But here we still are, and instead of sharing a beautiful wedding, I am looking back to last year and beginning this blog post with an image of a beautiful (and precious at the time) quilted loo roll, in what was my old and not so beautiful bathroom.

During the first lockdown I wondered my local neighbourhood and the empty streets of Bristol city centre with my camera (in my allowed exercise time of course). It was eerie, yet peaceful, solemn, yet sparked with little bits of life and light, like the colourful rainbows and messages of hope in people’s windows. On my walks I saw so much creativity and support. Teddy bear hunts with teddies placed in windows for children to spot on their walks, chalked messages of hope on pavements and games like hopscotch, which I just couldn’t walk past without a hop, skip and a jump. Self-help books left out for passers by to take, and caring messages stuck to lampposts just asking, are you ok?

Now three lockdowns in, we’ve almost settled into lockdown living, Netflix, group video calls, essential shopping trips with the adapted phone, wallet, keys… mask check on our way out the door. Although we now don't have a shortage of loo rolls and pasta, there is still so much missing in our lives and winter lockdown days have been hard. The first lockdown was scary, unknown days and weeks, which turned into months. I’d forgotten how surprisingly busy I was back then, working night shifts at my local supermarket, moving house and also volunteering with a catering company I used to work for, working for the organisation Food4Heroes, distributing meals for NHS workers on the frontline.

Looking back at these snaps I took a year ago now, it was Spring that helped light up those days. So, this Sunday the clocks are changing which means longer days, picnics, dreamy evenings, and soon six people can meet outdoors and summer is coming!! I’m over the moon to be able to get back to work next week photographing families again, and weddings will be slowly back on the scene and hopefully in full swing come the end of June.

Hoping that we're now heading in the right direction.

Stay Covid safe, and I am looking forward to a big party when this is finally over, we all deserve it.xx

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This time last year I was getting all packed up for two months of travelling around India. On my travels, I remember seeing people in masks at airports and shrugging them off as unnecessary. Little did I know how lucky I was to return to the UK before the dreaded virus hit. I feel very fortunate I was able to take that trip, although it now feels like a very distance memory - one I must look back on one day soon.

2020 was a year of cancelled and rearranged plans, staying in, no work and too much work. A most traumatic time for small businesses and the self-employed, with the government regulations bringing much of the wedding and events industry to its knees.

The virus has affected us all in different ways and my heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and been physically and mentally ill. Personally, I feel lucky to have been able to see my family in between lockdowns and over Christmas, but it certainly wasn't an easy year. A house move during lockdown, weddings cancelled with payments refunded and three temporary jobs to help keep me afloat. Despite the struggles, I've found over the years I have developed an ability to adapt and survive. My resilience has got me this far and I've been comforted by meeting others in a similar position. I generally felt useful working and volunteering during a pandemic and have made new friends.

Focusing on my business positives, 2020 was the year I was able to lean on my family and baby photography. I've been photographing families and babies alongside weddings for years now. It's something I love but have always left in the background. This year I was able bring it into the foreground of my work with a few wonderful sessions in between lockdowns.

Somehow against all odds some people still had their 2020 wedding and I was delighted to photograph three. These were intimate, small events that were extra special to be apart of and I also feel privileged to have documented a period of time in our history that we certainly shall not forget.

With Monday’s inevitable lockdown announcement, I must admit I have struggled to find the motivation and positivity to finish writing this blog. Yet, looking through some of my favourite 2020 images, I'm reminded that despite the madness there were a lot of joyful moments and hopefully 2021 will bring many more.

I'm not sure what’s going to happen in the next few months but I'll be trying hard to put energy back into my business. I have hope. I'm looking forward to better, safer times, being reunited with friends, dancing, gigs, festivals, and photographing more weddings again of course!!

I usually try to escape to some sunshine in January but obviously not this year. Instead, I’ll be doing my tax return, looking for work and hanging in there and holding fast, and I hope you are too.

Thank you to everyone who has supported my one-woman band in the past and future. 

Stay safe and here's to a better year!xx

2020 Bride Grain Barge wedding, Bristol Family Avon Gorge Hotel, Bristol Baby Church wedding girl PPE Wedding Bristol wedding Brother & sister Bride 13-110-Laura Crouchley copy 14-287-Laura Crouchley 15-380-Laura Crouchley 16-93-Laura Crouchley-1 17-55-Laura Crouchley 18-196-Laura Crouchley 19-72-Laura Crouchley-2 20-144-Laura Crouchley copy 21-blog set 1c babybath bride 24-157-Laura Crouchley-1 25-76-Laura Crouchley-1 26-288-Laura Crouchley 27-116-Laura Crouchley-1 28-131-Laura Crouchley 29-41-Laura Crouchley copy 30-98-Laura Crouchley-1 31-251-Laura Crouchley 32-370-Laura Crouchley 33-92-Laura Crouchley-1 34-86-Laura Crouchley-1 copy 35-458-Laura Crouchley 36-86-Laura Crouchley 37-46-Laura Crouchley copy 38-201-Laura Crouchley-1 39-575-Laura Crouchley copy 40-422-Laura Crouchley 41-59-Laura Crouchley-2 42-236-Laura Crouchley 43-127-Laura Crouchley 45-171-Laura Crouchley 46-56-Laura Crouchley-1 copy 47-117-Laura Crouchley-1 48-206-Laura Crouchley-1 49-107-Laura Crouchley-1 copy 50-435-Laura Crouchley 51-93-Laura Crouchley 52-579-Laura Crouchley 53-92-Laura Crouchley-2 54-399-Laura Crouchley 55-113-Laura Crouchley copy 56-217-Laura Crouchley 57-31-Laura Crouchley copy 58-175-Laura Crouchley 59-302-Laura Crouchley-1 60-170-Laura Crouchley 61-112-Laura Crouchley 62-23-Laura Crouchley-1 copy 63-110-Laura Crouchley 64-74-Laura Crouchley-1 copy 65-13-Laura Crouchley copy 66-178-Laura Crouchley 67-97-Laura Crouchley-1 copy 68-71-Laura Crouchley 69-46-Laura Crouchley-1 70-488-Laura Crouchley 71-491-Laura Crouchley 72-107-Laura Crouchley copy 73-347-Laura Crouchley 74-154-Laura Crouchley 75-305-Laura Crouchley 76-298-Laura Crouchley 77-320-Laura Crouchley 78-99-Laura Crouchley-2 79-167-Laura Crouchley copy 80-486-Laura Crouchley 81-124-Laura Crouchley copy 82-174-Laura Crouchley 83-425-Laura Crouchley 84-89-Laura Crouchley copy 85-199-Laura Crouchley 86-385-Laura Crouchley 87-498-Laura Crouchley 88-74-Laura Crouchley 89-106-Laura Crouchley-1 90-264-Laura Crouchley 91-351-Laura Crouchley 92-466-Laura Crouchley 93-112-Laura Crouchley-2 94-429-Laura Crouchley 95-373-Laura Crouchley 96-181-Laura Crouchley-1 97-398-Laura Crouchley 98-580-Laura Crouchley 99-68-Laura Crouchley-1 100-100-Laura Crouchley 101-blog set 3c 102-165-Laura Crouchley-1 103-540-Laura Crouchley 104-485-Laura Crouchley 105-96-Laura Crouchley copy 106-191-Laura Crouchley 107-169-Laura Crouchley 108-82-Laura Crouchley-1 109-523-Laura Crouchley 110-116-Laura Crouchley-2 111-138-Laura Crouchley-1 112-301-Laura Crouchley copy 113-305-Laura Crouchley copy 114-blog set 2c 115-258-Laura Crouchley 116-140-Laura Crouchley 117-322-Laura Crouchley 118-50-Laura Crouchley-2 119-308-Laura Crouchley-1 120-176-Laura Crouchley 121-63-Laura Crouchley 122-157-Laura Crouchley 123-129-Laura Crouchley-1 124-273-Laura Crouchley 125-584-Laura Crouchley 126-105-Laura Crouchley 127-121-Laura Crouchley copy 128-269-Laura Crouchley copy 129-577-Laura Crouchley copy 130-440-Laura Crouchley 131-110-Laura Crouchley-1 copy 132-570-Laura Crouchley

I am proud of my little business built entirely on my own and it's personally devastating to not be able to shoot weddings or family sessions for months, but I am fit, healthy and resilient.

We have all been affected by the virus in so many different ways. It's butterfly effect is massive and on-going, but it's so important to stay safe, live in the moment, appreciate each day as it comes and be as kind as you can.

With wedding season on hold, I hoped to use this time to edit my photographs from my recent trip to India, a trip I realise I was so lucky to go and come back from. I wanted to get blogging, update my website and generally look back, reflect and see how far I have come, but since taking on a temporary job in my local supermarket working nights, I'm adjusting to my own new slightly upside down world, not staying home as many of us are. In the sunny days we've been lucky enough to have recently, in between my shifts I've needed some vitamin D, and also realised how important it has been for me take a bit of time for some self-care. I have wondered the empty streets of Bristol alone with my camera, reminding me how much I love my city and what I do (I hope to share some of these images soon).

I'm writing this on a rainy day, I quite like the odd rainy day; rain freshens everything up, makes me sit still (a little) and gets me blogging. Today I've been taking a bit of time to look back at a wonderful little style shoot I organised this time last year at South Devon's stunning new venue, Sturtlebury Barn where my sister got married in 2018. Owners of the barn Rich and Elaine welcomed me back last spring and I had my own style shoot, which I decided to put together with an amazing team to talented ladies. 

Style shoots are oh so very different to a usual wedding day, but a chance to create specific images, be the perfectionist I am, work with wonderful like minded creatives and share and spark ideas off each other. Working together, the aim was to highlight our skills showing off beautiful wedding dresses, our gorgeous inside and out model Abi and this stunning Devon venue.

With only a few emails sent back and forth sharing photos of the barn and my ideas, this wonderful team where the backbone in making my vision come alive. Stephanie dyed and styled model Abi's light pastel pink hair which I adored. Shelley created fabulous floristry, the most stunning bouquets and a delicate boho style floral headpiece. Make up artist Nic gave Abi a natural and flawless look complimenting the perfectly fitting elegant dresses, lent to us from Danielle at Rock the Frock Bridal, we where all set.

I'm a fan of keeping things simple, our overall look was one of modern minimalism and subtle detail allowing the venues and it's beauty natural surroundings to shine. Spoilt for choice, the Barn effortlessly provided us with a multitude of beautiful backdrops. Overlooking the River Avon, the barn is nestled in a valley with jaw-dropping views amongst winding country lanes, blossom trees and rolling fields. I hadn't planned many shots inside but to my delight the barns contemporary and rustic interior gave plenty of inspiration and was the perfect contrast to the green outdoors.

Shelley and Nic aka Courtney & Hutch team up as super stylists; here they brought the wedding decorations and little details together for me inside the barn. The barns long banquet tables where styled with gold crockery, patterned tableware and luxe accessories, an art deco edge with a glamorous twist. My talented friend Kate also illustrated floral-inspired stationary, stone place names, and iced shortbread favours delicately hand drawn on with edible pen, so pretty and unique.

The day of our shoot was grey and rainy, you know... "That fine rain that soaks you through. It's spitting! it's spitting" (Pete Kay) Once we got started, brollies at the ready, I quickly remembered how beautiful flat light is on a overcast day and so flattering, something always worth reminding myself and others. My favourite of our images has to be Abi sitting pretty on a vintage coral armchair discovered by Nic. Again, an unplanned shot, I love that lane spiralling up and the sheep you can just make out in the background, so gloriously green, so Devon. We had a giggle shooting this with us all and the chair having to quickly get in the hedge when cars came by.

Only my third style shoot, I loved it and learnt so much. Please see the very bottom of the blog for a link to so a small feature we had in Wed Magazine last year.

Next year I'd love to shoot another style photo shoot in complete contrast in my home city Bristol, so please get in touch if you are a Bristol venue or wedding supplier and would like to be apart of a relaxed and fun wedding styled shoot.

Stay safe and keep smiling :)

p.s ..... 2021 weddings are going to be epic!xx

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Feature in Wed Magazine: https://www.wedmagazine.co.uk/country-weddings-devon.html

Credits

Venue - Sturtlebury Barn

Styling - Courtney & Hutch

Flowers - Shelley Hutcheon, Oakenham

Make-up - Nic Courtney

Model - Abigail Read

Dresses - Danielle, Rock the Frock Bridal at The Wedding Hub

Hair - Stephanie Davis

Stationary - Kate Pennington-Wilson, Little Penn Illustration

The day started with giggles with the bridesmaids at the on-site cottage at Tracy Park Estate near Wick in South Gloucestershire. Brollies at the ready, the girls dashed to the 1958 Humber Hawk classic car for the short journey to the church just down the road in Doynton. Usher Neil (on umbrella duty) sheltered guests as they made their way into the church, while Jamie waited nervously at the alter with his brother and best man, Alex. Sparkling in her fairytale dress, Amy greeted Jamie, bringing an instant smile to his face. Following the intimate ceremony, the rain continued to belt down as guests ran to their cars, while Amy was whisked off her feet by the lads to the classic car. Back to Tracy Park they went to continue the celebrations

The Bridesmaids were rays of sunshine in their yellow dresses. I was glad to provide some mild entertainment for them whilst attempting a few photos from the outside in the storm, looking in, battling gale force winds and rain and an inside-out umbrella, with my lovely assistant Nagea.

Speeches upstairs in the Windsor Suit were heart-warming and left everyone very touched, listening to wonderful stories about the newly weds, feeling their love for one another and in particular seeing the close bond Jamie has with his brother, Alex.

While the wind and rain did not let up all day,  Jamie and Amy kept smiling through. If anything, the weather made the day even more memorable, intimate and romantic and some of my favourite photos are the ones where the couple and guests faced and embraced the elements. 

It truly was a day to remember with the rhyming couple Jamie and Amy. Congratulations again!

With all my love, Laura x

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      Supplier Credits:

Venue: Tracy Park Estate 

Dress - willowby by watters purchased through Flossy and Willow

Hair - Brides by friend Lisa Groves, Bridesmaids by Laura Turner

Flowers. Elly Bane

Car: Bath Classic Cars

Love letters lights: Holly Boo

DJ - Cadence

Behind the bar I remember these two flirting, and stories of turkey dinosaur and potato alfabite dinner dates, and recall Vic's Mum Sarah, glass of wine in hand, giving her approval and comparing Jim to a young James Dean.

The couple where inseparable, time flew by and after seven years together, Jim, now a professional beer brewer for Gipsy Hill Brewery, proposed to Vicki at Meat Loaf the musical. The brewery released a beer announcing their proposal with JIM N VIC 4EVA stamped on the bottom of all the beers canned that day. 

Their day was beautifully relaxed, set in Jim's Aunty and Uncle's never ending secret garden in the pretty town of Coggeshall in Essex. Vic and the girls took a nervous but excited short walk from a nearby hotel through the quaint high street, entering the garden ceremony where the couple read their own vows and were married by Jim's Uncle, Matt. With friends, family and familiar faces from pub times seated, I did what I love and snapped away hiding in the garden's greenery. After the ceremony, everyone helped carry benches to the bottom of the garden where the celebrations continued.

With an array of talented friends contributing to the day, florist friend Millie made Vicki and her Bridesmaids stunning wild flower bouquets and displayed flowers in cute vases on outside tables with copper pots Jim and Vic had made from piping from the brewery. Amongst the apple trees, guests mingled, admired the bespoke wedding rings made by friend Ella, and sipped delicious cocktails from the legendary cockney barman, Big Al.

Storm clouds hovered over the day and we all cosily huddled into the tipi when the rain poured down. We sheltered under shared umbrellas with new friends, and tucked into the scrummy bbq.

Vic's proud Mum Sarah, led the speeches with moving and adoring words for her daughter, and love for her new son-in-law Jim. This was followed by warm words from Vic's brother, Chris. Ben and Harry (Jim's brothers) then did a double act with plenty of stories and laughs.

Brewer, Groom Jim, of course had a well stocked bar and his Mum Bridget made not one, not two but three cakes! Fed and well watered everyone hit the dance floor following the couples first dance to Prince, I would die for you.

It was so lovely both of see and photograph my friends get hitched, a beautiful moody romantic day to remember. Massive congratulations lovelies. Lots and lots of love. Laura xx

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Suppliers Credits:

Bridesmaid Dresses: Nice Things Paloma

Flowers: Millie Easton

Rings: Ella Bull

Tipi: 3 Diamond Tipi Hire

Food: BBQ Beer Brothers

Along with guests, I pitched my tent on the farm’s campsite the night before the big day, all set for my favourite kind of wedding: one that’s gloriously green, filled with sunshine, fun, family and friends down on the farm.

Ring bearer Jayden took charge on the megaphone, making sure everyone was ready for Emily's arrival in an army Jeep belonging to her father's friend. Emily’s sister-in-law (my sister) and niece lead the bridal party down the hill. Past the lambs they went, overlooking panoramic views of Dartmoor arriving at the most beautiful ceremony in the transformed sheep-barn.

Emily glowed throughout the ceremony – her hand gently resting on her baby bump. Through a shower of confetti the newly-weds lead their guests to the top field to continue the celebrations. Children played in the field and everyone sat at beautifully decorated tables with hand-grown cacti – wedding favours grown by James's mum herself.
The food was the best, all the favourites: pasties, a hog roast and even fish and chips!! Following a series of incredibly emotional speeches, tears were dried, heels kicked off and the partying began.

A work of art itself, the wedding cake was created by friend Verity Jane (The Cake-Up Artist) but the real 'icing on the cake' was seeing James's epic moves on the dance floor to the rhythms of The Swing Kings! Bringing some serious groves, soon the whole wedding party joined in, but I’d like to give a special shout-out to Harry! Hay-fever and swollen eyes aside, he was the life and soul of the party.

Congratulations Emily and James! I loved every minute. Lots and lots of love and I can't wait to meet baby Booker soon.xx

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Suppliers Credits:

Venue: Dunwell Farm

Dress: Amy Heather Bridal Wear 

Hair: Katie and Charlie at Therapy Hair

Head piece: Hey Jules

Flowers: Oakenham

Marque and Hog Roast: Hire Class

Cake: Verity Jane - The Cake-Up Artist

Fish and Chips: Kingfisher

Band: The Swing Kings

The adventure activists co-foundeded The Whale Company, an environmental education and conservation charity that focuses on plastic pollution.

If you know me, you’ll know this is something I feel very strongly about and I was in awe of their work and story so far, inspiring action and innovation through stand up paddleboarding, upcycling workshops, expeditions and campaigns.

It was obviously of the upmost importance their wedding day was eco friendly and green.

Carolyn and Carlos chose to celebrate their day close to Carolyn’s Mum’s home in Chillaton, Devon. With a full house, preparations were complete with Carolyn’s Mum’s homemade shepherds pie to keep everyone going. A short drive away, the ceremony at Marystowe church was simply beautiful with music played by friends, and maid of honour Rhiannon’s goose pimple singing of Ave-Maria.

Down winding country lanes the couple arrived from the church in Carolyn’s Uncle’s Jaguar to their reception venue, Wonwood Barton, a unique 19^th century farmstead, enchanting and rustic, surrounded by glorious countryside. Here everything was locally sourced, the wild flowers, the wine, the hog roast and Carlos had hand made wood burnt name places which sat with recycled paper packaged seeds as favours on the long wooden Banquet Tables in the marque.

Into the evening everyone tucked into a seriously delicious veggie buffet made by friends and the pair announced they were expecting their first child to wonderful smiling faces and loud cheers. Carolyn surprised her new husband with video messages from his family and friends from Brazil who couldn’t be there on the day and Carlos led Carolyn in their first dance with his Brazilian moves.

Carolyn and Carlos- Congratulations, it was a pleasure to photograph your glorious green day. I hope others take inspiration from your wedding. Keep it simple, reusable and plastic free. xx

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Suppliers Credits:
Venue: Wonwood Barton

Flowers: A Scent Station

Hog Roast: Hungry Hog South West
 

This was the event of the year and not just for Chris, Kate and their families. Villagers came to the church to get a glimpse of Kate on her arrival, surrounding her and her Dad in the Rolls Royce wedding car, eager to get a snap of the bride and pass on well wishes. Chris and Kate, like royalty, caused quite an excitement in the village.

The church was ram-packed, the fullest it has ever been. The sporty couple (Kate, a former Paralympic swimmer) walked out under a Guard of Honour of skis and golf clubs held up by friends, and guests, while family filled the sloped path with handfuls of confetti. The pair left the church following another wonderful local custom, the tying of the lychgate, where Chris threw money over the gate to the crowd as the price of having the gates untied, and being allowed to pass through as newly weds.

Back at the farm, each table had a designated meat carver, complete with matching hats and aprons, ready for serving the farm's very own beef. Into the evening I enjoyed hearing the many stories about Chris and Kate, such as the tale of their first date where Chris' housemates turned up and sat on the table next to them. Freddo bars were given to guests as wedding favours, a nod to Chris' addiction to this classic treat - despite his frustration over their recent inflation. Throwing in (literally) some more family traditions complete with safety goggles, the happy couple even smashed plates (not without difficulty on the grass) in honour of Chris' Greek Grandfather.

Chris, Kate - what a day, thanks for having me. Wishing you both every happiness xx

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Suppliers Credits:
Marquee: The Country Marquee Company

Caterer: el-cuisine

Catering management: Alastair Currie Events

Flowers: Plans and plants

Band: The Wild Cards

Dress: Wed2b 

With the family now living back to The States, it was wonderful to meet them and create these memories of their time in London town. Here's a few favourites.xx

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Massive congratulations Jemma and Sean, thanks for having me, I had a blast.

Also a big thanks to my helper Naz and The Harbour Hotels host Jason.xx

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Suppliers Credits:

Venue: The Bristol Harbour Hotel

Dress: Vera Wang, David's Bridal

Hair and Make Up: Evie Smith

Flowers: Jordan Keogh - Jasper & Quinn

Cake: Catie Norbury - The Cake Diva

Acoustic Guitar: Mark Patton

Band: The Club - Richer Music

Photo Booth: Booth19

Just up the road in South Brent, guests filled Glazebrook House's quirky rooms, so warm and inviting. After a meal with some truly delicious food, Katie and Mark took a walk around Glazebrook's luscious spring green garden before hitting the dance floor. The evening was wonderfully chilled, filled with humble and hilarious speeches, fun, games and sweets for the kids, and a snoozing Uncle on the sofa.

 With only two months to plan their day, these guys nailed it. Loved every minute, massive congratulations Katie and Mark.xx

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Sarah and I met for coffee and cake and a few bump pics on a gorgeous autumn day mid November, a week later Rosenwyn surprised us by arriving over a month early.
I finally got met her on yet another surprisingly sunny February afternoon at their home in Warmley.  Rosenwyn's little face beamed in the cottages beautiful light, full of expressions she was simply a delight with her big beautiful eyes, lots of smiles and funny faces, it was hard to put my camera down to stop for lunch. Proud new Dad Lee showed us a video of Rose being weighed in hospital shortly after her birth, which was very emotional for Mum having not seen it before. I had such a lovely day with them and marvelled at Sarah's home made crafting including a blanket and a Beauty and the Beast mobile hung from Rosenwyn's cot which once belonged to Dad.

Congratulations again, looking forward to seeing how much she's grown since I took these photos. 

Happy first Mothers Day, Sarah. Here's some of my personal favourites xx                       

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This month I'm looking forward to meeting couples, sprucing up my website and family sessions before my wedding season kicks off next month. Hello to all my 2019 couples, here's to an amazing 2019 with lots of love, experience and creativity.

I still have a few spaces left for 2019 weddings and am now taking bookings for 2020, so get in touch if you'd like to chat about your day.xx

CLICK BELOW TO WATCH THE SLIDESHOW 

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