificial Floral Supplies https://www.facebook.com/ArtificialFloralSupplies/
Jewellery/Acessories – https://www.facebook.com/Wynter.Isabelle/
Bouncy Castle/Bull -https://www.facebook.com/Pembrokeshire-West-Wales- Bouncy-Castles-86089889346/
Band - https://www.facebook.com/TheBeatsUK/
Photobooth - https://www.facebook.com/PuckerPics/
Menswear - https://www.facebook.com/dyfedmenswear/
Top 10 Most Popular Places to Propose
The Top 10 most popular places in the world to get engaged!
Top 10 Most Popular Places to Propose
It’s engagement season! If your looking for that special place to propose, here’s the Top 10 most popular places in the world to pop the question, as a destination wedding photographer I am also available for engagement shoots wherever you choose
Central Park, New York City - Central Park is perfect for romantic proposal ideas. With so much character and space, it has something for everyone
Eiffel Tower, Paris - Paris is the most romantic city in the world, and is there a more iconic place than the Eiffel tower!
Brooklyn Bridge, New York - Brooklyn Bridge is one of best proposal spots in New York, You have a perfect view to the Manhattan and Brooklyn sides of the city.
Grand Canyon, Arizona - The Grand Canyon is one of the most epic spots in the world, You can’t really go wrong when picking a spot , stunning view wherever you look.
Oia, Santorini, Greece - Oia is the most beautiful village on the Greek island of Santorini and is famous for it sunsets and whitewashed houses.
Colosseum, Rome - What a spectacular location for a wedding proposal, especially at sunset!
Tower Bridge, London - One of the most recognisable bridges in the world, Two walkways offer breathtaking panoramic views out across iconic landmarks of London
Sydney Opera House, Sydney - The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous buildings in the world and is the perfect spot for a marriage proposal
Louvre, Paris - The Louvre, or the Louvre Museum, is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France. A central landmark of the city.
Lake Louise, Banff, Canada - Its turquoise water and stunning views are guaranteed to take your partner's breath away, as will the rocky mountains and forests that surround it.
Where would you love to get engaged, comment below….
Wedding at Vale Resort
Rob and Emma's wedding day at Vale Resort, Near Cardiff
Vale Resort | Emma and Rob
4th May 2019
I’m very excited to share these images from Rob and Emma’s wedding at the Vale Resort, near Cardiff. It was an amazing day with beautiful sunshine all day, an emotional ceremony was followed by a super relaxed day and absolute cracker of a evening party , so here are a few of my favourite images from their day…
Thank you guy’s for having me along to share your day and hope you enjoy the photos...
Wedding venue website - https://www.valeresort.com/weddings/
What if it rains on my wedding day?
What if it rains on my wedding day?
What if it rains on my wedding day?
Ok, I’m a wedding photographer based in South Wales and lets be honest in the UK, it rains, a lot! Everyone hopes for good weather on their wedding day but you just can’t predict it. Over the lat year I have photographed weddings in the middle of summer when its been raining then come the winter some of the weddings I photographed had beautiful dry sunny weather. If it rains on your wedding day, don’t worry, it’s not going to ruin your day. You’re getting married!!!! This is the best day ever whether its bright sunshine or thunderstorms and pouring rain it will be a fantastic day and I will make sure you get amazing images!
Even if it does rains on your wedding day, it probably won’t rain all day and we can still get those outdoor photographs that you were planning on. On a rainy wedding day I’m always keeping an eye on the weather so if we do get a break in it, even if its 10 minutes, we can pop outside and get some shots, Even if it is a drizzly, most venues will have some outdoor cover that we can use to have your photographs taken under, ensuring you stay dry but we still get some awesome photographs!
In fact, rain on your wedding day can actually be a good thing! Here, here are a few reasons why -
Rain makes for one-of-a-kind wedding photos
Wedding flowers last longer in the rain
A rainy wedding makes for a great story
Rain on a wedding day means good luck!
Rain creates a romantic wedding atmosphere
Wedding at Caldicot Castle
Chris and Veronica’s wedding at Caldicot Castle
Caldicot Castle | Veronica and Chris
27th April 2019 - Caldicot Castle
A few of my favourite photos from Veronica and Chris’s wedding at Caldicot Castle, A fabulous wedding featuring a Castle, Morris Minor wedding cars, Veronica’s family who had travelled over from Sweden, beautiful Swedish songs during the ceremony, Emotional speeches and lots of dancing!
Should you buy a Wedding Album?
Should you buy a wedding album?
Should you buy a Wedding Album?
Short answer, absolutely YES!
A wedding album is what you will look at time and time again, you will get the album out and show relatives and friends. You will get it out on anniversaries and look through the pages, you will show your children and in years to come you will show your grand children.
Now I know there a many of you out there on a budget and you may feel a wedding album is just one more thing to add to the ever-growing wedding budget. Albums can start at as little as £250 and go up to as much as you want to spend, depending on the size, make and how many pages you choose. The beauty of the album is it’s something you can order once the wedding is over, so not something you have to pay for straight away. You can choose the album after the wedding, even a year later.
One of my favourite childhood memories involved looking through old boxes of photos and looking at photo albums that my parents had made.
When you buy a wedding album – you are buying the experience that your children, grandchildren will have with your memories. They will flip through the pages and wonder who was who. They will laugh at your hair and the clothes you wore. Looking at the images on your laptop, i-pad or mobile phone just isn’t the same.
Wedding at St. Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club
St. Pierre Hotel & Country Club | Julia and Gareth
St. Pierre Hotel & Country Club | Julia and Gareth
20th April 2019 - I was lucky enough to photograph the wedding of Julia and Gareth at St. Pierre Hotel in Chepstow, which is a stunning wedding venue and was looking even more stunning on this beautiful sunny spring day!
Photography coverage for the day began with bridal preparations at the bridal suite before heading to the main part of the hotel for the ceremony, the reception and evening party were held in the St Pierre Suite, evening entertainment was provided by https://www.facebook.com/TheVergeWales/ who kept the dance floor packed all night.
The grounds around the venue offer fantastic photo opportunities allowing us to take advantage of the setting for a few photos with the couple and as Gareth is a keen golfer we even got a few shots on the putting green!
Congratulation Julia and Gareth
Here are a few of my favourite photos from the day
Wedding venue website - https://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/event-planning/wedding-planning/cwlgs-st-pierre-marriott-hotel-and-country-club/
50 Wedding Venues Wales
50 Wedding Venues in Wales
50 Wedding Venues - Wales
After getting engaged, your thoughts then turn to the all-important matter of choosing your Welsh wedding venue.
You may already have an idea of the kind of wedding that you want, but some of these places may give you a few more ideas as these wedding venues have something for every taste
So whatever type of wedding you’ve got planned here is a list of 50 places to get married in Wales that will make your day that extra special! (Click venue name to visit their website)
Wedding at Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel
Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel | Victoria and Kristian
Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel | Victoria and Kristian
On 10th March 2019 I was lucky enough to photograph the wedding of Victoria and Kristian. The wedding ceremony and reception was held at the Coed Y Mwstwr Hotel, near Bridgend perched on a Welsh hillside and surrounded by over 17 acres of woodland, this Victorian mansion provides a cosy and secluded hideaway overlooking the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.
Photography coverage for the day began with bridal preparations at the bridal suite before heading to the Eliot Suite for the ceremony, the reception and evening party were held in the Hendre Suite
The grounds around the venue offer fantastic photo opportunities allowing us to take advantage of the setting for a few photos with Victoria and Kristian , as well as a family photos.
Congratulation Victoria and Kristian!
Here are a few of my favourite photos from the day
Wedding venue website - https://www.townandcountrycollective.co.uk/coed-y-mwstwr/weddings/
Planning your Wedding
Planing your wedding
Planning your Wedding
Of all the professionals you hire on your wedding day, it’s your wedding photographer who you’ll spend the most time with. We’re with you in the morning when your getting ready, right through to the evening party, so we get to see almost everything! We won’t claim to know everything about hair, makeup, flowers, dresses, how to give a speech during or how to decorate your venue, but what we do know is how a wedding works , and how even small things can have a massive influence on your enjoyment of the day and on the quality of your photographs, So below is a handy guide to planning your perfect day.
You’re engaged, Congratulations!
Work out a budget
Start a Pinterest board
Choose your Wedding party
Book your wedding photographer, my dates fill up fast!
12 Months to go
Look at venues and check availability
Book officiant/church and get sort out wedding licence
Research suppliers
Get wedding insurance
Start writing out your guest list
11 Months to go
If your budget allows, get a wedding planner
Look at and try on wedding dresses
Look at honeymoon options
8 Months to go
Book your florist
Order your wedding cake
Get ideas for grooms suit
Book your hair and make up artist
Order your wedding dress
Send out save the date cards
6 Months to go
Shop for bridesmaid dresses
Finalise catering
Book entertainment
Design and order you invites
Sort out wedding transport
View and book venue decorations
4 Months to go
Hair and make up trial
Arrange dress fittings
Send out wedding invitations
Choose your wedding rings
Buy groom and groomsmen’s suite
8 Weeks to go
Choose music
Finalise readings and order of service
Call all suppliers/vendors to check all ok
4 Weeks to go
Contact your photographer and provide a shot list if required
Write your wedding vows
Arrange your seating plan
1 Week to go
Cut/colour hair
Delegate out small ‘on the day tasks’
Pick up wedding dress
Hensol Castle Wedding
Ceri and Rhodri’s Wedding at Hensol Castle
Ceri and Rhodri | Hensol Castle Wedding
1st March 2019
Being a South Wales Wedding Photographer means that I get to shoot at some fantastic wedding venues, Hensol Castle near Pontyclun in the Vale of Glamorgan is a venue that I’ve wanted to photograph for a long time so I was very pleased when Ceri and Rhodri hired me to be their wedding photographer.
The day started at the nearby Vale Hotel Resort, where Ceri her 2 bridesmaids and mum were getting ready, the room had the usual mix of hair, make up, dresses, shoes and of course much fun and laughter. The wedding ceremony held was at St Illtyds church in Llantwit Fardre, after the ceremony we headed to Hensol Castle for the wedding reception, Hensol Castle is a stunning venue and one of the best in Wales, the weather was good which allowed us an opportunity to get out to the lake and photograph the newlyweds on the jetty.
Congratulations guys and thanks for choosing me to be your wedding photographer!
Below are a few highlights of the day…
Wedding Venues in South Wales
Wedding Venues in South Wales
Wedding Venues in South Wales
As a Cardiff Wedding Photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of photographing weddings at some amazing venues. We’re very lucky to have castles, estates and venues all close by, we’re spoilt for choice and listed below are a few of my favourites wedding venues in South Wales
If you have any questions about a particular venue, please get in touch.
St Tewdrics House
St Tewdrics House is a 19th Century wedding venue set in 10 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside.
It's owned by Olympic cyclist Geraint Thomas and his wife Sara. They bought the venue in Chepstow after they married there in 2015.
There are no specific wedding packages or corkage fees at St Tewdrics, giving you the flexibility to tailor your wedding to suit your individual needs.
Visit sttewdricshouse.co.uk for more information.
Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel
Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel located in Bridgend South Wales, is a Grade II-listed mansion wedding venue nestled in beautiful woodland. Host your ceremony in this luxurious country manor, celebrate with 150 guests and enjoy the award-winning food and lavish décor. Why not wonder through Coed-y-Mwstwr Fawr Farm nearby once the vows are said and done…
www.townandcountrycollective.co.uk/coed-y-mwstwr/
Hensol Castle
Feel like royalty and host your wedding celebrations at this Grade I-listed castle nestled in the Vale of Glamorgan. The area boasts rolling green countryside and tranquil lakes, the perfect wedding haven. Hold the ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception in the stunning courtyard hall surrounded by 650-acres of stunning Welsh countryside…
Celtic Manor Resort
Be Inspired… From country house chic, to summer garden party, to opulent chandeliered ballroom, whatever your style, you can enjoy the wedding you’ve always dreamed of at The Celtic Manor Resort. Set in 2,000 acres of rolling parkland in the beautiful Usk Valley, South Wales, the award-winning Celtic Manor Resort near Newport, South Wales
Canada lodge and lake
Canada Lodge and Lake is a beautiful bespoke venue built using Welsh stone situated in Creigiau, just outside Cardiff.
With its secluded grounds it provides the perfect setting for your wedding or special day. The Lodge is positioned near the 5 acre trout fishing lake, with spectacular features such as a water fountain and tree swing.
The Lodge is exclusively yours for the day, benefitting from the use of the Oak room and Lakeside room. With the venue over two floors the transition throughout the day is elegant.
http://www.canadalodgeandlake.com
Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle is the second largest castle in Britain. It not only has a magnificent moat and an impressive fourteenth-century great hall, but it is also fully equipped with modern catering facilities and is a spectacular venues for weddings .
https://cadw.gov.wales/venuehire/weddingsandweddingphotography/caerphillycastlevenue/?lang=en
CARDIFF CASTLE
Cardiff Castle is one of the most exclusive wedding venues in Wales.
Cardiff Castle's rich history simply adds to its character and charm. Licensed for civil ceremonies and able to host up to 150 guests, this magnificent example of architecture will provide you with an extravagant and luxurious setting for a fairytale wedding you always dreamt of!