MacDonald Jones Photography: Blog

Sensei Matt - Karate Action Images

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 15:32:28 GMT

Mr & Mrs Yeoman - Leeds Town Hall & Chaophraya - 23rd September 2017

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 15:39:39 GMT

Mr and Mrs Yeoman

23rd September 2017

Leeds Town Hall, Leeds City Centre & Chaophraya

YeomanSP 1 YeomanSP 5 YeomanSP 6 YeomanSP 7 YeomanSP 9 YeomanSP 4 YeomanSP 2 YeomanSP 3 YeomanSP 10 YeomanSP 12 YeomanSP 11 YeomanSP 13 YeomanSP 14 YeomanSP 15 YeomanSP 16 YeomanSP 19 YeomanSP 21 YeomanSP 18 YeomanSP 22 YeomanSP 17 YeomanSP 24 YeomanSP 23 YeomanSP 8 YeomanSP 26 YeomanSP 25 YeomanSP 29 YeomanSP 27 YeomanSP 20 YeomanSP 30 YeomanSP 28 YeomanSP 32 YeomanSP 34 YeomanSP 31 YeomanSP 36 YeomanSP 33 YeomanSP 35 YeomanSP 37 YeomanSP 39 YeomanSP 38 YeomanSP 41 YeomanSP 40 YeomanSP 43 YeomanSP 45 YeomanSP 44 YeomanSP 42 YeomanSP 48 YeomanSP 46 YeomanSP 47

Mr & Mrs Laidlaw - Rudding Park - 22nd September 2017

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 15:35:51 GMT

Mr and Mrs Laidlaw

22nd September 2017

Rudding Park, Harrogate

LaidlawSP 4 LaidlawSP 1 LaidlawSP 5 LaidlawSP 7 LaidlawSP 3 LaidlawSP 6 LaidlawSP 8 LaidlawSP 10 LaidlawSP 9 LaidlawSP 12 LaidlawSP 13 LaidlawSP 14 LaidlawSP 16 LaidlawSP 15 LaidlawSP 11 LaidlawSP 17 LaidlawSP 19 LaidlawSP 18 LaidlawSP 21 LaidlawSP 22 LaidlawSP 20 LaidlawSP 24 LaidlawSP 23 LaidlawSP 26 LaidlawSP 28 LaidlawSP 2 LaidlawSP 27 LaidlawSP 29 LaidlawSP 25 LaidlawSP 30 LaidlawSP 33 LaidlawSP 35 LaidlawSP 34 LaidlawSP 32 LaidlawSP 36 LaidlawSP 31 LaidlawSP 39 LaidlawSP 37 LaidlawSP 41 LaidlawSP 42 LaidlawSP 44 LaidlawSP 43 LaidlawSP 45 LaidlawSP 46 LaidlawSP 48

Mr & Mrs Ashworth - 9th December 2017 - Oulton Hall, Leeds

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 15:17:19 GMT

Mr and Mrs Ashworth

9th December 2017

Oulton Hall Hotel, Leeds

AshworthSP 1 AshworthSP 3 AshworthSP 5 AshworthSP 4 AshworthSP 2 AshworthSP 8 AshworthSP 7 AshworthSP 6 AshworthSP 9 AshworthSP 11 AshworthSP 10 AshworthSP 12 AshworthSP 14 AshworthSP 13 AshworthSP 15 AshworthSP 17 AshworthSP 16 AshworthSP 18 AshworthSP 21 AshworthSP 20 AshworthSP 19 AshworthSP 24 AshworthSP 22 AshworthSP 23 AshworthSP 25 AshworthSP 28 AshworthSP 27 AshworthSP 30 AshworthSP 29 AshworthSP 31 AshworthSP 26 AshworthSP 32 AshworthSP 33 AshworthSP 34 AshworthSP 35

Mr & Mrs Hislop - Huddersfield Town Hall & Cedar Court Hotel - 28th April 2018

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 15:04:41 GMT

Mr and Mrs Hislop

28th April 2018

Huddersfield Town Hall & Cedar Court Hotel

HislopSP 1 HislopSP 4 HislopSP 2 HislopSP 5 HislopSP 7 HislopSP 6 HislopSP 8 HislopSP 9 HislopSP 12 HislopSP 11 HislopSP 3 HislopSP 14 HislopSP 15 HislopSP 10 HislopSP 13 HislopSP 19 HislopSP 16 HislopSP 20 HislopSP 17 HislopSP 23 HislopSP 18 HislopSP 21 HislopSP 24 HislopSP 22 HislopSP 28 HislopSP 30 HislopSP 27 HislopSP 25 HislopSP 29 HislopSP 26 HislopSP 31 HislopSP 33 HislopSP 37 HislopSP 34 HislopSP 32 HislopSP 39 HislopSP 41 HislopSP 38 HislopSP 35 HislopSP 40 HislopSP 36 HislopSP 43 HislopSP 42 HislopSP 47 HislopSP 48 HislopSP 45 HislopSP 46 HislopSP 49 HislopSP 44

Mr & Mrs Parker - 23rd June 2018 - Knebworth House

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 15:00:17 GMT

Mr and Mrs Parker

23rd June 2018

Knebworth House, Knebworth Park

ParkerSP 3 ParkerSP 1 ParkerSP 4 ParkerSP 5 ParkerSP 2 ParkerSP 7 ParkerSP 9 ParkerSP 6 ParkerSP 11 ParkerSP 10 ParkerSP 12 ParkerSP 8 ParkerSP 13 ParkerSP 16 ParkerSP 14 ParkerSP 18 ParkerSP 19 ParkerSP 15 ParkerSP 17 ParkerSP 22 ParkerSP 21 ParkerSP 25 ParkerSP 23 ParkerSP 24 ParkerSP 20 ParkerSP 26 ParkerSP 29 ParkerSP 28 ParkerSP 30 ParkerSP 31 ParkerSP 27 ParkerSP 32 ParkerSP 33 ParkerSP 35 ParkerSP 37 ParkerSP 36 ParkerSP 38 ParkerSP 34 ParkerSP 39 ParkerSP 40 ParkerSP 43 ParkerSP 44 ParkerSP 41 ParkerSP 45 ParkerSP 46 ParkerSP 47 ParkerSP 42 ParkerSP 49 ParkerSP 48

Mr & Mrs Beecroft - Weetwood Hall - 21st July 2018

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 14:46:33 GMT

Mr and Mrs Beecroft

21st July 2018

Weetwood Hall, Leeds, West Yorkshire

BeecroftSP 5 BeecroftSP 4 BeecroftSP 6 BeecroftSP 1 BeecroftSP 2 BeecroftSP 7 BeecroftSP 8 BeecroftSP 3 BeecroftSP 11 BeecroftSP 9 BeecroftSP 12 BeecroftSP 13 BeecroftSP 14 BeecroftSP 15 BeecroftSP 10 BeecroftSP 17 BeecroftSP 16 BeecroftSP 22 BeecroftSP 21 BeecroftSP 20 BeecroftSP 24 BeecroftSP 23 BeecroftSP 26 BeecroftSP 25 BeecroftSP 19 BeecroftSP 28 BeecroftSP 18 BeecroftSP 27

Mr & Mrs Harrison - Sportsman Inn, Halifax - 18th August 2018

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 14:43:10 GMT

Mr and Mrs Harrison

18th August 2018

Sportsman Inn, Halifax

HarrisonSP 5 HarrisonSP 3 HarrisonSP 2 HarrisonSP 1 HarrisonSP 7 HarrisonSP 6 HarrisonSP 9 HarrisonSP 10 HarrisonSP 8 HarrisonSP 12 HarrisonSP 14 HarrisonSP 11 HarrisonSP 4 HarrisonSP 15 HarrisonSP 16 HarrisonSP 13 HarrisonSP 19 HarrisonSP 17 HarrisonSP 18 HarrisonSP 23 HarrisonSP 21 HarrisonSP 24 HarrisonSP 20 HarrisonSP 25 HarrisonSP 28 HarrisonSP 26 HarrisonSP 27 HarrisonSP 22 HarrisonSP 32 HarrisonSP 30 HarrisonSP 31 HarrisonSP 35 HarrisonSP 33 HarrisonSP 37 HarrisonSP 38 HarrisonSP 39 HarrisonSP 41 HarrisonSP 29 HarrisonSP 40 HarrisonSP 42 HarrisonSP 36 HarrisonSP 43 HarrisonSP 44 HarrisonSP 34 HarrisonSP 47 HarrisonSP 45 HarrisonSP 46 HarrisonSP 48

Mr & Mrs Waudby - Weetwood Hall Wedding - 8th September 2018

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 14:38:36 GMT

Mr and Mrs Waudby

8th September 2018

Weetwood Hall, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Mr & Mrs Hardwick - Wedding Photography - 6 December 2014 - Devonshire Arms Bolton Abbey

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 18:18:41 GMT

Mr and Mrs Hardwick

6th December 2014

Devonshire Arms Hotel, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire

Having shot a Christmas Wedding before, I was really excited about this one too - set at the Devonshire Arms near Bolton Abbey in North Yorkshire. A picturesque location, with the hotel providing all the warmth and character you could want at this festive time of year.

I first met Kelda and Phil when I did a family shoot for them, along with little Phoebe and was delighted when they asked if I'd photograph their wedding. A time of year for the family to all come together, it was made extra special as Kelda also found out she was pregnant too (and since the wedding, little Maxwell has arrived to complete the family).

When I arrived, the ground was frosty, but it was warm inside with a roaring fire in the entrance. The tree and hotel were all trimmed up - it really got you in the festive spirit and we didn't let a bit of cold or rain spoil the day - in fact the mist later on just added a little something special to the images.

Mr & Mrs Robinson - 3rd August 2014 - County Assembly Rooms & Lincoln Cathedral

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 20:01:49 GMT

Mr and Mrs Robinson

3rd August 2014

Lincoln County Assembly Halls & Lincoln Cathedral

I only found out a few weeks before the big day that I would be shooting this wedding. After having to rearrange all their plans, I was contacted by Sophie and Aaen to step in and capture their big day. The weather definitely shone on them as the sun was definitely blazing down on us all!

A favourite moment of mine from throughout the day was when Sophie's dad first saw his daughter in her wedding dress - just outside their family home. The tears of joy that I managed to witness and capture was emotional.

Sophie and Aaen allowed plenty of time for their images too - making the most of the streets of Lincoln as well as the Cathedral and Assembly Rooms - before dashing inside where I had to help fix Sophie's dress 'hoop' before their first dance.

I managed to try a few new techniques out too, which really complemented Sophie's dress and Aaen's uniform.

Mr & Mrs Robinson - 20th February 2015 - Lincoln Hotel & Lincoln Cathedral

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 17:04:01 GMT

Mr and Mrs Robinson

20th February 2015

Lincoln Hotel & Lincoln Cathedral

When I first got the call from Laura I was excited to be going back to Lincoln again so soon, what a beautiful city, and a really lovely family to photograph - coincidentally sharing the same surname as my last Lincoln wedding - Robinson!

Unfortunately in February the weather isn't always on our side in England - though to be fair it is pretty temperamental the rest of the year too. Laura and Craig were brave enough to put up with a bit of rain and cold to make the most of the amazing architecture around Lincoln Cathedral.

Mr & Mrs Nellis - 16th May 2015 - St Mary's Church, Strensall & York Racecourse

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 17 May 2015 19:21:06 GMT

Mr and Mrs Nellis

16th May 2015

St Mary's Church, Strensall and York Racecourse

Sneak Peeks from Becca & Toby's Wedding in York.

A very windy day in North Yorkshire, but with some stunning skies and I was so glad that Becca and Toby agreed to come back out after their Wedding Breakfast briefly to make the most of the sky. I'd been watching it for some time and the conditions got about as good as they were going to get, after Toby got wrapped up in the veil several times and it took 3 of us to try and get it under control, I think we got some beautiful images to really capture their day.

Healds Hall Hotel, Liversedge & Elegance of Scholes - Wedding Collaboration

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 17:27:40 GMT

Healds Hall Hotel, Liversedge &

Elegance of Scholes - Wedding Collaboration

I recently organised a collaborative shoot so that we could all showcase our best work, products and services and also work closer together to complement each others portfolios.

The shoot was held at Healds Hall Hotel in Liversedge, a stunning venue for Weddings, a venue which as some stunning features and locations for photography - often overlooked at first glance until you take the time to look for the light and hidden gems it holds. Chris from the venue made sure we were well looked after and prepared the rooms ready for us.

I also had a meeting with Cat and Cat from Elegance of Scholes, a designer bridal boutique in Scholes, not far from Liversedge and Cleckheaton. After having recently photographed several Justin Alexander designer Wedding dresses, Cat kindly agreed to let me borrow (and take extremely good care of) several dresses from her collection - along with some shoes, veils and other accessories. The lace and other detailing on the dress is phenomenal and took some careful lighting, positioning and directing so that you can see all the details of them. Cat even came along to help assist on the shoot, making sure the dresses and models looked perfect.

I also had some help from Mac McBride of Mac McBride Photography, a good friend of mine who also took a completely different set of images and explored different areas - it just goes to show how each creative can look at things and create different ideas and images.

Now we have several dresses - the only thing lacking was someone to really show them off - step forward, the models:

Matt Stobbs, Emily Harris, Sinead Dean and Sally Rangeley all kindly agreed to be our victims, I mean models, for the day. And boy did they work hard! Not only having to put up with our constant banter and directions - but they also endured the cold, bright sunshine and also the three ladies all had to marry Matt!! I have to admit, we did get several funny looks from the diners tucking into their Sunday Lunches who kept noticing the 'Groom', Matt, keep walking past with a different 'Bride' in his arm each time!

So the challenge was set - we had to create some beautiful images that would really portray all the beauty and detail of these stunning wedding dresses, we had to explore the hotel and make the most of the locations and the light whilst making the models look their best too!

Massive thanks to everyone who took part in this shoot, please take some time to visit their websites and facebook pages and give them a 'like':

Elegance of Scholes: http://www.eleganceofscholes.co.uk/ www.facebook.com/eleganceofscholesbridal

Healds Hall Hotel, Liversedge: http://www.healdshall.co.uk/ www.facebook.com/healdshall

Justin Alexander Wedding Dresses: http://www.justinalexanderbridal.com/ www.facebook.com/justinalexanderbride

Mac McBride Photography: http://www.huddersfieldweddingphotography.co.uk/ www.facebook.com/MacMcBridePhotography

Models:

Matt Stobbs

Emily Harris

Sinead Dean

Sally Rangeley

2014 Wedding Photography - The Best Of

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 17:32:00 GMT

2014 Your Wedding Images

Wow, 2014, what a year that was! I've finally managed to get all of the images backed up AGAIN, organised, and working my way through the many blogs to write and new enquiries to respond to.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

Not just to the people I've had the pleasure of photographing this year, but to each and every one of you who have taken the time to view an image, read the blog, like a post, share with your friends and most of all - the referrals - without you, I wouldn't have been able to have reached out to so many lovely families and couples.

Now I've reserved a different blog post for the workshops and other shoots I've undertaken this year - just for this post only I wanted to try and round up my year in Weddings - and I didn't realise just how difficult and time consuming that would be - trying to find my 'best' and 'favourite' images of the year. Now I'll apologise now for the length of the post; and also if I've missed out any of your favourite images too.

The Task: it was simple, I had to work my way through nearly 2TB, that's Terabytes - 2000GB or about 1.4million floppy disks worth of information!! Only 81,438 files to look through and try to pick out a few for the montages!

Now I've only got the data currently backed up with 3 copies of each file on different hard drives, it's also online too. I've also done various edits, selections, re-edits; safe to say it's taken me some time to sift through! But damn, I enjoyed it!!

So 2014 started off with Nats and Danny at The Crown Plaza in Leeds. I was a little rusty after not shooting a wedding for about 7 months after my son, Riley was born. What with some hellish and what seemed like neverending sleepless nights, I probably looked a bit bedraggled for the first one.

Now since then, and I don't say this lightly, met some really amazing, inspiring and friendly families and couples. Some who have battled through illness, some with very emotional stories of their past experiences and some young couples just at the very start of their lives.

I can say I've laughed along with all of you, I've shed a tear at some of the speeches and other moments, I've maybe taken the mickey out of you (more than likely). I've spent hours editing your images and reliving those smiles, tears and laughs. I've waited with anticipation when I've finally sent those finished galleries off to you for you to relive your day - as I always get so nervous at that point, hitting the send button.

I've had the privilege of creating and delivering some stunning new albums - something I'm very proud to say is now included in all the collections as I really believe in the power of the printed image - something that will last forever if looked after.

I've also had to endure with you, and help you through some testing times; the rain, cold, blazing sunshine (and sunburn!), missing buttons, droopy flowers, damaged dresses, headaches, tiredness, anxiety, nerves (oh the nerves!!), alcohol (not me but I've definitely shared one with you all after I got home and downloaded your images). You've also tested me with broken elbows, a broken leg (and a Groom who take one amazing picture because of it), some late timings, blocked roads, and one Bride I didn't think would make it down the aisle at all due to the nerves, also a full on Seaside Fun Fair right outside the Ceremony Venue - and some awesome Hook-A-Duck playing and we were photobombed by Roger the Ram - the Dewsbury Rams Mascot! But we made it through the other side together!

2014 finally finished with a fantastic winter wedding at the Devonshire Arms, For Kelda and Phil's December Wedding.

Some of the other places I've visited for your wedding photography along the way are:

Leeds Minster, Crowne Plaza, Dewsbury Town Hall, Dewsbury-on-Sea, St Mary's Church Mirfield, Thornfield House Morley, Healds Hall Hotel Liversedge, Gomersal Park Hotel Gomersal, Gomersal Lodge Hotel Gomersal, Harrogate Registry Office, Space Wakefield, Dimple Well Lodge Hotel Ossett, St Patricks Catholic Church Huddersfield, Rose and Crown Slaithwaite, St Saviours Church Birstall, St Peters Church Birstall, 6 Acres Drighlington, Millbridge Working Mens Club, Christ Church Liversedge, Lincoln County Assembly Halls, Howley Hall Golf Club, Chevin Country Park Hotel Otley, Dewsbury Rams Rugby Ground, Durker Roods Hotel Meltham, Devonshire Arms Hotel Bolton Abbey, Holdsworth House Hotel Halifax, Woodkirk Valley Country Club

Now 2015 I hope will bring me some renewed inspiration, some re-branding, more creativity, more training, experience and most of all some new families and couples I can get to know. Hopefully you'll all keep in touch and I look forward to seeing you all again in the future to capture some more memories of your family!

Thank You again for your support, I hope you enjoy the images. If you like the Blog Post - I'd love it if you can leave a comment, fill in the Guestbook or Share with your Family and Friends.

Mr & Mrs Flynn - Wedding Photography - 3rd May 2014 - St Peter's Church Thornfield House

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 14:55:36 GMT

Mr and Mrs Flynn

3rd May 2014

St Peter's Church, Birstall and Thornfield House, Morley

By the time the big day arrived, I'd already photographed Jessica, Michael and Noah for a family shoot, a pre-wedding shoot then a 'Bump' Shoot and Newborn shoot as I got to meet the adorable Willow for the first time. I got to know a lot about Jess and Mikey and especially about Jess' very rare condition, Mitochondrial Disease - and then I realised just how special this family really were.

The road to the wedding was not easy and Jess was in hospital a lot after having several fits, but she is one determined lady! Mikey is one of the most brave and supportive people I've ever met too along with their little boy Noah who knows exactly what to do in an emergency - such a grown up little man.

To see them finally come back down the aisle together as husband and wife was amazing and really moving.

Please take a look at the Lily Foundation - a charity supported by Jess and Mikey - they also had Lily Foundation Pin Badges as their wedding favours too!

http://www.thelilyfoundation.org.uk/

Mr & Mrs Pickles - Wedding - 16th April 2014 - Dewsbury Town Hall

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 15:45:59 GMT

Mr and Mrs Pickles

16th April 2014

Dewsbury Town Hall

Having met all the family before for their family portraits and also getting to know Andy quite well along with his love of photography, it was a pleasure when I was asked if I would photograph their wedding.

The Registry Office in Dewsbury is now at the Town Hall, a really magnificent Victorian Grade II Listed Building. I'd only had the opportunity to shoot there once previously but the ceremony rooms had recently been moved and refurbished - I was really looking forward to capturing some of the character of the building in the images also.

Whilst Andy got ready just round the corner from Dewsbury Minster, Kiri was getting ready in Dewsbury itself. What could have been a chilly spring day, the weather turned out some lovely blue sky and clouds and made for a pleasant walk into town.

Mr & Mrs Clark - Wedding - 22nd March 2014 - Leeds Minster & Park Plaza, Leeds

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Thu, 15 May 2014 20:31:08 GMT

Mr and Mrs Clark

22nd March 2014

Leeds Minster & Park Plaza, Leeds

11 Months, 1 Day. This is how long before their wedding that Nats and Danny contacted me with their enquiry. A few days later I met up with them both at their house to discuss their wedding.

Although I took along my portfolio, it was mainly of some work I'd shot the previous year, and I had big plans for 2013 with lots of weddings and training planned and a slightly different style and approach. We got along great and we stayed in contact whilst they planned their wedding - and hopefully they saw my photography grow even stronger throughout the year making them more excited for their own.

Although still only young, they've been together a long time; eight years when they eventually tied the know - and it was really lovely to see them both planning to spend the rest of their lives together. The run up to the wedding was very emotional for them both, and it proved a real testament to their love for each other, how they managed to keep strong for each other and get through it with so much going on at the same time.

We managed to capture some really special moments and from some different angles and perspectives too thanks to my second photographer for the day, Kati Fichtelmann, a fellow Guild of Photographers member. Having a trusted second photographer really does help to create even more memories from your day as we can both focus on different aspects or angles of the day.

We covered Nats and her Bridesmaids getting ready in the morning in Leeds before setting off to Leeds Minster to catch up with Danny and the Groomsmen waiting for the arrival of the guests.

Leeds Minster is really stunning inside, the architecture complemented by wonderful light and stained glass windows was breathtaking and we hoped to make the most of it and capture it in all its wonder during the ceremony.

During the service, the church also received some unexpected visitors, a couple who had come for a walk and hadn't known there was a wedding on. They'd got married on the same day some 40 years previous - and sat down to watch the service quietly. That was a really lovely moment. It certainly added to the 'something old and something new'!

After the service, we would usually head outside for some group shots but unfortunately the weather wasn't playing ball - but with such a fantastic backdrop inside - we rallied round with some flashes and got some different group shots inside - we even managed to get high up at the back for an excellent vantage point to capture all of the guests.

Making the most of the interior of the Minster, we took some bride and groom portraits inside too, with a couple of little added fun twists too. It really pays having a backup plan and photographer able to capture some stunning images whatever the weather.

Whilst Nats and Danny sipped on their champagne in the car heading through Leeds, we headed off to the Park Plaza to photograph the reception room, the cake, their little sweety cart and also all the other little details such as all the photos from when they've been together as a couple all stuck around the room.

Whilst the guests sat down for their wedding, we prepared a little preview of their images into a slideshow for them and also set up for the photobooth. After the speeches were done, the guests hit the photobooth, complete with some new props for even more fun!

If you have the password, you can view their wedding gallery here: Wedding Gallery

Mr & Mrs Sargeant - Wedding - 20th July 2013 - West Ham United, Upton Park, London

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 22:59:38 GMT

Mr and Mrs Sargeant

20th July 2013

St Paul's Church, Stratford & West Ham United Football Club, Upton Park, London

I was second shooting for a friend of mine, John David Palfreeman Photography for this wedding. A trip down to East London with an overnight stay beforehand to make sure we were there on time too!

I was really looking forward to covering this wedding, I always learn a lot from other photographers when second shooting with them, and also for the location of this one, West Ham's Football Ground was going to be interesting too!

I covered the Groomsmen preparations whilst Dave covered the Bridal preparations. The locations were so close together and most of the people were mingling before the wedding which created a fantastic atmosphere. A quick trip down to the local 'boozer' at The Eagle was refreshing in the heat too!

A stunning horse and carriage arrived to take Chloe to St Paul's Church, a venue that really did look much bigger on the inside - very light and airy - not at all what I'd expected of a very built up area of London. The horse and carriage also took Wes and Chloe back to Upton Park following the ceremony - where they were treated to photos pitchside (albeit with some surprises from the sprinklers), before heading back down into the tunnel and into the dressing rooms with some customised shirts on display! The girls even 'borrowed' a few of the guys shirts for a trip into the showers!

The cake - ooooooooh, the Cake! This was awesome! It was from Choccywoccydoodah! My idea of heaven!! Check it out!!

Unfortunately due to some car troubles - we didn't make it home until about 7am, travelling through the night being passed from recovery truck to recovery truck on a relay. It was a simple mechanical failure but the priority was covering the wedding so we couldn't book in for recovery until we made sure we had covered everything.

I've edited a couple of the images a little differently, hopefully to add a bit of drama.

Fantastic wedding guys, thanks for letting me a be a part of it - and thanks to Dave too of JDP Photography.

Wedding and Bump to Baby Storybook Albums & USB Memory Sticks

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 16:07:27 GMT

Storybook Albums and USB Memory Sticks

These are just a few samples of the types of Wedding and Bump to Baby Storybook Albums that can be produced.

Made in Italy by Graphistudio - These stunning Wedding and Storybook Albums are so versatile. They have so many choices of layout, cover, box, pages, thickness - there's something to suit everyone. Made with a real attention to detail.
They are definitely a luxury - but they are something you will undoubtedly treasure and be proud of for the rest of your life!

A truly fantastic investment for the future.

All new Wedding Collections come with a minimum of a 30 page Wedding Book as standard. Comes with personalised hardback photocover, thick lay-flat pages, and white box.

Large 40cm x 40cm Wedding Book
Silver Satin Metal Cover Upgrade
Leatherette Spine & Back Cover Upgrade
60 x thick pages

4 x Parent Books

Available in 4 x (13cm x 10cm or 10cm x 10cm) OR 2 x (20cm x 15cm or 15cm x 15cm)

Large Parent Books

Available in 1 x (30cm x 20cm or 20cm x 20cm)

Pocket Books

Available in 30 x (6cm x 4.5cm - MIGNON) OR 15 x (9cm x 6cm or 6cm x 6cm) OR 8 x (13cm x 10cm or 10cm x 10cm)

MIGNON Books

30 x 20cm Digital Wedding / Storybook Album
Grey Nappa Leather Sleeve
Crystal Glance Cover
Grey Nappa Leather Spine & Back Upgrade
60 x Thick Pages
Pearl Paper with Satin Lamination

30 x 20cm Digital Wedding / Storybook Album
White Box
Laminated Cover
40 x Thick Pages
Metallic Paper with Satin Lamination

Photography on front cover - courtesy of Claire Elliott - Copyright Forever Memories Photography

Wooden Twister USB Memory Stick inc Box

8gb or 16gb available

Metal Engraved USB Memory Stick inc Box

8gb or 16gb available

Mr & Mrs Travers - Wedding - 27th July 2013 - Newton-le-willows, St Helens

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 15:31:34 GMT

Mr and Mrs Travers

27th July 2013

St Mary & St John's, Newton-le-willows, St Helens & Thistle Hotel, Haydock, Merseyside

I've known Kevin professionally for a couple of years now. A hard working, dedicated, family man is how I would describe him - when I met up with Kevin, his fiancee, Tracy, and daughter, Natasha, it was obvious to me why he is so hard working - he loves his family with all his heart and wants to provide for them. They really were a fantastic family and it was a pleasure to be part of their day!

Whenever I talked to Kevin, all he would talk about was his family, the wedding, and the overtime! Kevin was dedicated to making sure that the Wedding Day was special for his two girls - and it definitely didn't disappoint.

It was obvious for anyone to see that they all loved each other very much - there was so much emotion on the day.

I met Tracy and her bridesmaids at the Thistle Hotel in Haydock where they were getting ready, where nervousness was replaced with Bucks Fizz and laughter. Getting into the dress definitely provided some amusement, and these fun moments set the tone for the rest of the day.

Tracy looked stunning in her dress, and Natasha loved posing for the camera - a trait she must get from her dad.

The dress was gorgeous, some really intricate details and Tracy looked amazing - I was glad I managed to to capture some really beautiful shots of Tracy in her dress.

I left the girls at the hotel and went to meet Kevin, and his Brother and Best Man, Neil, at the church - St Mary & St John's in Newton-le-willows. I've often overlooked the church from the outside as I've driven past - but the inside was really bright and airy, it looked magnificent but felt really warm and welcoming.

Kevin looked nervous, but he managed to keep his composure really well for the groomsmen shots, right up until the moment when he caught a glimpse of Tracy and Natasha walking down the aisle. I'll never forget the tears of joy streaming down his face - the pure, raw emotion in his face. These images and memories that I managed to capture really tell the tale of the day.

After the wedding, we made the most of the summer sunshine, taking shots at the church and also back at the Thistle Hotel where the reception was being held. Natasha also joined us for some of the family shots - sneaking a peak into a couple too - a cheeky little moment that produced a Bronze Bar Award Winning Image also!

During the wedding breakfast, the guests were entertained by a magician, and the day finished off by some really heartfelt speeches - again bringing more tears, laughter and even a shout out for the rainbow! The reception carried on late into the night, and the 'photobooth' definitely provided some additional entertainment for the kids and adults with te props, wigs and silly glasses!!

I'd also like to congratulate Tracy, Kevin and Natasha on their fantastic news following the wedding - I'm really happy for them and can't wait to take some more family images!

Mr & Mrs Barbor - Wedding - 30th August 2013 - Oakwell Hall, Batley

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 14:32:36 GMT

Mr and Mrs Barbor

30th August 2013

Oakwell Hall, Batley

I've got to know Helen & Matt quite well since they booked me for their photography over a year ago. Little Mae was still just a toddler when I first met her, now she's walking, talking and has a lovely cheeky little smile!!

I'd been looking forward to this wedding for some time, although with a little bit of trepidation; aside from being the day after my 30th Birthday, my partner had since become pregnant and the due date was only 2 weeks away! Thankfully the backup plan was not required and everything went smoothly, including the weather which cleared just at the right time for some fantastic colourful shots outside.

The ceremony took place at Oakwell Hall in Batley. The House, a stunning 17th Century building actually mentioned by Charlotte Bronte in her novel Shirley, has amazing period features throughout. The Great Hall where the service took place was lit beautifully by the huge leaded windows to one side.

Having photographed a Wedding at Holdsworth House in Halifax earlier in the year, a place that looks very similar and is equally beautiful, I knew the Hall would lend itself to being the perfect backdrop for some wonderfully colourful images.

Helen and her Bridesmaids got ready at the nearby Gomersal Park Hotel, and received a wonderful surprise when they were picked up to be taken to Oakwell Hall in a prestigious old Bentley.

Matt and the Groomsmen posed for a few shots around the grounds before the service took place.

The reception was held at the Central Club in Batley where guests had fun in the photobooth with all the props, silly wigs and glasses!

Guild of Wedding Photographers - Qualification

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 22:27:13 GMT

'Qualified' Status with the Guild of Wedding Photographers

wedding-colour-qualified

I’ve just received some fantastic news. The panel of 21 images I submitted to the Guild of Photographers has been reviewed by the Panel of Judges and I have now achieved ‘Qualified’ Status with the Guild of Wedding Photographers. I can now use the letters QGWP after my name - a Qualified Wedding Photographer.

“'Qualified' status is aligned to standards of competence and understanding that

reflect a level where the customer should be 'delighted with the results' of a

tradesman (the photographer in our case). In other words 'Qualified' indicates

professional 'competence' to a level where the Guild is willing to recognise the

photographer as an ambassador of the association, so those who achieve that level

should be proud of doing so.”

After working hard last year to improve the weddings I’ve shot, I do feel extremely proud of this recognition. It was so difficult trying to select the images as they had to be from 3 different weddings, and show images from different parts of the day – so some of my favourite images unfortunately had to be cut – but it does show a consistency across the whole day whilst demonstrating a wide range of skills and technical ability.

The images I selected had to consider the following:

· Subject and Story Telling

· Composition and Creativity

· Lighting

· Technical and Post Production

· Congruence or Harmony

· Presentation

The Guild of Photographers stated:

"Local Photographer, Lee Jones, of Phi-tography, has achieved the distinction of becoming a ‘Qualified’ member of the Guild of Wedding Photographers, the highly regarded national photographic body whose members are dedicated to enhancing their skills in the art, craft and profession of photography. Lee is also an Assistant Scout Leader at Roberttown Scout Group – the place that inspired his photographic obsession whilst working as the District Media Development Manager and taking photographs at events.

Becoming ‘Qualified’ with the Guild involves a very rigorous assessment process as not only is photographic talent assessed but customer service as well - probably the most demanding test of all! The award is granted only to photographers who can evidence that they deliver high quality images, products, and customer service. Lee is now one of only around 70 people in the Country to hold this title, which shows how good an achievement this award is!

Members of the Guild are committed to achieving the highest standards of professionalism for the benefit of their customers. They pledge themselves to delivering the highest standards of customer service and to a journey of continuing professional development.

The Guild website (www.photoguild.co.uk) lists members throughout the country who offer this commitment, along with advice on how to choose a photographer that will meet your needs. "

I would like to thank my Guild Mentor, Paul Haley for his advice and feedback. I also couldn’t have done it without the support of my other half, Jill, and also the photographers I have assisted and second shot for along with other members of the Guild of Photographers for their comments and critique. Most of all, I couldn’t have done it without you guys! Thanks for all your bookings and referrals, I really do enjoy being a part of your special day and capturing your memories.

I can’t wait to continue to push my photography further, and with your help, along with some further training and mentoring I hope to take your images to the next level!

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Mr & Mrs Matthews - Wedding - 25th March - Holdsworth House, Halifax

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 16:55:04 GMT

Mr and Mrs Matthews

25th March 2013

Holdsworth House, Halifax

I don't think that when Chantelle and Ashley booked their Wedding in March they would have expected a bit of snow, let alone the amount we received at the end of March - according to reports it was the worst snowfall in March for 30 years. Still, it definitely didn't dampen the spirits of anyone - Chantelle and the Bridesmaids were well prepared with wellies!

Set in the lovely grounds and four star hotel that is Holdsworth House in Halifax, a stunning and picturesque Jacobean Manor built in 1633. The open fire was definitely welcome and warming, the amazing features of the house really stood out too amidst the contrast of the pure white snow.

Chantelle and Ashley even braved the freezing temperatures to come outside later on for a few shots and resulted in this, one of my favourite images of 2013. You can see the snow falling and the stars above! Definitely worth the effort.

Looking back, the snow really did help to create some timeless and beautiful images.

Guild of Photographers - Wedding & Portrait Image of the Month Awards

(MacDonald Jones Photography) — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 19:13:05 GMT

Guild of Photographers - Image of the Month Awards

BRONZE BAR WINNING IMAGES

Since joining the Guild of Photographers in 2013, I have entered their monthly competition 3 times. I have entered a selection of Wedding, Portrait and Open Category Images. The images are scored using an International Points System, and are scored completely anonymously by a panel of photography expert judges.

I was delighted when the first month I found that several had won 'Bronze Bars' - their definition is that those are "Images of a strong standard at a Professional level".

Whilst I'm overjoyed at getting the Bronze Bars - my aim for 2014 is to be able to enter images each month and aim to push my skills and technique to achieve a Silver or even Gold Bar.

I would like to thank the people in the photos, as these awards are as much yours as they are mine - it isn't just about technical ability and the subject in each one has worked towards making the image fantastic too! So THANK YOU!!

This will mean I need to be more creative and I am determined to keep pushing my photography forwards, which I will also need your help to do! Here's hoping for many more in 2014!!

Here are the images that won a Bronze Bar: