A Moving Experience

I was invited to attend the Jessie May Trust's Supporter's Reception at the Council House in Bristol yesterday. After I had drunk several cups of tea, had a bit of a chat (and a very nice piece of chocolate cake!) I wandered around looking at the display boards, showing what the charity has achieved with all the money raised in the last year. I found I got very absorbed reading a number of little stories about the families the Jessie May nurses help on a day to day basis and what a difference their help makes.

If you don't know the charity, Jessie May supports about 30 families locally, who have a terminally ill child. The trust's nurses enable the parents to take some time out from what is often 24/7 care, either to catch up with some housework, go and do some shopping, spend some time with their other children, or just have a rest. The nurses can also visit the children in their care if they go into hospital to help brighten up their experience and be a familiar and friendly face during a stressful and worrying time.

It really struck me how impossibly hard it would be to manage without any support and what a truely fantastic organisation the trust is. I think it makes a real difference to the families they support and a genuine lifeline.

The Precious Time Appeal was lauched last year and so far about half the money has been raised but there is still a long way to go. If you would like to read more about the apeal and the work of Jessie May, just paste this link into your browser:

www.jessiemaytrust.org.uk

Gemma and Dan - Friday 11 April 2008

What a gorgeous day we had last Friday for Gemma and Dan's wedding in Hutton village church. There is a lovely romantic story behind Gemma and Dan's marriage and it all started with them meeting on Weston pier (some years ago!) when they both had jobs there - Dan working on the Ghost Train and Gemma selling ice cream!

After the ceremony, we headed over to the pier for some lovely shots to bring back those memories in the sunshine. Driving my car along the pier was a first for me and a bit nerve racking - but thanks to Dan's sister Camilla, who had organised everything, it all went like clockwork and Gemma and Dan even got a mention over the tannoy as they enjoyed their champage!

Gemma and Dan then enjoyed drinks with their guests to the sound of a very special string quartet of pupil's from Gemma's school before sitting down to their wedding breakfast at the Batch Country Hotel, Lympsham.

Here are a few shots from their day and guys, I know you aren't back from honeymoon yet, but I hope you enjoy looking at these in the meantime and see you when you get back!:

Memory Lane in Sunny Weston!

I have been to Weston Super Mare 3 times in as many weeks and I always seem to have clear blue skies and sunshine, which is fantastic. This week was no exception when I went to the pier with my bride and groom for tomorrow's wedding; Gemma and Dan, to have a look around.

Gemma and Dan are real life childhood sweethearts, having met at the age of 16 when Dan was working on the Ghost Train and Gemma was selling ice cream! We had a really nice wander around the pier and even paid a quick visit to the Ghost Train, which apparently is just the same!

Watch this space for a sneek preview of their wedding images next week and in the meantime, here are a few shots of them reliving their teens!

A day at the beach!

What a fantastic few days of gorgeous weather we've just had. It really feels like Spring is here and fortunately for me, it all began on Sunday with clear blue skies and lots of sunshine, for the Weddings Magazine shoot in Weston Super Mare.

Despite the early start after the clocks going forward, everyone looked wide awake and raring to go. I doubt Weston has ever seen such an action packed few hours before; from candy floss, buckets and spades, games of beach ball, rides on trains to swings and donkeys - we did it all! I even returned home with a shiny new bucket and spade!

Keep your eyes peeled for the magazine, which comes out next month. In the meantime, here are a few shots which sum up the day. A big thank you to my models, Nicky, Imogen, Mimi and Sarah, Jamie (my wonderful husband!) and our friend Sam, who put in a guest appearance. Huge thank yous also to Harry, Diane, Jacqui and everyone else involved in the day.