Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

WE are very privileged to be the official photographers for the internationally renowned Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. This feats of music, song and dance takes place in Llangollen, North Wales and brings together younger and older people from literally all over the world to celebrate peace and understanding through the mediums of music, song and dance.

This week long festival combines serious competition with entertainment and each evening is topped off by a 'celebrity' concert with world class performers which this year included, Lesley Garrett CBE, Alfie Boe, Karl Jenkins, Alison Balsom, Nicola Benedetti, John Owen-Jones and Wynne Evans - he of "Go Compare" fame (what a lovely man and such a fantastic voice).

As I say, the event lasts a whole week but this year was extra special with a special event on the very first day that took place at Westminster Hall within the Houses of Parliament in London. Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod joined forces with the Commonwealth Carnival to put on a special concert with performers and choirs from all over the Commonwealth to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

A selection of photographs depicting each of the day's activities will follow on this blog

Wedding | Nadine and Alex

Nadine was making her bridal preparations at a room in Inglewood Manor and from there we were heading to St Paul's Church in Hooton and then on to the amazingly beautiful Thornton Manor for the reception and wedding breakfast.

From the moment I walked into her bedroom, I could tell this was going to be a very special day.The weather forecast was dubious to say the least but miracles do happen and the rain stayed away.

Weddings always seem to be that little bit extra special at Thornton Manor and a great day was had by all. Everybody looked gorgeous including the photographers of course.

All photographs from this wedding can be found at www.barrieneilonline.com
Our main website is at Barrie Neil Photography

Wedding | Yvonne and Paul

One of the remarkable features of Peckforton Castle in Tarporley, Cheshire (and there are many) is that no matter how many times you go there, you see something different or something familiar appeals to you in a fresh way. There are so many exciting features both inside the building and around the grounds. The plethora of staircases, the beautiful windows, stunning architecture and of course, the glorious chapel

Yvonne and Paul took the opportunity to make use of the chapel in the grounds so after the legalities of the civil ceremony were completed, the wedding party moved outside and made their way to the chapel for a blessing

When you take into account the fickle British weather, this is extremely important. If you are going to have beautiful wedding photographs, you do have to think of the setting and the "what happens if it's a rainy day" is an important consideration. A professional photographer handles weather in the same way he or she handles everything else that happens at a wedding and can produce great photographs under any circumstances

Luckily Yvonne and Paul didn't have any weather worries on their wedding day. Yvonne looked stunning as she walked down the aisle and I think it is fair to say that Paul was more than a little overwhelmed.

Here are a few photographs from their wonderful wedding day

All photographs from this wedding can be found at www.barrieneilonline.com
Our main website is at Barrie Neil Photography

Wedding | Cleo and James

Today saw us back in Cheshire for the wedding of Cleo and James. Quite often, the moment you walk into the room where the bride is preparing for her big day, you get an immediate sense of how the day is going to pan out.

This was certainly the case with Cleo. For a start, I don't think I have ever seen so many people in one room at one time. It was organised chaos and the atmosphere was alive with excitement and expectation.

And nobody was going to be disappointed. It was an amazing day as weddings at Peckforton Castle always seem to be. Cleo laughed and smiled non-stop and it was certainly infectious. A very happy memorable wedding

All photographs from this wedding can be found at www.barrieneilonline.com
Our main website is at Barrie Neil Photography

Wedding | Elisha and Craig

When we first met this couple at their home to discuss their plans and for them to decide if they wanted us to be their wedding photographers, I came away hoping and praying they would choose us as I just knew this was going to be a fabulous wedding. Such a lovely couple that looked perfect together and their are so stylish I couldn't wait to see what they had in store for their big day.

My expectations were fully delivered the moment I saw the gorgeous Elisha's wedding dress. I can't remember seeing something with quite this degree of the "Wow Factor" before and she looked stunning. The handsome Craig didn't disappoint either and looked extremely dashing.

As always, a few photos from their very special day

All photographs from this wedding can be found at www.barrieneilonline.com
Our main website is at Barrie Neil Photography

Even the city can be beautiful

When you think of beautiful scenery, you tend to think of roiling hills or meadows or lakes and few would think of the towns and cities most of us live in.

However, cityscapes can be as visually exciting and pleasing as the pastoral scenes more commonly associated with landscape photography. One is not necessarily better than the other but different. All it takes is a little imagination.

Here are a few photographs taken in the area immediately around Salford Quays

We just love making people happy

We've just received this message posted on our Facebook page and I thought I'd share it with you on here as well. It was from Clare who was married on the 6th November 2010 at Thornton Manor on the Wirral
 

We've just got back from our honeymoon and I must say, you guys are amazing. The photos are outstanding, I love all of them and I'm lost for words. Thank you so much cant wait to plan our album i think you guys must be also magicians!!

 

It's so wonderful when we hear how pleased people are with what we do. It;s more than a job to us and this sort of response makes it so worthwhile and it's nice to know we are doing it right