HollyCollings, Author at Holly Collings Photography

Behind the Scenes Photography with Hollyhocks Wedding Florist, Newton Abbot, Devon

July 19, 2016

I always get excited when I know I’ve got a wedding with Hollyhocks Florist because she’s as passionate as me about producing only the best for our couples weddings.

It was an amazing experience to go into the Hollyhocks shop in Fermoys and see Holly putting the wedding flowers together. I only ever see the finished result on the day, and while I appreciated that florists work really hard like all passionate people in the industry, I never knew how much work actually went in to creating all the bouquets, buttonholes and centrepieces. The answer is a lot!

Not only is it the amount of work, it’s the care and attention to detail as well. It’s exhausting being an artist and perfectionist! You only want the best, and sometimes that means working and re-working until you have it.

1 Behind the Scenes Photography with Hollyhocks Wedding Florist, Newton Abbot - lots of flowers Had a crackin’ cup of tea and delicious homemade cake! 2 Behind the Scenes Photography with Hollyhocks Wedding Florist, Newton Abbot - tea and cake Holly made a replica bouquet for her sister Ellen’s wedding anniversary! It was amazing and I had the joy of photographing Ellen with her bouquet, photos which she didn’t get on her wedding day! The bouquet is now being preserved by The Flower Preservation Studio.

Having chatted to Holly on Facebook for over a year, it was lovely to finally meet her, and her sister Ellen who works with her too! Yay for family run businesses!

Here are some of the amazing Hollyhocks flowers I’ve had the pleasure of photographing. The top row are Lucy’s, who planned her wedding from London in 2 months. She explained her vision to Holly over the phone, and the flowers were everything Lucy imagined. As with all her couples, I’m always blown away when I see her creations.

I can’t recommend Hollyhocks enough! If you need a wedding florist in Devon, definitely get in touch with her!

Intimate Cockington Court Torbay Wedding Photography || Maureen & Campbell

July 14, 2016

One of my favourite things about being a wedding photographer are the stories behind my couples. One couple almost met in Bucharest 18 months before being introduced to each other in Barcelona, some have been friends for too long before realising the love, or fallen in love instantly after meeting online. Every story is different and perfect. From Maureen’s initial email to me, I knew I wanted to be a part of their story.

Maureen and Campbell have been together for 30 years, with 2 almost weddings along the way. On the 15th April with their daughter, grandson, close family and friends, they finally became husband and wife at the beautiful Cockington Court, Torquay.

Beautiful Maureen’s outfit and hat are from Jacques Vert and her silk flowers from Rose Boutique in Wigan.

“Our wedding was a small affair with a few family and friends in attendance and Holly blended in beautifully throughout the ceremony and she even shed a tear along with our family who had waited 30 years for us to finally tie the knot. When we received the photographs it was delightful to see that she had not only captured the event but had also captured the very atmosphere so well and we re-lived every happy moment of it. I had specifically asked for mainly photographs capturing everyone there and not just us two and she did just that. Thank you Holly for being part of our day, I am so pleased that you were our photographer, you are a very talented young lady.” – Maureen and Campbell

Debbie Thorpe The Mind Body Coach || Broadsands Beach Torbay Portrait Photography

June 30, 2016

I was absolutely thrilled when Debbie Thorpe, The Mind Body Coach got in touch to create photos for her website and marketing, recommended by Virginia Compton who I had the pleasure of photographing back in February for her new website Focus Yourself.

Debbie is all about helping people shed the rubbish they are carrying around and to discover the awesomeness of their real selves. I knew from the moment I read Debbie’s first emails, I was going to love working with her!

The goal was to create natural, sunny photos with a feeling of freedom, happiness and fulfilment. As soon as I got to Broadsands Beach Torbay that evening and met Debbie, I knew we were going to create some amazing photos!

We ended the session with some red smoke grenades which were a laugh!

I always get a knot in my stomach whenever I send finished photos off to my clients, and it doesn’t go away until I know they are happy! I was jumping with joy when I received this email from Debbie after sending her photos:

“WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!! I am so totally over the moon with these photos!!!! You are such a genius!! They perfectly embody the mood/emotions I wanted to evoke! Honestly I can’t recommend you enough and I’ll be posting about it everywhere! Thank you so much!! from a bouncing around the room Debs 😀”

The photos are already looking amazing on Debbie’s Facebook page: Debbie Thorpe The Mind Body Coach which you should go check out and like!

Christmas Imperial Hotel Torquay Wedding Photography || Jess and Max

April 26, 2016

I first met Jess at The Devon Wedding Show. She exuded enthusiasm and excitement when we spoke and looked through the albums on my table – Jess is the kind of person who lights up a room! A few months later, after I assumed they’d found another photographer, I was thrilled to get an email from her wanting to meet up.

They had reservations about wedding photography as they were both camera shy and didn’t think they photographed well – nonsense. I think my response was “you’re a ridiculously good looking couple”.

But that’s not important anyway! On your wedding day, you glow with a happiness which will always be beautiful behold and document. And as a documentary photographer, I assured them that they would barely notice me throughout the day.

A what a day it was! They had a wonderful ceremony in Cockington Church and reception at The Imperial Hotel, Torbay. All was cosy and christmassy and joyful!

Their order of services were made by Jess’s Aunty and Cousin.The lads looked smashing in their navy blue suits by Peter Posh from Angel Face, Newton Abbot. Terri-Kate Lee sang beautifully as Jess walked down the aisle, and again during the register signing. Jess wore Emma by Maggie Sottero in Ivory from Brides at Waterfields, Torquay, and had a beautiful rose and ivy bouquet from Rosebuds Florist, Torquay, who also provided the flowers for the bridesmaids bouquets created by Jess’s Aunty. This amazing snowman and holly cake was made by Jess’s twin sister Rachel.The lovely room decorations were done by Jess, family and friends. The bridesmaids midnight blue dresses are by by Dessy Dresses from Brides at Waterfields, Torquay. Chocolate Tiers South West supplied their much enjoyed Chocolate Fountain. Hope you enjoyed viewing this beautiful wedding, leave a comment below to let me know!

If you’re looking for a documentary wedding photographer in Torbay, I’d love to hear from you 🙂

Holly x

Photos from The Redcliffe Hotel, Paignton Wedding Fair

April 22, 2016

The Redcliffe Hotel, Paington recently hosted a brilliant wedding fair. I can never resist taking some photos of the talented local suppliers tables! I highly recommend them all. It’s exciting to be in this industry among so many wonderful businesses and people!

Wild Floral Designs Wild Floral Designs The Pig Apple Hog Roast Sweets Glorious Treats The Venue Dressing Company Kayleigh’s Kreations The Bridal Box The Venue Dressing Company The Bridal BoxI hope you enjoyed this quick little post. Thanks again to The Redcliffe Hotel for organising this event. I can’t wait for the next one!

Holly x

Torre Abbey Sands Torquay Family Photography

April 10, 2016

Family photography for me is all about the real, unscripted, unposed moments that naturally occur and this family were oodles of fun to work with. They booked this Torquay Family Photography Session to give grandma a beautiful family photo for her 80th birthday.

We went to Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay to capture these moments. It was a cold one, but the sun shone for us. Absolutely love these photos, so much fun to create!

At the end of the session, Martha’s dad very kindly let her warm her very cold hands on his back *shivers*

If you’re interested in having portraits done of your family, please get in touch!

Hope you enjoyed looking at these photos

Holly x

Meadfoot Beach Torquay Portrait Photography Session || Focus Yourself

March 6, 2016

It was a pleasure to create these photos for Virginia’s new business and website Focus Yourself – offering healing breaks, life changing courses and bespoke services for massage therapy and yoga.

“Don’t settle for second best, be your best, realise your true potential.”

A beautiful end to a busy day! I love Meadfoot Beach, many happy times have been spent here and it was the perfect location for these photos.

For more information about my portrait sessions, click here or get in touch!

Intimate Hammersmith, London Wedding Photography || Ellie & Chris

February 25, 2016

I first met Chris and Ellie in 2014 when I photographed her sister Louise’s wedding at Paignton Zoo. I was absolutely thrilled when they asked if I would be able to come up to London to photograph their wedding! So proud to be a part of two weddings in their family.

The ladies got ready at the lovely K-West Hotel and Spa, followed by a beautiful ceremony at Hammersmith Town Hall and reception at The Hammersmith Club. The day was intimate and relaxed with a few geeky touches. Perfect.

These beautiful flowers are the work of Laura’s Flauras.

Ellie’s wedding dress from Bromley Brides still blows me away. The layers and the detail are magical.

The ladies makeup was done beautifully by Gemma Clare Beauty.

Photos like these are why I’m a documentary photographer. Unscripted, hilarious, real moments are what life is all about. They are what tell the story and bring back the feelings. It’s a privilege to experience this in real life and be able to make it last forever.

^^ This right here, one of my favourite photos ever.

The ceiling at Hammersmith Town Hall is beautiful. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to try and capture it in a photo. As we were leaving, I grabbed Chris & Ellie and laid down on the floor for this quick photo.

I photographed Ellie’s sister Louise’s wedding in 2014, and cried during David’s speech when he announce they were having a baby. I was delighted to meet little Harry, and do a family portrait of their beautiful family.

I love Ellie’s beautiful bouquet by Laura’s Flauras.

Cheese & Lego. What is not to love?!

We went to Hammersmith Bridge for a few portraits and it was so windy, as you can see from Ellie’s dress, that I could barely see through my streaming eyes. Somehow I managed to take some of my favourite portraits ever! The colours, the movement, the subtle sunny glow, the shallow depth of field, the two of them. Beautiful.

Chris and Ellie incorporated lots of awesome geeky things (Lego, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Lord of the Rings, Back to the Future, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Trek etc) into their wedding and gave their guests a paper quiz to identity where said geeky things had been used. The winners got a bottle of champagne!

You know it’s been a good one when the brides dad has a cow on his head!

I hope you enjoyed viewing these photos as much as I loved creating them!

It’s never too early or late to get in touch about wedding photography, I’d love to hear from you.

Holly x

Imperial Hotel Luxury Gold Wedding Styling || Torquay Wedding Photography

February 12, 2016

As a Torquay Wedding Photographer, I was at the Imperial Hotel‘s wedding fayre in September and had an impromptu photoshoot with Hannah Taylor and her gorgeous luxury gold venue styling. We got published on Wed Magazines blog!

Hannah used rich reds and decadent golds to create a warm and elegant colour scheme. Finished off with a gorgeously decorated cake, vibrant bouquets and delicate details such as on-trend patterned textiles and beautifully designed stationery.

With thanks to Hannah Taylor Wedding Stylist for her beautiful styling. Daisy Molly and Me for providing the lovely cake. The Bridal Box for lending us their model and dress! I heartily recommend these wonderful wedding suppliers, so if you’re planning your wedding need your dress, venue styling or cake, contact these lovely ladies.

I couldn’t resist taking some photos of Daisy Molly and Me‘s wonderful table set up, so much attention to detail. Aren’t her cakes absolutely delightful?

I’m still taking bookings for weddings in 2016 and it’s never to early to book for 2017. Get in touch if you’d like more information about my wedding photography services or view my portfolio!

Some kind words from Em & Joe who’s wedding I photographed at The Imperial in June 2015:

“Holly is an absolutely fabulous photographer, who blended into our wedding day perfectly. She captured numerous stunning candid moments from our day, which is exactly what we wanted, along with beautiful formal images. We would recommend her wholeheartedly (and have) to anyone who will listen. She is just an incredible and a passionate artist, who can bring light and colour which is invisible to the rest of us. Plus she can makes everyone stunning!

Her images are so fresh, beautiful, bright and colourful on her website. Every wedding party looks stunning, and you think “We want to look that beautiful too, damnit!” but of course, you worry – as everyone does – that she won’t be able to do it for you… Then you meet her, and her quiet confidence communicates “Trust me, I can” and you do… and she does!”

– Em and Joe, Imperial Hotel, Torquay Wedding Photography

Intimate Wedding Photography at Redcliffe Hotel, Paignton || Helen and Matthew

January 14, 2016

I’d been looking forward to Helen and Matt’s wedding at the Redcliffe Hotel, Paignton for so long! I first met them back in October 2014 for a consultation. We met up again in June for their pre-wedding portrait session in Shaldon and they were great fun and awesome to photograph!

A few days before their wedding, I decided to bite the bullet and invest in a new lens that I’ve been dreaming about, the Sigma Art 1.4 35mm. Best. Decision. Ever. While the photographer is responsible for the style and quality of a photo, this lens gave me freedom and reliability to achieve the photos I wanted.

Helens stunning lace wedding dress is from The Bridal Box and her beautiful bridesmaids dresses are from Just Last Season.