Abi & Jim – Coombe Lodge, Bristol Wedding Photography

I was asked by Abi and Jim to be their Coombe Lodge, Bristol documentary wedding photographer back in late 2013. I was so excited that I could cover their wedding for that, as Coombe Lodge has got to be one of my all time favorite venues for wedding photography. I think it’s the combination of the stunning countryside and the extremely cost atmosphere that is generated, there are always gorgeous pools of light knocking about the place which I love!

Abi and Jim’s wedding date was none other than the Valentines Day, a cunning move on the part of Jim I feel, killing two birds with one stone for future anniversary’s, only one card required! Coombe Lodge really comes into its own in the winter months. It has a cosy, intimate feel which really lends itself well to my style of reportage photography. I tend to not use flash unless totally necessary, so that abundance of amazing light that floods the house is perfect in my eyes!

Abi and Jim booked me to cover their entire wedding, from start to finish. I would always recommend my couples to think about all day coverage as it really does allow for a more complete set of pictures which properly tell the story of the day. Abi’s preparations took place in the amazing bridal suite at Coombe Lodge, the suite is always great to photograph, with some many interesting features and beautiful light. The ceremony followed and was full of smiles and emotion, I always am very respectful when photographing the ceremony and always ensure my movements are kept to a minimum, nothing worse than a photographer running around the place! The drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening do followed on and was the usual heady cocktail of laughs, tears and fun.

Abi and Jim very kindly sent me some lovely words after their wedding, was pretty blow away by what they had to say!

Hi Ian

Our photos arrived today – OMG. They are perfect. I literally couldn’t have hoped for any better!

From the moment I opened the envelope and saw the personalised gift tag and the quality of the cd holder I knew it was going to be good! All the little details you’ve thought about just make it so amazing. The first time I looked through, I was actually getting excited as I watched the day start to unfold and it brought back so many memories. I’ve flicked through about 10 times now already and every time I end up smiling and laughing and sometimes getting a little weepy. I see now why people kept telling me that I was smiling and laughing the whole day – every picture is exactly that, everyone (especially me and Jim) having fun. It’s so good to see the bits I missed as well. Jim looking nervous for one! But mostly just people having fun and doing silly things and you seemed to get them all!

It sounds awful but I don’t even remember you being there at some of the times you’ve captured! But you’ve really caught every moment, even the pictures of the people in the speech at the time they react to the bit Jim talks about them – it’s like you had read the speech in advance and knew what was coming. Amazing.

I can’t thank you enough. They are truly wonderful.

Thank you so much!
Abi and Jim