Lisa Aldersley's Blog

New Blog

2009-09-22T17:39:00.005+01:00

I've got a new blog and can post BIG pictures so please click the link below and you'll be redirected to the new one.

Nick & Josie at Oulton Hall

2009-09-10T12:09:00.013+01:00

I've not posted anything for a while because I'm in the process of creating a new blog so I can have bigger photographs. It's taking a bit longer than I expected so I thought I'd update this one with photographs from Josie and Nick's wedding. They had a church service at St. Oswalds in Methley and went on to Oulton Hall for the reception. My lovely husband filmed their day so I've posted a link to the short film below as well as my favourite photographs. They had a wonderful surprise for their guests in the evening :)

Link to the short film by True Story Wedding Films .

Nick & Kate's wedding at Ettington Park in Stratford

2009-08-06T16:44:00.011+01:00

Kate and Nick were married at Ettington Park on 4th July. They had a civil ceremony and then a blessing in the most beautiful Norman Chapel which is in the grounds. Riche De Fleurs did an amazing job with the flowers. The Three Waiters performed during the meal and were a big surprise for everyone. My favourite band Frisco Crabbe performed their usual mad and highly entertaining sets in the evening.

Here are a few favourites.

Aimee & Alexia's Bat Mitzvah at the Cuckoo Club, London

2009-08-06T16:29:00.009+01:00

Aimee & Alexia had a joint Bat Mitzvah at the Cuckoo Club in London in June. 250 guests and 250 cupcakes :) The best bit was the BIG surprise which was Stavros Flatly from Britains Got Talent. It was hilarious!

Melanie & Paul's wedding at Hillbark

2009-07-15T15:09:00.015+01:00

Melanie and Paul were married in June at St Agnes Church at Darmonds Green followed by a reception at Hillbark. Some of my favourite people were involved in this beautiful wedding. Anne from Earth Flower s stunned us all with her amazing creations and Sophie at Daisy Hill cake s made a fabulous cake decorated with tiny flowers and butterflies. Ling at Dragonfly Stationery created the beautiful stationery and table plan.

Mel and Paul's engagement shoot was at the beach near their home in Meols so it was lovely to be able to pop down to the beach on their wedding day to make the most of the hazy light from the evening sun. Paul from Hillbark kindly drove us down in the Pink Rolls Royce Phantom - a treat for me too :) Here are some of my favourites.

Their wedding will be featured in the next edition of Bride Magazine out in December.

Keira and Sean's wedding at Epiphany Church in Austwick and The Netherwood Hotel

2009-07-15T14:47:00.012+01:00

Keira and Sean were married in the gorgeous village of Austwick at the Church of the Epiphany in June. It was lovely to see lots of the local people waiting by the church for Keira's arrival. After the ceremony we went up to the lakes for a reception at the Netherwood in Grange Over Sands.

One of my favourite parts of the day was when I took them off for some photos. Keira sat on the tyre swing and then immediately disappeared as she tipped backwards. Sean and I were laughing so much. All I could see was lots of dress and her feet! Sean had to balance on his chin to pull her up. It was very funny!

Phil Fryer was brilliant as always performing some Sinatra for them in the evening.

Family shoot with Rolo and Florecita

2009-07-01T12:10:00.005+01:00

I had a lovely time photographing these two gorgeous children at their home in Lancashire last month. Here are a few personal favourites.

Katy and Martyn's wedding at Hillbark, Wirral

2009-07-01T11:59:00.016+01:00

Katy and Martyn were married in May at Hillbark on the Wirral. Wedding planner extraordinaire Andrea Swift from Fabulous Day helped to make it perfect with her amazing attention to detail. Will from True Story Wedding Films filmed their day - click the link below to see a clip.

Click here to see a clip from the film

Chrissie & Mark's wedding at Throstle Nest Farm near Goosnargh

2009-06-05T09:48:00.016+01:00

Chrissie & Mark had a fantastic wedding at her parents farm near Goosnargh. I started the day off with some shots of Mark and his friends playing table tennis. They were all staying in cottages nearby. The weather started off really moody with dark skies and the heavens opened just as everyone was arriving at church! By the time the ceremony had finished the sun was shining and the sky was blue - perfect for a tipee marquee in a field! Chrissie had done a lot of the design with the help of Mark's mum with beautiful vintage birdcages and mixed up floral china on the tables. The attention to detail was amazing - she even tied tiny pink ribbons to her green wellies. The day was topped by Stephen Bayliss singing for the guests in the evening and surprise fireworks. Perfect.

Their wedding will be featured in the next edition of County Bride Magazine out in August.

Rachel and Andy's wedding at Lancaster Priory and Bartle Hall

2009-06-05T09:38:00.007+01:00

Andy and Rachel were married at the stunning Lancaster Priory in May. It was very windy on top of the hill at church which made for some great veil shots! The reception was held at Bartle Hall in Preston. Jane from Flower Design in Lytham created gorgeous flower arrangements and worked so hard all day making sure everything was perfect. She now comes highly recommended.

Laura & Sam's wedding at Mitton Hall

2009-05-20T16:11:00.011+01:00

Laura and Sam were married at Belmont Church on May 1st and had their reception at Mitton Hall. I've known them for a while now because I photographed Laura's brother's wedding last July. It was lovely to see some familiar faces. Laura's style was very vintage and she had chosen lovely birdcages and roses for the tables and old photograph frames with photographs of their grandparents on their wedding day. She had a fab pair of wellies too with little highland terriers on them! My husband ( www.truestoryweddingfilms.co.uk)

filmed the day too so I've attached a clip below - it's really beautiful (have your tissues handy!)

http://www.vimeo.com/4524936

Lesley & Mak's wedding at Thornton Manor

2009-05-15T11:32:00.015+01:00

Lesley and Mak had beautiful wedding at Thornton Manor in April. They had a church ceremony in the morning in the village of Thornton Hough followed by a wedding breakfast at Thornton Manor. Later in the day the guests changed into traditional Indian dress for a Hindu Ceremony and an Indian meal in the evening. Sophie from Daisy Hill Cakes made a stunning wedding cake and DJ Fritz entertained everybody. There were around 350 guests and I have never seen such a jam-packed dance floor. It was an amazing day.

Their wedding will be featured in the next edition of Bride Magazine.

Sean and Keira's engagement shoot

2009-05-15T11:22:00.006+01:00

I went up to Clapham in North Yorkshire a couple of weeks ago to photograph Keira and Sean. They are getting married at the Netherwood in June and are having a mounted photograph made into a signature board for their wedding guests to sign. The have chosen the second one down - sitting in the long grass - which I'm very pleased about because that one is my favourite too.

Jonathan & Catherine's wedding at Manchester Town Hall and Stock Restaurant

2009-05-15T11:10:00.009+01:00

Jon and Catherine had a very intimate ceremony at Manchester Town Hall in March. The girls got ready at the Midland Hotel and Lauren from Cheshire Make-up helped the girls with their preparations. After the ceremony the couple and some of their guests walked through town to Stock Restaurant where they had their wedding breakfast. Here are some of my favourites.

John & Christine's wedding at Bunchrew House in Inverness

2009-05-08T14:40:00.014+01:00

John & Christine went up to Bunchrew House in Inverness for their wedding over the Easter weekend. They had fantastic weather and were able to have their ceremony outside beneath the huge Cedar Tree. Christine's mum arranged an Easter egg hunt for the children and they had a Celdhi band in the evening. It was great fun in beautiful surroundings. Christine had a little paddle in the water with her wellies on and they let lanterns go over Beauly firth. Here are a few of my favourites.

Chris & Claire's wedding at Linthwaite House

2009-05-08T14:15:00.013+01:00

Chris and Claire were married at the gorgeous Linthwaite House in March. Claire was inspired by the 1920s and had the most beautiful gown and accessories. They had a lovely bright day with some moody clouds over the hills and a bit of snow. A brass band played during the ceremony and reception. Here are some of my favourite photographs. Will filmed the day so I've included a mini clip. Click the link to view. http://www.vimeo.com/4028205

Pure Weddings Magazine

2009-04-28T11:00:00.006+01:00

Pure Weddings have featured two of my weddings in the latest issue.

They have featured Catherine & Chris who were married in October at the Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge and Marcus & Joanne, who were married at Etrop Grange in Cheshire last August. Look out for them if you are still buying all the bridal magazines!

Autumn and winter weddings

2009-03-15T11:32:00.000Z

A few of my favourites from autumn and winter weddings...

A lovely couple of hours

2009-03-11T15:37:00.005Z

With internet shopping and anonymous shopping centres it's quite rare to have a really satisfying retail experience. The exception is when I buy my equipment from Pro Film in Manchester which is where I have been this afternoon to pick up a bit of kit. They are located on Cariocca Business park in Ardwick in a unit stuffed full of kit, cameras, camera backs, lenses, film, lightboxes - everything you could wish for. The floor is covered with those little bits the hole punch leaves behind and there are boxes of who knows what everywhere. In the centre is a well worn chesterfield. The phones constantly ring and there's a stream of people coming and going. They manage to serve six people at once, always offer a cup of tea and a hobnob and it's fantastic. There's loads of chatter, laughter and warmth and you really do leave with a great big smile on your face.

Wedding Videos

2009-01-14T16:25:00.008Z

As some of you know I shoot a lot of weddings alongside my husband who is a film maker. Will's work is very photojournalistic and like me, he records the day as it unfolds rather than posing and directing. Here's a link to some film clips from recent weddings:

www.vimeo.com2882681

If you'd like to look at more of his work please have a look at his website which is www.truestoryweddingfilms.co.uk

Magazine features

2009-01-14T09:58:00.010Z

Thank you Pure Weddings Magazine for featuring Susie and Eddie's wedding at Newby Hall and also for the feature they wrote on photography and videography - there's an interview with me and more photographs. There's also an article on Wedding Transport in the same issue and they have used Gary & Catherine's helicopter, Nichola and Ashley's car, Susie and Eddie's big red bus and Katherine and James walking alongside the river at the Inn at Whitewell. Thank you so much. Even after so many features it's still a thrill to see them in magazines! (and it makes my mum's day)

BRIDE Magazine

2009-01-09T16:50:00.007Z

Thank you Bride Magazine for featuring Claire & Caspar's wedding in the 2009 edition.

Contemporary Photographic Training

2009-01-09T16:36:00.000Z

I'll be running 'Getting Started with Weddings' this July on behalf of Contemporary Photographic Training (Annabel Williams Studio). You can find out more by following the link below. If you're a photographer you might like to join us for a fun and inspiring day.

www.annabelwilliams.com/speakers.php

My Christmas Card won a competition!

2009-01-09T16:29:00.001Z

Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2009 brings you lots of love.

Every year the staff at Annabel Williams studio hold a Christmas card competition - they pick three favourites and this year mine was one of them! I took the shoes with me on an engagement shoot to Switzerland last year with the intention of creating a card and found this cute little tree.

Melanie & Paul's engagement shoot

2008-10-02T14:34:00.000+01:00

Melanie and Paul had their engagement shoot at the beach near home on the Wirral. They are getting married at the gorgeous Hillbark next June.

Some more favourites from August and September weddings

2008-10-02T14:14:00.003+01:00

Helen & Paul, Statham Lodge

Paul & Mary at Linthwaite House

Lindsay & James at the Inn at Whitewell

Alison and Peter are in the current edition of Pure Weddings Magazine

2008-09-21T14:17:00.003+01:00

Alison & Peter's wedding at Leighton Hall has been featured in the current edition of Pure Weddings. The magazine have also done a feature on the first dance and have used photographs from Nicky & Jim's wedding at Stanley House and James & Janine's wedding at Caer Rhun.

August favourites

2008-09-21T13:14:00.003+01:00

Vicki & Paul at Mere Court, Cheshire

(It was lovely to see Natalie & Chris at their wedding - I photographed their wedding last August. Congratulations to them on the birth of baby William)

Lynne & Paul at the Inn at Whitewell.

Lynne works for Pure Weddings Magazine and knows a lot of photographers so I was thrilled to have been asked to photograph her wedding! Both Lancashire Life Magazine and Pure Weddings have featured photographs.

Andrew & Karen at the Marriott Hotel, Preston.

Marcus & Joanne at Etrop Grange

Katharine & Steven at Stanley House.

Diane & Brian at home.

2008-09-21T13:14:00.001+01:00

I know a great wedding videographer!

2008-09-14T16:50:00.001+01:00

www.truestoryweddingfilms.co.uk

It's important to choose a videographer that works in the same style as your photographer. No point having a wedding photojournalist capturing the day as it unfolds if your wedding videographer is more traditional and wants to direct and set things up. So, if you are considering a film, don't want any cheese or awful music, just a gorgeous record of your day then please have a look at his website. Even if you have booked one, have a look anyway and let me know what you think.

We recently worked together at Sam and Dean's wedding in August - this is what they said having seen their film and photographs:

"We have watched the film so many time we have lost count and Lisa's website must have had so many hits today. You have both captured the moments perfectly - the whole day, feelings, emotions, everything. You complement each other so well and I'm so glad we found you. Thank you both for making Sam so happy - that's all I ever wanted to do and you made it very easy for me. When we looked at your websites and saw other people's special day it made our noses tickle. If other people's weddings can do that to us just imaging the effect it has on us when we look at our own. That's why we chose you. We knew you would capture us, not just a bride and groom."

www.truestoryweddingfilms.co.uk

Favourites from July Weddings

2008-08-29T16:55:00.001+01:00

I had a fantastic July and shot some really beautiful weddings. Here are a few favourites from each.

Susie & Eddie at Newby Hall, North Yorkshire

Emma & Mark at Hogarths in Solihull

Simon & Jenny's at Rowton Hall, Chester

This couple are friends with three other couples whose weddings I have photographed. Again, really nice to catch up with everyone.

Nic & Ashley's wedding, Marriott Hotel, Worsley

I'm also photographing the wedding of Ashley's lovely sister Laura and her fiance Sam next May and their friends James & Janine next August so it will be great to see all the family and friends again.

Some favourites from June weddings

2008-07-30T12:45:00.001+01:00

Here are a few favourites from last month's weddings.

Cher & Oten's engagement shoot

2008-06-17T10:55:00.000+01:00

A few months ago Cher & Oten contacted me from Hong Kong to arrange a visit to have an engagement shoot with me. They arrived last week and I photographed them in Manchester City centre. They told me that almost all engaged couples from Hong Kong have a pre-wedding shoot and they dress up for it. I like the contrast between the formality of their clothing and Manchester on a Wednesday afternoon! Here are some favourites.

Sarah & Noel's wedding, Nether Alderley

2008-06-05T21:41:00.000+01:00

Sarah & Noel were married last Saturday at the very beautiful St. Mary's church in Nether Alderley. Here are some of my favourites.

Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the UK

2008-06-02T19:07:00.000+01:00

American Photojournalist Randolph Quan published his list of top ten UK wedding photojournalists. To my delight he gave me a mention! Feedback from a well respected professional is a lovely compliment so thank you Randolph.

James & Janine's wedding, North Wales

2008-05-28T10:07:00.000+01:00

A few favourites from James & Janine's gorgeous wedding last week.

Stephen & Camilla's wedding

2008-05-16T14:55:00.000+01:00

Stephen and Camilla were married last Friday on a fantastic sunny day at All Saints Church in Marthall and then Sandhole Oak Barn in Cheshire. Below are some favourites.

www.sandholeoakbarn.co.uk

Daisy Hill Cake Company

2008-05-13T08:35:00.001+01:00

I photographed Cordon Bleu patisserie chef, Sophie Constable yesterday. Her wedding cakes are so beautiful - the best I have seen. I took some cake shots so I can show clients. The company is Daisy Hill Cake Company. They have two showrooms, one in the Triangle in Manchester city centre, the other in Thornton Hough, Wirral.

The website is www.daisyhillcakeco.com

Caroline and Tom at the Inn at Whitewell

2008-05-08T16:12:00.003+01:00

Caroline and Tom were married last month at the Inn at Whitewell. Here are a few of my favourites.

http://www.innatwhitewell.com/welcome.php

Alex and Andy's wedding at the Inn at Whitewell

2008-05-08T16:04:00.000+01:00

A few of my favourites from Alex and Andy's wedding at the Inn at Whitewell.

http://www.innatwhitewell.com/welcome.php

Engagement shoot with Emily & Surash

2008-04-29T17:41:00.001+01:00

I photographed Emily & Surash on a very, very windy day up on the West Pennine Moors last week. We couldn't really get out of the wind so we made it part of the shoot instead. They get married in a few weeks time at Meols Hall in Southport.

http://www.meolshall.com/

Love Lula

2008-04-27T11:11:00.003+01:00

We shot the new face of Love Lula last week in Delamere Forest. Love Lula is an on-line organic apothecary. They are a fantastic company - have a look at them at www.lovelula.com

www.lovelula.com

Spring/Summer collection for Ikandie and The Strap Show

2008-04-05T17:15:00.001+01:00

We photographed the Spring/Summer collection for Ikandie Jewellery and The Strap Show earlier this week. Selfridges Trafford Centre kindly lent us the clothes. David Thomas and his two assistants David and Heather did the hair creations. Jill Partington was our stylist. Make-up was MAC. Our gorgeous model was Lauren.

Everything was shot with available light.

Have a look at the Ikandie collection at www.simply-must-have.co.uk

and The Strap Show at www.thestrapshow.co.uk

Easter in Florida

2008-04-05T16:59:00.001+01:00

We spent Easter in Florida. The obligatory few days in Orlando and then ten days in Naples/Keys to recover! Here are a few.

Duck Key

Naples Beach

Annes Beach, Keys

Hannah - my daughter

Couldn't leave these behind!

Teddy, the very cute son of the Davey family. He charged me a dollar to take a picture of him!

Engagement Shoot in Switzerland

2008-02-26T15:10:00.000Z

I spent a couple of days in the Swiss Alps last week doing an engagement shoot with Hannah and James. The location was breathtaking. We were in St. Luc in the morning (I have included a photograph of the view below) and then in the village of Grimentz in the afternoon.

These are some of my favourite photographs.

I had a bit of time during the afternoon of my arrival so I went for a walk around the village. I took the dance shoes with me!

The view from St. Luc in the morning.

2007 Weddings - a review

2008-01-10T18:04:00.000Z

2007 was a fabulous year for me. I covered some gorgeous weddings and met some lovely people. Here are some of my favourite images from each part of the day. I tried to get it down to one shot each but that was too hard! The people shots show the pure, unguarded moments and emotions that naturally occur throughout the wedding day.

Engagement Shoot

I know this isn't part of the wedding day but this shot is my favourite from a pre-wedding shoot. The expressions are so intimate, it's as though I'm not there.

Details

I love details but I try to capture them naturally rather than moving things around and staging it. These were shot as I found them.

The bride in this shot had a March wedding and wanted to go for a walk down by the river but it was muddy. I had my wellies in the boot so she borrowed them and we did some photographs on the river bank!

Getting Ready

This little boy was being dressed in front of a window hence the gorgeous light on his face.

The brides mum had come in to help her dress. The veil diffused everything creating a dreamy effect.

The window light on the brides face is gorgeous and I love that they are having a giggle.

Portraits of the bride

These shots are created when the bride is unaware. The spontaneous shots capture their personality.

A windy day on Lake Windermere with the brides veil threatening to blow away. She had so much fun and laughed like this all day.

The light in this shot is beautiful. It highlighted the lace in her veil and the delicate bracelet on her wrist.

The Boys

A gathering of boys at the reception talking football!
This was in Aberdyfi. The groom and his friends decided to go for an early morning swim before the ceremony.

Bridesmaids

Late afternoon walking back to the reception. The light is gorgeous and I love the texture of the wall against the dresses.

The Ceremony

This is one of my favourite ceremony shots. The reflection of the couple in the wooden floor and the gorgeous light coming in from the windows illuminating the brides father make this shot.
The bride had just arrived and the groom was completely overwhelmed.

The Guests

This shot makes me laugh. I was watching guests chatting and saw this exchange between one of the guests and the young waitress. This is one of my all time favourites.

Great window light and the vivid purple. It reminds me of a fashion shot.

The couples

I shoot couples naturally rather than posing them. We go for a walk and they chat to each other. Usually this is the first opportunity they have had to be alone since the ceremony so it's a perfect time to photograph them. Again it's as though I'm not there. I use a telephoto lense for these shots so I'm a good distance away and remain unobtrusive.

The cake

This is my favourite cake shot. The window light illuminates the couple on the top table and you can see the cut in the top of the cake.
The Speeches

Some of my favourite photographs come from the speeches. They go from hilarious to making everybody weep.

Dancing

More and more couples ask for their first dance to be covered. It's great to stay and capture the fun of the evening.

Several bottles of champagne later....

A Christmas wedding dancing under the mistletoe.

www.leightonhall.co.uk

www.linthwaite.com

www.stanleyhouse.co.uk

www.innatwhitewell.com

www.nunsmere.co.uk

www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk

Featured weddings in the bridal magazines

2008-01-03T16:37:00.001Z

I have had quite a few weddings featured in the bridal magazines this year. The latest are in Pure Weddings and Inspired Weddings magazines.

Mark and Jane were married at the Netherwood Hotel in Grange Over Sands and are on the cover of Pure Weddings as well as having their wedding featured in Inspired Weddings.

Natalie and Chris were married at the Low Wood Hotel in Windermere (black and white photograph) are featured in Pure Weddings. Both magazines are out now and will be available until March 2008.

www.netherwood-hotel.co.uk/

www.elh.co.uk/hotels/lowwood/

L'oreal Colour Trophy

2007-12-31T11:39:00.000Z

One of the most enjoyable commercial shoots of 2007 was the L'oreal Colour Trophy for Woods Hair Salon. We had a team of 8 models, 3 stylists and a make-up artist. We rented an old mill which was amazing - the light was fantastic. The shoot was filmed and put on YouTube - click the link below. Here are some of my favourite photographs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv7kQvflTuc

Photographing a photographer

2007-12-07T18:43:00.000Z

My friend and fellow photographer Erica Boys asked me to take some photographs of her as a present to her husband. Like most photographers we are rarely on a photograph! We went to Castlefield in Manchester on a gloomy Friday afternoon.

A weekend away in Suffolk

2007-12-07T17:59:00.000Z

I had a weekend away in Suffolk recently with my lovely friend Jude. The beach huts were a delight and I had fun with my new lens (50mm 1.2 if you're interested!) and a pair of silver dance shoes. These are some of my favourites.