Running Jumping Climbing Trees - The Launch - And a Special Offer for YOU!!

Hi Everyone....

I am really excited to announce the launch of our new site totally dedicated to Lifestyle Photography - www.runningjumpingclimbingtrees.co.uk Pictures showing how you and your family really are! No stuffy posing, no false grins, simply images that make your heart smile.

As a special thank you to you, our friends, I would like to give you a special launch offer. Make your booking before the end of November 2008 and receive £35 off your sitting investment. Normal price £75, you pay ONLY £40. In addition you will receive 10% off your first order from your session. But please do hurry as places are already limited.

Please tell everyone you know - Families with children, families without, teenagers, grandparents, everyone! As an extra incentive, for every extra booking you bring to us, we will give you a free 9"x6" framed print of your choice. Bring Three extra bookings to us and we will also give you an extra 5% discount off your first order making a massive 15% discount total. But don't delay time and spaces are limited. This off must end on 30th November 2008.

Give me a call NOW on 01258 473671 or email info@runningjumpingclimbingtrees.co.uk

Please don't delay; your booking must be made (but session not necessarily taken) by the end of November 2008 - BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment and get those discounts.

Come and visit us soon, a very warm welcome awaits you.

Best wishes

Courtenay



family Photography Dorset - Courtenay Photographic

Not as Simple as You Thought article for Our readers by David Stoker

Not as Simple as You Thought? The Complex World of Buying an Engagement Ring
Article by David Stoker from Ralphblacklock.com – Specialising in Diamond Engagement Rings
Finding an engagement ring that both fits in your budget and meets your partner’s approval can be a very difficult task.
If you are planning to surprise your partner to romantic proposal and are about to hit the shops in search of the perfect engagement ring it is important to do some background research first. The following article is designed to help you avoid any pitfalls, ensuring you pick a ring that both you and your future fiancée are happy with.
Firstly it is important to remember that buying an engagement ring can be an expensive process, so it’s important you take your time and don’t part with your hard earned cash on the first ring that catches your eye. Spend time going to different jewellers and looking at their collections, so you can make an informed decision.
One of the most important factors when buying a diamond engagement ring is ensuring you find the best possible ring that fits in your budget. This requires some skill, therefore it is important you know a bit about diamonds and how to distinguish between the different qualities.
What is commonly referred to as the Four C’s (cut, colour, clarity and carat) dictate the price of a diamond. It is important to remember the less colour and clearer a diamond is the better. This is because poor colour tends to hamper the brightness of a diamond.
There is a wealth of information on the worldwide web on this subject if you would like to investigate this topic further and ensure you can spot the best possible diamond you can afford.
Since you are making one of the biggest decisions of your life, it’s pretty safe to assume you know your partner pretty well. This seems a fairly simple point, but you need to always bear in mind what type of ring your girlfriend would like. It can be easy to get carried away and buy an engagement ring with a big diamond, but does it really suit her style?
Taking in consideration her style and tastes, there are a number of key issues you need to keep in mind. Below is a list of questions you should ask yourself before you purchase a ring.
1) Would she prefer a traditional diamond engagement ring or something more contemporary?
2) What type of setting would your future fiancée prefer? Maybe she would like have to have three stones on her ring.
3) What shape of diamond would she like? The round cut tends to be the most popular choice, but you also have the oval cut, princess cut and emerald cut to choose from.
4) What type of precious metal would she prefer for the ring? Most people tend to pick between platinum or white gold.
5) Would she like something subtle and refined or a big flamboyant ring?

Once you have a firm idea in your mind of what your partner would like and overcome the tricky situation of finding what size ring she needs, it’s time to venture out and find the dream engagement ring for your future wife.



Wedding Photographer Dorset - Courtenay Photographic

Civil Partnership Ceremony of Ian & Jonathan Charlton House Somerset

Ian and Jonathan are a great couple of guys and it was a pleasure to be able to capture their Civil Partnership for them. Ian and Jonathan have actually been together for over 10 years, but only recently with the change of British law have they been able to plan this celebration of their love for one another (and about time too! the law I mean).
I arrived at Charlton House in Somerset on a really damp and dreary day, a real shame considering the weather of late. Still I was met with enthusiasm and a real sense of joy that at last their special day was upon them and nothing but nothing was going to dampen Ian and Jonathan's spirits.
Ian and Jonathan and their family and friends had taken over the hotel for the weekend so this was going to be a very relaxed affair indeed.
No preparations for me today, but a few informal pictures with the happy couple before the ceremony and some general coverage of mingling guests before things started with earnest.
The ceremony although brief was a touching affair and at last Ian and Jonathan were able to publicly declare their life long commitment to each other.
After the ceremony, champagne and good conversation with good friends and loving family all around. Still raining outside the few formals were achieved using various parts of the hotel, but just before going into dine the rain subsided enough for Ian, Jonathan and I to venture outside for a few quick shots to add to their album.
Into the marquee then for the reception meal, Ian had designed all the the decor/colour scheme and I have to say it looked absolutely stunning, the colours were so very rich, perfect for an Autumnal celebration. The speeches were hilarious and touching and everyone was just so relaxed which always helps to make my life so much easier too!
A shorter day for me today and my time to leave now, but the party I have been assured (since speaking to Ian) went on into the wee hours and a great weekend was had by all!

Wedding Photography Dorset - Courtenay Photographic

Wedding of Rachel & Chris Maunsel House Somerset

Well a beautiful misty crisp Autumnal day, the day of Rachel and Chris's wedding. I arrive with the boys at a friends house just down the road to Maunsel House in Somerset to start off the day. All the guys were in good humour and soon suits were being adorned and sandwiches consumed all with the usual good banter and I have to add with extreme calm.
Off to Maunsel house to join the girls and their preparations. Rachel and the girls were very busy with hair and makeup and again everyone in great humour. Afer capturing much of the usual preparations I wander off around the house to capture some of the little details and general ambiance.
Guests now arriving and then the Groom and his merry men, back upstairs to capture a few last images with the girls and then Rachel's Dad arrives - time to go downstairs to be married!
The ceremony itself was a very beautiful and touching affair and I have to say many a tear was shed. At last married Rachel and Chris exited triumphantly man and wife.
Everyone spilled out into the gardens (although a few did elect to stay by some of the big beautiful roaring fires) to socialise with a glass of Pimms. At last the mists began to lift and the beautiful Autumnal sunshine filtered through. Three formal pictures to done and dusted and Rachel Chris and I wandered off for a few quite romantic shots and a little catch up time for the two of them.
Time for the reception and speeches were first order of the day - hilarious and touching all and again many a tear was shed. After the wonderful meal Rachel Chris and their guests meandered through the beautiful estate grounds to its own lovely small chapel (and when I say small it was a real squeeze to get everyone in - but this just added to the sense of togetherness this touching occasion was truly all about) where Rachel and Chris were to have their marriage blessed.
Back from the ceremony and darkness was beginning to descend, evening guests were arriving and now the moment to cut the cake. This done the happy couple proceeded next door to find the band all set and the first dance commenced. The band kicked in and the dance floor was full within seconds.Just before half past ten the call came for everyone to make their way outside into the crisp starlit night...Fireworks, fantastic.
My time to bid farewell, what a great day!

Wedding Photography Dorset - Courtenay Photographic

Church finally relaxes wedding rules

I've just read an interesting item on the BBC News website. It appears that the church has relaxed its strict laws about which church you may marry in. Previously, of course, you have to be resident in the parish, or have attended the church for 6mths prior to the wedding. But now you can marry in the church where your parents or grandparents married too.
I think this is great news - many of our couples have moved away from home, but would like to come back and marry where they grew up. I'm sure this relaxing of the rules will mean a few more church weddings for me, as the tighter church restrictions meant those couples often chose country houses for their venues.
You can read the full article here.


Wedding Photographer Dorset - Courtenay Photographic