Kerry Ann Duffy Photography

Laura & Matt's Wedding - Otham Church and Little Silver, Tenterden.

2012-02-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

Back in June I was photographer for Laura & Matt. They had booked up way in advance and I stayed in touch with Laura ever since she made the booking. She would mail me links of different ideas she had and we would discuss ideas for photos on the day. As well as being a photographer I LOVE all of the planning that goes into a Wedding, all those little details that you need to think of, the dress, the accessories, the flowers, the theme etc... (it makes me want to do it all over again too!) so I loved chatting to Laura about her ideas. When I received the invitation in the post I knew that this one was going to be a bit special.

As you can see it was based on the Milk Tray box. The whole theme of the Wedding was Chocolate and Laura's favourite film is Charlie & The Chocolate Factory so, as you will see, this was the theme for the tables too. Laura even had 'Pure Imagination' played in the church. The wording inside the invitation was just beautiful and so thoughtful too. The purple was carried all the way through to the Bridesmaids dresses and flowers. Laura had thought about every little detail.

I arrived at the house to find a very relaxed and happy Laura getting ready with her bridesmaids which included her super cute daughter Chloe. Laura's friends had bought her some gorgeous Rigby & Peller knickers so we did a few boudoir shots in them.....far too gorgeous to be hidden under that dress all day! So while I wont be publishing any of those photos, I do think that its a really nice idea to get some shots like this on the morning of your Wedding. Even if only as a gift to your husband after the Wedding. Laura did look A-mazing!!

The ceremony was at Otham Church in Maidstone and the vicar didn't let me stand at the front for this one which was a shame. I did still get some lovely images inside the church and in the grounds afterwards. As you will see, Laura wasn't at all camera shy and LOVED having her photos taken. She made me laugh all day, striking a pose whenever she saw me. Laura used to have a slight obsession with Posh Spice, hence the 'posh point through out the day. Haha! I loved her. The Reception took place at Little Silver in Tenterden and all of the staff were fantastic. Really loved the little Gazebo. We used this for the small amount of group shots that Laura wanted and then after the Wedding Breakfast I used it to trial my first Photobooth. It worked really well. This is something that I am introducing for 2012 and I will be adding a whole blog post about this very soon.

I decided that I would like to start offering the 'Photobooth' so I got together lots of props for this. I spent about an hour after dinner taking photos of the guests using all of the props. It went really well and everyone really enjoyed it. Doing it after the dinner means that everyone has had a glass of wine or 2 and they are happy to get dressed up in some funny hats, glasses etc. Its a great way of getting some shots of groups and couples without them looking to formal as well and people tend to be more willing to be a bit silly and pose when they are wearing some bunny ears or a moustache! Laura had brought the big silver frame already as she had decided that she would like some photos using this and it worked so well. I am so happy that she has let me keep it for future Photobooths! I will be offering different backdrops but I really liked the Gazebo at Little Silver. It made a perfect little 'stage'. There were so many shots that Laura & Matt were not aware of, so I really enjoyed seeing their reactions when they viewed them. The blackboards were perfect for a little message to the bride & groom. Be it traditional or cryptic, I think it could work as a visual guestbook too. I will have more information on Photobooth for 2012 very soon.

Thank you to Mr & Mrs Newell for choosing me as their photographer. I had such a great day and I am really pleased that we are still in touch.

Rock The Dress

2011-11-02T14:52:00.001-07:00

I decided that I would like to start offering Rock The Dress shoots. I know They are known as 'Trash The Dress' as well, but I just thought that 'rocking' it sounds more appealing and, after all, rocking it is what we will be doing! If you are happy to trash it in the process then thats great too and we will be sure to get some amazing photos by doing so.

I asked Laura if she would like to be my first Rock The Dress client and she jumped at the chance. She brought along lots of accessories and ideas for the shoot which was brilliant. I had also got together lots of my own props and accessories so we had a great big bag of pretty things to play with! I did suggest a couple of things to Laura before the day and that was, bring some biker/military boots and spend some time applying your makeup, ensuring its bolder than what you had on the Wedding Day.

I knew of a couple of locations that I thought would work and we went out just as the sun had started to go down so that we had the perfect light. We spent about 2 and a half hours on the shoot and we had so much fun. Laura fell over a few times (and I am so sorry Laura but I had to take a photo but you still look gorgeous) but I was asking her to run at me in super heels at the time so its not surprising really.

The shoot is a lot more Fashion/Editorial based than the usual Wedding Photos and that is why I want to do these shoots. As everyone who knows me will tell you, it is this area that is my passion.....fashion, styling etc. So I am in my element styling and directing this kind of shoot. As I mentioned, Laura did her own makeup and hair but I will be offering packages which incorporate hair and makeup by the very talented Emma Smisson as well.

It gives you the chance to get your dress on again and 'work it'...... so much better than boxing it up and never seeing it again I think!! Its not limited to a Wedding Dress, be it a Ball Gown you want to get on again or a bridesmaid dress you really loved, its just 'Rock The Dress' so you can choose the dress, the location, the idea... and I will make you look like you belong in the pages of a high end magazine.

Lucy & Peter at Borden Church & Preston Court, Kent

2011-09-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

Lucy & Peter's Wedding took place at Borden Church in Sittingbourne (so a nice local one!) and then Preston Court in Sandwich. They booked coverage from getting ready up until the first dance and as much as this is a long old day for me, I really enjoy it as I can tell the story from start to finish.

We had Sunshine and showers all day and when Lucy pulled up in the gorgeous VW Camper Van it decided to rain!!

It certainly didn't spoil the day though and didn't make any difference to the photos...if anything we got some cool photos because of it.

The Vicar said something during the service that really tickled the two Bridesmaids and they couldn't stop laughing. As we all know, knowing that you shouldn't be laughing, makes you do it all the more!!

After the rain stopped it was onto Preston Court. And WOW what a venue it is!....

Lucy had mentioned that they would be taking their Wellies along and it looked fab! It meant that they could all wear them and not get stuck in the mud - as us ladies often do at Weddings! Especially useful because they chose to have the first speech outside. They broke the speeches down and they took place after each course, this worked really well.

LOVED THE KILTS!

And all of the little details that suited the venue perfectly.....

The grounds very fantastic and the lovely couple were more than happy to spend some time wandering around so that we could get some shots of the two of them....

I loved how many locations for photos there were at this venue!! I have a booking for a Wedding there next year too so i cannnot wait to go back. This place was a photographers dream!!

Thank you for choosing me to be your photographer guys. It was a fantastic day that I really enjoyed documenting.

Lorraine & Bill's Wedding at Upnor Castle, Kent.

2011-06-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

On the 29th May I photographed Lorraine & Bill's Wedding at Upnor Castle in Upnor, Kent. I had just got my new 5D MK11 and couldn't wait to shoot my first wedding with it!!

I got there in plenty of time to photograph some scenery and details and to ensure I was there for Bill's arrival.

It was a lovely sunny day but also with plenty of nice puffy clouds....pretty perfect from a photographers point of view!!

I didn't know what car Lorraine was going to arrive in and I was so excited when she was driven up in a GORGEOUS vintage VW Beetle Cabriolet. Such a gorgeous car that went perfectly with Lorraine's Wedding theme.

Lorraine looked absolutely stunning as were her Bridesmaids and all of the flowers. The venue is very grand and regal but it also has a very relaxed and informal feel about it. It actually felt like it belonged to Lorraine & Bill as there was no strict order to the day. The ceremony itself was really beautiful and intimate and the bride and groom were actually asked to stand and face the guests to say their vowels which I have never seen before, this just added to the intimacy of the ceremony and it really was an emotional one with both bride & groom being reduced to tears!

After the ceremony we made our way down the beautiful spiral staircase and out to the front of the Castle where Lorraine's mum had got champagne ready for everyone.

The views from the Castle are beautiful and it was such a nice space for everyone to stand and sip champagne in the Sunshine! There are also great big Canons which made for some very cool shots...

I then took Lorraine & Bill for a wander round the castle as there were so many gorgeous locations we needed to make use of...

Jake the dog came along to the ceremony too!!! He is their baby so he just had to be there. Just another example of how relaxed, lovely and accommodating the castle is. I got this photo when Lorraine didn't realise and its one of my favourites. Jake is loving the fuss from his mum!

Lorraine & Bill decided to book me after I shot their friends, Michelle & Tom's wedding last year. It was good to see Michelle & Tom again. Lorraine has a lovely group of very close girlfriends and it was nice to get a shot of all of them together.

After a few group shots it was then onto Medway Yacht Club. Lorraine wanted to throw a bouquet but didn't want to use her own so her mum made another one for her to use for this. I was so pleased because this always makes a good shot as it generates lots of expressions.

There was no top table for the meal at the Reception and this worked really well. It continued the 'intimate' feel of the day. I really got the sense that this was a day for Lorraine, Bill and all their favourite people. The speeches were funny and I have to say that capturing peoples reactions during this time is one of my favourite parts of photographing a wedding day.

Another couple that were there, Danielle and Chris, have booked me for their Wedding next year at Little Silver in Tenterden. I caught them sharing a 'look' during the toast. Wondered if their little smile was them thinking 'this will be us next year!' :-)

A few other things that I loved and just want to mention are....

The fabulous Cup Cakes made my Michelle Sartain...

The Irregular Choice shoes (from Schuh) worn by Bride and Bridesmaid....Love them!

The beautiful Bouquets made my Lorraine's Mum!...

Belle the gorgeous Karmen Beetle from www.vwbrides.co.uk

This couple who I thought looked sooooo cool... I want that feather cape!!

I thought Lorraine's whole look was perfect. It was classy but cool and had a vintage feel when teamed with her choice of accessories. It also just shows that you don't have to spend a fortune to look fabulous on your wedding day.

Dress - Monsoon
Fascinator - Debenhams
Shoes - Schuh
Bridesmaid Dresses - BHS

I also created a small 'out takes' folder for Mr and Mrs Marley as I captured a few funny moments during the day. They are not album images but I'm sure they made them laugh :)

Thanks so much for choosing me to photograph your wedding Mr & Mrs Marley. I now look forward to creating your album for you x

Wedding of Mr & Mrs Wallace at Abbey Hotel, Minster.

2011-06-17T04:10:00.000-07:00

My first Wedding of this year was for Sarah & Ashley. They got married at www.abbey-hotel.net/ in Minster on the Isle of Sheppey.

I met Sarah last year at Ladies Day at Ascot where we were celebrating her sisters birthday and she asked me to be her Wedding Photographer. Her sister Lisa is a good friend and fantastic florist! take a look at her website www.heatherandwood.co.uk

I went along to the Hotel in the morning and took photos of Sarah getting ready at the hotel. Her adorable little girl Poppy was there along with her cousin so I managed to get some fab ones of them too.

The Makeup Artist was Emma Smisson. Here is a link to her website www.bridalbeautybyemma.co.uk She did a great job and I hope to work with Emma in the future.

Sarah likes all things Vintage and she knew that this was the dress as soon as she saw it. It was absolutely beautiful as were the little Bridesmaids dresses.

I nipped round to get some shots of the lads while I waited for Sarah and the girls to get ready. They all looked very cool and they specifically wanted a Resevoir Dogs style shot...

The ceremony was so lovely and, to be honest, I dont think that the website does the venue justice. When it was all finished it looked really beautiful and we luckily had lovely weather (although a little Windy!) I have mailed them some of my photos from this Wedding in the hope that they will use them.

After the ceremony we quickly went up to The Leas on Minster Seafront. I had already planned that I wanted to use some balloons so had been to collect them early in the morning. I had an image that I wanted to create in my head and it came out just as I wanted. Sarah & Ashley love it too, they decided that they would like to have it on the front of their album. (designing that is my next job!) I always try to give each Bride and Groom some special shots that no one else has and I think that this was their one and probably my favourite shot...

Or maybe this is my favourite...

I can't decide.

Last of all here is some of my friend Lisa's floristry....

Go check her out at www.heatherandwood.co.uk she's fab!!

Photoshoot for Remi Creed & Family at their home in Egerton

2011-06-17T03:36:00.000-07:00

Back in May I did a photoshoot for Remi and her family. I met Remi at a 'Mums in Business' meeting I attend every month. Remi's business is Baby Massage & First Aid.....take a look at her website...www.therapiesandme.co.uk

So I went along to Remi's house in Egerton, Kent and met her little girls Isla, Esme and her husband Martin. We went for a walk and I found that Remi had the most amazing grounds surrounding her house so right there we had a location I would usually travel miles for.

The girls had so much character (Remi described them as Minxy which I loved) and I got some fantastic shots of them in an Orchard, in Bluebells, in open fields....It was so nice to just let them run and play while I took their photos.

It was lovely that the whole family were there so I made the most of this and got some nice natural family photos for them too....

Remi didn't want anything too posed and while I did get a few for her, she is much happier with these kind of shots that show the girls and their family exactly how they are. Perfect for me as these are the kind of shoots I enjoy the most.

When walked back to the house via the shop to get some ice creams!.....Kids and Ice Creams are always fab pics!...

After the Ice Creams they got on the trampoline with Daddy....I love these shots. They look soooo happy. Such wonderful memories to have captured and I don't think you can look at them without smiling...

After the trampoline I got my dressing up box out and let the girls dive in! I love anything that creates expression and these props certainly did. Just look Esme's gorgeous little face.

So that was my morning with the Creed's. Here are my favourites from the shoot.

And last of all just look at these GORGEOUS Hunters of Remi's. I WANT THEM!!!

Lauren & Caius

2011-02-11T13:08:00.000-08:00

At the end of 2010 I ran a competition for a Makeover shoot. To be in with a chance to win, fans of the page just needed to click 'like' or comment on the offer on my Facebook page. I had a huge response but Lauren Coppen was the lucky winner.

We had the shoot last week and Lauren brought her little boy Caius along. Her sister Rachel also came along so she could try and keep little Caius amused while we were doing the shoot.

Lauren really wanted to get a few shots of her a Caius together so we decided to do those first. They arrived with loads of different outfits which is always great, however, Cauis' wardrobe was bigger than mine and he had soooo many gorgeous outfits and it was really hard to choose. We settled on a hoodie and rugby shirt with the intention to change after a few shots, however, Cauis just wanted his clothes off and also wanted to do his own thing. He really didnt want to stand in front of my backdrop either....what one year old would! :) so we just went with him in the end and I love what we ended up with.

After that we went onto do the shots of Lauren, we just got out loads of different accessories and played dress-up really. It was loads of fun but the time went far too quickly and we were also conscious of poor Cauis getting a bit bored by now.

Lauren's sister Rachel was an absolute star, she was babysitter and entertainer doing everything from giving him cuddles to dancing around like a mad woman just to get some smiles for us :)

The sound track to this shoot was Low - Flo Rida. Cauis' fave!

Lauren's prize was not only the photoshoot but also 10 fully edited photos of herself on a disk. The only problem now is deciding which other ones to have.

Thank you Lauren & Rachel & Caius. Was lovely to meet you all x

Leah's Birthday Photoshoot

2011-02-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

Last week I took photos of a little girl named Leah. Her mum bought her the photoshoot as a gift for her birthday. It went on longer than we had planned as she just enjoyed it sooooo much. It was so nice to see and she said she felt famous :)

There are more photos on my website, but here are some behind the scenes shots...

Cute Kids Competition

2011-02-02T13:20:00.000-08:00

I am running a 'cute kids' competition at the moment. There have been lots of entries the prize is a photoshoot and a disk of fully edited images. Winner to be announced next weekend (12th Feb) I ran one last year and little Maisie Pitt won. This time there is a judging panel and runners up prizes too!

Duffy's First Blog!

2011-01-29T12:51:00.000-08:00

So this is my first blog! I thought i'd create one so that I have a diary of what I am doing, I can look back on my progress as a Photographer, I can write about my shoots and also give people the opportunity to read about what I am doing.... if they wish.....I can't promise to be interesting :)

This first post is just a test to find out what I can and cannot do here so i'll write more soon!