Sharon and Justin - 11 June 2011 - The Close Hotel, Tetbury

I met Sharon and Justin so long ago, it seems like we've been friends forever. But without the annoying cute bears who always seem to be carrying huge love hearts around on the greetings cards.

What I remember most about meeting Sharon and Justin (apart from the laughter and there was lots of that) was the "cow" theme in the house. Sharon has a deep-rooted love for all things "cow" and you'll be pleased to learn that the theme was carried forward into the wedding. Seriously, everywhere. Cakes, table favours, cards, shoes and pyjamas. That gives you an idea how much fun lay ahead for the wedding guests and for me to photograph it.

Assisted by the glamorous (am I over-using that word yet? She is glamorous though) Sophie, I worked through the wedding photography starting with the Bridal Preparations at The Close Hotel in Tetbury.

As one of my favourite parts of the day, this is usually a demure, sombre and thought-provoking period of quiet reflection for the Bride, Mother and Bridesmaids. Actually, that's a very long typo. As one of the few "uncoordinated" times of the day, anything can happen. There was laughter, tears, the odd small glass of champagne, a pile-up on the bed, Take That karaoke (including dancing) and the grand entrance of the Flower Girls Chloe (not very camera-shy) and Holly (ever-smiling) and Page Boy Joel (the self-proclaimed "devilishly handsome" one).

After the Ceremony, in the Close Hotel's very own beautiful on site Chapel, Sharon and Justin "ran the gauntlet" of confetti, which I have to say was thrown perfectly by all but one of the guests, who threw the confetti straight into poor Sharon and Justin's faces. On the plus side, it made for a fantastic shot for me. I can be quite selfish like that.

The weather played its part which allowed everyone to enjoyed the Pimms in the hotel gardens. This is where my job becomes easy for a while because every single guest was thoroughly enjoying the wedding. Every single photo I took captured that. Easy.

After the wedding breakfast, Bob (AKA Sharon's Dad), Terry (AKA Best Man) and Justin (AKA Justin), provided some of the funniest and emotional speeches I've ever heard. The photos of everyone's reaction is testimony to that. Sharon had a giggle or two, herself. ;-). It seems that Terry left a lot out of his speech re: Justin. Perhaps something he's keeping back for Justin's biography? Keep your eyes open the next time you're in Waterstones. I suspect it's going to be quite a read.

Are you of a nervous disposition? Do you avoid watching the CBBC channel because you find some of the shows too violent? Then you may want to skip this paragraph. I think the Bridesmaids know where I'm going with this. Especially Anna. But even more "especially", Sarah. Tossing. The. Bouquet. Usually a wonderful moment of tradition passed down the ages where the "next Bride" is predicted to be the Lady who is fortunate to capture the bouquet. A lovely moment that has often brought tears to the eyes of even the sternest of souls. However... what we experience was less like this and more like the opening scenes of "Saving Private Ryan". There was pushing. There was elbowing. There were small children thrown into the air. Sharon threw the bouquet with elegance but the scenes behind her did not reflect that. After what seemed like an eternity in the air with onlookers gazing in horror at the battle in front of them, Sarah won the bouquet. I have a lovely shot of her holding the bouquet up with pride and joy. I can only hope the images will provide some sort of character reference in Court.

Onto the evening reception, and I guarantee that its one that everyone who was there will never ever forget it.

We were all treated to a fantastic rendition of a number of Take That and Robbie Williams songs by Craig (AKA Sharon's Brother) and what a cracking voice he's got. And, yes, he also did the "Robbie Strut" too, in case you were wondering.

Then came, what I can only describe as a frenzy of "competition of the sexes" in the maddest Dance-Off ever seen. The girls and guys gave possibly the finest (I want to say organised and coordinated) dance routines to Run DMC's "It's Like That". Have you seen the Run DMC video? Yeah? Multiply the dexterity and intense moves by 10 and you're in the ball park of how brilliant this was. I won't spoil the ending by saying who actually won the Dance-Off but there were suspicions raised by the losing side on how much prepping the winning side actually did. Personally, I suspect the winners had actually been on a Fame School retreat. They were all THAT good.

What a fantastic and fun-filled day this was. Sharon and Justin's wedding really had absolutely everything that makes a day truly special. You guys really deserved it. Congratulations to you both and I wish you all the very best for your future. Even if that future doesn't include a Broadway dance career.

Linda Gray Bridalwear - http://www.lindagraybridal.co.uk

The Close Hotel, Tetbury - http://www.theclose-hotel.com

Emma & Kris' Wedding at St Giles and Manor By The Lake

It's not often that I start a wedding shoot in direct competition with another photographer, let alone two. This rivalry was intense and, to be honest, a little disconcerting, as I went up against Charlotte (6) and Aimee (4). Both Charlotte and Aimee showed me that photographs of feet can often, possibly always, be as interesting as faces. A lesson learned. Although, I will refuse to give them credit for that in my future work.

Yesterday's wedding began with Emma's Bridal Preparation where we made a wonderful start to the Wedding Gallery. I must give credit to Paul, Emma's Dad, for creating the "Dress Hook", for the wedding dress and hanging it in the perfect place for photographing. I have stolen the blueprints for the "Hook" and submitted it to the Patent Office.

Emma looked absolutely beautiful in her wedding dress as you can see in the photo. And yes, for the ladies reading this blog, Kris did look devilishly handsome too.

After more wrangling with my "competition" I moved on to St Giles' Church in Maisemore, the venue for the Wedding Ceremony. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Revd. Rob Merchant for allowing me the freedom to shoot the wedding ceremony itself. I believe the Ceremony is the key moment of every wedding and it's always a shame if the Wedding Gallery has no images from that moment. I'd also like to thank Rob for quoting Hugh Grant in a Ceremony.

After the Ceremony, the new Mr & Mrs Dever walked hand in hand down the aisle to The Prodigy's "Stand Up". Most of you might know this as Kick-Ass' theme from the brilliant movie. Absolutely inspired moment.

All the formal photos were taken at St Giles, using the beautiful building as a backdrop for all the images. This gives me the chance to thank James (possibly the greatest Usher ever) for all his help in organising all the friends and family.

Emma & Kris chose The Manor By The Lake for their Wedding Reception. If you've ever seen The Manor you'll appreciate that it's any photographer's dream to work there. Check out my upcoming "Emma & Kris @ The Manor" for more details.

With all the wedding guests at the Manor, we decided to take a few photos of Emma & Kris with their wedding cars, a Rolls Royce and VW Campervan. Now, for someone who claimed they didn't know how to pose for a "car" shot, Emma and Kris did a fantastic job. There was James Bond-like posing. There was pouting. There was a lot of pouting. Some of my favourite shots of the day.

After the wedding breakfast came the speeches and what a roller coaster of emotions. I always think that for any wedding speech you either need to make everyone laugh or cry. Even better if you can do both. Both Paul (you may remember him as Emma's Dad) and Kris (you may remember him as the Groom) made really wonderful "even better" speeches. Concluding with Stu's Best Man speech we moved onto Emma and Kris' Flow-posing Portrait Shoot. By the way, for everyone who knows Stu, am I the only one who thinks that he looks like Hugh Jackman?

We did a short tour of the Manor grounds for the Flow-pose Shoot, including the Bridge, Gardens, Tree Avenue and, not forgetting, the Arches. We completed the shoot using the Manor's interior, including the Oak Room, fireplaces and insanely huge sofa.

The Evening Reception started with Emma & Kris' first dance and it was great to see everyone up and cheering them on as they danced as well as joining in. I can't let this moment pass without thanking Jenny (you may remember her as Emma's Mum) for wearing the neon-flashing red wig/hat while dancing. I hope she kept it. It did look cool.

I have thanked a lot of people, while still giving no credit to Charlotte and Aimee for the inspired "feet-style" photography, and have saved the best for last. The biggest thank-you to Emma and Kris for allowing me to photograph their wedding. An absolute joy to photograph from start to finish. Best wishes to both of them for a long and happy future.

Sophia & Ross' Pre-wedding Portrait, Albert Docks, Liverpool

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it Superman? No. None of them. It's Ross, sportingly risking life and limb to lie on a wooden bridge beam at Liverpool's beautiful Albert Dock for one of my favourite shots of Sophia & Ross' Pre-wedding Portrait Shoot.

I met Sophia & Ross at Lucia & Sam's Wedding last May and thanks to Lucia's lovely recommendation I got the wonderful opportunity to photograph Sophia & Ross' Wedding too. A wedding with a very special touch in that it is being held in the absolutely stunning Le Marche, Italy.

This fulfils so many of my loves - beautiful photography, beautiful scenery, photographing everyone having the time of their lives and last, but possibly not least, my love of pizza and pasta... OK, that's enough thinking of pizzas - back to the shoot.

Sophia & Ross decided that they'd like their portrait shoot in Liverpool and what better place than the Albert Docks? One of my favourite places. Ever.

After a Latte (skinny, of course) we started the shoot around the bridges outside The Beatles Story museum (if you know where I mean).

It was around this time that the wind decided to turn into a Hurricane (disclaimer: possible exaggeration) and through us around. Fortunately, the only one of the three of us who had to worry about hair was Sophia. Ross stood firm and proud. And if you know me, you know how little concern I had about my lion-like mane.

Despite, and because, of the wind, we got a great collection of portrait images using everything around us, including big reflective windows, cafe tables, steps and a 7 foot red gift box in a gold ribbon. That really is there!

What I loved most about this shoot was how immediately comfortable both Sophia & Ross were in front of the lens and the results of their gallery is testament to that. It made photographing them so much easier. I do suspect that Ross has modelled before. No-one is THAT good at posing for the camera without experience or a lot of studying of the Littlewoods catalogue.

As you can see from the image above, Sophia & Ross were so comfortable with each other and the look between them tells you everything you need to know about loving couples.

After the portrait shoot and over another latte (yes, another skinny) we got to talk about the wedding plans. No spoilers - suffice to say that their Wedding Gallery going to have a very European context. You're going to have to wait until mid-June to see what I mean.

A great big thank you to Lucia & Sam for recommending me and a huge thanks to Sophia & Ross for not only choosing me to photograph their wedding but also being such fun on their Liverpool shoot.

See you all in Le Marche in a few weeks! The first Hawaiian is on me.

It's all Chop and Change

OK, just to get things clear, the title does not refer to a collection of small coins I found in my Sunday Roast of Pork Chops. But, it does however refer to the new, and hopefully improved, new website at www.davidgow.co.uk.

The main differences you will notice (assuming in my arrogance that you have seen the previous version of the site) are the buttons, the page layout and the introduction of a few new pages (at the expense of some old ones).

The 'my Style' page is a short description of my photography style. And you thought I just made it all up on the day? Shame on you.

The 'my Products' page describes a number of items that customers can buy including digital albums and coffee table books. My personal favourite products are the 3x3 acrylic frames and the brushed metal digital album.

The 'my Prices' page explains itself, I guess. I asked for feedback on my old site and one of the comments was that the old page was too "wordy". Anyone who knows me knows I can never be accused of being "wordy". Mmmmm....

The 'my News' page is my favourite addition. Not content with waffling on Facebook, Twitter and in Blogs, I've added another page dedicated to new and interesting things happening in the Wonderful World of Disney...... Oh, I mean, David Gow. The latest news item is a call for Studio Portraits shoots. Check it out. A real bargain.

The last change is the one called 'your Images'. This provides access to the Customer galleries. It used to be called 'Clients', but the new name suits the format of the other pages. I think.

Anyway, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. What do you think? Anything amiss? Preferred the old version. Not enough photos of me in a variety of informative and yet amusing historical outfits? Please feel free to check out the new site and let me know what you think.

Gloucester Wedding Photography - Lisa & Shane at Berkeley Castle

Wow, wow and wow! Wow 1 is for the incredibly beautiful venue that is Berkeley Castle. Wow 2 is for the fantastic time I had shooting Lisa & Shane's Pre-wedding Portrait. Wow 3 is for me being so fortunate to have Wow 1 and 2 together at the same time.

I met Lisa & Shane in October last year and instantly recognised the "buzz" they had for each other and for their wedding plans and knew how much fun they would be to photograph.

Lisa & Shane decided they would like their pre-wedding shoot at Berkeley Castle, the home of their wedding ceremony in July. Fantastic choice.

The Castle Manager, Eleanor, was kind enough to show us around the ceremony and reception rooms as well as the available grounds, and it's safe to say that I've got a real task on my hands keeping shortlisting the incredible locations for photography on the day. The alternative was for their wedding to be extended by 3-4 days. As keen as Lisa & Shane were on that idea, I don't think Berkeley would be.

After a tour of the Castle we walked around the grounds taking in the view while shooting images for the pre-wedding gallery.

Despite Shane's confession about being nervous in front of a camera I think he did a fantastic job of modelling. Manly modelling, of course. Although he will need to work on his reaction to Lisa's kisses.

Lisa, too, was an absolute star, by providing a mix of laughter, smiles and, on occasions, the beautiful moody look.

As we walked around the gardens we noticed some wooden eggs hanging from the trees and bushes. After a short discussion, we decided not to take part in, what we assumed was, an Easter Egg Hunt, as we couldn't remember what the prizes were meant to be. To be honest, there was a young boy and girl playing the Hunt who were already ahead of us, and I wasn't keen on being beaten by young children at games. Again.

I'd like to thank Lisa & Shane again for choosing me to photograph their wedding. Like all the couples I've photographed this year so far, today was another fantastic reminder why I love shooting weddings so much. Bring on July!

Gloucester Wedding Photographer - Sharon & Justin's Pre-wedding Shoot

We are the Famous Five!! Sharon, Justin, Claire, David & Macey the Dog!! My apologies to Enid Blyton.

If you remember the theme tune for that fantastic 80's kid's TV show you'll probably get a lot more out of that opening line. Check out youtube.

I met Sharon & Justin last year and remembered three important things. A great looking couple, a hilarious sense of humour and Sharon's love of cows.

I took all of that information into their Pre-wedding shoot today and, between us, created a fantastic collection of images for their gallery. Well, I say "all of that information". I didn't bring a cow. But, I would have done if I had one. And a saddle.

Sharon & Justin chose North Nibley for their shoot and what a beautiful location. Sharon and Claire (my wonderful assistant for the day and, more importantly I guess, Sharon's Sister) reminisced about their childhood in the woods. I know what you're thinking, but no, they were not raised in the woods by a scurry of lovable woodland creatures. I did ask.

As we trekked up towards the monument at the top of North Nibley, we started the shoot by using the great abundance of greenery and trees (as you would find in a wood). The lighting today was a perfect overcast which allows us to use almost anything as a backdrop without the fear of harsh lighting.

When we got to the top and were treated to such a beautiful view of the Cotswolds and beyond. Add the Tyndale Monument into the mix and we had a perfect setting to continue the shoot. The shot above was taken in the entrance to the Monument.

Using the scenic views and imposing monument's stonework, we completed the shoot with a set of images that capture the fun that Sharon & Justin share. There is even an impromptu piggyback in there. I'll leave you guessing who piggybacked who.

As proof that Claire had not only come to the shoot, but had done all the really hard work of carrying everything around, I captured this image of her with Sharon. Trust me, she carried more than the daffodil.

On the way back down, Macey (the Dog from the theme tune at the start of the blog), continued to make friends with everyone and their dogs. Even if they didn't want to. And yes, for all animal lovers out there, we did get some lovely shots of her too.

A wonderful sunny Sunday morning with Sharon, Justin, Claire & Macey, taking photos and having a laugh. No better way to spend a day.

If today's shoot is anything to go by (which it is), I'm going to have the time of my life shooting the wedding.

Bristol Portrait & Wedding Photography - Liz & Simon's Pre-wedding Shoot

When you think of On The Waterfront, you're thinking Marlon Brando riding an uncomfortably large bike, in leathers, white vest and a, now-realised, camp leather cap.

Well, Liz & Simon's Pre-wedding Shoot on the Bristol Waterfront was no different. Apart from the bike, vest and leathers. Oh, and cap.

Quickly, after meeting Liz & Simon last December for a wedding consultation and hearing of their plans for the great day, I knew I had to shoot their wedding. No spoilers. You're all going to have to wait until after 9th July. There's no use tutting and sighing. Be patient. It will be worth it.

The Bristol Waterfront is a haven of fantastic backdrops for a portrait shoot and we used as many of them as we could.

We made a great start to the shoot at the waterside where I quickly realised that a) Liz & Simon were going to be a real joy to shoot and b) Simon may or may not have enjoyed a modelling career prior to the shoot and c) Liz has the fastest blink I've ever seen. I'll come to that last one in a moment.

Actually, I'll come to that now. There is a trick when photographing "blinkers" and that is to get them to close their eyes and open them just before you press the shutter. The idea being that they can't possibly close their eyes before you press the button. Sound reasonable? It's a trick that's worked for several years. Until today. Now everything I believe in is being questioned.

Using a number of bold coloured backdrops we put together a great collection of images as we made our way around the waterside and through to the @Bristol Square where we completed our shoot.

On the way round Liz treated us all to a joke and a punchline I still don't get. It was about Little Red Riding Hood. Any ideas?

Joking aside (understandable punchline or not), Liz & Simon did not stop laughing the whole time and, as you can see from the photo above, that have fantastic smiles to match. They were a genuine joy to photograph.

Special thanks to the Cafe for letting us use their tables (even though we didn't buy anything). And to, the now famously infamous, Kim for carrying everything, except me, around the shoot. A piggy-back wouldn't have gone amiss.