Holy baloney – this place was incredible,Bab Al Shams is a unique hotel with truly stunning surroundings in the desert about an hour away from the hustle of Dubai. The buildings warm terracotta shades made you feel even more heated! It has a golden glow at sunset that was literally jaw-dropping. It felt calm and serene, which was amazing to shoot with such a gorgeous atmosphere. Oh – and I need to mention it has camels- yes, camels! However I suppose that is a given been in the desert, just seeing them wander around happily minding their own business is such a sight to behold- honestly, this place is more than perfect to photograph
I arrived in Dubai on Wednesday with lots of excitement, I was so excited to see Alex again and meet Stuart. These two lovelies got married in the Lake District back in July. They live in Dubai; doing their engagement shoot there was a straightforward decision. The next few days were amazing, we shot in different locations in between eating and grabbing a cocktail or two!! Alex & Stuart looked after me so well. We went down to the Spice District around the Creek. Getting on the little boats to take you across the Creek was fun, although that leap of faith with my cameras was a bit nerve-racking! A big humongous thank you to Alex & Stuart for marking me feel so welcome.
I can safely say I have fallen in love with destination shooting, the light is incredible, the atmosphere is so different. It’s much more relaxed, it is exceptional. Mulling around exploring different countries with my camera is just so romantic. I was now so excited to photograph Alex’s & Stuart’s wedding.
Alex & Stuart got married at the Belsfeld Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere. They were surrounded by all their loved ones with such a pleasant atmosphere. The weather was super kind to us with amazing warm sunshine. On the morning I arrived and met Alex in her bridal suite, mums & Bridesmaids were buzzing around helping. Alex was super chilled, and all the makeup and hair was a breeze, not a hair out of place!! The ceremony was a little walk down into Windermere at the local church. The guys were sinking a few beers in a near buy pub, I went along to catch Stuart. After the ceremony, we left to get back up to the Belsfield where the drinking & fun began!! The Belsfield looked stunning and dressed by Brackens Of Bowness, it looks exquisite and suited Alex & Stuart to a tee. It was super chilled with lots of mingling. Once we were called for food, I knew it was going to get lively. Alex had surprised Stuart with the singing waiters, they always seem to get a room buzzing, and it was so much fun to photography.
As the evening drew closer, Alex, Stuart, and I snook off for 10 minutes so they could have a breather, and it gave me a chance to photograph some portraits, this is always so much fun to do. As you can imagine, the view of the lakes is – WOW! We had incredible light, which made me very giddy!! It never takes longer than 10/15 mins for me to get some wedding portraiture so the guys can go back and let rip at the party! And Boy- what a party. If I say they never left the dance floor, that would be an understatement. In all honesty, I knew it was going to be a good one with vibes to die for- it always is when Six 15 are involved. It was electric, been up close and personal on the dance floor is one of my favourite parts. Guests are usually a little (a lot) tipsy, so guards are down, and the dancing badasses are out!! Guys, what a night this was!! LOVED IT!!
I honestly had the best time photographing your wedding – THANK YOU. I’m humbled and honoured that you put your trust in me.
S
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Bab Al Shams wedding photography in Dubai. Laura Ashly Belsfield Hotel wedding photography in Windermere. Yorkshire wedding photographer. Sarah loves to travel to new exciting places and works all over the UK photographic weddings. Sarah has just embarked on shoot internationally for weddings in Europe.
Fantastic suppliers on this one –
Venue – Laura Ashley Hotels The Belsfield
The Dress – Dream Catcher Bride
Groomsmen’s Clobber – Whitfield And Ward
Florist – Brackens Of Bowness
Reception – Classic Ensembles
Singing Waiters – The Singing Staff
Evening Entertainment – Six 15
Stationary – The Paper Doll
Balloons – The Party Co UK
