WELCOME TO THE BLOG.

I love writing and sharing my tips, your weddings and lots of inspiration that will hopefully help you plan for your big day. I write as I would in my journal and really just enjoy typing out my thoughts and opinions as well as sharing moments of joy on your big day. Hope you enjoy!

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HOW TO THROW THE PERFECT GARDEN WEDDING - 15 TIPS

HOW TO THROW THE PERFECT GARDEN WEDDING - 15 TIPS

Throwing a garden wedding can be a beautiful and intimate way to celebrate your special day. From the ceremony to the reception, there are many details to consider when planning the perfect garden wedding. Here are 15 tips to help you plan the perfect garden wedding at your home.

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FIKA TIME: SWEDISH CHOKLADBOLLAR
Melissa Mayes Melissa Mayes

FIKA TIME: SWEDISH CHOKLADBOLLAR

This is not my usual post but I get asked for this recipe so much here that I thought I should just make it a little. easier and give it a home on my website.

It is no surprise to anyone that knows me: I love all things Swedish. Discovering the joys of Swedish chokladbollar during my fika days living in Sweden became a daily habit. However, indulging almost daily led me to search for a healthier alternative. So I made a healthier version that’s super easy to create and doesn’t contain any sugar or butter.

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HOW TO USE PIXIESET TO VIEW AND SHARE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS
Melissa Mayes Melissa Mayes

HOW TO USE PIXIESET TO VIEW AND SHARE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS

WHAT IS PIXIESET?

Pixieset is a platform that allows you to view and share your wedding day photos with ease. The platform offers a gallery that is accessible on desktop computers, laptops, and mobile phones. You can also order professional quality prints from your gallery and download single images to share on social media.

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WE JUST GOT ENGAGED, NOW WHAT?

WE JUST GOT ENGAGED, NOW WHAT?

Congratulations! You’re officially engaged and it’s time to start planning your wedding. Before you dive into the details, take some time to just be happy together. This is one of the most exciting times of your life, and it’s really important to take a step back and just enjoy the moment. Even if you feel like you’re ready to jump into wedding planning, you’ll thank yourself later for taking the time to just soak in this moment.

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TOP 8 PLACES IN NOTTINGHAM FOR AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

TOP 8 PLACES IN NOTTINGHAM FOR AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Nottingham is a beautiful and historic city with plenty of stunning locations for an engagement session. There are so many options in this beautiful city for every type of couple. As a wedding photographer, here is my list of my top 8 places to have an engagement session in Nottingham. 

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HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FAVOURITE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE!

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FAVOURITE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE!

Are you struggling to narrow down what photography style you love? Choosing a wedding photographer can be tricky, but learning about their different photography styles can help. Here is a comprehensive summary of all the wedding photography styles out there.

Every couple has different style preferences, from clothing to décor. Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most significant stylistic decisions. Before you contact your prospective photographers, you should determine what wedding photography style you are drawn to. If you book first and learn about the style later, you may end up with photos that don’t match your vision.

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HARLAXTON MANOR AT CHRISTMAS
Melissa Mayes Melissa Mayes

HARLAXTON MANOR AT CHRISTMAS

Harlaxton Manor transforms into a magical wonderland during Christmas, inviting you into a fairytale setting. The splendor of twinkling lights, a majestic Christmas tree in the Great Hall, and the aroma of giant American cookies alongside delightful hot drinks create an enchanting atmosphere. Wander through the frost-kissed gardens, join festive markets, and embrace the warmth of timeless traditions. It's a celebration that seamlessly blends elegance, charm, and the pure joy of the holiday season.

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8 TIPS: HOW TO TRULY ENJOY YOUR WEDDING DAY

8 TIPS: HOW TO TRULY ENJOY YOUR WEDDING DAY

You have put so much work into planning your wedding day. The list goes on from caterers, venues, attire, colours, and invitations. All of these things are so important in the grand scheme of things. They each contribute to having the best experience and beautiful memories of your big day. So, how do we make sure you actually enjoy your wedding day? Here are 8 tips for how to truly enjoy your wedding day because I know, once it's all planned out and in motion, you don't want to have to think of last-minute things.

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WHY IS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SO IMPORTANT?

WHY IS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SO IMPORTANT?

Maybe you really appreciate great photos and love the photos that your friend captures of you on a night out. You might be seriously considering whether or not hiring a wedding photographer is worth the investment. With everyone having smartphones these days, can't you just have your guests capture all these moments for you? In this post, I will outline all the reasons why I think that wedding photography is so important.

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WHY COUPLE PHOTOS ARE SO IMPORTANT ON YOUR WEDDING

WHY COUPLE PHOTOS ARE SO IMPORTANT ON YOUR WEDDING

While planning your special day, soon enough, you will get to the point of needing to hire a wedding photographer. This is a very important step in the planning process since the photographer will be the one who is in charge of capturing all of the lovely memories. However, since it is your day, you need to remember that you, the happy couple are the stars of the day. So, let’s look at the importance of wedding day couple photos together!

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HOW TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING FEEL MORE LUXURIOUS
Melissa Mayes Melissa Mayes

HOW TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING FEEL MORE LUXURIOUS

You have dreamed of this day since you were little but once you’ve started to add up all the costs, you’ve realised that planning a wedding in England is very expensive. The best way to create a luxurious wedding budget is to be realistic about what you want, and to go to the effort of finding a venue that has good bones.

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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER?
Melissa Mayes Melissa Mayes

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER?

You may have just gotten engaged and started to feel absolutely overwhelmed with the thought of planning out what is meant to be the most important day of your life. You maybe have no idea where to start and how to create the wedding of your dreams and after discussing with your fiancé, you decide that maybe hiring a wedding planner is the best idea for you. In this article, I will talk you through the costs, what is often included and what you can expect from a wedding planner.

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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
Melissa Mayes Melissa Mayes

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

Wedding photography prices vary widely depending on the type of service you need. Some photographers charge per hour for their services, while others offer packages that include everything from pre-wedding consultations to post-wedding galleries.

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SHOULD WE HIRE A MARQUEE FOR OUR WEDDING?
Melissa Mayes Melissa Mayes

SHOULD WE HIRE A MARQUEE FOR OUR WEDDING?

I adore intimate weddings so much and if you have the space to have one, I definitely recommend this to my couples. It creates a cosy, comfortable atmosphere for both you and your guests. But, if you choose to hire a marquee, you will need to make sure that you have enough space for guests to sit comfortably. You should also think about how much shade you will need. In addition, you will need to decide whether you want to use a tent or a canopy.

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5 WEDDING DETAILS THAT MAKE A BIG IMPACT
Melissa Mayes Melissa Mayes

5 WEDDING DETAILS THAT MAKE A BIG IMPACT

Along with good planning and the search for the perfect wedding dress, details play a crucial role for your big day to become the celebration you’ve always dreamed about.

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HOW TO CREATE A TIMELESS WEDDING STYLE THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS LOVE
Melissa Mayes Melissa Mayes

HOW TO CREATE A TIMELESS WEDDING STYLE THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS LOVE

Once you begin planning your wedding, you will start thinking about the overall theme, look and feel that you want to have for your wedding. You might want to create a rustic bohemian vibe or a timeless elegant vibe. There are so many different ways to style your wedding that represents you both as a couple.

I love seeing all the details come together on the day and have some tips to get you started if you are looking for a timeless and elegant feel to your wedding day.

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HOW TO WRITE YOUR WEDDING VOWS
Melissa Mayes Melissa Mayes

HOW TO WRITE YOUR WEDDING VOWS

Wedding vows are an important part of any wedding ceremony. They express your feelings for each other and can set the tone for the rest of your marriage. But writing your vows can take some time and it is important that you are early to craft perfect vows.

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TO ELOPE OR NOT TO ELOPE?
Melissa Mayes Melissa Mayes

TO ELOPE OR NOT TO ELOPE?

While planning your wedding, it is normal to ask yourself should I elope instead of organising an event for hundreds of guests and hiring a dozen vendors? Especially after finding out the cost behind every detail involved, such as wedding invitations, rentals, and finding a wedding venue big enough to fit your guests. But what are the pros and cons behind deciding to elope? I will try to outline them below as I have experience as an elopement photographer in both cities and in adventurous locations.

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