Sam Carter Photography Recommends' Part 2 - Wedding Reception Entertainment

by Sam Carter , Portrait and Wedding photographer in Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex & surrounding areas.

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Choosing entertainment for your wedding can be very tricky. You want something that your guests are going to enjoy without being cheesy and making them feel awkward. Its also worthwhile keeping in mind the age ranges of your guests. For example, if you are inviting a lot of friends and family to your wedding who have children, those kids aren't going to find much interest in a live singer or musician. I went to a fantastic wedding once where there was a 'kids room' next to the main reception room where there was a kids disco and entertainers. Not only did this keep the kids occupied and happy but it gave their parents some peace and quiet to enjoy the reception. Smiles all round!

Very few people choose to go with the traditional disco DJ these days and opt instead for table magicians, live bands and even stand up comedians. When I got married I was looking for something a little different. Something that our guests would enjoy and remember, and that is why we booked Luisa Calvo. Luisa is a caricaturist who has carried out work for some very big names including Sir Trevour Macdonald, Richard Branson and Prince Phillip of Spain, and you can book her to do caricatures of you and your guests at your reception. Luisa's work is unobtrusive as she works her way around the room drawing the guests. Your guests have fun and enjoy the experience and comparing pictures (and don't worry ladies, Luisa is very flattering when drawing us girlies!). The caricatures are also a lovely little thank you gift from you to your guests for sharing your day. You can find more about Luisa's work on her website at http://www.wickedcaricatures.com/.

Ultimately your wedding day is your day and you should always choose the different aspects of your day that make you happy. You are (hopefully) only going to do this once and you want to make sure that the whole day is exactly as you want it, but if you are looking for something a little different, something unusual and fun, I highly recommend having a look at Luisa's website.

And don't forget, if you are getting married in 2010 or 2011 and are looking for a wedding photographer in Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex or even further afield, call us now on 07943 953009 or visit our website at http://www.samcarterphotography.com/ for more details of our wedding photography.

'Sam Carter Photography Recommends' Part 1 - Your Wedding Rings

by Sam Carter Photography, Hampshire, Surrey and surrounding areas wedding photographer. Click here to visit our main website.

Planning Your Wedding.

When it comes to planning your wedding there is just so much to think about and plan and so many decisions to be made. If you do an Internet search on, for example, wedding cakes, you will be bombarded with literally thousands of websites and nobody has the time to scroll through each and every site trying to find the right supplier. So how do you find the right wedding suppliers for you? Over the next few weeks I am going to be sharing with you a few of the companies that I recommend to help make your wedding day perfect (no surprises who I recommend for the photography!).

The History Behind the Custom.

The origins of the wearing of a wedding ring begins back in ancient Egypt. The ring, being a circle and having no beginning and no ending, was a symbol of eternity to the Egyptians. Even the hole through which you put your finger had meaning. It symbolised a door or gateway leading to events unknown, and it is therefore not surprising that this symbol of eternity became common as a gift of love in the hope that the couple's union may take on the eternal characteristics of the ring.

The Egyptians wore the ring on the third finger of the left hand as it was believed that this finger contained a vein which lead straight to the heart so it was thought the most appropriate finger on which to put this symbol of love, and this tradition carries on today.

The Wedding Ring Workshop.

When it comes to choosing your own wedding ring, the designs are endless. Everyone looks for something unique, beautiful and meaningful to themselves and what could be more meaningful than making each others wedding ring? No, I'm not talking about a Blue Peter job with tin foil, I mean a real piece of jewellery, made of gold and hand made by you. Tucked away in Hatton Garden in London is a wonderful little place called the Wedding Ring Workshop. Here you can spend a day being guided by experienced ring makers through the process of making your rings, from melting the ingot of gold, through to milling, shaping, welding and polishing. Its a fantastic and fascinating day well spent and you will be amazed and proud of the beautiful rings you make. While you are making your rings they spoil you with Champagne and nibbles, and take you off for some lunch afterwards. Its a really fantastic experience and makes your wedding rings unique and so much more personal . Give their website a visit at http://www.weddingringworkshop.co.uk/

Wedding Photography.

And of course, don't forget to book your wedding photographer! Visit our website or contact us on 07943 953009 for details of our wedding photography. If you are getting married in 2011 contact us now for details of our early booking discounts.

Wedding Sayings And Customs by Sam Carter Photography

Main website: http://www.samcarterphotography.com/

The word 'wed' comes from the Greek word for 'pledge', that being what you are doing when you get married, pledging your love and commitment to your partner.

Weddings are surrounded by a lot of traditions and sayings but how many do you actually know the origin of?

Ever wondered where the saying 'Something old, something new...' comes from? It actually dates back to Victorian times and the full saying goes:

Something old, something new,
Something borrowed, something blue,
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

The something old is supposed to represent the link to the brides family and past. Something new symbolised good fortune and luck in the brides new life. Something borrowed is supposed to remind the bride that her friends and family will be there when she needs them. Something blue symbolises faithfulness and loyalty and dates back to biblical times when the colour blue represented purity. The silver sixpence in her shoe gives the bride wealth and happiness.

If you are getting married and need a wedding photographer take a look at my website http://www.samcarterphotography.com/. I have a fantastic range of packages to suit almost any budget or wedding including a bespoke service.

2010 dates are filling up fast so contact me now on 07943 953009 or email me at enquiries@samcarterphotography.com.

Wedding Photography for Mark Batehup & Alisia Rust at The Alton House Hotel - by Sam Carter

Main Website: http://www.samcarterphotography.com/

On 21st February I photographed the wedding of Mark and Alisia who got married at the Alton House Hotel in Hampshire.

Despite the poor weather Alisia looked serenely calm when she arrived with her Mum, who travelled all the way from South Africa, and the Matron of Honor, Holli.

The ceremony went smoothly and both Alisia and Mark had huge smiles on their faces all the way through.

After the ceremony the photography had to take place inside due to the poor weather. The majority of images were taken in the Hotel's 'Fountain Lounge' but we also moved to a beautiful staircase for a few images too.

Huge congratulations to Mark & Alisia and a big thank you to them both and their guests for being so welcoming.

If you would like details of our wedding photography services please contact us on 07943 953009 or visit our website at www.samcarterphotography.com

Wanted: Deserving Couple for Free Wedding Photography in Hampshire. Surrey or West Sussex - by Sam Carter Photography

Hampshire, Surrey & Sussex Wedding & Portrait Photographer, Sam Carter Photography. Specialising in wedding photography, portrait photography, special occasion & event photography. Wedding photographer, wedding photography in Hampshire, Surrey & Sussex.

Main website: http://www.samcarterphotography.com/



Are you getting married this year or do you know a couple who are planning on tying the knot? We are looking for a deserving couple to receive an amazing offer of FREE wedding photography!



Maybe you know a couple who have been through some tough times recently, or who give a lot of their time to help a good cause. Maybe you are part of a couple planning on getting married and feel that you deserve a break. Whether its yourself, friends or family, if you know a couple who you feel deserve this extra special treat then let us know.


The couple who we feel are most deserving will receive wedding photography from bridal prep right through to the first dance absolutely free.


All you need to do is email us at enquiries@samcarterphotography.com with details of the couple you nominate and why you feel they deserve this offer. Include details of when and where they are getting married. We must receive you email by 15th March 2010 and the successful couple will be notified by 31st March. They must be getting married this year and in Hampshire, Surrey or West Sussex.

Make someones special day even more special and nominate them now.

Wedding Model Shoot at Prested Hall in Essex by Wedding Photographer Sam Carter

Hampshire, Surrey & Sussex Wedding & Portrait Photographer, Sam Carter Photography. Exceptional wedding photography, creative portrait photography. Wedding photography throughout Hampshire, Surrey & Sussex.

Main website: http://www.samcarterphotography.com/

On 5th February I took part in a wedding model shoot at Prested Hall in Essex. The models, Nezda and Anthony, braved the cold and we got some great shots. Fortunately the morning rain disappeared by the time we started the shoot and by late afternoon we had great light casting a warm glow over us.

If you are an up and coming model and would like to model for a photoshoot with us please contact us on 07943 953009 or email on enquiries@samcarterphotography.com.

If you are getting married this year contact us now to discuss your wedding photography. You could be eligible for an early booking discount!

Prom & Graduation Photo Shoots Early Booking Offer

Hampshire, Surrey & Sussex Wedding & Portrait Photographer, Sam Carter Photography. Prom & graduation photography in Hampshire, Surrey & Sussex, wedding & Portrait photography.

Sam Carter wedding & portrait photographer in Hampshire Surrey & Sussex.

Main website: http://www.samcarterphotography.com/

The time of year when graduations and proms take place is not far off. This is a once in a lifetime occasions for most people and we are running an early booking special offer on our prom and graduation photo shoots to mark the occasion.

Celebrate the occasion with a fantastic photo shoot dressed up in your prom dress or suit and remember the occasion forever. Book your photo shoot with us before 31st March 2010 and receive a complimentary 12x8 inch print of your choice worth £20.00!

The shoot cam be arranged for anytime you just need to book before 31st March to receive this very special offer, which applies to any of our portrait packages.

Contact us on 07943 953009, enquiries@samcarterphtography.com, for details and booking.