Betti's Blog

Just wow: Emma & Miles' wedding sneak peek

Sat, 04 May 2013 11:16:00 -0400

A HUGE congratulations guys! I’m so pleased the sun shined for you yesterday. I can’t wait to share all the photos, there’s so many fab ones to choose from that it’s difficult to narrow down - so I’ve gone for these beautiful pics from the start of the day!

Emma has got some serious style - I’m in love with her Viv Westwood shoes. And in this second shot her mum’s reaction to her in THE dress on THE day is just brilliant.

I hope you’re all doing some lovely relaxing today & reliving yesterday over & over!

xXx

If you like this, you may also want to like Betti Confetti on Facebook here.

Photos: A very modern engagement shoot

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:23:36 -0400

Bobble hats in March? While it sums up this year’s British springtime rather well, it also makes for some cute shots. It might not have been quite what we had in mind for Emma & Miles’ pre-wedding shoot, but then often the best things aren’t planned … enjoy!

A WEEK TODAY GUYS - EEK! I can’t wait. X

Like these? There’s more photos from pre-wedding shoots on Facebook here.

Wedding photos: Léonie & Rob

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:41:42 -0400

Thanks to Louise from b.loved for first featuring Léonie & Rob’s photos here.

This first shot with the ‘Men of Britain’ book always tickles me. It just makes me think ‘sorry guys you’re all too late’. They missed out on a cracker too.

Léonie’s dress is an original vintage piece: “It’s estimated to be from 1912, I loved it as soon as I saw it. It had amazing hand stitched detail and I love to think about all the different brides who have worn it in the past.”

Photographing the getting ready part of the day is so much fun. Us girls know how much we enjoy getting ready together for a night out. Imagine that, magnified by a thousand.

The couple had thought of so many lovely personal touches. They spent 10 months collecting pretty tea cups, saucers and plates and little plant tins to use, like this Lyle’s Golden Syrup tin with the purple pansies.

“I loved walking into our venue to see all of the things we had collected laid out so beautifully,” says Léonie. “Then looking around to see all of the people we love enjoying themselves in beautiful surroundings was really special.”

“My paper rose bouquet, buttonholes and corsages were a fantastic find. We chose the papers we wanted to use and sent them to Moll and Mostin who created them for us.”

The pink dusky light made for some lovely shots, including this family portrait with Léonie’s sister, brother-in-law and niece.

And back inside, three generations at the jukebox.

Their first dance was to Dream Lover by Bobby Darin. “We had been having dance lessons prior to getting engaged so decided to put our Collegiate Shag moves to good use!”

Well you can see how well it went down! And the new Mr & Mrs asked their friends & family to join them…

… which naturally they did. Well with a cool band and a jukebox how can you not dance the night away!

A big congrats guys!

More of the album is on Facebook here.

Saturday snap: counting ladybirds spots!

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:43:00 -0400

OOh, at first not sure… then boldly (& cleverly) counting the spots.

Little Ada was the star of today’s sunny shoot, which was full of fun, cuddles and wildlife. See you all again in less than 3 weeks - eek! I know it’s going to be fantastic :)

Here are some more ‘Saturday snaps’ which I’m sharing on Facebook each week here.

How proud? The excitement when the dress goes on for real! From one of my first weddings.

Tora & Geoff just last week, rocking the boat (in a good way) on Emsworth Harbour.

& escaping the snow the week before that - in the Tate’s bookshop.

Another classic published: The wedding album

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 06:17:45 -0400

Hot off the press is Ross & Elliott’s wedding album, I can’t wait to hand deliver it over a coffee today!

They opted for a nut brown leather cover, which has a lovely textured finish - a great choice in my opinion. Mind, it’s hard to go wrong with a gorgeous range of silks, vintage leathers and cottons to choose from. Get the full effect on Facebook here »

Elise & Martin. Tea & half-expresso

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:16:00 -0400

It can be tricky planning a shoot when you haven’t yet met someone, but with 2 weeks to go before the wedding and a last minute VENUE CHANGE there wasn’t much time.

This is Elise’s heart-melting (seriously, tell me it doesn’t!) description of them - by way of explanation as to why my suggestion of ice-skating wasn’t really her cup of expresso.

“I am 35 and he is 47 and he prefers his golf above anything!”

“He is British with his calmness and politeness, loves tea and says ‘lovely’ all the time.

I am French, speak my mind in a very direct manner, love heated debates and my blood is half expresso!”

“I guess we’re both somehow traditionalists or old fashioned (in terms of values) in a modern world so that would translate as… we like antiques and old stuff, the peace and quiet of country walks while carrying our tablets/laptops around.”

“We have different languages and ways of expressing ourselves and we deeply care for each other and for others, although again in a very different manner!”

“Hard to describe I guess! Don’t know if that helps!”

Yes, it most certainly does.

From punk to punting to Pop-Up Pirate! First ever Betti Confetti competition

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 18:22:00 -0500

Oh. Em. Gee. 2013 is going to look amazing.

Tartan suits, punting in Cambridge and a ‘first look’, are just some of the fun and personal things couples who inspired me with their competition entries have got planned.

So you can imagine how hard it was to narrow down, but with some tough decisions, I got to my final three - and I’m beyond delighted to announce that Kat & Gary are my first ever photography winners!

I’m going to try and keep some of the details back for the big photo reveal later this year (although I might burst in the meantime), but I can reveal instead of a themed wedding they’ve got themed tables planned, which include a punk table, a curiosities table - & my absolute favourite - a dinosaur table, designed by three year old Mason who is one of the couple’s two young sons. I can’t wait for my styling/photography collaboration with Mason to begin!

They’ll also be a DIY tattoo stall, which is fitting (& so frickin’ cool) as the couple got their engagement rings tattooed on - now you can’t get more individual than that!

Here’s Kat and Gary in their favourite photo together so far… I’m looking forward to help them add to their collection!

I was equally - and über - excited by other entries, and feel so lucky to be photographing all of my three finalists.

Michelle and Andrew, who the Pop-Up Pirate reference refers to, have a village fete reception planned, complete with coconut shy, at a venue ‘hugged by fields with sheep’.

The music loving, family loving couple will have their daughter Ada join them to walk back down the aisle to a song that means a lot to them - the playlist is one very important aspect of this wedding!

Michelle has given me some sneak peeks of the fabulous decorations and corsages she’s been making, I’m sooo excited about how full of colour their wedding pictures are going to be!

Kate and James’ wedding promises to be full of character - the ceremony will be held at the Cambridge Union Society’s debating chamber (oh wow). As Kate says, it’s fun to think they’ll be using a room that’s been graced by many a celeb and historic character, including the Dalai Lama, Winston Churchill, Ronald Regan, Clint Eastwood, Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen.

This brave pair are thinking about enticing some of their guests (with homemade mince pies, mulled wine and blankets) to punt to the reception venue (oh wow again)… the wedding is in December so we’ll see, but either way it’s going to be fabulous as whether by water or road, guests will be toasting the couple at Cambridge’s Guildhall.

Thank you to Anna at Far From the Wedding Crowd for hosting the competition, and HUGE congratulations to all three couples on getting married - I can’t wait! xXx

Photos: A fabulous, flamboyant Brighton Pavilion wedding

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 15:40:00 -0500

Ross & Elliott chose Brighton’s most flamboyant location for the all important ceremony! The couple met each other the first weekend that Ross moved down to Brighton - some things are just meant to be.

Elliott & best man taking a stroll through the Pavilion gardens on the morning of the ceremony, through the crowds and past a beaming busker that many Brightonians will recognise!

Cherished guests arriving, including Elliott’s mum looking fit for the regal location!

There were lots of handkerchiefs at this wedding - so much emotion!

After making the most of the splendour of the Pavilion’s music room, the couple stepped out hand-in-hand to greet their guests to enthusiastically flung confetti.

I love how all the guys clustered round to look at the wedding ring! (Well it is platinum & diamonds darh-ling)

All the best men together.

The wedding party makes its way through town to celebrate with champagne & canapés.

There’s a nod to the seaside with traditional rock, and sailing boat table-settings.

But this lot don’t sit down for long! They’re soon off galavanting, through Brighton’s south lanes, to the next location. At Hotel Du Vin’s cosy snug they wind up for the night with drinks and good company, but not before a surprise video message from Ross’ family & friends back home in New Zealand. Time for those handkerchiefs again…

Big congrats again guys, thanks so much for choosing me as your wedding photographer, I loved every minute.

Snow day! Preston Park, Brighton

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 11:34:00 -0500

Who’s hoping for another snow day tomorrow?

This (shivering) little cutie-chops was so adorable I had to feature him twice.

It was lovely to get out in the fresh fall.
& even lovelier to get back into the warm.

Medina, mint tea & moggers: Marrakech

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:07:00 -0500

This has been one of the hardest photo blogs to whittle down pics for because I pressed the shutter 100s of times during this short trip!

I’m not sure it hangs together particularly well but that’s kind of a reflection of the place itself - I think the word eclectic was invented for Marrakech.

For me it’s all about the Medina, the old city enclosed by terracotta coloured walls, where the crowds will sweep you along the narrow streets, & you can get shopping (haggling) in the souqs at fast tempo, or sit & sip mint tea & people watch.

There’s a lot chic about Marrakech (this is coming from the girl who returned with a silver pouffe for her lounge, so you’d better believe it), and much of the craft work is highly skilled.

Blue is trademark colour of the Yves Saint Laurent gardens (a short drive outside of the Medina), and home to YSL’s love exhibition. He painted or illustrated cards that he sent to friends & fashion houses every new year for over 30 years.

You’ve also got to love the moggers…

… the architecture

The old Coca-Cola vans & paraphernalia everywhere…

… and the people.

Above is a barber outside his shop, & before that we are being shown ‘Berber viagra’ (apparently).

You can get about by bike, like the locals, if you fancy. But largely we strolled and soaked in the sights. I just love the colour and the light, and how the main square (below) comes alive at night.

The guidebook certainly didn’t disappoint!

New year, new Facebook page!

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 17:06:00 -0500

Come & ‘like’ the freshly launched Betti Confetti page, & get 15% off bookings made by 28 February 2013 for weddings in 2013 & 2014 - plus lots of lovely photo updates.

http://www.facebook.com/BettiConfettiWeddingPhotography

Photo credits: Top right & bottom left, Betti Confetti. Winter trees by EyePoetryPhotography, via Pinterest.

Sarah & Steve's Mayfair wedding

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 07:00:00 -0500

So pleased to be catching up on sharing some pics, starting with some classic shots from a very London wedding.

Mayfair or not, Newky Brown was going on the tables for the groom’s Newcastle lads, paired with vintage inspired birds for the girls - a theme which was carried through to the simple yet stunning cake.

Sarah’s simple elegance is down to her eye as a fashion buyer, meaning everything from the flowers to the flower girls’ dresses oozed taste.

If you like this please also ‘like’ the new Facebook page to receive regular photo updates - & I’m currently offering 15% to couples who ‘like’ the page & book by 28 Feb.

Visit here: http://www.facebook.com/BettiConfettiWeddingPhotography

Happy indulgence!

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:23:00 -0500

I hope everyone’s enjoying the holidays. For me, staying in all cosy & doing nothing is absolute bliss. We did venture out Christmas morning to Brighton seafront, & after seeing the sea at its choppiest the log fire was all the more appreciated. As was my beautiful gift from my son - chosen without even a smidgen of a hint - wonders do happen!

Bring on new year, as a friend said to me - bring on the next phase of over-indulgence! Have a good one everyone! xXx

Here’s a sneak peek from Elise & Martin’s...

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 07:36:00 -0500

Here’s a sneak peek from Elise & Martin’s extremely romantic winter wedding at St.Albans Cathedral. The service was part in English & part in French, & Elise’s dress was customised from two different vintage laces… more coming soon!

Don’t forget about the competition to win your wedding photography - see post below (or click here).

One lovely couple will win their wedding photography in 2013!...

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 06:10:00 -0500

One lovely couple will win their wedding photography in 2013! And it’s the whole package! To see what the prize includes and how to enter visit Far From the Wedding Crowd (click here). Emails must be in by midnight on Monday 14th January - what a great way to start the year! The package is worth £1200.

Chickens, countryside & dandelion clocks: A love shoot

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:06:00 -0500

Cesca & Ben’s engagement shoot was first seen on b.loved, many thanks to Louise for featuring the photos, and to coin her headline, I clucking love this…

We started off with a country walk in the fields surrounding their village. It was a blustery summer day (I know, you’d think it was Autumn right?) … it bucketed down either side of the shoot, but I think the dandelion clocks are proof it was summer!

These two have so much fun together that all I’ve got to do is click the shutter. Ben was saying something rather cheeky in the first frame on the left - the subsequent shots are so fab, that whispering something naughty might even have to be a tip for future shoots!

Back at home with the chickens. I was so excited about this part of the shoot. Ridiculously excited might not be an overstatement. And for good reason as you can see.

Congrats again guys, & thanks for such a fab day! xXx

Beautiful albums, by Folio

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 17:26:00 -0500

When I first clapped eyes on a Folio album it was love at first sight. Here’s why they’re my favourite choice for wedding albums.

First impressions count. And these covers are de-lect-a-ble.
Whether you prefer bright or muted tones, there’s a choice of colours in silk and (vintage and eco) leathers. Pictured below is the ‘Wedgwood blue’ eco leather.

The leather covers are perfect with names debossed, and I think the hot pink silk would look fabulous engraved (I’m hoping someone will choose that soon!).

While the high quality covers are sumptuous, it’s what’s inside that really counts.
And what’s inside is, stylishly designed spreads, using archival inks on paper from sustainable sources - i.e. only the best for your treasured photos.

In addition you can order 6x6” ‘mini-albums’ which make a nice thank you for parents and the rest of the wedding party. (Your main album would be 10x10” or 12x12”).

All albums come gift-boxed and in a canvas bag, with a choice of designer bags if you so wish - they really have got great design sewn up.

Find out more about what I offer at the main site here: http://www.betticonfetti.com/

London Vintage Wedding Fair - photos!

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:12:00 -0500

Last Sunday’s London Vintage Wedding Fair was packed to the rafters (or art nouveau ceilings) with vintage tulle, satins, lace & every accessory to boot - it’s quite something! Plus, of course, little ol’ me popping my wedding fair cherry - who says the first time’s not fun?!

Dresses by Portobello-based Jane Bourvis (above middle), & Charlotte Casadejus (left), with an amazing stripped sequin bodice & tulle meringue, flicked with silver paint - it’s a dress like this that can make a (usually sane) single girl decide what her wedding dress is going to look like!

(Top) Art deco decadence was brought by Vintage Flair - who can bring the same gorgeous taste to your wedding (both visually & with their amazing cakes!). Also above; music by Vaults Quartet, & belts also by Charlotte Casadejus (which are a selection of vintage or designed by Charlotte).

Thanks to all the brides-to-be & couples who stopped by for a natter about your wedding plans, it was such a pleasure to see people getting excited about what they can expect from their wedding photos, & I’m looking forward to catching up with many of you again soon!

Love shoot: Léonie & Rob

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 16:45:00 -0400

Less than two weeks to go until Léonie & Rob’s wedding… & it’s going to be AMAZING! Looking forward to the afternoon tea & the dukebox dancing into the night! Going by the pre-wedding shoot they’re going to be a dream to photograph, you can just see the chemistry between them. Good luck with the final preps guys :)

Seaside love shoot: Ross & Elliott

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 19:00:00 -0400

We took a stroll to shoot this colourful beachside shoot, which reflects the laid-back nature of this couple.

See you guys THIS Saturday!