Archive for the ‘international wedding photography’ Category

UK wedding photographer in the Gambia

Thursday, December 19th, 2019

Its sad when a Gambian groom dies, but life has many twists and turns. Way back in 2010, an English bride-to-be called Denise, booked Reel Life Photos to photographer her wedding to a kind, gentle, Gambian man. Denise then became an instant mother to his two children, as their birth mother had sadly passed away. Those children are now young adults, well- educated, loved and cared for by their step-mum, but since the death of their Gambian father just three years after his marriage to Denise, she was their closest family.

So its with great excitement that I returned to the Gambia in January 2020, to photograph a new wedding, as Denise finally found love again. As this was my 7th visit to the Gambia to photograph a wedding there I already knew my way around! xx Elaine

For more info on weddings in the Gambia or anywhere else in the world, call Elaine on Whatsapp: +447990867058 or visit https://www.reellifephotos.co.uk or http://weddingphotos-video.co.uk/blog/uk-wedding-photographer-in-the-gambia/#more-1357

Loving bride and groom after their Gambian wedding.
Beach wedding photos with British bride and Senegalese groom
Denise and Cheikh greet their wedding guests by the sea in the Gambia
It looks chaotic but that’s half the fun! Denise and Cheik’s Gambian beach wedding location.
Happy British bride after her wedding in the Gambia with her Senegalese groom.
The happy couple after their beach wedding in the Gambia
Wedding pics on the beach in the Gambia with the boys
No Gambian wedding would be complete with a picture with “the boys”!
Gambian beach wedding
They were SO happy after finally getting married on the beach in the Gambia. Beach wedding photo with British bride and Senegalese groom.
Wedding in the Gambia , as the bride and groom kiss.
True love, sealed with a kiss, at their Gambian wedding.
Beach wedding photos in the Gambia
Bride and groom laughing, as they walk hand in hand on the beach in the Gambia

Malaysian Wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok Malaysia

Friday, May 18th, 2018

wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented decorations at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented decorations at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented decorations at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented decorations at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented cake at a Malaysian wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok

Beatifully presented cake at a Malaysian wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok

Beatifully presented cake at a Malaysian wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok

Beatifully presented decorations at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatiful wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia, which has a pool and lake as well as colourful fish swimming in the lake and pond.

Beatifully presented cake at a Malaysian wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

Beatifully presented food at lovely wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

wedding photos at Kelab Merbok Laguna, Malaysia

Malaysian bride and her loving groom holding hands by the palm-tree-lined pool at Kelab Merbok Laguna

Malaysian weddng at Kelab Merbok Laguna, in Sungai Petani

Smiling Malaysian bride and her equally happy groom by the pool on their wedding day at Kelab Merbok Laguna, in Sungai Petani, Malaysia

Malaysian bride and groom on their wedding day by the lake at Kelab Merbok Laguna

Malaysian bride and touching groom on their wedding day by the lake

Malaysian bride and groom on their wedding day looking out at the lake at Kelab Merbok Laguna, just before the rain comes down.

Malaysian bride and groom on their wedding day looking out at the lake at Kelab Merbok Laguna, just before the rain comes down.

Wedding food on top table at the wedding reception at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

Wedding food on top table at the wedding reception at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

Lake at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

View over the lake at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia,

Tables ready for the the wedding reception at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

Tables ready for the the wedding reception at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

Beautiful wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia, which has a pool and lake as well as colourful fish swimming in the lake and pond.

Guests ready for the the wedding reception at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

Guests ready for the the wedding reception at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

Beautiful wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia

 Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok pool and palm tree wedding venue in Malaysia

Beautiful wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia, with its pool.

View over the pool at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok during a Malaysian wedding

View over the pool at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok during a Malaysian wedding

View over the pool at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok towrds the wedding venue during a Malaysian wedding

View over the pool at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok towrds the wedding venue during a Malaysian wedding

View over the lake from Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok wedding venue during a Malaysian wedding

Beatiful wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia, which has a pool and lake as well as colourful fish swimming in the lake and pond.

Beatiful wedding at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia, which has a pool and lake as well as colourful fish swimming in the lake and pond.

Wedding reception at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

Wedding reception at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

Wedding guests at the wedding reception at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

Wedding guests at the wedding reception at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

Beautiful pool at wedding venue at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

Beautiful pool at wedding venue at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

Beautiful wedding venue at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

Beautiful wedding venue at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Sungai Petani, Malaysia,

View across the lake at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia,

View across the lake at Kelab Bandar Laguna Merbok in Malaysia,

Malaysian wedding group photo

Posed Malaysian wedding pictures, with the bride’s family

Pictures of La Digue in the Seychelles honeymoon or wedding location

Wednesday, April 25th, 2018

La Digue wedding location

Cat Coco to La Digue

Detail of Seychelles ferry - Cat Coco

Cat Coco catamaran. in the Seychelles

Passengers on Cat Coco. on its way to La Digue from Mahe in the Seychelles

Passengers on Cat Coco. on its way to La Digue from Mahe in the Seychelles

Boats near Mahe ferry terminal, The Seychelles

Boats near Mahe ferry terminal, The Seychelles

Cat Rose in the Seychelles

Cat Rose in the Seychelles

Cat Rose sailing in the Seychelles

Cat Rose sailing in the Seychelles

boats on La Digue romantic island in the Seychelles

Scenes in La Digue, island in the Seychelles, as the ferry arrives

La Digue is a perfect honeymoon or wedding location in the Seychelles

Boats on La Digue, island in the Seychelles

Bicycles for hire on La Digue, island in the Seychelles

Bicycles for hire on La Digue, island in the Seychelles

Traditional ox drawn cart on La Digue, island in the Seychelles

Traditional ox drawn cart on La Digue, island in the Seychelles

Cyclist passing a traditional ox drawn cart on La Digue, island in the Seychelles

Cyclist passing a traditional ox drawn cart on La Digue, island in the Seychelles

Cyclist on La Digue, island in the Seychelles

Cyclist on La Digue, island in the Seychelles, carrying his little girl in one arm as he pedals

Interesting wooden house structure on La Digue in the Seychelles

Cyclist passing a wooden house under construction on La Digue, island in the Seychelles

Cute painted house on La Digue, island in the Seychelles

Cute painted house on La Digue, island in the Seychelles

Cute painted house on La Digue, island in the Seychelles

Cyclists passing a church on La Digue, island in the Seychelles

Imagine getting married here on La Digue, by the sea on this romantic island in the Seychelles

Imagine getting married here on La Digue, by the sea on this romantic island in the Seychelles

Boats on crystal clear water in the sea on La Digue in the Seychelles

Boats on crystal clear water in the sea on La Digue in the Seychelles

Imagine getting married here !  So many amazing scenes on a peaceful island in the Seychelles, where the humble bicycle is the preferred mode of transport, easily hired too on arrival off the ferry from Praslin or Mahe.

I am based in the UK but could easily fly out for you to take your wedding photos in the Seychelles,  I have been the official wedding photographer for a wedding on Mahe, but totally fell in love with La Digue and its charming bicycles and clean azure blue seas, and don’t even charge for travel (unless you are offering of course!) !

https://www.reellifephotos.co.uk

xx Elaine – whatsapp +447990867058

wedding-photographer-in-Bali-for-a-Balinese-wedding

Tuesday, April 18th, 2017

Balinese wedding photography in a temple

The beautiful wedding in Bali has many fascinating customs. I went to Bali especially to be able to capture some of these.  This wedding also continued on the following day with the wedding reception, but sadly I was already booked for a Pakistani wedding back in the UK the  day after that.

 

Photos by UK wedding photographer in Bali

Colourful wedding guests in Bali

 

Balinese Groom sits without his bride at the start of his wedding ceremony, as the marriage register is being filled in for them to sign.

 

The Balinese priest is preparing to start the religious rituals

 

Wedding ceremony rituals in Bali

The priest is taking the incense / josticks to use during the wedding ceremony rituals

 

The Balinese priest is preparing to start the religious rituals by lighting the josticks

 

Balinese Groom at the start of his wedding ceremony

 

One of the Balinese village elders wearing white, who all sit together by the groom and priest, on the patio in front of the house.

 

 

Detail of the Balinese Groom’s sword at the start of his wedding ceremony

 

Offerings at a wedding in Bali

 

Balinese wedding ceremony, as the marriage register is being signed

 

Prayers during traditional Balinese wedding ceremony.

 

Prayers during traditional Balinese wedding ceremony.

 

Balinese bride and groom at the start of their wedding ceremony

 

Prayers during traditional Balinese wedding ceremony.

 

Gold headdress on Balinese bride

Beautiful Balinese bride with her gold headdress during her wedding ceremony in Bali

 

Balinese wedding in Bali

Balinese bride and groom during their wedding ceremony

wedding guests in Bali

Wedding guests during the  Balinese wedding ceremony

 

Balinese wedding guests

Wedding guests at the start of this Balinese wedding ceremony

Coco Ocean wedding pictures in the Gambia – storybook

Tuesday, July 19th, 2016

Coco Ocean beach wedding in Gambia

Storybook cover

This romantic couple met in The Gambia and kept in touch for 5 or 6 years before getting married at Coco Ocean Hotel in The Gambia, Christmas 2015.  I was lucky enough to be their wedding photographer, the 5th wedding I have photographed  in the Gambia since 2010.   The image above is the one they chose to be on the cover of their wedding album.  The bride really likes black and white wedding pictures, and this was the groom’s favourite photo from their wedding day at  Ocean hotel and Spa in Kololi.  I love beach weddings and this wedding venue in particular!

Gambian wedding pictures

Gambian groom and groomsmen getting ready in the Gambia

Gambian wedding pics in Storybook

Gambian groom in his wedding suit and his mother before she gets in her wedding outfit

 

Bride having her hair done in the salon at Coco Ocean Hotel in the Gambia and wedding accessories in the Royal Suite

Bride having her hair done in the salon at Coco Ocean Hotel in the Gambia and wedding accessories in the Royal Suite

 

Royal Suite and bathroom at Coco Ocean Hotel in the Gambia in wedding storybook

Royal Suite and bathroom with wedding dress at Coco Ocean Hotel in the Gambia in wedding storybook

 

Bedroom at the Royal Suite at Coco Ocean Hotel and Spa in the Gambia, West Africa and the bride's bouquet of lilies

Bedroom at the Royal Suite at Coco Ocean Hotel and Spa in the Gambia, West Africa and the bride’s bouquet of lilies

 

Coco Ocean storybook wedding album and bridesmaid's shies in the Royal Suite,

The Gambian groom breaks with tradition, seeing his wife to be at the Royal Suite on their wedding day, as he brings the little flower girl there. All the little flower girls; and bridesmaid’s shoes lined up neatly in a row on the black and white tiled floor in the  Suite’s cloakroom, ready to be worn at the wedding..

 

Natural black and white wedding pictures inside the Royal Suite at Coco Ocean.

Black and white wedding photos of the bride’s mother and the bride getting ready in the Royal Suite at Coco Ocean Hotel and Spa in The Gambia.

Private pool inside the Royal Suite at Coco Ocean Hotel and Spa

Private swimming pool inside the Royal Suite at Coco Ocean Hotel and Spa

 

 Bride and bridesmaibs ready for beach wedding at Coco Ocean in The Gambia Natural wedding photos of the bridesmaids getting ready inside the Royal Suite at Coco Ocean

Natural wedding photos of the bridesmaids getting ready inside the Royal Suite at Coco Ocean

Natura wedding picures inside the Royal Suite at Coco Ocean

Bride has her tiara on as she looks on at the little flower girl inside the Royal Suite at Coco Ocean before the start of her wedding.

Natural wedding photos of the bride getting ready inside the Royal Suite at Coco Ocean

Bride being helped on with her wedding dress, as her mum crawls underneath to sort out the underskirt in the Royal Suite before her wedding at Coco Ocean in The Gambia.

 

Natural Coco-Ocean-wedding-pictures in the Royal Suite

Bride in her wedding dress inside the Royal Suite at Coco Ocean, all ready to set off for her wedding in the Gambia,

Coco-Ocean-wedding pictures in the-Gambia, as the bride and bridesmaids leave the Royal Suite

Bride and bridesmaids leave the Royal Suite to go to the wedding on the beach at Coco Ocean Hotel.

Bridal paerty off to wedding at Coco Ocean with natural photos as they walk

The wedding party walk through Coco Ocean to get to the beach wedding location

Gambian Engkish wedding at Coco-Ocean in The Gambia

The little bridesmaid tugs at the brides dress as she helps her down the steps towards the beach wedding at Coco Ocean

Coco-Ocean-wedding-photos as the groom waits for his bride to arrive at the beach wedding location.

Groom and bestman waiting for the bride.

 

Bride walks down the aisle at Coco Ocean for beach wedding

Bride walks down the aisle at Coco Ocean right by the sea

Bride and groom getting married at Coco-Ocean-beach wedding

The couple say their vows in a romantic beach wedding at Coco Ocean.

Outdoor wedding by the beach at Coco Ocean storybook pictures

Bride and groom’s mothers play a big role in this wedding.

 

Getting married in the Gambia at Coco-Ocean Hotel and Spa

Just married at Coco Ocean then the register is signed. Sheer joy!

Romantic beach wedding pictures at Coco-Ocean-in The Gambia

The romantic Gambian groom gets down on one knee to present the bride her ring

Gambian family showers the newly weds with confetti at Coco Ocean.

Gambian family showers the newly weds with confetti at Coco Ocean.

 

Wedding reception at Coco Ocean Hotel and Spa in the Gambia

Speeches and more Coco Ocean wedding pictures during the reception in a storybook album

 

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Wedding at Coco Ocean in The Gambia – storybook with mainly natural wedding photography by UK-based wedding photographer Elaine

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cutting the wedding cake at Coco Ocean in the Gambia and first dance pictures

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Beach wedding pictures in the Gambia

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English-Gambian wedding pictures at Coco Ocean Hotel and Spa in The Gambia

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Wedding photos by the pool at Coco Ocean in the Gambia

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Coco Ocean Hotel Gambian Wedding Pictures

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Fun Gambian wedding pictures at Coco Ocean Hotel in The Gambia

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Bride cooling off under the sprinklers at Coco Ocean in The Gambia

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Wedding pictures by the pool at Coco ocean in The Gambia in storybook wedding album

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Mainly natural wedding pictures in The Gambia after their couple’s beach wedding

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Romantic beach wedding pictures in The Gambia

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Wedding pictures on the Beach in Gambia

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Beach wedding ceremony at Coco ocean in The Gambia

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Happy wedding pictures in The Gambia

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Natural Gambian wedding pictures

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Aw, so romantic !

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Mum’s are special!

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Grand wedding at Coco Ocean

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Gambian beach wedding

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Kiss under the veil!

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Romantic Gambian groom with his English bride

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Family wedding pictures in The Gambia

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Natural Gambian beach wedding pics

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Gambian beach wedding

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Natural wedding photos at Coco Ocean

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Confetti on the red carpet at Coco Ocean in The Gambia

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Happy wedding pictures in The Gambia

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Confetti smiles after Gambian beach wedding

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Storybook wedding album of pictures taken in The Gambia

 

If you are thinking of getting married in the Gambia or another country, Reel Life Photos are happy to travel there at our own cost.  Contact Elaine here:  https://www.reellifephotos.co.uk/contact

Wedding on a mountain in Iceland

Friday, February 26th, 2016

Earlier this year, I happened to meet a lovely young Canadian couple when they were travelling through the UK on a shoestring budget.  I mentioned that I was a wedding photographer, and that I put experiences above money, ( though of course we still have to earn our living) so was really excited when they messaged me in September about their imminent wedding plans.  They didn’t want the usual kind of wedding with family and friends around them, but opted to have their legal wedding ceremony on top of a mountain in Iceland!  Now I’ve always said that I will go anywhere – even on top of a mountain – (but not jump out of an aeroplane or dive under the sea) so of course I jumped at the idea.

The weather in October – even in the UK – is touch and go for an outdoor wedding, so it was a huge risk that they, the registrar – and the camera – would get soaked.  However we were SO lucky!  It rained – or snowed – on days either side of the wedding, but that Saturday was perfect!  Freezing cold of course, but our super romantic couple had such an adrenalin rush, they stood their with the wind in their hair, the groom in just shirt and trousers, the bride in a strapless  – almost backless –  white wedding dress they had bought at last minute from a charity shop.  Their love was shining through as was the sunshine, though it was still bitterly cold in the wind. I was fully dressed in outdoor walking gear myself though!

Unusual wedding pictures on a mountain in Iceland

Unusual outdoor wedding in Iceland on top of a mountain with just the bride and groom – no guests – oh and the wedding photographer, of course!

Unusual wedding pictures on a mountain in Iceland

Outdoor wedding in Iceland

Unusual wedding pictures on a mountain in Iceland

Outdoor wedding in Iceland with just a bride and a groom.

getting married in Iceland on a mountain

Real life wedding exchange of rings during the outdoor ceremony in Iceland

getting married in Iceland on a mountain

Real life wedding exchange of rings during the outdoor ceremony in Iceland

getting married in Iceland on a mountain

Real life wedding exchange of rings during the outdoor ceremony in Iceland

After the ceremony the couple walk down the mountain and take a few private moments to share their mutual joy.  I watch from afar…and capture this picture.

Icelandic wedding ceremonyas the bride and groom share a quiet moment

The bride and groom are in their own world…

If you are getting married in Iceland , I would love to go back there!

http://www.reellifephotos.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/destination.wedding.photographer.uk/

xx Elaine

Wedding Engagement Photos on a Mountain in Iceland

Saturday, February 13th, 2016

wedding engagement photo in Iceland - location photography

Dramatic engagement photos in Iceland on top of a red rock.

This amazing couple from Canada, decided to get married in Iceland, and invited me to be their wedding photographer. Reel Life Photos is based in the UK – so truly international!  www.reellifephotos.co.uk

natural engagement picture in Iceland

Dramatic engagement photos in Iceland on top of a red rock

outdoor wedding in Iceland

Engagement photos in Iceland  with the bride in a red dress

Fun enegement and wedding photography

Fun engagement photography in Iceland

Bride in a red dress play fights with her groom by the rock they got married on in Iceland

Fun enegement and wedding photography

Fun pic of Canadian bride and groom play-fighting for engagement shoot in Iceland.

Fun engagement and wedding photography

Is the Canadian groom going  to end up in the water, as the bride pushes him hard during a play-fight for an engagement photoshoot in Iceland?

 

For more info contact Elaine of Reel Life Photos on +44799867958

 

 

Wedding Engagement Photos at Selfoss Waterfall in Iceland

Saturday, February 13th, 2016

Reprtage rather than posed engagement photos in Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

This happy couple met me in the UK when they stayed as guests in my house through Airbnb.  A few months later they contacted me to let me now that they were getting married in Iceland – secretly without any wedding guests at all.  I was delighted to be invited to be their wedding photographer – and their witness! Reportage rather than posed engagement photos in Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Reprtage rather than posed engagement photos in Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Reprtage rather than posed engagement photos in Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Reprtage rather than posed engagement photos in Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Reprtage rather than posed engagement photos in Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Reprtage rather than posed engagement photos in Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Reprtage rather than posed engagement photos in Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Reportage rather than posed engagement photos in Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Reprtage rather than posed engagement photos in Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Reportage rather than posed engagement photos in Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

Selfoss waterfal on a rainy day in Iceland

Reportage rather than posed engagement photos in Iceland on a rainy October day at Selfoss waterfall.

 

For more info contact Elaine via Reel Life Photos Website

 

 

 

Cuban cars in Old Havana – Habana Vieja – before photographing a wedding in Cuba.

Wednesday, December 31st, 2014

old Cuban cars in Havana

Cuban car in old Havana with two little boys playing by the side.

To see the wedding pictures look on our site , here and Facebook.

inside a Cuban car

Inside a classic Cuban taxi car

Cuban classic cars in old Havana

Real life in Cuba as a Cuban lady walks past a red and white classic car

Cuban cars in old Havana, Cuba.

Blue and white classic car taxi in Havana

Classic Cuban car in Old Havana in blue and white.

An elegant young lady in black walks past a blue and white classic Cuban car and a red moped. Arty photos in Old Havana.

Real life in Cuba - old classic car and Cuban kids.

Two little Cuban boys playing by a classic car in Habana Vieja

Red and white classic Cuban car in Old Havana

Red and white classic Cuban car in Old Havana

Real life in Cuba - colourful classic cars on the road in Havana

Colourful classic American old cars driving along a street in Havana on the way to the town centre

 Cuba and classic Cuban cars

Red classic Cuban car

Cuban classic car driving along the streets of Old Havana

These Cuban cars just keep on and on, as you can see with this one looking immaculate as it is being driven along the streets of Havana

Real life in Cuba - classic cars and young people hanging out/

Kids the world over hang out in the streets listening to music. However music is deeply embedding in the soul of all Cubans. To the right a classic American car is being repaired at the roadside

Roadside repairs of a classic Cuban car

Roadside repairs of a classic Cuban car

Real life in Cuba as an engine is taken apart in the street

Real life in Cuba as a classic car engine is taken apart in the street.

Real life in Cuba - man repairting his old American car in Havana

Under the bonnet of a classic Cuban car.

This was my 6th visit to Cuba since 1996, but the cars have not changed.  I was in Havana to photograph a real Cuban wedding – on 14th December 2014 –  but couldn’t resist spending a day in Old Havana just taking pictures of cars and people.

 

I actually met my husband here, on the last day of my very first trip to Cuba, but it wasn’t till my second visit 18 months later that we got together.  I had just completed a 6 month’s rapid course in Spanish, but even so by head ached after spending hours and hours talking in Spanish on that second visit that change the course of my life.   He was working as a Sound Designer /Recordist/Engineer at Cuban TV, and I had just graduated from  Huddersfield Uni. Fortunately he was a very accomplished English speaker too, so no problems of communication at all.

I spent my first week cycling from Havana to Trinidad (a town in Cuba)  – a distance of about 250 km – in aid of the National Deaf Children’s Society, then in the second week stayed with this lovely Cuban family I had met on the last day of my initial visit when on a study trip. They had a 50 year old fridge that needed a new motor, so I made it a condition that I was allowed to pay for that to be repaired.  Towards the end of that week, we went into Havana to try and get an umbrella repaired  – yes repaired  – and on our way back as we were waiting for a bus, I asked Jorge why he didn’t consider coming to the UK to work.  his reply was that in order to work in the UK, he would need to be married.  Without even thinking , I replied,

 

“Well that can be arranged!”

15 years on , we are still married, so sometime things are just meant to be.

 

 

 

Real life in Cuba - Cuban taxi more than 50 years old and still on the road.

Cuban taxi more than 50 years old and still on the road.

Cuban art photo

Art picture of classic Cuban taxi.

Cuban street life with classic car and local Cubans.

Cuban street life with classic car and local Cubans.

Cuban taxi - over 50 years old.

Classic Cuban taxi in Old Havana December 2014.

Strong image of a Classic Cuban car in Havana.  Copyright Reel Life Photos

Love the grille in the front of this car.

Art photo of Cuba

Art photo of the back of an old car by a Cuban window in Havana.

Roadside mechanics - real life in Cuba.  Copyright Reel Life Photos

They have no private space of garage so just set about repairing their cars where they stop.

Real life in Cuba - classic Cuban  cars still driving round Havana.

Cuban streets are so full of beautiful old cars!

Cuban cars in Old Havana. Copyright Reel Life Photos.

A classic Cuban car driver spots my camera and waves to me as he drives past.

Real life in Cuba .  Classic cars an old motorbikes.

Cars and mopeds being driven through Old Havana.

Woman hailing a share taxi in Old Havana.

A Cuban taxi stops to see if it can get a new passenger.

Old Cuban taxi in Havana.  Copyright Reel Life Photos

Cuban taxi in Old Havana.

Real life in Cuba

Lime green Cuban taxi driving past a street in Havana with peeling paint.

Brown classic Cuban taxi car in Havana

Street in Old Havana with classic Cuban taxi car driving past.

Street in Cuba with red classic taxi car in Old Havana

Red and white old American car used as a taxi, driving past pedestrians walking along the pavement in Old Havana. (Habana Vieja)

Old white taxi  - classic American car in Cuba

Classic white Cuban car used as a taxi in Old Havana

Real life in Cuba, Cubana and classic old cars in Havana.

Real life on the streets of Old Havana

Real life in Cuba - Cuban cars in Havana

Cuban lady looking at an old American car in Havana

Cuban cars in Old Havana - a street in Hbana Vieja.

Cuban cars in Old Havana drive past as girls cross the street in Habana Vieja

ClassicCuban street scene  in Old Havana with old American cars

Classic street scene in Old Havana

Old Cuban cars in Havana still work as taxis.

Old American car used as a taxi in Havana

Lime green and white classic Cuban car in Old Havana

Lime green and white classic Cuban car in Old Havana

Lime green car in Old Havana,  Cuba

Close up of the lime green car with white roof in Old Havana.

Life in Cuba, car, moped, and Cubans

Blue car by candlewick twisted (sugar candy?) columns

Old Cuban car in Havna

Blue Cuban car in Old Havana

Old American car in Cuba

Blue car in Havana.

Red motorbike with sidecar in Cuba

Conversation piece: red motorbike with sidecar in Havana.

Rickshaw and old American car in Cuba

Red, yellow, green and blue!

Classic Cadillac cars in Cuba

Old Cuban cars by El Malecón.

Old Amercan cars in Cuba.

Havana may look as if it is crumbling, but in reality it is full of life.

Dramatic photo of street in Havana in the winter.

Street in Havana

Old Cuban cars.

Old Cuban cars everywhere, gleaming in the sunlight.

Life and old cars in Cuba

The appeal of Havana is in the feeling that time has stood still.

Old Amercian cars in Cuba

Love this shiny blue classic car as it drives past the tall decorative columns of a 100 year old block of flats in Havana.

Old Cuban cars in Havana

Symphony of colour in yellow, blue and green.

Real life in Cuba Real life in Cuba Real life in Cuba Real life in Cuba Real life in Cuba Real life in Cuba Real life in Cuba Real life in Cuba

 

 

 

 

Plaza de Maceo, Havana, Cuba with old Cuban cars at night.

Old cars going past Plaza de Maceo in Havana, Cuba at night. on el Malecón.

 

 

 

 

Real Cuban wedding in Havana, Cuba

Saturday, December 20th, 2014

Its not often I get to photograph a wedding in Cuba, so am excited to post these first few pics following my recent trip there for this wedding.  It isn’t set in a glamorous hotel or on an exotic beach, but the happiness in the couple’s faces shows the true meaning of a wedding day.

If you are planning to get married in Cuba, or are having your wedding reception abroad then get in touch , as we only charge the same as a UK wedding, other than a bit of hospitality if I don’t know anyone in the particular country your are getting married in.   I have places to stay in The Seychelles, The Gambia, Cyprus and Cuba, and possibly others in different countries, depending on the towns.  I am happy to travel anywhere really, and have already covered weddings in The Ice Hotel in Sweden, in Australia, Norway, Nigeria, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, France, Southern Ireland, Cyprus, Gambia and The Seychelles.  We can come as a video-photography team or I can also shoot some video footage, as well as taking photos.

xx Elaine and Jorge

http://www.reellifephotos.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/destination.wedding.photographer.uk

Real Cuban wedding in Havana , Cuba

Cuban wedding dress

Real Cuban wedding in Havana , Cuba

The bride’s friends fuss round her as they arrive to help her get ready.

A male friend sits by as he knows he can't do much at this stage to help the bride get ready

A male friend sits by as he knows he can’t do much at this stage to help the bride get ready.  As you can see it is Christmas time too – 14th December in fact .

Real Cuban wedding in Havana , Cuba

Bride’s wedding shoes hanging on the base of an old sewing machine, in this lovely house in Cuba.

Real Cuban wedding in Havana , Cuba

Simple makeup.

Real Cuban wedding in Havana , Cuba

Artistic room in Havana where the Cuban bride is getting ready for her wedding, as a friend applies her makeup for her.

Real Cuban wedding in Havana , Cuba

Hair tweaking as the tiara goes on

Real Cuban wedding in Havana , Cuba

Hairspray lovingly applied and duplicated in the mirror reflection. The natural light adds to the magic.

Real Cuban wedding in Havana , Cuba

Now the male family friend can help out by doing up the bride’s shoes.

Real Cuban wedding in Havana , Cuba

Look at your shoes. You look so pretty.

Real Cuban wedding in Havana , Cuba

Happy bride in Cuba!

Real Cuban wedding in Havana , Cuba Real Cuban wedding in Havana , Cuba