UK Destination Wedding Photographers, Cheshire Documentary Photography, Family Portraits, Fine Art

The new Ashford Daly Photography Website can be found by following the link below

2011-11-13T09:55:00.000Z

The new Ashford Daly Photography Website

Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/

Don't forget, the new Ashford Daly Photography Website can be found by following the link below - a new world of photography and art brought to you by Greg and Mary.

Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/

Propspective photographic clients, you can still contact Ashford Daly Photography on our customer sales and enquiry line:

Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978

Thank you.

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Press Release - Announcing the LAUNCH of the new branding and website design for Ashford Daly Photography from the UK

2011-09-12T09:00:00.017+01:00

Earlier this year we pondered the question we'd been posed:

"What have you been up to behind the scenes?"

We had been and are asked this time and again every year by close networking colleagues, fellow photographers and industry contacts.

BRANDING was on our minds, and has been for a good expanse of this year.

Why was a new logo and a complete branding revamp is so important to Cheshire Photographers Ashford Daly?

Back in March, we took a step back for a moment, to look inwards, as a client would, and assessed our brand image, asking ourselves, is it going to be good enough to propel us through the next 5 years, WOW enough to speak to our target audience, refined enough to show our portfolio to the industry and big enough to stand up to our plans for the future too - our Fine Art Limited Edition Collections and Print releases for instance.

So, that's why, we were very pleased to announce, have a new look, had a facelift, and are now fitted with brand new shiny shoes - we have been so giddy in anticipation with it all too.

We created our brief, researched and shortlisted a healthy number of professional and specialist branding, full design and new media agencies within the UK, had consultations with several of those companies, and were really pleased to say, we awarded the commission and much sought after brand, web design and build project to Freebird New Media Ltd.

Freebird joined the Ashford Daly team, to work their design magic with us, and developed and created our new revamped image with us, to engineer a wonderful new logo, new corporate bespoke branding portfolio, a super duper website, and the associated new media to go alongside it, for the Ashford Daly brand and our Photographic business arms as a whole going forwards, to tie into the business' photography and personal goals and objectives planned over the next five years.

Well done to Nige Burton and his whole very talented team, with whom we experienced the whole inspiring creative process.

Thursday 8/9/11 was soft launch day, and we are excitedly revealing the new developments so far, to all of you out there.

The bespoke design and build elements are now ready for public viewing and for sharing with our wider global audience here: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/

Watch our website, online magazine and media channel spaces, for further PR and news updates as they're released during the rest of the year and early next.

Exciting times. Big NEW Brand for Big Bold Steps brought to you by Ashford Daly.

Come and join us on our Brand's global journey... it's going to be an inspiring time.

You can contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/ NEW Magazine Blog: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/blog/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Street Photography Now Project

2011-09-02T13:00:00.063+01:00

Sophie Howarth and Stephen McLaren celebrate the work of an international cast of contemporary street photographers, and now you can take part in a venture to join their ranks, if you're quick.
Street Photography Now Project:

No better advice has ever been given to street photographers than that offered by Walker Evans, one of the greatest American photographers of the mid-twentieth century:
‘Stare. It is the way to educate your eye, and more. Stare, pry, listen, eavesdrop. Die knowing something. You are not here long.’

Evans would never have described himself as a ‘street photographer’.

In the decades when he was most active – the 1930s and 1940s – the term still described someone who solicited strangers, often at tourist landmarks and holiday destinations, offering to take their portraits for a fee. A brief pose, a puff of flash powder and the job was done.

Evans would have regarded the term far too limiting, for he drew inspiration not only from the street but also from underground trains, front porches and parks – anywhere he could observe honest people going about their daily lives.

However, his deliciously provocative instructions reveal the essence of what is now known as ‘street photography’: the impulse to take candid pictures in the stream of everyday life.

Street photography is an unbroken tradition, stretching back to the invention of photography itself.

It revels in the poetic possibilities that an inquisitive mind and a camera can conjure out of everyday life.

Like Evans, the photographers featured in this book get many of their best shots in shopping malls, parks, bars, museums, subways or coastal promenades.

In their spontaneous and often subconscious reaction to the fecundity of public life, street photographers elevate the commonplace and familiar into something mythical and even heroic.

They thrive on the unexpected, seeing the street as a theatre of endless possibilities, the cast list never fixed until the shutter is pressed.

They stare, they pry, they listen and they eavesdrop, and in doing so they hold up a mirror to the kind of societies we are making for ourselves.

At a time when fewer and fewer of the images we see are honest representations of real life, their work is more vital than ever.

The above text has been extracted from the book 'Street Photography Now' by Sophie Howarth and Stephen McLaren, available from Thames and Hudson for £29.95. Street Photography Now: The Instructions

"I've reviewed and looked at this book during my last visit to London and found it to be quite inspiring and provoking project subject - a thought posted - a phrase mentioned - a quote placed or a single statement voiced - capturing and reliving through everyday street life, people and environments - really inspiring and full of creativity, something we at AshfordDaly have been practising within our COLLECTIONS ranges for a very long time now..."

Mary Ashford

London's Photographer's Gallery have joined forces with Sophie Howarth to create a 'Street Photography Now' project you can still contribute to, if you're quick.

Every week for a year, one of the 52 contributors to the book will post an instruction to inspire participants to take a photograph in response.

It could range from a quote to a simple 'look outside your window' to just one word.

Photographs will be uploaded to a website, and at the end of the year the photographer who has made the most significant contribution will win £1000 of Thames and Hudson books and their work will be shown on the gallery's digital Wall for All at their new premises in Ramilies Street.

For details on how to take part, please see the SPN blog

- and keep your eyes peeled for next year in case they run it again

- for us personally it's cool to see Street Photography and Art Works created from thoughts from outside the nornal boxes and social environments photographers are usually pidgeon-holed into - and it's something we're very passionate about and practise in our FINE ART COLLECTIONS, launching very soon via our new website.

For further information about the new AshfordDaly COLLECTIONS and FINE ART PRINTS, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Standing Out From The Crowd - GraphiStudio Italian Handcrafted Albums - Why we use them as one of our suppliers.

2011-09-01T08:00:00.063+01:00

There were many album companies around and in the market globally, when we first came across GraphiStudio more than seven years ago? There have always been lots, but now there's a gazillion – so why have we chosen GraphiStudio in

Italy

as one of our key and necessary quality album suppliers and partners?

To stand out from the crowd that's why.

It still amazes us how each couple, wedding, family and setting is so different, and requires their story being displayed in a design piece as timeless art work - that's our a point of difference in having Graphi albums within our supplier mix - they allow us to exercise our creativity, with the beautiful photographic images we craft and engineer, to produce stunning one off showcase albums, which our clients quite simply LOVE and adore.

We all have a unique story to tell. Albums should be just as individual, and we believe everyone deserves the best we can source, using hand crafted techniques and skilled artisans who are also very passionate about their products and service - just like us - to tell your remarkable story, displaying through fabulous pages within a bespoke quality album, which will stand the test of time.

Here's an embedded video which globally shows some of our fellow photographers and artists, who also share the same passion for amazing product quality, innovation, great photography and brilliant customer service, from in our opinion, one of the very best suppliers globally, of wedding albums and photo storybooks.

GraphiStudio, we are proud to have you on our team.

AshfordDaly can be found on YouTube here.

To discuss your photography requirements or to book, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:

Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978

Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com

Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/

Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

AWARDS NEWS - Greg Daly is in the running for 'International Master Photographer Of The Year' accolade

2011-08-29T16:00:00.000+01:00

We're delighted to have been advised on Friday 26th August, that after three day's of intense judging by the hugely respected MPA judging panel, qualified Master Photographer Greg Daly of Ashford Daly Photography has been awarded not one, but two Merits in the Master Photography Awards, for a couple of our images from the past year - one in the landscape category, with one of our soon to be released fine art limited edition prints, and another in the classical wedding category, with one of our gorgeous brides from a winter season wedding.

Well done Greg - this is great news and we're so very pleased and proud of you, especially in these very hotly contested photographic categories, which attract immense worldwide interest.

As a Merit winner, both of the images will be displayed with the other Merits at the prestigious MPA Awards Dinner and Presentations, which are taking place on 9th October in the UK. The images will also be displayed on the Awards website.

All the Merit winners will then learn if they have achieved Awards of Excellence or indeed become category winners.

The highly regarded and very competitive 'International Master Photographer Of The Year' awards accolade will also be announced on the night.

Please keep your fingers and toes crossed for Greg for the International Master title too.

As many of you who read our news and Social Media Channels will already know, Greg won the MPA Yervant Bridal Award and Winning Title in October 2010, attracting lots of interest across the globe, and in providing us both with a brilliant opportunity to spend a week with Grand Master Yervant Zanazanian and his wife Anie from Yervant International in a beautiful location in the Mediterranean later this year. So exciting - More about that later in the year.

Greg - we're willing you to win in either of the categories, and we really wish you attain another globally recognised title again this year at the super MPA awards.

For enquiries about your own photographic needs and requirements, weddings, portraits, or our fine art range, please contact Ashford Daly Photography directly on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Organic Abstract Collection by Ashford Daly Photography

2011-08-19T12:00:00.001+01:00

A view of nature, a sample of the good life, and the good things in life.

A collection of abstract flora, foods and fabulous feel good factors, which make all our lives more rounded, more colourful, more loving and interesting, which we all interact with at one time or another in our lifetimes, and hopefully take some joy from by smelling, viewing, tasting, touching, sharing and remembering.

These are stunning and vibrant pieces of photo art, put together by AshfordDaly FINE ART to compliment each other, provide attractive displays once framed and hung, ideal for your internal decor, or to adorn public spaces, to add an accent or beautiful injection of colour into your scheme.

Please see the Ashford Daly Photography website, under our 'FINE ART - Other Collections' section for more stylish images which are available and have been released for The Organic Abstract Collection by AshfordDaly.

For further information, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

USA client seeks portrait photography shoot whilst visiting the UK and Europe

2011-08-15T15:00:00.000+01:00

Our client Paul, rang us to arrange a portraiture photo session a few months ago, whilst he'd be visiting the UK on a bit of business, and before he embarked on a smallish summer vacation in the UK and on the continent.

Paul and his wife Kris live in Oregon in the United States of America.

This was a special photography opportunity for Paul, as it was a landmark birthday celebration whilst he was visiting England, before travelling onto Paris in France, to start a cultural holiday with his wife across Europe as a birthday treat.

Happy 40th Paul. Speak with you on your return to the USA.

If you would like to arrange a photo shoot with Ashford Daly Photography, please contact us on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Manchester United Football Club - new season and fixtures start today at 3pm

2011-08-13T12:00:00.056+01:00

Will Sir Alex Ferguson and his red army to it again for a 20th time and make us all proud? We hope so...

Manchester United Football Club start their Champions title defence of the Premier League with the new 2011/2012 season and fixtures kicking off today, 13th August 2011, at 3pm.

Good luck Man U. We know you can do it.

News about the new football season here:
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Home
http://www.manutd.com/

Contact Ashford Daly Photography for all your photographic needs across the UK on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Antarctica Doctor calls in Cheshire Photographers for Corporate Headshot Portraiture

2011-08-08T09:00:00.000+01:00

Meet Jo. A Lancashire Doctor, newly returned from her second Antarctica research expedition, at the Earth's southernmost continent, including the South Pole.

Jo is lovely. A gentle person who loves to get to know you and have a meaningful chat over a mug of coffee. She was in need of new corporate headshots for her work articles and features about experiments she has carried out, and for a new medical research programme on the West Coast of Scotland she is about to embark on.

We met up with Jo in Manchester, for this calm and relaxed portrait photo shoot, just before her hectic work schedules this summer recommence.

We just love how Jo's eyes zing in this sneak peek set.

Good luck with the next secondment, we hope you have as much fun on the Western Islands of Scotland as you did in the southern hemisphere.

For contemporary portraits and business or lifestyle imagery please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Why we don't do 'cheap' wedding photography and why you can't have your cake and eat it!

2011-08-04T08:30:00.001+01:00

Anyone can offer to provide and cover a wedding cheaply if they want to.

We could as well, but we choose not to. Why? Because we prefer to stick to producing high quality work and products, show and demonstrate our level of experience and valuable skills, keep our reputation intact, and because we have a known and recognised market worth and worthwhile level investment for our services, that's why.

Let us put it this way... Imagine if someone approached Mr Kipling and asked if he could make his 'exceedingly good cakes' for less than the normal price. You can imagine what Mr Kipling would say: "Certainly not!". Because if he made a 'cheap' version of his cakes, then the quality would suffer wouldn't it! And subsequently, his reputation would be damaged forever.

You see, to make exceedingly good cakes we're quite sure you need some exceedingly good ingredients: time, creativity, experience, technical skill and effort, equipment and know how for instance, so therefore, pricing them any less would impact on one of those key components that make Mr Kipling's cakes so good.

The same can be said for our photography - wedding, lifestyle, boudoir, fine art prints or other private commissions.

One can easily cover a wedding cheaply, just like one can make cheap cakes. But would they look or taste as good? Would they be desired, would they be demanded. Would you become as emotionally attached to your resulting imagery; be proud to show off your album and products; want to tell everyone about your photographer and rush home to hang and display your imagery in your homeplace? Would you forge the same relationship before during and after the wedding day has taken place. Of course they wouldn't.

Cheap wedding photographers are just that - Cheap. They're Cheap for a reason. They didn't take much time or skill to put their albums together, and the creativity in the actual imagery, finishing and final designs can often be sadly lacking too.

We don't care what anyone says, you do only get what you pay for. Especially in this industry.

If you want a Cheap wedding photographer, we'd advise starting by putting into Google 'cheap wedding photographer'. They're really easy to find, and a great way to source the cheap 'weekend only' photographer who doesn't do photography on a full time basis, has another job he juggles through the week, who is in fact a only a keen hobbyist with a low grade Christmas camera purchase, who may not be insured, who may not have a professional set of expensive equipment to do the job, or a suite of specialist finishing tools at his disposal, often specifically tailored to his style, including the professional grade cameras and lenses, who may not have the technical know-how, photographic skill or the required finishing techniques, to do the job in hand, who has not repeatedly year after year re-invested in himself, his equipment, and his business as a whole, to provide you with the best, and is therefore not able to call themselves a true professional or who operates on a full time basis (if you ask them).

If you haven't got the budget to have a really decent and experienced professional wedding photographer, if you don't really understand or value your art investment in your big wedding day photography, and only want the cheapest photographer you've found, have employed and you are trusting, to provide you with the 'best coverage he is able to' for the most important day of your lives, then do this, book the cheapest you can find - we sincerely wish you all the luck in the world!

However, if you want to have an experienced award winning wedding photographer and outstanding photography team with a recognised worth and investment value in the marketplace, with front line access to key final products that are of the highest quality that they've researched over the years, which will show off the final imagery selected from the set presented to you, at it's very best - final products which are personally designed and hand finished specifically for you - then hire an expert, a full time, time served, professional; a full time team of photographers like Ashford Daly Photography - but also be prepared to pay realistically for their skills and experience and creativity, as well as the customer service and care they always offer to clients and individuals who become part of their much sought after portfolio.

At Ashford Daly Photography we don't and won't do cheap wedding photography. FACT.

If you were or are under the impression you'd get an all-singing, all-dancing wedding day photography coverage and accompanying package, for a low budget you might have had in mind, or think you can haggle for a discount, then you'll certainly be disappointed. Why? Because we firmly believe, you can't have your cake and eat it and we don't, I'm glad to say, operate a discounted service!

We're not trying to encourage you to spend more, or even overspend, we are however asking you to stop and think seriously about where and on what you apportion your wedding day budget, and to decide what is really important to you now and in the future - the choice is yours ahead of the day, there's not a lot you will be able to do after the day has passed.

Skill, experience, creativity and professionalism has a realistic price tag. We know our worth and value within the UK and International marketplace and as professional wedding photographers, but do you?

For your enquiry about our professional wedding photography services and coverage please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Boudoir Celebration with Cheshire Photographers AshfordDaly

2011-08-01T13:00:00.118+01:00

Judy experiences The Boudoir Collection by Cheshire Photographers AshfordDaly.

Judy, a very successful business woman, was keen to speak to us about The Boudoir Collection by Ashford Daly Photography, after seeing the subtle imagery we ran earlier this year in a luxury magazine, a copy of which had dropped through her gorgeous Northwest home, nestled in the far reaching Cheshire countryside.

Spending lots of time travelling globally with her high flying job in marine, boat and yacht insurance, Judy knew she would need to book an appointment early, due to her busy schedules this summer, and to ensure that she would be able to surprise the special person in her life too for their anniversary this summer.

Above is a sneak peek of two images which Judy has agreed to sharing with our readers. Obviously the nature of a boudoir photo shoot is a private affair, one we take very importantly, and in protecting our client's privacy.

Why don't you become a little more French for a few hours, show your feminine softer side, or arrange a treat for the love in your life, or for that special milestone occasion, birthday or calendar date.

Our own makeup artist {MUA} is also available by prior arrangement, to add that finishing touch and glamour. Judy asked us to include this service on the day of her photo shoot session - fabulous result - amazing lashes {we love}.

Celebrate you, with a sensual boudoir photo session. Now taking appointments for the Christmas gift season.

For further information about The Boudoir Collection by Ashford Daly Photography, please to contact us directly on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Cheshire Pet Portrait Photographers - meet Penny the Lurcher

2011-07-25T13:00:00.000+01:00

Hello, my name is Penny. I'm a Lurcher dog. I have great fun exploring the open fields in the countryside and having days out with my family.

This is my first pet portrait and it took me a while to settle down being honest - well you can't always make it easy for people can you...

I get spooked by loud noises and other little animals that jump and run about around me, so you have to watch out for that.

Can you imagine what I'm like when I visit the local Cheshire County Show and Fair at Tatton near Tabley, Knutsford, and see all those horses, cows, sheep and birds of prey...

Anyway, despite my nervous disposition, I really liked being photographed by Mary and Greg. They were very patient and soothing.

I would do it all again. Perhaps we can book the groom next time please Mum and Dad.

If you would know more about our pet portraiture and book a photo session, please contact:
Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Shiny Happy People - sneak peek - Cheshire Portraiture Photo Shoot

2011-07-18T12:00:00.001+01:00

We met Tony and Anna recently for a fabulous portrait photo session in the beautiful Cheshire countryside.

What immediately struck us, was how they were with each other.

The only phrase we have which sums it up is 'Shiny Happy People'.

FUN is something they practise with every day they have together, and this comes through on camera.

There's a little twinkle in Anna eye which was so engaging and beguiling, with such a wonderful smile and laugh too.

We had huge amounts of cheeriness the day we carried out their photography, despite the weather offering unexpected deluges outside.

We have selected a frame from the photo shoot session, as a sneak peek from their final set, to display here for you to also enjoy.

If you would like to have a chat about family or couples photography for this summer, please do contact Ashford Daly Photography on:

Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Day V Lately - National Television Campaign applaud for Northwest company

2011-07-15T10:00:00.016+01:00

MUSIC DUO INSPIRED TO YELL!

In February 2011, our very good friends, and clients, Spencer Hickson and David Fletcher, Music Producers from North West Label Tactal Hots Music, were specially commissioned from a long list of established artists to produce the exclusive music for the New Yell TV advertising campaign.

See the full story, Ad campaign and National Press/Media coverage here.

'Pulse and Thunder' is a great original track, so we're not surprised Tactal Hots Music have had such brilliant success and interest with the mellow vibe.

Ashford Daly Photography are also pleased to announce we'll be working closely again with Spencer on imagery for his corporate work, and in having some music tracks produced for AshfordDaly to accompany our own photographic art works and exhibits.

"Well done to Spencer and Fletch on an amazing project.

We're very big fans and so very proud of you"

- Mary and Greg xxx

You can contact Tactal Hots on:
Tactal Hots Music
// Tel: 07592 922185• http://tactalhotsmusic.wordpress.com/
• http://soundcloud.com/tactalhotsmusic
• www.myspace.com/desyfer831
• Skype: desyfer831

And Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

A Celebration of Power and Speed - Pageant of Power Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas, Cheshire

2011-07-14T12:00:00.006+01:00

Upcoming event for the whole family to relish, in the local South Cheshire area.

Pageant of Power Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas, Cheshire, UK.

Cholmondeley's annual celebration of power and speed happening on 15 - 17th July, 2011 at the stunning Castle and historic grounds on the Cheshire / Shropshire borders, and this year's extravaganza promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

Extended to three days, it begins with a preview day on Fri 15th July, which concentrates on track activities, allowing people to get a good look at the impressive sports cars and huge international brands attending and racing this year. Famous racing drivers, commentators and motorcyclists will be attending through out the festival, with the competitive racing commencing on Saturday.

There will be thrills and spills galore, for all the family across the weekend days.

Car fanatics will see the 1959 Le Mans winning Aston Martin, competing against the Stovebolt Special and the famous F1 Lotus 18 driven to victory by Stirling Moss in the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix, as well as displays from other past and present Formula One teams and manufacturers such as Ferrari, Tyrrell, Jordan, Lamborghini and Porsche.

Bike fans can purr with pleasure over the iconic dream machines, and power motor boats and sleek speedboats will compete on the Mere. Throw in spectacular aerobatics filling the skies, such as the Breitling Wingwalkers, and some polished military action, coupled with a firework display and evening concert, featuring an RAF fly past, and this will most definitely be a magnificent show on land, water and in the air and a real summer treat not to be missed.

For more details, click here for website and click here for the CPOP blog.

For Cheshire family portraits and photographic enquiries please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

AshfordDaly Equestrian Lifestyle Experience and Equine ART Collection

2011-07-11T12:30:00.000+01:00

The Equestrian Lifestyle Photography Experience.

Time spent with you and your horse across the UK, taking wonderful photographs of what you do best together. How better to capture part of a day or some time with you and your horses during your equestrian season. The experience you will never forget.

Private Commissions.

Whether you are with your horses, working dogs or enjoying a day’s shooting with friends in the Cheshire or Berkshire countryside, we love to catch the special moments you share with each other in the great outdoors.

Equine Photographic Assignments and the ART Collection.

We have various coverage options and spend levels for the discerning owner and horse enthusiast and art lover, all with varying degrees of time with an experienced photographer with our fine art finishing.

We can of course specifically tailor a bespoke quotation for time and a fabulous finished product, all tailor made, and within which to show off selected imagery from the final set presented - it really creates an amazing piece of artwork for your home, stable, or thoroughbred stud farm.

Don't let your equestrian season go by without recording and capturing it.

Contact Ashford Daly Photography for futher details:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Press Release - New branding and website design project commission for Ashford Daly is awarded to Freebird New Media

2011-07-08T08:00:00.019+01:00

"What have you been up to behind the scenes?"

We are asked this time and again every year by close networking colleagues, fellow photographers and industry contacts.

Well if we said BRANDING was and is constantly on our minds at the moment, and has been for a good six months, it would be a bang on appraisal...

We've taken a step back for a moment, to look inwards, as a client would, and assessed our brand image, asking ourselves, is it going to be good enough to propel us through the next 5 years, WOW enough to speak to our target audience, refined enough to show our portfolio to the industry and big enough to stand up to our plans for the future too.

So, that's why, we're very pleased to announce, we're getting a new look, a facelift, and being fitted with brand new shoes - we're so giddy in anticipation with it all too.

We created our brief, researched and shortlisted a healthy number of professional and specialist branding, full design and new media agencies within the UK, have had consultations with several of those companies, and are really pleased to say, we have awarded the commission and much sought after brand, web design and build project to Freebird New Media Ltd.

Freebird will now join the Ashford Daly team, to work their design magic with us, in developing and creating our new revamped image, to engineer a wonderful new logo, new corporate bespoke branding portfolio, a super duper website, and the associated new media to go alongside it, for the Ashford Daly brand and our Photographic business arms as a whole going forwards, to tie into the business' photography and personal goals and objectives planned over the next five years.

Well done to Nige Burton and his whole very talented team, we are hugely excited and really looking forward to experiencing the whole inspiring creative process with you - we can't wait to get stuck in.

We will be revealing new developments to all of you out there very soon, as the bespoke design and build elements are ready for launching and for sharing with our wider audience in the forthcoming weeks and months.

Watch our website and media channel spaces below for changes as they start being phased in, through a series of key implementations, and for further PR and news updates as they're released during the rest of the year.

Exciting times. Big NEW Brand for Big Bold Steps.

Come on, join us on our Brand's global journey...

You can contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

NEWS: Ashford Daly Photography Ltd photographic image designs being used for upcoming music album covers and merchandising.

2011-07-06T13:00:00.000+01:00

Photographic image designs by Ashford Daly Photography Ltd are being used for an upcoming music album, the covers and associated merchandising - album release date is September 2011.

Already Gone are a band we've worked with on several occasions before, hailing from the Northwest and the Midlands regions of the UK, who are definitely going places and being noticed in the British music world.

We have previously produced imagery for their first EP, and now for their new album 'One Good Reason', headshots for press releases, new logo and brand imagery for merchandising items, plus providing further engineered digital imagery, which had been subsequently used as a backdrop for the Battle of the Bands Film, sponsored and produced by The British Youth Film Academy in 2010 and co-operative 'The Limelight'.

Already Gone's debut album 'One Good Reason' will be available to buy and download this September, which will feature front cover, supplimentary album imagery and graphics by Ashford Daly Photography.

Well done guys for this brilliant achievement, we will continue to follow and support your success with great excitement. Good luck at all the meetings with the music producers in London, and with the Surface Festival this year.

You can contact Ashford Daly Photography on:

Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Family Portraiture for American couple from California by Cheshire Photographers AshfordDaly

2011-07-04T14:00:00.000+01:00

From the sunny watery landscape of the Bay Area in San Fran, to the green lush plains of the Heart of England.

When you get a call from an American couple asking if we could come on over when they organise an International visit to England, to create some special photographic images to remember their cottage holiday in the UK countryside, we thought, oh how lovely, that's going to be a fab and fun photo shoot, and how better to create a lasting memory of a destination holiday break, partly spent here in Cheshire, enjoying lots of family outings and pastimes.

Mary, who is originally from the Northwest of the region, and Kendyl, hailing from California in the United States of America, now live together in San Francisco on the USA West Coast.

They are both Mums to Elliot, a lively two year old and oh soooo cute.

He loves anything to do with trains, with Thomas the Tank and the steam train engine at Llangollen in North Wales, being a fantastic day's outing which they enjoyed, during the time they were visiting for their very British summer holiday.

Above is a particular portrait shot from the final set, which they specifically wanted us to create for the their families and for Elliot's future. Happy 4th of July folks.

If you are considering some family or children portraiture during this year's summer school holidays, please don't delay - our available dairy dates have been booking up very fast - we still have a few weekday dates and times clear in July and during the first week of August.

Please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Summer School Holidays in Cheshire - Family and People Photographs with lots of creativity and fun

2011-07-02T08:30:00.000+01:00

Contemporary Lifestyle and Family Portrait photo shoots are specifically designed to be relaxed and fun, something a bit different, where your ideas can abound too, ensuring beautiful, natural and often spontaneous images of the people who are special to you and whom you love and cherish.

Creative photo shoots can take place at your home and out on location. By connecting with our clients, and creating a relaxed informal atmosphere, everyone has a hugely enjoyable time.

A lifestyle or family portrait shoot is a truly fantastic, happy and entertaining experience, and one that will be remembered and really enjoyed for a long time after the photo shoot has taken place.

Playing on the beach... jumping in puddles... walking hand in hand... tasting the fruits of your labour after picking your own, down on the farm... happy timeless memories captured and enjoyed for a lifetime - YOUR LIFETIME - precious moments we all sometimes take for granted, which zip past so quickly, often without us pausing for a memorable glimpse into that chapter.

School holidays are probably now at the forefront of your minds, with just a few weeks to go till term finishes, what to do with the children? How can we keep them amused? We could do with new family group shots for Christmas... yes, it's never to early to think about this dilemma folks! Is there something new and fun we could organise, which will be a special memory and a fantastic experience for everyone involved?

With the weather becoming more summer like, what to do about this year's annual photographs during the school holidays and summer vacation period?

A booking for a contemporary or lifestyle photo shoot with Ashford Daly Photography maybe?

Photography session fees start from £125. You then have the freedom to choose images from the final set presented, and purchase beautiful bespoke final finished products within which to expertly display and treasure your memories from your summer with your family and children.

Gift vouchers are also available for purchase, the ideal present that is always remembered, especially for a landmark birthday, anniversary, Christening or another special family gathering happening this year.

What do I need to do?

If you are considering some family or children's portraiture during this year's summer school holidays, please don't delay - our available dairy dates have been booking up very fast - we still have a few weekday dates and times clear in July and during the first week of August.

Go on... you know you will have fabulous imagery to look back on with pride and emotion too. Do something a bit different this year.

Contact Ashford Daly Photography to discuss ideas for your contemporary lifestyle or family portrait shoot.

Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Channel 4 TV and More4 Television appearances for respected Cheshire Photographer

2011-07-01T09:00:00.014+01:00

National Television appearance for our very own Mary Ashford coming up.

Earlier this year our very own Company Director of Ashford Daly Photography, was contacted by one of the Channel 4 TV production companies, Cactus TV, and the very lovely Karen Floyd, Public Relations Consultant with Symmetry PR, from the UK.

Knowing Mary from previous photographic and art work assignments, and being aware of features and expert articles having been written on a number of subjects for the press and media, both in written and online e-formats, they asked Mary to take part in one of their programmes, with some fellow cultural authorities, who follow the arts and share a keen interest in books, literature and written works by International artists.

So as a result, a very pleasant day last month, was spent at the gorgeous Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa near Chester, with luminaries from the literary world, discussing, filming and reviewing for The TV Book Club as well as having a gorgeous luncheon in their beautiful grounds in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. Oh golly, how exciting is that!

The Channel 4 and More4 TV Book Club reviews and discusses carefully selected books from new and emerging authors, as well as the more famous writers; with celebrity guests, and a panel of presenters, including Jo Brand, Dave Spikey, Laila Rouass, Meera Syal, Adrian Edmondson, Rory McGrath and Henry Winkler.

The book we were reviewing?

It's from the Summer Reads selection, Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane - based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA and a chilling dark thriller.

This was really quite interesting, as Dennis has had major success with his previous books and releases in the series, Gone Baby Gone, and currently writes and contributes for The Wire - an American TV series you might all be familiar with, as well as having penned Mystic River and Shutter Island - which have all made it to the big film screen.

When will the programme be aired?

You can see what we all thought by tuning in and watching the reviews, being aired on the 3rd and 4th July 2011, Channel 4 TV Production, More4 Television, 7.30pm, then again on Channel 4 on Saturday 9th July at 1.30pm as the TV Book Club, and finally on 4oD.

If you are interested in our photography services or the professionally written articles and features by Ashford Daly Photography or in the AshfordDaly ART collections - please contact us on:

Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Ashford Daly Photography on Facebook and Twitter - Come and Join Us

2011-06-27T09:00:00.001+01:00

You can find Ashford Daly Photography on the social websites Facebook and Twitter - come over and join us for updates, news, reviews, sneak peeks and other musings.

Alternatively you can also contact Ashford Daly Photography with your enquiries or if you would like to chat informally about any photographic requirements you may have on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Or send us an email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Pet and Dog Photography in Staffordshire - meet Vodka, Gin and Tonic the terriers

2011-06-21T12:00:00.001+01:00

We couldn't resist capturing these little chaps on a recent family portraiture photo shoot in Staffordshire, as they are very much part of the farming family and community.

These three terriers are all related, and have been christened Vodka, Gin and Tonic which we thought was brilliant.

They have a huge garden and fields to play in around the farm, and really do have a fantastic dog lifestyle, so we played and chased and had lots of fun with them.

Their family and the fruit farm workers love the imagery.

For enquiries about pet and equestrian photography please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Peckforton Castle News - Major Fire at premier Cheshire wedding venue - who to contact

2011-06-20T12:52:00.019+01:00

Peckforton Castle Cheshire suffers huge blaze over the weekend at NorthWest wedding ceremony and reception venue.

As many people in our profession, business network, past and present clients will know, we are very closely located to Peckforton Castle, a striking historical landmark and wedding venue in Cheshire, where we have photographed several big occasions and wedding day celebrations.

On Sunday 19th June 2011 in the early hours of the morning, there was a substantial fire at the venue in the Drawing Room, which has we understand spread to other areas within the historic castle's wing, reportedly effecting three floors, bedrooms, hotel suites and some reception function areas. Fortunately no one has been injured.

We are aware that the power and phones are down presently, and that anyone wanting further information or have a need to speak with staff at the Castle regarding a wedding or event booking, they should make contact with Amy Grant at agrant@peckfortoncastle.co.uk directly.

We have made contact with all our own clients this morning and are keeping in touch with them regarding this matter, providing advice and support where we can.

If you have an enquiry regarding or would like to have a discussion about your wedding photography in Cheshire or across the UK, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Family Portraiture in the Staffordshire countryside this summer

2011-06-19T09:00:00.018+01:00

Sneak Peek - A farming family near Stafford - who operate one of the biggest fruit farms operations in the UK for the British retail supermarkets - asked us to pop along to capture some new summer family portraiture for them.

They had a reason for the photo shoot, their little son Charlie was just six months old, and they wanted to mark the occasion, not yet having any photos of him since birth, plus it's Father's Day too.

Luckily for us, the weather was very kind and warm, so we chose one of the farm's many properties overlooking swathes of the family's Staffordshire fruit farm fields as a landscape backdrop for some of the photographs.

We spent a very pleasant afternoon with Charlie and his Mum, who runs the fruit farm for her family, and his Dad, who works in London and across Europe with a major FTSE100 organisation and who had managed to get a bit of time at home with the family on a rare afternoon off.

Charlie is adorable, his Dad has a military background and so soldiers make up quite a big part of his toy box and play room. His Mum and Grandma love proper jointed bears too, and he was recently treated to a new Steiff for his collection. Those toys in their own right, will become family heirlooms. See a few shots from his very own baby photo shoot here.

A lovely family, who will we feel show Charlie what it's really like to grow up in the gorgeous countryside in Staffordshire, with lots of love, fun and a taste for the good life and scrummy food ahead.

For further information or if you wish to have an informal chat about family portraiture this summer season, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Cheshire Pre-Wedding {engagement} Photo Shoot with USA couple from Philadelphia and Florida

2011-06-14T16:00:00.001+01:00

We recently met with a lovely couple, who flew in from America for their pre-wedding engagement photo shoot with Ashford Daly Photography.

Dawn has been based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the last three years with her fashion career, working for the likes of Michael Kors in New York City no less.

Kui is originally from the well known racing area of Daytona Beach, Florida, and specialises in merchandising and retail buying.

A warm couple, clearly hugely smitten with each other, and very excited about their upcoming nuptials and in setting up home together.

Both have just moved over to the UK on a more permanent basis this month, to live and pursue their careers further here in London and Europe. How exciting. So many opportunities.

They met us for their pre-wedding {engagement} session deep in the Cheshire countryside to start with, eager to be put at their ease, both they told us preferring to be behind the camera, instead of in front of it. Our job, to change that view point so they enjoy themselves, to help prepare them for the wedding date ahead, and to build on previous meetings and discussions we'd had.

Dawn's Mum and Dad had actually made the wedding photography booking with us early last year without the Bride being present, but she had done her research online from the States beforehand, checking out lots of photographers, reading tonnes of magazines, whilst also being aware of who was mixing with and known to other global togs across the Atlantic, and thus being recommended - they chose us - we've met with them and Dawn several times ahead of the wedding since then.

The wedding is taking place later this year in the UK at a private country estate in Cheshire, where many of their family and friends from both the United Kingdom and the United States of America will be attending and celebrating.

As they are both in, and know, the fashion, design and media world very well, they have a keen interest in the photographic artworks we'll be creating with and for them on their big day. In fact they've already upgraded their original booked option to include additional images for their main wedding album, based on our portfolio of work they've seen in person. We're very pleased that they are so keen, and also have ideas of specific shots they want to try on the day, as this inspires us too.

Both are now totally at their ease in front of the cameras and lens, have been busy changing timelines during their wedding day's schedule, to ensure they have all the time they want with us for their wedding photography coverage. Time is a personal investment, especially on your wedding day, we can and will guide you professionally, but when our clients recognise the importance of their photographic investment for themselves, that it is both a financial and time input, they make those decisions and the call at the end of the day, to invest the appropriate time windows during the day - for Dawn and Kui, they want to enable as much time as possible is available and possible for their imagery capture and for some bridal art portraiture too. Big thumbs up for knowing what they want.

We look forward to seeing you both again soon, and hope the final preparations for the amazing wedding you are planning go well. Good luck guys. Can't wait for the big day.

You can contact Ashford Daly Photography regarding your own wedding requirements on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Staffordshire Photographers - Baby Portraiture Photo Session

2011-06-13T09:00:00.002+01:00

Hello, my name's Charlie. This is my sneak peek.

I'm just six months old. Still a baby really. My Mum and Dad wanted a few photographs of me. Can't think why...

I love my new bear, his name is Steiff. I like to cuddle him.

I've learnt that I can just about sit up by myself and I can make a mean noise when I bang my drum.

I think I will probably get up to all sorts of mischief by the time I am one.

I really liked Mary and Greg (the photographers) they made me laugh and chuckle.

"Charlie, thank you for being a complete little star on the day of your first baby photo shoot with us" - Mary and Greg, AshfordDaly

For your family and children photography and portraiture this summer, please contact Ashford Daly Photography to book your photo session on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Press Release: Cheshire photographer rewarded by Fellows at The Master Photographers Association

2011-06-06T16:30:00.021+01:00

So proud of Greg Daly. Today a stringent portfolio body of his photographic works was presented and displayed in front of a hugely experienced panel of honorary Fellows at The Master Photographers Association, who have viewed, examined, judged and immediately said a big YES to our Chief Photographer.

This is part of an ongoing professional photography programme leading through to MPA Fellowship status itself, which is recognised across the world.

Well done and many congratulations Greg, we are so very pleased and extremely excited for you in reaching this milestone, and for what has been a heady career in photography already, and another worthy notch in your ever expanding working profile.

Good luck with the next steps on your pathway of success with the amazing MPA team.

You can contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

MPA - The Master Photographers Association:
T: 01325 356555
W: http://www.thempa.com
© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Daddy Cool for Father's Day on Sunday 19th June 2011

2011-06-04T09:00:00.061+01:00

Is your Dad amazing?

Does he need or deserve to receive something truly special this year, for just being the most fabulous Father out there?

Do you want to treat your Dad, and provide him with something cool, fun and exciting to look forward to and look back on with deep emotion and love?

Daddy Cool is for you.

A fun filled photo shoot and a finished photographic product is something your Father would really thank you for - a beautifully framed picture of him with the children he adores so much, relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors together, what could remind him of his family in a better way?

What about a photo shoot of the kids or even better a gift voucher he can use to have a family photograph sometime this summer, or when the grandchildren are visiting during their school holidays.

Father’s day is nearly upon us and time is running out. It's on Sunday 19th June this year.

If you’re having your own family get-together this Father’s Day, we hope you have a truly lovely time.

Our photo session fees start from £125, payable at the time of booking your photo shoot. You then have the freedom to choose how you would like images from the final set to be displayed and presented, in a finished product from our product options price list.

Go on - why not say how cool your Dad is this year. He'll love you for choosing such a meaningful and personal gift for him this Father's Day.

If you would like to know more about our photography, or arrange a lovely family photo shoot or portrait session for your Father this year, please get in touch by contacting Ashford Daly Photography on:

Contact Ashford Daly Photography on:

Shropshire and Cheshire Wedding Photographers - Published in You and Your Wedding Magazine - July August 2011 issue

2011-05-25T15:00:00.002+01:00

Shropshire real wedding coverage by Ashford Daly Photography at Combermere Abbey, published in Your and Your Wedding Magazine, July / August 2011 issue, on newsagents and bookshop shelves right now.

So lovely that more of our bride and groom photo imagery is featured in the national press and media.

Original blog story link.

If you would like to discuss your wedding day and photographic needs, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Festival season is upon us - The Hay Festival - a celebration of the arts

2011-05-24T15:00:00.048+01:00

I know many of our contacts are also into the arts and a spot of culture.

From the month of May each year, marks the start of the UK festival season calendar, showcasing many old and new artists alike, across many mediums and media - something for all the culture vultures you might say, and fingers crossed, enjoying some great warm and fair weather too, whilst relaxing or indulging, being educated some more if you want, and in being open to taking in some new thoughts and story lines.

The Hay Festival is Britain’s top festival of the arts. It runs 26 May-5 June this year, and guests this year include Rob Lowe, The Duchess of Cornwall, Jo Brand, Bob Geldof, Germaine Greer, James Cracknell, Dara O’Briain amongst a huge, varied and interesting lineup. The Festival is sponsored by The Telegraph and is part of the global Hay Festival network, with many other dates in this year's diary scheduled across other countries.

We are particularly interested in Hay this year, as Mary has been asked by a PR company, to take part in a little something for Channel 4 in June which is very closely related. Delighted to have been asked and hope it will be an enjoyable process, whilst providing the opportunity to meet some great people with a similar interest in the arts who will also be involved too.

Have a great and wonderful festival season everyone.

Click here for more information about Hay.

You can contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Wedding Trends we can see filtering through to the UK market from our own Royal Wedding

2011-05-06T11:00:00.004+01:00

One week on from one of the most poignant and spectacular Royal Weddings we've witnessed both in the UK and Internationally, with worldwide audiences glued to their TV and web streams, we take a moment to look back on the special day, and make a few observations over the intricate details and personal elements HRH Prince William and Catherine planned for the Nation to embrace and rejoice and which may start to appear over the next few years given the huge interest for everything surrounding this super couple.

Wedding Trends we think will be adopted from The Royal Wedding.

Well we were so stirred and emotionally moved with all we witnessed from the momentous Royal Wedding Day, we feel compelled to pen a few words regarding some of the wedding trends which may well find their way into the UK wedding scene as a direct result. Good we say. We all need a bit of pomp and regal to brighten and buoy us all.

Attire:

Brides: Elegant almost regal wedding dresses, with more lace and exquisite hand finishing details, with delicate sleeves just like Catherine had with her dress by Sarah Burton for McQueen. Or straps coupled with smart romantic boleros, and indeed the reappearance of dress coats with jewelled clasps to secure for the winter months ahead. We are sure that sheer tulle mid length veils, with understated jewellery and subtle hair accessories to accompany will also be making their presence felt and providing Brides with a beautiful, well fitting and very romantic silhouette.

Many comparisons have already been made of Catherine to Grace Kelly, but it is true, the style of these glamorous gorgeous women will go down in the history books and become fashionable again for many years through the little Princess brides to be who sat there with their families watching 'Princess Catherine', right through to present day newly engaged women right at the start of planning their wedding day attire, and wanting to create something beautiful, elegant and timeless, whilst also breath taking and wonderful.

There is a lot if speculation if Brides in the UK will adopt a two outfit policy going forwards. This will we think depend on timings through the day, reception constraints and people's budgets. It was always more traditional for Brides to change ready for the off straight to their Honeymoon. Watch this space as they say, we are sure some Brides may forego another element of their day in order to enable a second outfit for their evening celebrations. Whether that is another demure bridal outfit or something more colourful will remain to be seen.

Grooms: Uniforms if you are entitled to wear one, and formal but traditional morning suits are definitely back in fashion. Classic smart tailoring is now the order of the day, with a black or grey pin stripe, as opposed to other colour ways.

Bridesmaids: we think Brides will opt for less quantity of adult Bridesmaids in favour of more of the younger members of the bridal party, and all will be veering towards the same or similar colour to the Bride's dress, although not wanting to upstage the Bride at all, the Chief Bridesmaid will enhance and compliment her full ensemble, whilst ensuring her main attention on the day is fully tuned into supporting the Bride through the various sections of the day's ceremony and celebrations, just like Pippa Middleton did so wonderfully for her gorgeous sister.

Flower girls and page boys: we predict there will be more cute younger attendants appearing - back are the matching outfits, and more formal page suits too.

Hats: With the grand show from Phillip Treacy, superb UK Milliner, for the ladies and guests in attendance at The Royal Wedding, we will, we think, start to see more structured, bold, almost architectural hats, to compliment ever so smart tailored outfits, in either the same colour tones or block colours which is very on trend right at the moment; the statement centre piece of the ladies guest outfit will be the hat.

Hair:

Catherine's hair as we all know is and was on the day her crowning glory. A demi-chignon was elegantly pinned in place. Not only that though, less is now more, relaxed and simple hair, lightly styled, but expertly blow waved, underneath the veil, we think will now become more in vogue.

Flowers and venue dressing:

We were bowled over with the delicateness but powerful statements made by William and Catherine over their flowers, trees and green shrubbery. The language of flowers and their green environmental statement definitely spoke out loud and clear. We think statement pieces which can be moved easily from ceremony to reception will feature more and more, with bay and smaller re-plantable trees becoming more key and sustainable features, along with more meaningful choices being made with flowers used for the Bride's bouquet and smaller buttonholes of one flower variety, herbs and foliage with scents becoming a key trend from the flower choices and as background essence in the form of scented candles like Catherine had from Jo Malone. Big absences from the Royal Wedding were flowers for all the Bride's party attendants (aside from smaller flowers in the hair) and for all the key wedding guests too.

Wedding cakes:

The traditional Royal Wedding cake was made by Fiona Cairns - rich fruit, comprising 17 tiers with formal icing techniques applied with such skill and care, taking the flower elements and language to yet another level. We predict there will be less demand going forwards for cup cakes and cake toppers, and more demand for traditional and romantic iced cakes with form, with lace replication adorning the cake's decor to tie in with the Bride's dress details, with multi-tiers and proper structures, setting off the reception and becoming a real focal point.

Time:

The Royal Wedding commenced at 11am. Society weddings are used to these earlier starts on weekdays - currently we see the majority of weddings in the UK occurring on weekends, starting at around 1 or 2pm usually, rolling straight into the evening reception once the main ceremony and wedding breakfast have taken place. We predict couples will want their wedding day event to commence earlier so they too can have a breather in-between the day and evening receptions for a bit of rest and relaxation and time to themselves, before partying the night away.

Reception:

The wedding breakfast - we predict there will be a greater call for champagne and light canapé receptions, immediately after the ceremony, with a formal sit down dinner with your nearest and dearest moving into the evening, just like the 'family and close friends reception' hosted by Prince Charles for Catherine and William.

Wedding Photography:

Hugo Burnand was the official Royal photographer, commissioned for only 7 formal photographs, three of which have been released for the whole world to see and admire.

This is a trend we have already predicted, in that formal group set-ups are in the decline - have been for quite some time - and we predict this as still a trend couples will vie away from in the main, preferring, just like William and Catherine, to have a smaller quantity of the 'formals' and to then relax and enjoy their day after the formals have been captured, to have more of the less formal reportage style shots, if you will, from the wedding of themselves and their guest party to privately remember their day.

Catherine also had less formal shots of her bridal preps taken too before the ceremony, whilst she was getting ready during her bridal preparations, and then inconspicuously through the rest of the day.

We have also predicted that couples will afford and invest more time into separate shots of themselves as a couple both before and after their ceremony as bespoke art form pieces - this after all being their day, their moment, and something they wish to cherish and look back on fondly with each other and their own family in future years to come - with a fine art finishing touch expertly applied - fortunately this is where Ashford Daly Photography excels, our fine art and finishing is what we are specifically known for with our couples in our client portfolio, and within the UK wedding marketplace and the photography professionals industry sector.

Best of British:

Prince William and Catherine, the newly bestowed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are passionate about everything British, and in showcasing British ingredients and talent with all suppliers throughout their wedding day, despite protocols.

We will we think also see more and more couples thinking about their wedding day elements, what's really important to them, and the more moral conscious adopting British trends throughout their wedding day, with food, design, traditions and sourcing.

And why not. This is a great way of sustaining weddings in the UK and with the wedding industry professionals who work so hard for their clients. Hurrah we say.

Personality:

Most couples do try to inject their own personality into proceedings on their day - however, so many elements can daunt couples into really stamping their mark onto certain ceremony portions.

We really loved the fact Prince William and Catherine Middleton wrote their own prayer which was voiced during the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, showing they are true to each other whilst also being mindful of what their duty as a Royal couple will entail. Here is their prayer, short though it maybe, it is very honest and heartfelt:

God our Father, we thank you for our families; for the love that we share and for the joy of our marriage.

In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy.

Strengthened by our union help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Honeymoon:

Staycation - yes folks we predict more couples will opt for exploring the UK and it's islands, and possibly delay their Honeymoon for a short period of time, preferring to plan a 2 or 3 day romantic weekend getaway immediately after the Wedding Day itself, with a longer Honeymoon or main holiday as something to look forward to at another time during the year.

Many of our wedding clients have already chosen to do this themselves last year and already this year too, and have relayed it has helped them come down gently from the wedding day plans and preparations, and relax more knowing they still have another break away to enjoy at a future date.

Cars:

We can't go without mentioning the classic car William unexpectedly drove Catherine back from Buckingham Palace to Clarence House, following their champagne reception hosted by The Queen.

More precisely The Duke drove an Aston Martin DB6. The convertible Aston Martin Volante DB6 MKII in Seychelles blue is owned by his father HRH The Prince of Wales. The Prince has owned the car since 1969.

We predict that classic and sports cars both for the journey to and from the ceremony and especially for driving off into the sunset will be making a huge comeback - classic cars are the way to a man's heart, and girl's how romantic to be whisked away for a splendid weekend getaway in something which oozes old style glamour...

We wish the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge all the very best for their married life together. What a truly beautiful, happy and emotional day it was for us Brits on the 29th April, 2011, with the Royal Wedding - a fabulous couple heralding a new generation of the Royal Family - we hope they have the most romantic and relaxing Honeymoon later in the year.

For your wedding photography coverage throughout the UK, for further information, and informal chat or for a bespoke quote, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

UK Photography Trends - Highlights from below full article now published in Archant's Pure Weddings Magazine Spring Summer Issue

2011-05-01T10:00:00.003+01:00

Ashford Daly Photography specialise in superior and beautiful wedding, bridal and portrait photography, and photo fine art collections; their uniquely contemporary photographic style and exceptional level of service, has made them one of the most sought after award winning photographer teams across their regional areas and through the whole of the UK.

We were recently asked by Archant Publications in the UK to provide expert commentary regarding photographic trends we are seeing coming through strongly within the United Kingdom for wedding photography coverage.

We are pleased to say our article has been featured in Pure Weddings Magazine and Great British Wedding for the North West region of England in the spring/summer issue, which is already on the shelves - see cover above for ease of locating.

Here is the full article version below.

Trends in wedding photography:

Couples are requesting more of a fine art feel and proper finishing to photographs - many photographers don't do their own finishing. Fact. Why? This is down to their skill, experience and knowledge, capability, confidence and of course people's budgets - retouching and proper finishing takes time and is cost heavy.

Vera Wang has stated this season is all about the back of the dress and necklines, so that is something our clients want to see in their bridal portraiture, giving a more modern fashion and magazine feel to bridal imagery, reflecting the trends from the wedding dress designers. Of course all eyes will also be on the Royal Wedding and Catherine Middleton's dress, which will drive more trends in bridawear which will follow through from designers to what we photograph at weddings over the next two years.

Client's are recognising and acknowledging Wedding Photography is a serious and important investment.

Remember cheap, cheaper, cheapest is not always best option and could leave you emotionally very disappointed with the final end result and set of images. Clients are now realising that not all photographers are equal, indeed not all photographers are full time professionals either. We hate to say it, but in this business, you really do get what you pay for. If budget is your first and only concern, you may not gel creatively with your photographer, and to obtain stunning, inspired, statement imagery, may be challenging and be somewhat compromised. If photography is important to you, it's a personal choice as to the level of budget you allocate to your wedding photography - Ashford Daly Photography are seeing clients forego or reduce certain wedding elements, because their final wedding photography and finished products are more important to them and it's where they wish to spend their money and more of their budget.

Wedding albums designed personally by your photographer, using quality products, is a key trend.

We use Graphi and Queensberry as our album providers, both very different, and both we feel, are the best quality products that out there currently in the marketplace globally. Both we've researched and sourced for their quality, superb finish, lasting looks and hand craftsmanship which is applied, where it's all about showing the imagery off at its best, and providing you with something tangible and tactile, for the investment you've made, to be excited by and immensely proud of, emotionally it will be something you will continue to look at, enjoy and pass through many future generations.

Pre-Wedding, the 'First Look', Post Wedding (Treasure or Trash the dress), and Bridal Boudoir photo shoots are all gaining in popularity:

Pre-Wedding shoots are aimed to put the Bride and Groom at their ease in front of camera and receive some gentle direction from the photographer ahead of your wedding day. For us, this is an important step in building the client relationship.

'First Look' is a trend coming over fast from the USA, where the bride and groom have about an hour together before their ceremony, to attain their couple shots with their photographer, knowing they are the first people to have seen each other, that's quite a special moment in time, very emotional, but it also helps to calm nerves too and allows the bride to be in the moment when she walks down the aisle for the ceremony itself, not worrying about if her groom to be will love the dress and accessories (which of course he will). It also means the couple will have more time after the ceremony to spend with their guests, and for the photographer to capture more relaxed reportage style shots of the whole party, given the venue and time of the year the wedding is happening.

Post Wedding (Treasure or Trash the dress) shoots - brides in the main are recognising they could have one more chance to pop on their amazing bridalwear and gain further gorgeous imagery in a different context to the wedding day environment. Often booked to occur within the first year of their wedding day, as a surprise for their husband for their first wedding anniversary or to give another angle to their wedding day memories and artwork as a present from the Groom to his new wife.

Bridal Boudoir shoots - sensual, passionate and showing a bride at her best. Often booked by the Bride to be as a special gift, presented to her Groom to be the night before the wedding day - imagine how he will feel opening up a small album or framed image of his wife to be on the morning of the big day. Also a growing trend for husbands to gift to their wife for their first wedding anniversary - a wonderful intimate gift, that the couple can both enjoy.

Time.

Time is something that romps away at a wedding. Time is something we always discuss with clients at their consult, pre-wedding session and once the final running order is revealed. If clients value their investment and want stunning imagery to look back on, then it's not only their money, but their time on the day they are investing. Stunning images don't just happen, they are created and engineered by your photographer with you. We are now seeing clients dropping or straying away from multiple group shots which can take up the majority of the time before your reception, in favour of spending more time pre and post ceremony for their own individual and couple shots. After all, ask yourself, which images are you more likely to want to select for your final wedding album or for framed wall art for your home? It will be the beautiful, creative imagery and photographs of the two of you.

Everybody deserves amazing photos and artwork. Ashford Daly Photography are on a mission to make photography cool and retro again, whilst injecting our passion, creativity and quirkiness into images and photographic shoots with you. Our style is relaxed, a modern reportage and photojournalistic approach, with a fine art twist, for which we are well known. Inspired but elegant, the images captured are also seen to be vibrant, alive, emotional, conveying passion and feeling; they will make you happy, you will love them immediately. We like to have lots of fun and laughter along the way with our clients, providing stunning images, presented in superb final quality products and amazing storybook or matted leather albums, which will make you feel all warm and fuzzy, and smile like a Cheshire Cat.

We get excited when our clients LOVE their photography and images, are a bit Rock and Roll, inventive, imaginative and maybe a tad quirky too – in fact we’re really up for that - we hope you are too. Let us know. We enjoy hearing about your plans and preparations, thoughts and ideas. It really inspires us.

Master Photographers Association Yervant Bridal Award Winner 2010.

Published April 2011, Archant Publications, Pure Weddings Magazine and Great British Weddings Spring/Summer issue.

© Copyright and Intellectual Property of Ashford Daly Photography Limited

Written by: Mary Ashford, Director - Ashford Daly Photography - February 2011.

For discussions, enquiries or quotes about your wedding photography coverage across the UK or for International destination locations, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
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© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - The Wedding Dress, Catherine Middleton

2011-04-29T10:55:00.007+01:00

Miss Catherine Middleton’s Wedding Dress has been designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen - and the new Duchess of Cambridge looked amazingly beautiful, elegant, and so radiant, with such poise and understated quiet confidence and love.

Miss Middleton chose British brand Alexander McQueen for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing. Miss Middleton wished for her dress to combine tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterises Alexander McQueen’s work. Miss Middleton worked closely with Sarah Burton in formulating the design of her dress.

The dress epitomises timeless British craftsmanship by drawing together talented and skilled workmanship from across the United Kingdom. The dress design pays tribute to the Arts and Crafts tradition, which advocated truth to materials and traditional craftsmanship using simple forms and often Romantic styles of decoration. Ms Burton’s design draws on this heritage, additionally giving the cut and the intricate embellishment a distinctive, contemporary and feminine character.

The design:

The lace appliqué for the bodice and skirt was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace. The lace design was hand-engineered (appliquéd) using the Carrickmacross lace-making technique, which originated in Ireland in the 1820s. Individual flowers have been hand-cut from lace and hand-engineered onto ivory silk tulle to create a unique and organic design, which incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.

Hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace has been used throughout the bodice and skirt, and has been used for the underskirt trim. With laces coming from different sources, much care was taken to ensure that each flower was the same colour. The whole process was overseen and put together by hand by Ms Burton and her team.

The dress is made with ivory and white satin gazar. The skirt echoes an opening flower, with white satin gazar arches and pleats. The train measures two metres 70 centimetres. The ivory satin bodice, which is narrowed at the waist and padded at the hips, draws on the Victorian tradition of corsetry and is a hallmark of Alexander McQueen’s designs. The back is finished with 58 gazar and organza covered buttons fastened by Rouleau loops. The underskirt is made of silk tulle trimmed with Cluny lace.

The Fabrics:

French Chantilly lace was combined with English Cluny lace to be hand-worked in the Irish Carrickmacross needlework tradition.

All other fabrics used in the creation of the dress were sourced from and supplied by British companies. The choice of fabrics followed extensive research by Sarah Burton and her team.

The Royal School of Needlework:

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN), based at Hampton Court Palace, assisted the Alexander McQueen team in accurately cutting out the delicate motifs from the lace fabrics and positioning the lace motifs with precision into the new design. The lace motifs were pinned, ‘framed up’ and applied with stab stitching every two to three millimetres around each lace motif. The workers washed their hands every thirty minutes to keep the lace and threads pristine, and the needles were renewed every three hours, to keep them sharp and clean.

The RSN workers included existing staff, former staff, tutors, graduates and students, with the youngest aged 19.

The RSN’s work was used primarily for the train and skirt of the Bride’s dress, the bodice and sleeves, the Bride’s shoes and the Bride’s veil.

Veil and Jewellery:

The veil is made of layers of soft, ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers, which was embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework. The veil is held in place by a Cartier ‘halo’ tiara, lent to Miss Middleton by The Queen. The ‘halo’ tiara was made by Cartier in 1936 and was purchased by The Duke of York (later King George VI) for his Duchess (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) three weeks before he succeeded his brother as King. The tiara was presented to Princess Elizabeth (now The Queen) by her mother on the occasion of her 18th birthday.

The Bride’s earrings, by Robinson Pelham, are diamond-set stylised oak leaves with a pear shaped diamond set drop and a pavé set diamond acorn suspended in the centre. Inspiration for the design comes from the Middleton family's new coat of arms, which includes acorns and oak leaves. The earrings were made to echo the tiara. The earrings were a personal gift to the Bride from her parents for her Wedding Day.

Wedding Shoes:

The wedding shoes have made hand-made by the team at Alexander McQueen and are made of ivory duchesse satin with lace hand-embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework.

The Bride’s Bouquet:

The bouquet is a shield-shaped wired bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William and hyacinth. The bouquet was designed by Shane Connolly and draws on the traditions of flowers of significance for the Royal Family, the Middleton family and on the Language of Flowers.

The flowers’ meanings in the bouquet are:
Lily-of-the-valley – Return of happiness
Sweet William – Gallantry
Hyacinth – Constancy of love
Ivy: Fidelity; marriage; wedded love; friendship; affection
Myrtle: the emblem of marriage; love.

The bouquet contains stems from a myrtle planted at Osborne House, Isle of Wight, by Queen Victoria in 1845, and a sprig from a plant grown from the myrtle used in The Queen’s wedding bouquet of 1947.

The tradition of carrying myrtle begun after Queen Victoria was given a nosegay containing myrtle by Prince Albert’s grandmother during a visit to Gotha in Germany. In the same year, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought Osborne House as a family retreat, and a sprig from the posy was planted against the terrace walls, where it continues to thrive today.

The myrtle was first carried by Queen Victoria eldest daughter, Princess Victoria, when she married in 1858, and was used to signify the traditional innocence of a bride.

Original source and further information.

So gorgeous, we predict a whole new bridalwear trend and desire for the big white wedding day event, with elegance and special personal trimmings, has just emerged.

For your wedding photography coverage enquiries throughout the UK, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - Titles announced for Prince William and Catherine Middleton

2011-04-29T08:00:00.002+01:00

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN.

The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Prince William of Wales. His titles will be Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus.

Prince William thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge and Miss Catherine Middleton on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge.

More information and original source.

For your wedding photography enquiries and further information please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
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© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - Floral Displays in Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace

2011-04-26T10:00:00.002+01:00

Image from The Organic Abstract Collection by Ashford Daly Photography - titled Blossom 1 - now available to purchase in print format.

Prince William and Catherine Middleton have chosen London-based floral designer Shane Connolly to create the floral displays for their wedding on April 29th.

Mr. Connolly has directed a team of florists, including Westminster Abbey's and Buckingham Palace's florists, and florists individually chosen by the Couple, to create the floral displays at the Abbey and for Buckingham Palace.

Mr. Connolly was chosen by the Couple owing to his reputation for producing elegant and unique displays, and for his creative approach which focuses on using seasonal, natural and organic flowers. Mr. Connolly is also well known for his sustainable approach to floristry, which incorporates as much as possible the use of growing, rather than cut, plants and trees.

The Couple have taken a close interest in the designs, which follows a theme that pays tribute to the Language of Flowers.

The floral displays in Westminster Abbey feature a variety of seasonal growing and cut British flowers and trees sourced from Royal Estates and other growers around the country. The flowers and plants include blossoms, azaleas, rhododendron, euphorbias, beech, wisteria and lilac.

The floral displays in the Abbey will include eight 20 feet-high trees: six English Field Maple and two Hornbeam. All the trees will be growing in planters, which have also been designed by Mr. Connolly and which were made by craftsmen at Highgrove, The Prince of Wales's Residence in Gloucestershire.

After the wedding, the flowers and plants will be left in position in Westminster Abbey for the public to view until Friday 6th May 2011. Following this, many of the trees will be taken to Highgrove Gardens, where they will be planted. The Couple's intention is that many of the cut plants and flowers and all the growing plants will be donated to charities or re-planted.

The trees, plants and flowers are being sourced from the Saville Gardens and Valley Gardens in Windsor Great Park, Sandringham Estate and other English growers.

Original Source.

For wedding photography coverage enquiries in the UK, London, Berkshire or Cheshire, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
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© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - Commemorative stamps on sale 21st April

2011-04-21T09:00:00.005+01:00

Image Courtesy The Royal Mail.

The Royal Mail announces A new set of commemorative stamps to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on April 29th.

The stamps will be available from all Post Office® branches from today 21st April 2011, which is also Her Majesty The Queen’s birthday.

The stamps feature the official engagement portraits taken by photographer Mario Testino on 25th November.

His casual picture of the couple will go on a first-class stamp, with the more formal image on a £1.10 stamp.

The commemorative stamps are the first to be issued to mark the wedding of one of the Queen's grandchildren.

It is the third time William's image has appeared on a stamp.

The first was to mark the 100th birthday of the Queen Mother, his great-grandmother, on August 4, 2000, and the second for his 21st birthday three years later.

Further information can be found at:

Royal Mail

Royal Wedding Stamp Collections
Official website

Contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
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© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - Photographer announced

2011-04-20T09:00:00.005+01:00

As we mentioned and predicted on our blog way back in early March, it has now been confirmed the Royal Wedding Photography assignment on the 29th April has been officially bestowed upon Hugo Bernand.

HRH Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton have selected Hugo Burnand to be their official photographer at their wedding on the 29th April. Mr Burnand will be take the official photographs at Buckingham Palace following the wedding at Westminster Abbey.

Mr Burnand has photographed Prince William privately before and was the official photographer at the wedding of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall 2005. He also took the official 60th birthday photograph of The Prince of Wales.

A well known portrait photographer, Hugo Burnand has also photographed Lucien Freud, Lady Thatcher, Victoria Beckham and John Magnier. Mr Burnand regularly works with Conde Nast Publications including House & Garden Magazine and Tatler.

Born in 1963, Hugo is married to Louisa and they have four children. Hugo learnt the basics of photography from his mother Ursy, who used to turn their kitchen at home into a dark room in the evenings and started with his first camera at age of seven.

He attended Harrow School and after spending 10 years travelling through America, France and Ireland as a stable hand and a brief job at Lloyds of London. Hugo became a photographer's assistant to Julian Calder. Hugo later set up his own studio in Notting Hill.

Official source.

If you are looking for your UK wedding photographer in 2011 or 2012 please do contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
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© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - The Official Souvenir Wedding Programme

2011-04-19T09:00:00.007+01:00

A souvenir Official Programme will be published to mark the marriage of Prince William with Miss Catherine Middleton.

Official Programmes have long been a Royal tradition, and they were produced to mark the weddings of The Prince and Princess of Wales in 1981 and The Duke and Duchess of York in 1986.

The Programme will include the full Order of Service (as used by guests in the Abbey), a personal message of thanks from Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and a never-before-seen photo of the couple taken by photographer Mario Testino.

The Official Programme will feature Prince William’s Coat of Arms on the front cover and Catherine Middleton’s new Coat of Arms on the back.

The Programme will be sold by 60 Explorer Scouts and 80 Cadets (supervised by adults) for £2 per copy at various locations along the wedding route and surrounding area on the 29th April. Proceeds from the sale of the Official Programme will go to benefit the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.

The Programme will also be available to download for free from the Official Royal Wedding website, www.officialroyalwedding2011.org from 24 hours before the Wedding.

Haymarket Network was chosen to design and produce the official programme on behalf of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.

Source.

Ashford Daly Photography:
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© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - Charitable Gift List

2011-04-05T09:00:00.005+01:00

Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton have created a charitable gift fund to help celebrate their wedding.

The fund will focus on assisting charities which support the five causes chosen by the couple.

These causes are close to their hearts and reflect the experiences, passions and values of their lives so far.

Having been touched by the goodwill shown to them since their engagement, they have asked that anyone wishing to send them a wedding gift consider doing so in the form of a donation to the fund.

All funds donated to The Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton Charitable Gift Fund will be held by The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry in a specially designated fund and distributed to charities which support the causes they've listed. Distribution of the Fund will be at the sole discretion of the Trustees guided by the preferences registered by donors.

For further information:

Official website

For your own wedding photography enquiries please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
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© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Published: Archant, Pure Weddings and Great British Weddings Magazine - article feature by Ashford Daly Photography - Cheshire and NorthWest Wedding Photographers

2011-04-02T09:00:00.049+01:00

Cover courtesy of Archant Publications, Pure Weddings, www.pure.greatbritishwedding.co.uk

The Royal Wedding - 'Best Of British' Feast for Reception

2011-03-29T15:00:00.031+01:00

Queen's chef cooks up best of British for Royal wedding breakfast - it is a Royal wedding secret guarded just as closely as the design of Catherine Middleton’s dress.

The menu for the buffet-style wedding breakfast will not be revealed until the 600 guests have finished their meal, but yesterday the Queen’s head chef gave a tantalising taste of what they will be treated to on April 29th.

Mark Flanagan promised an all-British menu of hot and cold canapés, with such trademark delicacies as smoked salmon on beetroot blinis likely to make an appearance.

He and his team will use the “chance in a lifetime” opportunity to showcase meat, game, fruit and vegetables from the Queen’s estates, which will go into thousands of individually-prepared items.

On the day of the wedding the 600 people invited to the palace will be served canapés and champagne in several of the state rooms, including the white drawing room, music room, blue drawing room, state dining room and the nearby picture gallery where the wedding cake is expected to be displayed.

Prince William and his new bride will mingle with the guests from 12.30pm, when the reception begins, until the middle of the afternoon, breaking off at 1.30pm to make the traditional appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Asked what would be on the menu, Mr Flanagan said: “We wouldn't really go into any of the specifics for the big day but we always concentrate on showing off the best of British produce - so your bets are safe on that.”

A typical canape selection at the palace includes smoked salmon on a beetroot blini; confit duck-leg terrine with smoked duck and pear chutney; quails’ eggs with celery salt and Ragstone goats cheese with caramelised walnuts and parmesan crisp.

The sweets made by the pastry chefs, which, like the canapés, are made to be eaten in two bites, may include dark, milk and white truffles, blood orange pate de fruit and raspberry financiers.

The 21 chefs and three pastry chefs working in the basement kitchens will not be able to see any of the television coverage of the wedding, as they will be working frantically on putting the finishing touches to the canapés, before making a private reception dinner for the bride and groom’s close family.

Further info:
Official website

For your wedding photography please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - Cake designer is chosen and announced

2011-03-27T16:30:00.019+01:00

Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton have chosen Leicestershire-based cake designer Fiona Cairns to create their wedding cake, which will have a modern twist.

We are told the wedding cake will be a multi-tiered traditional fruit cake. The cake, which will be decorated with cream and white icing, each layer being different, will have a strong British floral theme using elements of the Joseph Lambeth technique. The royal couple has asked that the four national flowers of the British Isles - rose, thistle, shamrock and daffodil - feature in the icing design and also decorated with William and Kate's new cipher – thought to feature the couple's entwined initials – which will be officially released on their wedding day. Catherine apparently prepared detailed plans and mood boards for the cake which will form the centrepiece of the Buckingham Palace wedding reception.

Fiona was chosen for her creative style and beautifully crafted handmade cakes using traditional British ingredients. Her business, started 25 years ago on her kitchen table, is now based in a state of the art bakery in Leicestershire, the heart of the English countryside. The cake company bakes 27,000 cupcakes a week as well as providing individual cakes for established retail outlets like Harrods and Selfridges.

In addition, the couple have also asked McVitie's Cake Company to create a chocolate biscuit cake for the reception at Buckingham Palace. The chocolate biscuit cake will be made from a Royal Family recipe and was specially requested by Prince William.

We think this is so lovely - that Catherine is clearly taking huge interest and placing so much attention to specific details appearing on the cake, and to unite the whole of the Country, plus we love the fact Prince William is looking back to his childhood memories and is passionate about showing what is personally important to him too and sharing that with Catherine and the rest of the gathering who will be there to wish and toast them well on their very personal wedding day celebrations.

We can't wait to see other details emerging over the next month. We think all these little details and snippets which are being shared, really do show you something of their individual personalities, as it should with all Brides and Grooms on their big day.

More info here:
Official Royal Wedding Website
Sky News
Telegraph

For more information regarding the village cake designer selected visit:
Fiona Cairns

For more information on the second cake (or the alternative wedding cake baker) visit:
United Biscuits

For wedding photography enquiries please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Mummy Cool - what are you organising for Mother's Day on Sunday 3rd April this year?

2011-03-21T12:32:00.000Z

Is your Mum amazing?

Does she need or deserve to receive something truly special this year, for just being the most fabulous Mother out there?

Do you want to treat your Mum, and provide her with something cool, fun and exciting to look forward to and look back on with deep emotion and love?

Mummy Cool is for you.

A fun filled photo shoot and a finished photographic product is something your Mother would really thank you for - a beautifully framed picture of her with the children she adores so much, relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors together, what could remind her of her family in a better or meaningful way?

What about a photo shoot of the kids or even better a gift voucher she can use to have a family photograph sometime this summer when the grandchildren are visiting during their school holidays.

Mother’s day is nearly upon us and time is running out. It's on Sunday 3rd April this year.

If you’re having your own family get-together this Mother’s Day, we hope you have a truly lovely time.

Our photo session fees start from £125, gift vouchers can be purchased in domination's of £50 or £100, and are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.

Go on - why not say how cool your Mum is this year.

If you would like to know more about our photography, or arrange a lovely photo shoot session for your Mother this year, please get in touch by contacting Ashford Daly Photography on:

Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978

Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Ashford Daly Wedding Photography Pop-Up will be at Boda Bridal, Chester, Cheshire on Saturday 19th March - Come along, say hello

2011-03-14T12:15:00.001Z

Imagery used for Boda Bridal Marketing Campaign in Cosmopolitan Bride Magazine.

We're doing another wedding photographer's Pop-Up.

Come and meet Ashford Daly Photography at Boda Bridal, Chester in Cheshire on Saturday 19th March, 2011 from 11am till 4pm.

Award winning Ashford Daly Photography will be on hand to offer advice, discuss your wedding photography requirements, and show examples of our wedding imagery and bridal portraiture, along with discussing our wedding photography coverage options with you.

Mary Ashford and Greg Daly specialise in superior and beautiful wedding photographs, bridal and family lifestyle portrait photography, and also offer boudoir commissions.

Our style is relaxed, a modern reportage and photojournalistic approach, with a fine art twist, for which we are well known.

Everybody deserves amazing photos and artwork. We're on a mission to make photography cool and retro again, whilst injecting our passion, creativity and quirkiness into images and photographic shoots with you.

AshfordDaly's uniquely contemporary photographic style and exceptional level of service, has made them one of the most sought after award winning photographer teams across their regional areas of Cheshire and Berkshire and through the whole of the UK.

Based in the NorthWest from Nantwich, they are ideally located for Brides and Grooms in the Chester, Cheshire, North Wales and Merseyside regions, whom Boda Bridal serve.

Pre-Wedding photo sessions and engagement shoots, 'Treasure the Dress', 'Trash the Dress' and post-wedding photo shoot concepts are also offered.

Emotion through seeing your final wedding imagery should be expected, and is a very powerful thing. AshfordDaly make no apologies for this.

We get excited when our clients LOVE their photography and images, are a bit Rock and Roll, inventive, imaginative and maybe a tad quirky too – in fact we’re really up for that - we hope you are too. Let us know. We enjoy hearing about your plans and preparations, thoughts and ideas. It inspires us.

Winner of the Master Photographers Association Yervant Bridal Award 2010

Boda Bridal:
Discover Chester's first ultimate 'one-stop' contemporary wedding boutique, where a wealth of gorgeous designer wedding dresses are available for purchase.

Stylish bridesmaids' dresses, veils, feathered shrugs, hair jewellery, tiaras and jewelled shoes, as well as invitations, favours, gifts and Groom, hen night and honeymoon accessories, are located amidst the fashionably, couture-styled spacious interiors, and fabulous large dressing rooms, spread over three floors, allowing Brides to be, the time to relax, enjoy their experience and the beautiful environment too, whilst making their bridalwear choices.

Their reputation is built on offering superb service, just like AshfordDaly... and of course having lots of fun!

Boda Bridal and Ashford Daly Photography are combining forces for one day all under the same roof, to provide existing and prospective new clients with value add, useful information, and wedding fabulousness.

Your time is precious, we understand that.

Come and see Boda Bridal and Ashford Daly Photography on Saturday 19th March, 2011 from 11am to 4pm, where we will offer expert advice, professional guidance and help you with your wedding day plans, preparations and choices.

Boda Bridal retail premises:
29 Watergate Row, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2LE
T: 01244 344388

If you would like to have an informal chat in the meantime about your wedding day photography coverage and needs, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:

Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - 'Camp Royale' pop-up glamping and campsite on London's Clapham Common parkland

2011-03-13T17:30:00.003Z

Giant Campsite In London For Royal Wedding.

One of London's most famous parks is being turned into a giant campsite for Prince William and Catherine Middleton's big day.

Clapham Common in south London will be transformed into a sea of tents, union flags and bunting for three days, providing a base for 10,000 campers.

'Camp Royale' will provide the setting for loyal subjects to soak up the quintessentially British atmosphere, with events unfolding on a giant screen as they sip free Yorkshire Tea.

But rather than the casual apparel usually favoured by campers, revellers will be encouraged to dress for the occasion, with prizes on offer for best-dressed guests and tents with the most creative interior design.

The pop-up campsite will run from Thursday April 28 - the day before the wedding - to Sunday May 1, at a price of £75 per person for the three nights.

Special coaches will be provided by National Express from 35 UK locations to take revellers to the site.

National Express said: "We are 100% committed to giving people from all corners of the country a hassle free and cost effective alternative to cars and central London hotels."

A Lambeth Council spokesman said: "Clapham Common is a London landmark and a great location for royal wedding visitors and partygoers to base themselves and join in the fun.

"We have hosted many sell-out events on the Common and we are delighted to be part of the celebrations. This event is totally unique."

The camp will have 24-hour security and the latest electronic wristband technology for quick and secure access in and out of the venue.

There will also be hot showers, toilet facilities, a dedicated quiet zone and a family zone.

A "glamping" zone will provide campers with 18-foot tipis complete with beds, sheepskin rugs and tables.

Story Credit: Tim Hewage, Sky News Online

What a brilliant idea. We know there will be many street parties happening across the UK over the Royal Wedding date and Bank Holiday weekend, as most people want to enjoy the celebrations and wish the couple well.

We're having our own little private soirée and we can't wait.

If you would like to discuss your wedding photography coverage for your own wedding day nuptuals, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:

Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - Interactive Map of the Procession Route showing London's Landmarks

2011-03-08T15:00:00.002Z

On Friday 29th April HRH Prince William of Wales will marry Miss Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey.

The Royal Wedding Procession will take in the capital's most prestigious sights, promising a truly memorable event in the most picturesque surroundings London has to offer.

This interactive guide from The Royal Parks will let you be a part of this wonderful regal celebration.

Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital. A simple walk or a picnic in the park, sport, top quality entertainment, community and education projects - all waiting for you.

If it's history and architecture you're after, the Parks have hundreds of buildings, statues, and memorials, giving a fascinating insight into London's heritage.

The Royal Parks manages these spaces and almost everything in them. The Royal Parks Commission also conserve the Parks to ensure future generations can enjoy them too.

The procession will pass by some of London’s most well-known landmarks, including the Queen Victoria monument, The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, the Cenotaph and the Houses of Parliament, not to mention two of London’s best-loved royal parks, St. James’s Park and The Green Park.

If you are planning your own 'Royal' Wedding Day in the UK and require an award winning photojournalistic and fine art wedding photography team, contact Ashford Daly Photography for an informal chat about your plans, to check on availability or to arrange a consultation on:

Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - Who will be the wedding photographer for the big day?

2011-03-07T09:45:00.003Z

As photographers, who amongst other genres, provide and love wedding photography and bridal portraiture, we want to know who will be the confirmed Royal photographer, covering one of the most coveted of commissions.

We know it's rumoured to be either Testino who photographed the happy couple's engagement session, or as unconfirmed reports are now stating in and around the London and UK scene, that the assignment of someone's career has gone to Hugo Burnand, a London-based photographer, who has worked at Tatler magazine since 1993, and who has previously worked with the Royal Family and many well known celebrities too.

I guess we will have to wait and see.

If you are thinking about your wedding photography in 2011 or 2012, and would like an informal chat or some advice, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - Is the house of McQueen set to design the wedding dress for Catherine Middleton?

2011-03-06T10:30:00.008Z

Yet another British designer enters the race for one of the most coveted assignments for their careers if they're awarded the job.

If the leaked story which emerged this morning in The Sunday Times is true, that Catherine Middleton has indeed entrusted the Alexander McQueen label, now designed by Sarah Burton, with the creation of her royal wedding dress, it is a bold and brilliant decision - not just for British fashion, but for the industry worldwide.

"It would be a coup for British fashion if Catherine Middleton has chosen Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen to design her wedding dress", says Hilary Alexander of The Telegraph, who actually predicted the new McQueen Creative Director would be called upon to design the wedding dress, way back in November 2010.

Or this could just be a PR ploy, as Sarah Burton is due to show her second collection for the McQueen house on Tuesday.

I guess we'll all have to be patient, and wait to see if this latest 'name' is in fact 'the one' - as Catherine Middleton is keen to keep this particular detail very private and secret, as a traditional surprise for her Groom to be, Prince William, it will most likely only be revealed once the Prince is safe inside Westminster Abbey, and Catherine is in the car on her journey to take her vows.

Now there's just the small matter of a possible change of outfit for the evening reception hosted by Prince Charles for the happy couple... we wonder who that might go to...

If you are thinking about your wedding photography in 2011 or 2012, and would like an informal chat or some advice, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - Prince William's wedding day attire - is there a clue?

2011-03-05T08:00:00.003Z

I'm sure we all cannot wait to hear which military uniform will be chosen by Prince William for the big day - RAF blue for his current service as a helicopter pilot, or Irish Guards red.

There maybe a clue, as he was recently announced as the Irish Guards first Royal Colonel, with The Queen being Colonel-in-Chief and planning to pay a state visit to the Irish Republic this year, also approved her grandson's new title.

Historians, Royal commentators and experts are suggesting that Prince William may wear the ceremonial uniform for the Colonels - a grand-looking scarlet-colored jacket and black trousers with piping to match the jacket.

Whichever is selected, William Wales will make for a dashing and well turned out Royal Groom, meeting his Bride to be, Catherine Middleton, on 29th April 2011 at Westminster Abbey, London.

If you are thinking about your wedding photography in 2011 or 2012 across the UK or to an International destination, and would like an informal chat or some advice, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - Little Miss Princess - new character created by author of The Mr Men series

2011-03-04T12:10:00.006Z

Kate Middleton is to be immortalised in art... as one of the Mr Men.

How cute: Mr Men author Adam Hargreaves has created a new character called Little Miss Princess in time for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Two new Mr Men books, will be published just in time for her wedding to Prince William on April 29th 2011. First one in the shops on Monday 7th March.

Read more here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12645895
Or here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1362805/Royal-portrait-difference-Kate-Middleton-immortalised-art--Mr-Men.html

If you would like your Little Princess story to be told and captured with stunning imagery, for your wedding day in either 2011 or 2012, then please contact Ashford Daly Photography for a chat on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Luxury Boudoir Collection Photo Shoot Competition has been drawn

2011-03-02T18:30:00.026Z

Yes everyone... drum roll please... the winner of the luxury boudoir collection photo shoot by Ashford Daly Photography, in conjunction with Rookery Hall, Cheshire and Liz Griffiths Make-Up and Hair, promoted through Live Magazines has been drawn randomly by the magazine.

The very lucky lady, Jennifer B from Staffordshire, is our winner, is very excited and also a little nervous too, which is to be expected.

Jennifer will be experiencing the following prize elements, through winning the luxury competition, during the next couple of months:

An amazing Boudoir Collection Photo shoot with Ashford Daly Photography.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at the very romantic and exclusive Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa in the heart of Cheshire.
Hair and Make Up by the immensely talented Liz Griffiths of MAC Cosmetics and Space-NK fame.
A set of lingerie for the photo shoot.
A bespoke framed single photographic image from the final set presented.
Total value £1500.00.

WOW... this was a super duper competition even if we do say so ourselves!

Thank you to all entrants.

If you are interested in exploring 'The Boudoir Collection by Ashford Daly Photography', or would like to have a friendly chat about a boudoir photography experience for yourself, wife, girlfriend, fiancee, or partner, then please do contact Ashford Daly Photography on:

Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

The Royal Wedding - Official website announced

2011-03-02T17:00:00.033Z

With the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on Friday 29th April 2011 at Westminster Abbey fast approaching, all the confirmed news, as it's released, can be found on the newly launched and official Royal Wedding website announced by St James's Palace today.

The website, is the official information service for anyone interested in the forthcoming Royal Wedding. Regular announcements of the closely guarded wedding details, in the run up to the wedding day, will appear on the site.

I'm sure we all cannot wait to hear who will have been chosen as the wedding dress designer and which military uniform will be chosen by Prince William for the big day.

For us, we want to know who will be the confirmed Royal photographer covering the most coveted of commissions and to see some of the images as they start to appear in the media.

We will be watching the updates with great interest on the run up to the big day, where we'll be cheering along and raising a glass or two to wish them well in their new married life, like most people in the the UK.

If you are thinking about your wedding photography in 2011 or 2012, and would like an informal chat or some advice, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Sneak Peek: Romantic Cheshire Wedding - Amy and Stuart {Married} @ Peckforton Castle

2011-03-01T08:00:00.000Z

After a year of full on planning and organising, Amy and Stuart tied the knot with a romantic wedding ceremony and blessing at Peckforton Castle near Tarporley and Beeston in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, celebrating with family and friends who had travelled from various corners of the world for the wedding day.

We arrived to capture Amy in her rollers, having some serious lashes applied in the Tranquility Spa.

Bridesmaids all a fluster, sharing perfume, checking their shoes, stoles and their dresses, and then helping Amy into her fabulous Phil Collins dress from Boda Bridal in Chester, with some serious corsetry to work through, topped by a beautiful cathedral length veil with tiny crystals hand sewn to provide some sparkle. Amy chose her bridal shoes from the wonderful Benjamin Adams range, Swarovski studded, this was definitely where the bling was at.

Stuart is a quiet chap, despite his huge athletic frame, and bespoke smart top hat and tails, he became very emotional when we took some Groomsmen shots ahead of the ceremony, clearly he's so smitten with Amy, that we know they will have a very happy and loving life together.

Amy's Father dusted off the vintage Allvis car for his daughter's short journey around the castle's driveway to get his daughter into the Great Hall entrance for the civil ceremony, which was full of excitement, fun, laughter, lots of deep emotion, tears, passion and love.

Gale force windy conditions and a light rain throughout the day made it a challenging and chilly one for everyone involved! Guests had to hang onto their hats, fascinators and the boys their top hats too from the Great Hall walk to the on site Chapel for the religious blessing and tying of bonds ceremony with the very funny Rev. Rick Gates from Bunbury parish.

Designer flowers in ivory and green, expertly arranged, provided spectacular displays throughout the reception and wedding areas, supplied by The Flower Room in Tarporley, with whom we've worked on several occasions, with lanterns and candles positioned along paths and stairways through the dark castle to add some twinkle and magic to mark their journey to their reception in the Hexangonal room - complete with barrelled ceiling and coats of arms with vistas across the Cheshire plains towards Wales.

The Bride and Groom worked hard through the day with us to ensure they attained imagery for their home and album. They wanted to concentrate on arty images rather than too many group shots - which we are seeing as an increasing trend with wedding photography coverage - after all, this was their day, their wedding, their marriage. They wanted their memories, through the photographs, to pass onto their future generations. The image immediately below is one of Amy bearing a striking resemblance to her Italian Grandmother who had flown in for her grand-daughter's wedding celebrations with other relatives from Europe.

A great couple, lovely family, supportive friends and fantastically hillarious speeches with loads of real emotion, with plenty of champagne flowing, and a super sparkly dance floor to top off the first dance and evening celebrations for this gorgeous bride and groom.

Amy and Stuart have set sail for an amazing seven port Caribbean cruise for their Honeymoon. We hope you're having a fab time guys. We know you will with your zest for life. We will catch up once you're back in Blighty.

Further imagery on our website gallery and Facebook album page.

Suppliers:
Cheshire Wedding Photographers: Ashford Daly Photography
Bridalwear, veil, tiara, and bridesmaids dresses: by designer Phil Collins, as supplied by Boda Bridal Chester
Shoes: Benjamin Adams
Flowers: The Flower Room Tarporley
Venue: Peckforton Castle
Officator for Blessing: Rev Rick Gates
Master of Ceremonies: Steven Saunders
Entertainment: Hipswing
Rings: Boodles, Chester

For further information about your wedding photography coverage or for an informal chat, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Wedding Client Feedback and {LOVE Note}

2011-02-28T17:30:00.006Z

Today we received a lovely note from one of our Brides, whose wedding we covered towards the end of last year:

"Just wanted to let you know we absolutely love the album, it's gorgeous!!!

We have been showing it off to our families all weekend!

It is such a beautiful memento of our wedding day and we will treasure it forever...

Thank you for everything"

L&MS, Shropshire & South Glamorgan

Thanks very much guys, we are so pleased and happy you both love your wedding album and that it is everything you wished for.

Yeay, we like this ;o)))

If you would like to discuss options for your wedding day photography coverage, please contact Ashford Daly Photography on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/ Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011

Last Chance to WIN our Luxury Boudoir Photo Shoot Competition, worth £1500 - closes 28/2/11

2011-02-27T10:26:00.000Z

Follow link to previous blog post below for entry details - or see our Facebook Page - Notes section for the entry details posted there too.

This is your Last Chance to WIN our Luxury Boudoir Photo Shoot Competition, worth a whopping £1500 - comp closes 28/2/11

Good luck and you will need to be quick.

For further details on The Boudoir Collection Photography by Ashford Daly, please contact us directly on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 618978
Email: info@ashforddalyphotography.com
Website: http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
Blog: http://ashforddalyphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook: /AshfordDalyPhotographyLtd
Twitter: @AshfordDaly

© Copyright Ashford Daly Photography Limited. All rights reserved. © 2006-2011