Hey friends! This post is a bit different as it shows two different bridal sessions with the same bride (the lovely Scarlett) on two different days taken at two very different venues and with two very different vibes and looks. It’s actually a great example of how much the locations we shoot in and the lighting and weather conditions can influence the mood of a photo session, which ultimately knocks on into the photos we produce as a result.

The first session took place at Duke Gardens during peak cherry blossom season, which Scarlett wanted to as the backdrop to her session. Scarlett and I met up early in the morning and photographed in Cherry Allée which was in full bloom. Scarlett looked amazing and we set about taking photos immediately to showcase Scarlett’s beautiful Vera Wang wedding dress in this gorgeous setting.

The main challenge at this time was the sheer number of people that had the same idea as us and were out taking photos in this same spot. Getting there early was key for the best possible light and to avoid the crowds, but there were still enough people about to make taking photos without them in the background a fun task. With the right combination of lens choice, composition and timing, we made it happen and got some great shots.

We then sent the rest of our time together that morning just taking photos in the flower gardens and bamboo groves I love to shoot in.

Here are just a few faves from that shoot with Part II (this took place at Oxbow Estate) following on below:

The Duke Gardens Bridal Session

During bridal sessions, a bride in a white wedding gown stands on a tree-lined pathway adorned with blooming cherry blossoms. She holds a bouquet of white and blue flowers, and her long veil flows elegantly behind her.

In a dreamy bridal session, a bride in a strapless white wedding dress holds a bouquet while standing on a stone path, surrounded by lush greenery and blooming trees. Sunlight filters through the foliage, casting an enchanting glow over the scene.

In a serene bridal session, a woman in a large, layered white gown stands among tall bamboo stalks. The black and white image adds a classic, timeless feel. Her hair cascades gracefully over her shoulders as she exudes tranquility amid the forest's quiet embrace.

During her bridal session, a woman in a flowing white wedding dress twirls joyfully in a garden. The background is filled with blooming flowers, vibrant greenery, and tall trees under a clear sky.

A woman with long, wavy dark hair and a subtle smile stands outdoors in soft lighting, reminiscent of intimate bridal sessions. With blurred greenery in the background, she wears a sleeveless top and delicate earrings, exuding a calm and serene expression.

A bride in a white gown stands under a canopy of blossoming cherry trees during her bridal session. She holds a bouquet of blue and white flowers, with a long veil trailing behind her, creating a romantic and picturesque scene.

During the bridal sessions, a bride in a strapless wedding dress holds a bouquet of white and purple flowers. Her long, dark hair cascades over her shoulders as she stands on a tree-lined path with pink blossoms, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.

A black-and-white photo from a bridal session captures a bride in a flowing wedding gown, holding a bouquet. With long, wavy hair and a veil, she gazes serenely to the side. Stone steps and greenery blur softly in the background.

A bride in a flowing, layered wedding gown stands on a garden pathway, holding a bouquet. Her long veil catches the wind, trailing elegantly behind her. Tall trees and lush greenery frame the scene, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for enchanting bridal sessions.

Amidst the serene bamboo forest, a woman in a strapless white dress poses gracefully, embodying the essence of bridal sessions. Her long, wavy hair cascades as she touches her neck with one hand, casting a soft glance over her shoulder.

A woman in a white wedding dress holds a bouquet of purple and white flowers during her bridal session. She stands outdoors in a garden with blurred greenery and blooming flowers in the background, looking directly at the camera. The scene is bathed in soft, warm light.

The Oxbow Estate Bridal Session

For this shoot, I booked Oxbow Estate for a few weeks later. Scarlett wanted to try and different look for her hair and makeup and also take a few photos in the dress she would wear at the reception.

Oxbow is set amongst some really beautiful landscape and I’d been really looking forward to photographing outside, but Mother Nature had other ideas and so we pivoted to shooting solely inside the English-style Manor House. The rainy weather actually worked to our advantage as it gave us some really moody light to work with. I decided to focus on that harnessing that moodiness and shot some Ilford 3200 film B&W alongside my digital cameras. This allowed us to get a set of photos that were very different to what we had already got at our first shoot, but also complemented it at the same time.