Looking for some romantic inspiration for Valentine's weekend?

Looking for some romantic inspiration for Valentine's weekend?

To help imagine life beyond the freezing weather, dark days and disinclination to go anywhere, it's time to start getting in the mood for love.

Happily, this year February 14th falls on a Sunday, which gives you plenty of opportunities to snuggle up and get romantic during that long weekend of love.

Love is in the air.

Some suggestions on romantic things to do:
1. Put on your thermal underwear (!) and have a bracing walk on the North Wales coastline, or around Mill Island to Nantwich Lake, or along the canal from Nantwich Marina.

2. Go explore some of the other towns and villages in Cheshire. Our favourite - apart from Nantwich which is full of little streets, independent boutiques and character pubs - is the extremely beautiful Chester with its half timbered buildings and the quite unique 'Rows' - you can even sail along the River Dee.

3. Take a stroll around Delamere Forest with the dogs to work up a hearty appetite for that lovely romantic candlelit meal later. We can recommend Cabbage Hall nearby run by Chef Patron extraordinaire Robert Kisby, 1851 Restaurant @ Peckforton Castle or The Residence in Nantwich, for great settings and wonderful food.

4. For the engagement bling if you are planning on popping the question - try Moody's in Nantwich for that special diamond piece.

5. So if you think the champagne will be needed too, then try these local Nantwich traders: Rodney Densem Wine Merchants and Edencroft Fine Wines.

Crazy little things - more Valentine's Day ideas in case you're still struggling for the ultimate love token, after all, this is one date you just can't miss:

Exquisite Valentine's gifts and flowers to make a heart beat faster:

Harrods

John Lewis

M&S

Lastminute getaways for that romantic long weekend.

Whatever you are planning for your Valentine's weekend, make it romantic, special, and loving.

Have fun, and please do get in touch if you do get engaged, so we can have an informal chat about your wedding photography coverage and how Ashford Daly Photography can tailor a bespoke wedding package to suit your requirements.

You can also contact us on 01270 618978 or email us here.


© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

Apple in her first family photo shoot here in the Cheshire countryside.

Apple in her first family photo shoot here in the Cheshire countryside.

Apple, who has a gorgeous head of curls in such a lovely rich colour, and a wicked laugh, loves Peppa Pig, her bedroom full of squidgy toys, her parents Kate and Toby and her new little baby sister Lilly (see previous blog post about Lilly).

Apple is is now starting to explore the Cheshire community during the day, with her Mum and Lilly, as they have very recently moved up from Wimbledon, London.

They are going to be such a beautiful family - you can see that not only from Apple's images, but from her parent's genes - as each milestone in her life is captured, with Lilly there to join in the fun and excitement.

Kate and her family have been a joy to work with. We've chatted about a lot during the time we've known each other, and hopefully Kate, the local info and contacts we've shared about toddler groups etc., has helped you in the settling in process.

If you are interested in maternity, pregnancy, bump and bambino, or children and family portraiture photo sessions, please call Ashford Daly Photography on 01270 618978 or e-mail us here.

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

Introducing bambino Lilly and her first family photo shoot in Cheshire.

Introducing bambino Lilly and her first family photo shoot in Cheshire.

Lilly is Cute with a capital C. She is one of the 'bumps' we photographed towards the end of last year, and arrived with little fuss, but with lots of love.

Now Mum & Dad have settled into their breathtaking new barn in the heart of Cheshire, we went along to see just how good her raspberry blowing was. She has perfected it I can report, and to some degree ;o)

Lilly has a little sister Apple who loves her to bits, has gorgeous curls and a wicked laugh.

They are going to be such a beautiful family - you can see that not only from them, but from their parent's genes - as each milestone in their lives is captured.

If you are interested in maternity, pregnancy, bump and baby, or children and family photo sessions, please call Ashford Daly Photography on 01270 618978 or e-mail us here.

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

Client feedback - family lifestyle shoot in Devon & Cornwall

Client feedback - family lifestyle shoot in Devon & Cornwall.

In January, we met up with a gorgeous Devon family, in the Cornwall area, to capture some real images of them thoroughly enjoying the last few days of their Christmas and New Year holiday's, and of them spending quality time with their two amazing daughters.

They have been so kind in sending us this testimonial.

"Wow what lovely, amazing photo's Mary and Greg, but I wouldn't expect anything less.....

they really captured the fantastic afternoon we had with you.

You are both so talented......

Thank you both so much for capturing these happy memories of our family that we can cherish forever.....

I only wish you lived closer so you could capture the girls as they grow up - fancy relocating! Thank you again.

Lots of love Lee, Jaye and the girls xxxx"

Thank you guys.
You might see a bit more of us in the summer @ some point if we manage to get down again - we fell in love with the place and want to explore some more ;o)


© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

Front Cover of February 2010 Localrider Equestrian Magazine

Great news - we've been prominently published in the media again this year.

Yes that's right... AGAIN & it's only just the end of January.

This time it's the front cover of February 2010 Localrider Magazine - a great specialist equestrian publication for all UK horse owners, riders, breeders, trainers and competitors, as well as those who like to spectate.

Localrider Magazine have seen some of our equestrian commercial, equine photo art and lifestyle experiences from our portfolio. Localrider also know that we operate across the whole of the UK, especially in their southern regional areas, where the printed glossy version of the magazine is widely circulated in the main to a very strong, experienced and knowledgeable following.

We're as pleased as punch to have been acknowledged so favourably by the equine community, especially as we're splitting more of our time between our North West base in Cheshire, with London, Berkshire, the Home Counties and the Southern UK regions, promoting and working in our specialised photography fields, which already includes the horse community.

We've even been checked out by breeders and trainers in South America last year. How's that for global reach ;o)

Watch out for more blogs and our images appearing this year, from work in the thoroughbred world of equestrian, or check out our equine area on the website gallery.

Exciting times. Yes positively. It does show all the super hard work we've put in over the last two years especially, is proving to be beneficial, and people of standing in the industry and in our local communites North and South are backing us. Thank you.

We love our job, and we just adore spending time taking creative photographs of beautiful horses.

Front cover image by Ashford Daly Photography. Front cover design courtesy of Localrider.

Photography from the heart. Photography born from our obsession.

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

The start of something beautiful - Valentine's celebration through the ages

Where did Valentine’s Day come from? How did it start? Valentine's celebration through the ages, how has it changed?

Valentine's Day on February 14th each year is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other.

The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines".

Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards.

In the second half of the twentieth century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts, usually from a man to a woman.

In the 1980s, the diamond industry began to promote Valentine's Day as an occasion for giving jewellery.

Many grooms-to-be, do see February the 14th as the most romantic day of the year to express their feelings openly, and also to propose.

What could be more romantic this Valentine's Day than an exploration of love and relationships through the ages?

Several London museums, archives and higher education institutions have joined forces to host a series of events to examine various aspects of love using documents, walks, lectures and workshops. How cool is this?

The organisers were awarded a £27,000 transformation grant by the government to hold the festival, which is called 'Past Caring: A Celebration of Love in History.'

London Metropolitan Archive came up with a whole series of things [theatre posters, court records, diaries and letters] that they held in their archive and fitted the theme perfectly."

Other events are set to include:
· Learn about the language of flowers and make some Victorian Valentine's Day cards at the Geffrye Museum
· A romantic stroll through Bloomsbury that ends with wine and talks at the LRB bookshop on Bury Place
· Explore commuter love with speed dating, quizzes, film, music and a bespoke aromatherapy workshop at the London Transport Museum
· Discover the Valentine's card collection at Guildhall Library, followed by a practical card making session
· Music and (mind) games at the Freud Museum

The start of something beautiful?
The History and Heritage Adult Learning Network that is organising the event has brought together some of London's leading museums, galleries, archives and academic institutions.

'Past Caring: A Celebration of Love in History' runs from 6-14 February 2010 at selected venues in London.
http://www.pastcaring.org/eventslist.php



Contact Ashford Daly Photography on 01270 618978 or email us here, if you are getting engaged, and want to have a chat about your wedding day photographic coverage needs, arrange a pre-wedding consult or pre-wedding shoot, or check on our availability.


© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

InOut Magazine - Ashford Daly Photography have more images published

More of our commercial images have been used in 3 marketing and PR article features for Cheshire restaurants in the Winter InOut Magazine for the North West UK region.

Anyone else need commercial publicity photographs for their venues, restaurants or bars for media coverage, print publishing, PR & Marketing or for your social media channels?

Please contact us on 01270 618978, or email us here.


© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

Post wedding photo shoot in Cornwall

We have recently had the pleasure of carrying out a post-wedding photo shoot with Sinead and John, one of our fantastic wedding couples from 2009.

We met up in Cornwall, as they live in the South West. We all wrapped up warm, to take a chance on the coastline near the Charlestown Harbour a few miles from St Austell, with the tall ships, harbour and beach too, to capture some intimate and loving shots of them against this wonderful natural backdrop, before the tide came in, after just having spent their first Christmas and New Year together as husband and wife.

We've made a strong bond with Sinead and John, and are so glad to hear they want us as their family photographer. We're only too pleased with this, especially if it means we get to travel down to Devon and Cornwall again, where the scenery is absolutely stunning, and the weather in early January is so dramatic, perfect for some of our creative photographic projects (more on that this year).

Ashford Daly Photography can be contacted on 01270 618978 or email us here. We travel across the whole of the UK and abroad for wedding coverage, contemporary lifestyle photo shoots and family portraiture.

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

Burns Night - 25th Jan

Robert Burns was born 25th Jan 1759 and was widely though of as Scotland's national poet. He also wrote songs and letters, his most famous is probably Auld Lang Syne, sung on the last day of the year, welcoming in the new year, and also at Hogmany in Scotland.

Burns night is a tradition in Scotland. The Burns Supper is an institution of Scottish life; a night to celebrate the life and works of the national Bard. Suppers can range from an informal gathering of friends to a huge, formal dinner full of pomp and circumstance. A big-time Burns Night calls for a piper to welcome guests after which, Selkirk Grace (a short but important prayer read to usher in the meal) is said, followed, by the piping in of the haggis, then the toast (& often dousing of the haggis with choice neat whisky).

A typical menu:
Starter - Traditional cock-a-leekie soup
Main course - Haggis, neeps & tatties (Haggis wi' bashit neeps an' champit tatties)
Sweet - Clootie Dumpling (a pudding prepared in a linen cloth or cloot) or Typsy Laird (a Scottish sherry trifle)
Cheeseboard with bannocks (oatcakes)

For all my Scottish friends and contacts, have a fun-filled Burns Night - don't get too tipsy ;o)

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

Devon family lifestyle photo shoot along the Cornwall coast

We arranged a lifestyle shoot for the New Year with this family - where better when you are in Devon & Cornwall, than down by the coast.

Emillie and Evie have grown up so much since we last saw them - how cute do they both look in their colourful outfits. I want a hat like that and am still looking....

They certainly wore Mum & Dad out, so it was great having some friends on hand to look after the girls for a few moments, whilst we captured some of them on their own too.

This was a typical Sunday afternoon for Jaycee and Lee, so it was good to be with them to capture it for them. They are a special family, who work hard, but are full of fun and excitement, and above all else, love being out and about as a family for the day.

If you need a family photographer, to capture you and your children at play in the great outdoors, or enjoying your family hobbies, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on 01270 618978 or email us here. We operate across the whole of the UK.

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

Client feedback

We recently hand delivered the most enviable wedding album to one of our brilliant wedding couples Sinead and John from our 2009 season, who are based in the South West of the UK.

They have provided us with the following testimonial:

"Our wedding album is absolutely amazing.....thank you so much Mary & Greg, it is everything we dreamed of..........

the design by you and Greg, and the quality of the album is unbelievable......

we're so made up,

....and we have loved spending the day with you both.

Thanks for everything,

S&J xxxxxxxx"

Thank you too guys. A very special album, for a very special and deeply passionate couple.

We wish you all the best for your wonderful married life together and we will keep in touch. Thank you too Sinead for seeing us as your family photographer going forwards, and for referring us to all your friends as well.

Have fun with all your travels and adventures this year - we know you will both have a very exciting first year of marriage.

Love and big hugs, M&G xxx

For your wedding photography coverage, across the UK: Ashford Daly Photography.

Or contact us on: 01270 618978

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

Happy New Year

We would like to wish all our past, present and future clients and business colleagues and networking connections, all the very best for the New Year, and we hope 2010 will allow all your dreams and wishes to come true and for your business opportunities to prosper.

Mary & Greg

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

Cosmo Bride National Magazine - out Jan 2010

A NorthWest award nominated Retail Bridal House, Boda Bridal, has selected an Ashford Daly Photography bridal image, with one of our real life brides, for use as a full page advert for their brand, soon to hit the shops in the gorgeous Cosmo Bride National Magazine, out in January 2010.

Great news for us, as we not only continue to work closely with this Bridal House, but also because they've selected one of our wedding images over the portfolio supplied from the wedding dress designer's studio set, taken in New York.

F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S.

For details about how we can create your Fairytale Wedding, and make your dreams come true:

Image by Ashford Daly Photography - contact us on: 01270 618978

Bridalwear and Accessories by Boda Bridal, Chester - 01244 344 388

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

Christmas and New Year

ASHFORD DALY PHOTOGRAPHY WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS, A HAPPY NEW YEAR & ALL THE VERY BEST FOR 2010.

The office is now closed for the Christmas and New Year period, until Thurs 14th January.

Bookings and commissions are now being taken for the 2010 season onwards.

For more information on specialised gifts for Christmas, the New Year or any other special occasions, including Valentine's and Easter, family portraiture, contemporary lifestyle photo shoots, equestrian experiences and of course details on our bespoke wedding packages and post wedding bridal shoots, please call us on: 01270 618978 or e-mail the Ashford Daly Photography team here or check out the website for other creative inspiring ideas here.

“Ashford Daly Photography – short listed for the prestigious
Professional Photographer of the Year Awards” 08/09

Photography from the Heart ♥ Photography born from our OBSESSION

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2010

Rock 'n Roll Bride

Great images from our shoot with this Rock 'n Roll Bride....taken in a very small chapel with LOTS of candles to help light it up and give us the atmosphere we wanted to create with this funky and quirky bride, who wanted to push the boundaries in getting some wonderful and evocative wedding images.

We love spending a little bit of extra time, getting those intimate and creative shots of the bride in her dress, amongst historical surroundings, giving her groom something to remember well after the wedding day itself.

Dress from a selection available @ Boda Bridal, sourced from New York, giving a timeless elegant old movie star feel to the images we captured on the day, but still being edgy and fashion driven.

A few from the full set taken on the day.

Wedding photography in Cheshire, and Berkshire, by Ashford Daly Photography.

Please call us on: 01270 618978 for further information on our wedding photography coverage.

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved.

Emma & Philip - married

Emma and Phil were recently married - two prominent farming families joining together at this religious ceremony and weekend long celebration of married happiness and good will just before the Christmas festivities commence.

Emma and Phil are currently honeymooning in France and Italy.

Here is a taster from their gorgeous wedding day, where all the friends and family members came together at Emma's parent's farm estate in large numbers, totalling 350, to help the parties on both days' over the weekend, go with a bang, where the farming theme, fun and adventure all played their own part.

Wedding photography coverage by Ashford Daly Photography based in Nantwich, Cheshire.
Wedding dress and bridalwear supplied by Amy Louise Bridal.

Wedding jewellery by Tiffany & Co.

Makeup by Essence Beauty and Relaxation.

Reverend Rick Gates from St Boniface, Bunbury Church officiated.

Marquees all supplied by Border Marquees.

Wedding catering by the Golden Goose Events, Shropshire.

Wedding flowers by Ian Lloyd, The Flower Shop, Wilmslow.

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved.

Thanksgiving Day - Thurs 26/11/09

Ashford Daly Photography would like to wish a very happy Thanksgiving Day on 26/11/09 to all our US friends, clients and biz contacts.

Have a brilliant family holiday weekend - big hugs xxx

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved.

'Treasure' the dress shoot with Vivienne Westwood styled wedding dress from SATC film

SATC is probably one of my favourite girly programmes from C4, and yes I did go to see the movie with the girlfriends too.

When Penny advised she wanted to sample our 'Treasure the Dress' photo shoot, with her 'Carrie' wedding dress, we eagerly said yes.

We shot this on the battlements at a local Castle where Ashford Daly Photography are the preferred photographic supplier.

I'm sure you will agree, the images would not look out of place in a National Magazine spread....

'Treasure' means to love and cherish, celebrate and adore once more. 'Trash' means to take it more to the extreme, you're not afraid to get the dress dirty, or to push the boundaries in terms of the landscape we could end up doing the shoot at - for example - down at the beach (sometimes in the water itself, with or without the wellies for a totally retro look), along the coastline cliffs, in an enchanted woodland area or in a stark urban environment, all quite different to where you actually were married.....the possibilities are endless..... interested?

Give us a call on: 01270 618978. We can't wait to hear from you.

Penny very kindly sent us this testimonial afterwards:

".......I just loved it....... I can hardly believe it's me!

The images are so gorgeous and beautiful - I am so very pleased with the pictures.....
I wish I could wear the wedding dress every day......
.....felt like a princess all day, it was amazing....

Thank you.
Lots of love, P xxx "

If you would like to explore a 'Treasure the Dress, or 'Trash the Dress' photo session with Ashford Daly Photography based in Cheshire, please call us for more information and to discuss on: 01270 618978 or send us your full contact details by email here.

We travel right across the whole of the UK and abroad for weddings assignments, and post-wedding shoots.

Useful supplier contacts:
Wedding Photographers: Mary Ashford and Greg Daly of Ashford Daly Photography - 01270 618978 - email

Bridalwear and accessories by Boda Bridal of Chester: Wendy or Tina - 01244 344388 - Boda Bridal

Hair: Trudy Dentith @ TPL, Cheshire - 01270 211446 or 07732 768298

Make-Up: Lizzie Griffiths Make Up - 07702 597863 or 01978 265253

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved.

What a gorgeous bridal gown

This bride's wedding dress was simply gorgeous - lots of work went into the final design and fitting.

Ashford Daly Photography love being able to have a little bit of time with the bride alone to capture some stunning bridal images to show off the dress, which has been so carefully and lovingly chosen for the wedding day. A few images here from a set the bride will cherish, which will provide romantic and quite emotional memories.

Suppliers:

Wedding Photographers: Ashford Daly Photography - 01270 618978 - email

Wedding venue: Peckforton Castle

Bridalwear: Boda Bridal

Flowers: The Flower Room

Hair: Trudy Dentith @ TPL, Cheshire - 01270 211446 or 07732 768298

Make-Up: Lizzie Griffiths Make Up - 07702 597863 or 01978 265253

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved.

Bride with 'attitude' - we love that

Ashford Daly Photography recently shot a bride who had lots of 'attitude'..... brilliant - it means we gained some great images full of expression for the final wedding set, allowing us to create a fabulous multiframe, showing the images in one long strip. The final finished product is going to look great on one of their walls at home.

If you would like your wedding photography and your personality to be captured creatively and with fun, to produce wedding day images quite different to everyone else, please contact us on: 01270 618978 or by sending your full contact details to us on email here, so we can have a chat.

We can't wait to meet you.

Suppliers:

Wedding Photographers: Ashford Daly Photography - 01270 618978 - email

Wedding venue: Peckforton Castle

Bridalwear: Boda Bridal

Hair: Trudy Dentith @ TPL, Cheshire - 01270 211446 or 07732 768298

Make-Up: Lizzie Griffiths Make Up - 07702 597863 or 01978 265253

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved.