Kelly & Chris's welsh wedding

These 2!! Man you couldn’t meet a lovelier and more chilled out couple. They found me on google and we didn’t actually meet until their wedding day as they live all the way up in Liverpool. Chris being from the Vale of Glamorgan wanted to bring the wedding to Wales so that all his family could be there, some which were too elderly to make the journey up north. Kelly’s side didn’t disappoint and it was so lovely to meet so many who made the distance from Liverpool, especially on such a windy day.

The wedding was at Dinas Powys Golf Club, they don’t do many weddings a year but are starting to branch out and offer more. I found the staff amazing to work with, nothing was too much trouble and it really felt like we were one team. The views from the top of the course were pretty incredible despite the grey skies. It was my first experience in a golf buggy and I’m pleased to say I didn’t actually drive it. I think Chris enjoyed driving theirs despite almost driving into the back of ours on the way back down!

Kelly’s dress was perfect.. like me she had found quite a few choices on eBay and the one she settled on fitted her perfectly. It was really unusual with embroidered flowers and gorgeous satin. More beautiful than the dress was Kelly’s smile.. it didn’t disappear all day. I sincerely have never seen a happier bride and the chemistry and bond between the 2 of them was beautiful.

The cake was made by Chris’s Aunty and it looked so yummy! The colours blue and yellow were chosen because of when Kelly & Chris first met - Kelly had a blue motorbike and Chris had a yellow one. They are both bikers and there was no bubbles at this party.. just beer! Perfect!

Genuinely a beautiful, awesome wedding day in a room full of their favourite people. So many generations and a common love for the bride and groom made this day one to remember.

Here are some of my favourites.

Valentine's Portraits

Back in November I was asked by my son’s nursery, Britannia Day Nursery, if I would take part in the Strictly Top Dancer competition. Teams of 5 novices are paired with a professional dancer and we have to create a dance and perform it in front of a room full of people in May. Those of you that know me will understand my fear of wearing heels.. I literally live in flip flops and hiking boots, I constantly fall over when I do venture out in heels and I even chose flat shoes on my wedding day. The fear is real. Dancing shoes have heels and I am expecting to have a few blunders, or a twisted ankle or to make a complete fool of myself on stage..

However it’s all for charity and that’s where the photography comes in. Each team has to raise £1500 towards the Breast Centre in Llandough Hospital. Fundraising in a world where everyone is asking for money is really difficult and you constantly feel you are sponsoring one thing or another. So I decided to take a day out and do voluntary valentine’s portraits at Britannia Day Nursery. The cost was quite small because I wanted to encourage people to take the opportunity and I raised £330. There might even be more as I am waiting for some parents to make their final choices. Thank you to all the parents that helped support me.

The Breast Centre at University Hospital Llandough treats between 450 and 500 new breast cancer patients every year; for initial investigations, follow-up treatment and patients returning for results. The new Breast Centre houses out-patient clinics and diagnostic radiology services together. Patients can have a mammogram or ultrasound and get their results on the same day; then if further investigations are needed these can also be carried out at the Centre. Donations to the Breast Centre Appeal are used to provide patients with additional services outside the NHS support.

If you’d like to donate you can show your support here. Thank you.

Below are some of the images I took. The beautiful canvas backdrop is from Intuition Backgrounds and was borrowed from my good friend Steph Keily Photography.

2018... a year to remember!

What??! 2019 already?!! Seriously where did the last year go? My feet haven’t touched the ground both within work and in my family life. You’ve been AMAZING!!!! I can’t thank you enough for new custom, repeat bookings and all the referrals and social media shares you’ve made. You absolutely ROCK and it’s people like you that keep small businesses like Kelly Daniel Photography alive. THANK YOU so so much!

For those of you who are new… Welcome! If you are wondering who is behind the camera that’s me and my family in the collage above… it’s nice to meet you :-)

This year I’ve concentrated on my newborn and family photography and I have loved meeting / working with every single one of you. It’s been really great fun and my style has grown from using traditional newborn poses to a more natural style which I love. It’s been my first full year using my home studio (which has been painted 3 times as I can’t make my mind up!). I adore the flexibility of being able to work from home in this way.. it also means that you get more choice of colours, textures and props to use in your shoots. I’ve also continued to shoot families on location and have found some beautiful local spots this year which I am excited to show you in 2019.

My Facebook VIP group is now available for existing customers, this is where events like the spring, autumn and Christmas minis are initially advertised, a place where I will use first for model calls and occasional offers. It’s available to people that have had a full price shoot from me in the past so if that’s you let me know and I’ll add you to the group.

This year I’ve also made links with the SK Dance Academy and spend 2 mornings shooting dance portraits. I absolutely loved this and it’s something I hope to do more of in 2019. I’ve also continued to strengthen my working relationship with Rhondda Housing Association and been privileged to cover many community events as well as doing the occasional corporate work and head shots.

Here are some of my favourite images from this year… maybe you’ll recognise a few people.

Once again THANK YOU & Happy 2019 to all of you xxxxxx

Newborns (31 newbies have been in my editing cave this year)

It’s been an incredible year for my newborn photography. I thank each and every one of you that have chosen me to be your photographer in this intimate family time.

Sitters (8 sitters plus 13 from first birthday shoots)

I LOVE these sessions- baby sitting safely unattended and usually smiley. Thank you to everyone that has booked a sitter session and trusted me to capture this wonderful milestone.

First Birthdays (23 one year olds have been in my studio this year and 1 birthday shoot on the beach)

It’s been a strong year for cake smashes and first birthdays and it’s been so much fun. I decided to start elaborating and creating more unique sets to personalise your experience and have thoroughly enjoyed each and everyone. I’ve done Star Wars, the Hungry Caterpillar, Ducks and Daisies, Lions, Up, Fairies, stripped back sessions, Cookie Monster, Sunflowers and loads more. I have some new exciting backdrops to use in 2019 including a forest woodland theme and a jungle theme… super excited about using these..

HUGE thank-you to Ivy my baker who has nailed it EVERY SINGLE TIME! You are a legend. Her work and cakes can be ordered through this link: CUPN’CAKES

Family & Children’s Portraits (26 sessions including studio and location work)

I LOVE working with the whole family, especially when it’s outside in a lovely location using natural light. My studio is small so I can really only fit in about 4 people max so using our beautiful countryside has been perfect. In 2019 expect to see some autumn mini sessions available and golden hour family shoots during the summer months. I would love to do some urban portraits too so if that’s your bag get in touch..

Every single second has been appreciated and enjoyable… THANK YOU!!!

Blogs on my corporate work, weddings and dance school mini sessions are soon to come…