Ladies, all the ladies!

Choosing your bridesmaids? Is this something you have thought about for a while? Have you made promises to people, years and years ago, that if you get married then they WILL be your bridesmaids? Im sure we all do it, but when it comes to actually choosing your special ladies things can be very different.
Im so happy with the four stunning friends I had for my wedding. Each friend I chose was special to me for very different reasons and they looked beautiful on the day. I was so proud to be surrounded by these special friends (Thank you Ceri, Eva, Lou and Jo - x x)
When choosing bridesmaids its so important to know that these people will be there with you and support you through your big day. Having people who can handle your emotion, your stressing and also can share in the joys of the past with the excitement of the future.



Bridesmaids are there as your team of female support and traditionally they are dressed in clothes to compliment and flatter the bride and the wedding party ensemble, fitting in with the colour scheme and feel of the day.
With us ladies coming in all shapes and sizes its not always possible to find one style that will fit all, but with options of different cuts and fabrics it doesnt have to be one dress for all any more.
Some of the nicest weddings we have seen have been where there is a similar style or colour theme in all of the dresses, even though they are all different. High Street shops are jam-packed full of beautiful frocks now that are kind on the pocket as well as being totally stylish and appropriate for any wedding. Colours and fabrics can add to a wedding, they can bring a different twist and can add a touch of class without breaking the bank.
Having friends who love you, friends who support you and friends who truly want to see you happy on your wedding day is what makes a brides and her bridesmaids so very stunning. We have the evidence to prove it x x

A look back at 2010 - with a handful of ponderings about planning a wedding.

It was such an honour and privilege to look through the work of so many photographers as they came to their end of the year reviews as 2010 came to a close. We didn't quite get round to doing one in time for the end of the year. Its now the start of a new year with new plans and new excitement for anyone planning their wedding. Its so exciting thinking back to our own wedding (nearly 5 years ago!) and also to the weddings of those we had the pleasure of capturing last year. Thinking about all the little bits and bobs that made each day so individual, the wonderful couples that made their weddings so perfect and totally "right" for them. Each wedding was such a celebration of love and its so exciting thinking that we have all that to look forward again this year with the wonderful couples we will be working with as we "shoot" their wedding days.
As wedding photographers, we get so many questions about photography, but also about different aspects of the day. Over time, being involved in the day (often months in advance) and seeing all the ups and downs, all the nips and tucks and the ins and outs of a wedding day we have picked up some ideas that we thought we would share with you.
These are all things that we have learnt and hope you might find helpful.
Of course, each wedding is different, each happy couple are different, each budget and each dream will be different. We understand that and love that about the diversity of weddings. Over the next few blogs, we will sharing with you just some images from 2010, that we have had the pleasure of capturing, but also some helpful observations and ponders about different aspects of planning a wedding day that is totally right fo YOU!

BEAUTIFUL BELLES



Of course... its one of the most exciting things a girl can think about, but also can be one of the most daunting. What to wear!!!! What am I going to wear when I get married?
There are no right or wrong answers. The only answer, is something that you LOVE, something that is in your budget and something that makes you feel like YOU! Magazines are full of dresses for this shape, that shape, this budget, that budget and can be so confusing! Shops and Boutiques are pretty much the same. What we have loved about the weddings we photographed in 2010, is that each bride wore a dress that was so right for them. Some had detail, colour, beading, bows. Some were very simple, but each dress worked for the bride and each bride was truly beautiful. Sometimes you do have to be brave and crazy and try on and explore different options. A bit like dressing up...enjoy every option you try until you find the dress that is for you. Maybe you want to add to or create something totally individual. That can be done too. There are so many options for making your wedding day outfit different to all the others. Some sites I would recommend (and probably will for totally individualising every aspect of a wedding) are Folksy and Etsy... crafting sites, with numerous amounts of beautifully different things. Maybe all you need to make that dress different to the rest is a brooch, ribbon, lace or a flower. Dont be scared to explore and try new things. Its fun!
It may be an old wives tale, but many of our brides have said the same thing "when you find it, you know!" ...We just hope that when you find the dress for you. That your dress is all you have ever hoped for and more and that you feel like the wonderful woman you are x o&c

Pembrokeshire Wedding Fair September 2010

Yesterday we exhibited at the Pembrokeshire Wedding Fair. It is the biggest wedding fair of its kind in Pembrokeshire. We had such a great time meeting others in the industry as well as meeting loads of wonderful newly engaged couples and couples particularly keen to find a modern, relaxed style of photographer for their big day.
With our lamp stand, framed photos, photos on easels and our suitcase of props, along with our albums and new portfolio we stood out and made our own o&c impression. Thank you to all of you who came to have a nose and who we chatted to about your special day. Thank also to our newly booked clients! yay!!!! Please check us out if you like the style of o&c Photography. We would love to hear from you!






The wedding fair had such a range of different stands, offering a variety of wedding-related products. We really enjoyed getting to know some of the other exhibitors. Here are some people who we would highly recommend within Pembrokeshire for providing stylish, creative and quality products.

First up "The Vintage Lady". Dawn and Scott are to be married in April next year. They are both truly obsessed with stunning vintage crockery and other vintage styled accessories. They have been collecting in preparation for their own wedding, but have now set up business to rent out their beautiful crockery for weddings and parties.
With a range of cups, saucers, cake stands, knitted cupcakes, sugar bowls and stunning silverware, "The Vintage Lady" are open for business and happy to travel with their vintage range of products and their style and passion for styling such vintage occasions. We are very excited about Dawn and Scotts business, especially as we have the pleasure of photographing their wedding next year! For your vintage needs check these guys out!






We had the pleasure of meeting the very lovely Lucy from "Forget Me Not" flowers. She is recently married and has a real passion for wedding flowers. Based in Pembroke, Pembrokeshire she has years of experience and such a desire to create bouquets and arrangements perfect for the requirements of anyone planning their wedding day. We are really looking forward to photographing her sisters wedding next year and working alongside Lucy capturing her stunning floral creations.



Of course, you cant do a wedding without beautiful, tasty cakes and treats! As we ventured around the wedding fair we felt drawn to a couple of stands... sure you can see why! Lillylicious are a new company baking and decorating beautiful cupcakes and small detailed and delicious wedding confectionery. These butterfly cakes were truly scrumptious.



I cant imagine "Cutters and Cakes" stand were empty from tempted eyes for very long either. Their stand was full to the brim of truly stunning cakes, biscuits, welsh cakes and quirky edible treats. We loved the ice cream cupcakes and the heart shaped welsh cakes. A perfect addition to any wedding table. Have a look through these photos are tell me your mouth isnt watering by the end! These guys were also so very friendly and helpful and full of ideas. We would highly recommend them.












Our final recommendation from the wedding fair is the very glamorous and stunning "White Bride". Sally and Ali run "White Bride" wedding boutique in Narbeth. They are buyers of the most stunning wedding dresses from designers Stephanie Allin, Charlotte Balbier, Sassi Holford, Mia-Mia, Jenny Packham and Kate Sherford. Their range of dresses and accessories is truly exquisite. Every aspect of the White Bride ranges are perfect. It is always very hard to drag me (Charis) away from such a stand as it really is every girls dream to wear a dress and accessories of such beauty. Sally and Ali provide such a great personal service and we recommend this shop constantly to our brides. We are very excited to be working with them on three weddings next year and will be sure to show off their dresses in our up and coming weddings.









For anyone interested in any of the following wedding professionals please check out their websites. All of these guys are truly passionate about what they do and their service is exceptional.
We enjoyed the Pembrokeshire Wedding Fair yesterday and it really did prove to us that Pembrokeshire has some very talented and gifted wedding professionals out there. If you are interested in what you have seen from o&c Photography. If you have liked the photos we have taken in this post and are interested to know more about us as photographers please check out our website www.oacphotography.com and drop an email. we would love to hear your ideas and work with you.