Not a time of year that jumps to mind when the word Wedding is mentioned, but what better time of year for a family celebration is there? Basingstoke wedding professionals have some ideas for your festive wedding…

Christmas Themed Wedding Flowers

Paula who creates some wonderful wedding flower arrangements all year round, suggests that a perfect winter bouquet would have beautiful red grandprix roses, hypericum berries and skimmia. For her, Christmas time has the most beautiful flowers! If red isn’t your thing, then how about lime green orchids with black baccara roses for a striking bouquet combination.

Gemma the wedding stationer uses for her Christmas invites and table settings, gold and silver ribbons, she has also been busy making bauble shaped place cards. She suggests naming tables after Christmas themes and using these images on table plans. Another great tip from her that also saves money, is to send your Save the date cards combined with Christmas cards!

Christmas Wedding Bouquet

Wine Devine recommends the Christmas tipple of Rubis.  Its is an indulgent blend of fortified red with a premium chocolate flavour. You can drink as a liqueur or as a dessert wine with chocolate puddings or drizzled over ice cream!

Paul Smith is playing hard over Christmas, he is performing his regular slots at Tylney Hall Hotel on Christmas Day and Boxing day with singer joining him to perform some Christmas Carols.  His Christmas Weddings will have him playing the Piano, the saxophone and clarinet!  Performing a huge range of work from Artie Shaw to Michael Bublé, a huge range of gentle ballads, pop or full on swing improvisations.

And lastly, what can be more festive than snow at Christmas? In Hampshire at the moment metcheck.comp are saying there is a 10 percent chance of snow on Christmas Day so you never know!

At the beginning of the year Alan Bowman introduced the Art Book Portfolio which they supply free of charge to all wedding couples following their wedding day.  The book has a wonderful magazine style layout with all the photographs of the day and can include text descriptions of the day’s main players and the church readings, vows and a copy of the order of service.

This style of album has been a great success and much appreciated by the thirty or so wedding couples they photographed in 2009. Check out some of the recent reviews they received on the Guides for Brides web site.

Congratulations go to Teri & Richard who where photographed by Alan Bowman Photography in 2009, as they have won through to the finals of the wedding of the year competition!  (see the August- September of Your Berks & Bucks Wedding edition).  Teri and Richard Viney were married at the Old Mill Aldermaston.  Situated in one of the most picturesque locations in Royal Berkshire, The Old Mill is set in twenty stunning acres surrounding the beautiful River Kennet.  It has become one of the top locations for both wedding ceremonies and receptions in the United Kingdom.

Congratulations also go to to a second couple, Carolina & Mark who also won through to the finals of the Your Hampshire Wedding magazine wedding of the year!  Carolina and Mark Partner were married at the lovely St Lawrence’s Church in Alton on the 19th June 2009 and held their reception at the Barceló, Basingstoke Country Hotel, near Hook in Hampshire.  This is what they had to say about Basingstokes Wedding Photographer, Alan Bowman.

“We met quite a few wedding photographers when we were planning our wedding and we immediately felt comfortable with Alan. We had a pre-wedding shoot at the hotel, which really made us feel at ease on the big day. The photos are amazing and the “Art Book” portfolio is fantastic.”

Recognition of their years achievements started early in January with the wedding of Amy and Colin winners of “The Wedding of their Dreams”. This vivacious young couple won the top prize of a complete wedding at the luxurious Oakley Hall Venue in Basingstoke.  Alan Bowman photography had the pleasure of capturing the day on film and the added accolade of a wedding feature in the real life wedding section in one of the top wedding magazines!

Alan Bowman had the joy of photographing many weddings in the Hampshire and Berkshire area, some of the finest these counties have to offer.  Wokefield Park for example benefits from over 250 acres of Royal Berkshires finest parkland. Very close to this wedding venue, there is a beautiful and quaint church, very popular with those looking for a traditional wedding with their wedding reception at Wokefield Park.  For those looking for a civil ceremony, Wokefield Park’s Mansion House itsself is very well set to cater, no matter what the wedding party size, with over 6 separate licensed function rooms catering for anything up to 350 guests, there will be something here for you! As wedding photographers venues like this provide a real treat! The space and flexibility of photographic opportunities here is fantastic!

The Elvetham Hotel Hampshire is a stunning 19th Century mansion undoubtedly one of Hampshires finest venues.  Steeped in history with old fashioned values and levels of service, yet thoroughly modern in its approach. It has dedicated staff and independent thinking, every event is treated with the individuality it deserves and every guest with utmost respect.  The area of 35 acres surrounding The Elvetham is much the same today as it was recorded in the Domesday book.  A formal garden was created in 1860 and a mile long avenue of Wellingtonias were planted. Amongst its many other trees and flowers is a famous Magnolia Soulangiana said to be the largest in England. After many years of neglect the gardens were restored in 1962 and now include a broad walk of Irish Yews, a croquet lawn, eighty ornamental trees, a kitchen garden and many other attractive features. Alan Bowman has found that at The Elvetham your special day will be truly memorable, with exceptional service, attention to detail and a unique backdrop for your photo album. This magnificent 19th Century mansion is a licensed wedding venue for up to 200 guests and lends itself effortlessly to both small and intimate gatherings as well as extravagant celebrations under marquee. Set in 35 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and grounds, The Elvetham is a licensed wedding venue where the possibilities are endless!

The Old Mill, Aldermaston, Berkshire is situated in one of the most picturesque locations in Royal Berkshire, The Old Mill is set in 20 acres surrounding the River Kennet. It was built in 1800 and was used as a flour mill until 1920. The original iron wheel was removed during the 1939 War. Again it is mentioned in the Doomsday Book and this unique location is the top venue for all types of occasions. Run by the Arlott family for more than 60 years, The Old Mill has earned a reputation for traditional home cooking and friendly service. The Old Mill provides a great backdrop for your special day, it is quite literally, a photographer’s paradise. They can cater for receptions of up to 150 guests, and both the Mill and Stable rooms are licensed to hold civil wedding ceremonies. The Old Mill is the perfect venue for your dream wedding to become a reality!

Trunkwell Mansion House near to Beech Hill in Berkshire,  dates back to 1190 but was pulled down and rebuilt in 1878. The house is evident in the early records of Beech Hill. The 1881 the Census revealed that Trunkwell was a small village in itself. Even today it stands in 34 acres of beautiful Berkshire countryside. It offers the exclusive use of the Victorian house with beautiful manicured side garden for intimate weddings and for larger celebrations they have a beautiful Venetian Garden themed permanent Marquee with stunning manicured garden complete with furniture. They only hold one wedding per day ensuring the couple getting married get complete dedication and focus.  They are registered for Civil Wedding Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships. In fact, the marquee is one of the largest venues for Civil Ceremonies in the Thames Valley with a capacity of up to two hundred and if you require a larger facility they are even able to erect a second marquee which will hold up to one thousand guests!

The Barcelo’ Basingstoke Country Hotel near to Hook in Hampshire, was formerly a private residence, The Barceló Basingstoke Country Hotel is now a 100 bedroom country house property set in delightful grounds. You can only describe the Barceló Basingstoke Country Hotel as beautiful. It’s a country house hotel set in delightful grounds, making a lovely backdrop for your wedding photographs.  Picture the elegant Naseby Suite adorned with beautiful flowers, romantic candles and tables and chairs matched to your colour scheme, or for a more intimate party, the beautiful Woodland Suite overlooking the pretty Courtyard which is ideal for an evening BBQ.  Both the Naseby and Woodland Suite hold civil ceremony licences, have a private bar and each have their own entrance. They are big enough for elaborate decorations, a dance floor and stage area to host your evening entertainment.

As you can see, Alan Bowman Photography has had a stunning year, with new venues, awards and some very happy wedding days behind him in 2009, he is very much looking forward to a great 2010!

Alan Bowman is a Wedding Photographer based in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Established in 1998, Inge joined the photography team in 2002. They are dedicated to providing you with the very best professional service and a range of the highest quality presentation products. Both are passionate about their work and provide for their clients a natural, relaxed and sensitive approach to wedding photography which reflects the demands of today’s modern bride and groom. Alan Bowman 01256 354319 alan@alanbowman.com www.alanbowman.com

Alan Bowman and his photos of Teri and Richards April wedding which took place in The Old Mill in Aldermaston, Berkshire have been short-listed in Your Berks & Bucks Wedding magazines wedding of the year competition.

You can cast your vote here.

The chauffeur poured us two glasses of champagne, and we were taken in a beautiful white Bentley for a short ride around the Berkshire countryside. Later in the evening, Richard and I ran under an archway formed by our guests, and we were showered with confetti as we passed through. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Teri and Richard

Alans wedding photography is also featured more locally in the wedding of Amy and Colin which took place at the exclusive Oakley Hall, their wedding will be featured in the real weddings section of the September edition of Your Hampshire Wedding Magazine.  You can see many more photos and read all about Amy and Colins perfect day.

Amy and Colin

Alan Bowman is a Wedding Photographer based in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Established in 1998, Inge joined the photography team in 2002. They are dedicated to providing you with the very best professional service and a range of the highest quality presentation products. Both are passionate about their work and provide for their clients a natural, relaxed and sensitive approach to wedding photography which reflects the demands of today’s modern bride and groom. Alan Bowman 01256 354319 alan@alanbowman.com www.alanbowman.com

Kestrel FM Radios Kissing couple wedding prize winners

Amy and Colin, Basingstoke’s very own kissing couple won their dream wedding by entering the Basingstoke Kestrel FM radio’s kissathon.

Photographed by BasingstokeWedding.com’s Alan Bowman, the happy couple kissed for hours and hours to scoop the prize of a dream wedding at the prestigious Oakley Hall Basingstoke, Hampshire.

Alan Bowman is a Wedding Photographer based in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Established in 1998, Inge joined the photography team in 2002. They are dedicated to providing you with the very best professional service and a range of the highest quality presentation products. Both are passionate about their work and provide for their clients a natural, relaxed and sensitive approach to wedding photography which reflects the demands of today’s modern bride and groom. Alan Bowman 01256 354319 alan@alanbowman.com www.alanbowman.com

“Alan and Inge Bowman were recommended to us, we were so pleased that we used them, and would not hesitate to recommend them to others.”

“We met with them prior to the wedding to discuss what we wanted from our photos, and they exceeded all of our expectations. We have now got a beautiful range of photos, both formal and informal, that truly capture our joyous day.”

“We have been most impressed with the quality of the coffee table book. Everyone we have shown it to have been overwhelmed by the mix of colour and atmospheric black and white photos which capture the character of the venue, the detail in our wedding attire, and the happy atmosphere of our day. The website portal also means that people who don’t live near enough to see the book can also view and purchase any photos they would like, such a great idea!”

“As well as being true professionals, Alan and Inge are a lovely couple and it was an absolute pleasure to have them with us for our special day.”

Alan Bowman is a Wedding Photographer based in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Established in 1998, Inge joined the photography team in 2002. They are dedicated to providing you with the very best professional service and a range of the highest quality presentation products. Both are passionate about their work and provide for their clients a natural, relaxed and sensitive approach to wedding photography which reflects the demands of today’s modern bride and groom. Alan Bowman 01256 354319 alan@alanbowman.com www.alanbowman.com

]]> http://basingstokeweddings.com/2008/11/thanking-the-basingstoke-wedding-photographer/feed/ 0 http://basingstokeweddings.com/2008/10/alan_bowman_in_print/ http://basingstokeweddings.com/2008/10/alan_bowman_in_print/#comments Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:06:17 +0000 Alan Bowman http://basingstokeweddings.com/?p=208 Alan Bowman and his wedding photography is showcased in the Your Hampshire Wedding magazine.]]>

In this months Your Hampshire Wedding, our very own Alan Bowman has several pages of his work showcased!  Along with lots of photos Alan talks about the work he does.

Alans photos of the wedding of Julie and Felix at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Dogmersfield Park, was featured in the magazine, more photos can be seen here.

If you have not seen the magazine, many of the images used are on his website, or you can book an appointment and he can bring it along with his books and portfolios over for you to view in the comfort of your home.

Alan Bowman is a Wedding Photographer based in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Established in 1998, Inge joined the photography team in 2002. They are dedicated to providing you with the very best professional service and a range of the highest quality presentation products. Both are passionate about their work and provide for their clients a natural, relaxed and sensitive approach to wedding photography which reflects the demands of today’s modern bride and groom. Alan Bowman 01256 354319 alan@alanbowman.com www.alanbowman.com

Planning your wedding is an exciting task, and locating a photographer is just one part of all the many arrangements you have to deal with. So choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you face in organising your wedding.

Meet with them to evaluate the quality of their work, the style and type of album materials and the packages on offer. Remember that he/she will spend a major part of the day with you, so it’s essential that you feel relaxed and comfortable with your chosen photographer in order to capture those natural expressions, your personality and the excitement of the day.

It is also important to know that your photographer has covered a number of weddings in various locations, conditions and at different times of year.  Ask to see examples of the work they have done recently.

View a range of finished albums which show that they are able maintain a high level of quality for the whole day and not just one or two good shots from each wedding. Also a good rapport with the photographer is essential. If you feel that you can spend the most important day of your life smiling and laughing in front of their camera then you have made a good choice.

Allow plenty of time for the photographic coverage as many specialist wedding venues regulate the time set aside; be realistic about how many group photographs are necessary. Plan the day with your photographer and you will get those fabulous wedding photos you are looking for. If you have something particular in mind let them know and talk about how it can be achieved.

Finally, enjoy yourself, you will look great in the photographs!

Alan Bowman is a Wedding Photographer based in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Established in 1998, Inge joined the photography team in 2002. They are dedicated to providing you with the very best professional service and a range of the highest quality presentation products. Both are passionate about their work and provide for their clients a natural, relaxed and sensitive approach to wedding photography which reflects the demands of today’s modern bride and groom. Alan Bowman 01256 354319 alan@alanbowman.com www.alanbowman.com

Natalie and Richard at Rotherwick Church and Rotherwick Village Hall.

Hayley and Ricky wedding at Botleigh Grange, Southampton.

A wedding table setting.

Natalie after her wedding in Rotherwick Church.

A Bridesmaid at Aldermastons Manor House in Berkshire.

Alan Bowman is a Wedding Photographer based in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Established in 1998, Inge joined the photography team in 2002. They are dedicated to providing you with the very best professional service and a range of the highest quality presentation products. Both are passionate about their work and provide for their clients a natural, relaxed and sensitive approach to wedding photography which reflects the demands of today’s modern bride and groom. Alan Bowman 01256 354319 alan@alanbowman.com www.alanbowman.com