My why, the why I do this job, is because I find it emotionally rewarding. Being a photographer means I get to create images that make memories, and those memories can mean so much to someone. To be able to provide emotions, to make people happy, makes me happy.

I also love telling stories, and seeing as writing with words is not my strong point, I do it with images. I find it a thrill to meet new people, interpret their story at a single point in their life (perhaps a wedding, perhaps a birthday or other momentous occasion), and create a beautiful set of images that become a record to that fixed point in time.

I am also a bit of a romantic, and love seeing people in love. Is love not one of the greatest inspirations, and reasons, of all…

My Year in Review

This past year has actually seemed to go by faster than any other. I’ve gotten to work with some amazing couples and am ever so thankful for each one of them choosing me to do their photography. I always feel so lucky with my couples as they feel more like friends than clients. I’ve also made some great acquaintances and friends with other photographers and suppliers and I think a big highlight of this year was getting to hang out with 30 photographers on a farm. We had all been brought together by Emma Case on her inspiring “Welcome Home” workshop, and to add to the experience Emma organised a little retreat in April for a whole bunch of us. We cooked breakfast, played rounders, talked shop and sometimes just nonsense, and danced into the early hours of the morning each day.

Another highlight was getting to photograph Anna Fur Laxis! She’s the most amazing world-renowned burlesque performer and on top of that as sweet as pie. She gave two of us a whole day to gallivant from place to place taking some really fun shots, places we went included a zoo to look for a lion and a paintball bunker,which was freezing!.

Mid-summer I also moved to a new studio. I moved from a shop in Exeter, to a more practical studio in Exmouth, two roads over from where I live. It has double height ceilings and works so much better for portraits and I’m loving living around the corner – I can go home and see my little cats at lunch time which they love. So it was a very good move I think and I’m looking forward to getting it just the way I like next year and perhaps a few more props too 😉

Summer was busy with weddings then, but I loved every minute and every wedding. And the sun just seemed to know when I needed it this year; so many beautiful sunny summer days. Looking back through all the weddings I shot, I got to see some breathtaking venues, Sharpham house has to win the award for must stunning view (a grand estate in the middle of a vineyard looking over a valley with a lake- Amazing!), got to play on the beach lots and do couple portraits on sandy shores in both Devon and Cornwall, I’ve been to  waterfalls, woods, farms and grand houses. Getting to create images with such beautiful backdrops and weather has been wonderful.

At the end of the year I was honoured to be a finalist in the Wedding Industry Awards for Southwest Wedding Photography and to top off the year, I got to work with Blue Fizz events and Wed magazine on the most fun styled shoot I’ve ever done – picture a edgy Narnia vibe with lots of fake snow, smoke grenades, sparklers, a grand house, and striking model. This has just recently come out in the Devon Wed magazine so its been a real treat to see the images I’ve taken published before the end of the year.

And in all the festive cheer going on around this time of year, I’m doing 12 days of Christmas Special Offers. One each days from the 26th and running until the 6th. Some run the length of the 12 days, others just for a day, with offers for wedding photography, engagement shoots, hen parties and bridal boudoir – keep an eye on my Facebook page.

My Favourite Bits From My Blog

Welcome Break, Anna Fur Laxis – In the Heart of the Jungle & Steph and Tom

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Meet Fairford Balloons

About Me

Hi I’m Paula!

I am trained in the art of helium balloon displays and we supply many surrounding areas throughout Gloucestershire, Lechlade, Cirencester, Highworth and the Cotswolds .

My Year in Review

I would say highlight of the year would be moving our gift shop into a more ideal location in Fairford, Gloucestershire. It was a lot of hard work but has been well worth it for the gift shop and the balloons. I am hoping these successes will continue into next year. On top of cramming in a shop move (and a house move!) the balloon business has been at its best in 2013 where we have had our first year being involved more in weddings, not just birthday parties. I believe that the support we have had from #GlosWed has been a big help. Thanks to this I have been more involved in styled shoots and blogs such as Bespoke Bride which, has not just helped build a portfolio but introduced me to new contacts and referrals. With bookings coming in for 2014 I hope this next year can be just as promising for balloons in the wedding industry.

My Key for success in 2014…

My advice to anyone starting up a business in 2014 would be to stick at it and not to give-up and listen to your own advice!! I am the worlds worst for dishing out advice but not actually paying attention to it myself! The best advice I have been given this year was from the Bespoke Bride girls  and Emily Fisher of Fishee Designs, “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone.” I think I need to get this pinned on every wall in my office, just as a reminder!

My New Years Resolutions are…

To take on my own advice! I am also aiming to sell my balloons online with a postal service so people can choose a balloon and get it sent to a family or friend for various different occasions all from their own computer. So make sure to keep your eyes peeled! Busy year ahead!

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Visit my Website/ Stay in Touch on Facebook/ Tweet me/Pin with me on Pinterest

We would love to know if any of our readers have or will be using any of our featured suppliers for your wedding?

We have had the opportunity to work with many our recommended suppliers this year and it has been a real honour, more than that, we have  made some amazing friendships.  I can only hope that 2014 is just as successful for all of us! Today myself and Mr T are making the journey to Cornwall to see in the new year with Jess, James and lots of our other friends. I am really looking forward to seeing them.

Much Bespoke Love

Emily ♥