Some things I’ve missed like crazy… hazy sunshine and evenings spent with friends. European sunshine and lazy days on holiday. Time to escape, to completely relax and be somewhere utterly new and refreshing. You too? Let’s hope it won’t be too long before we can safely spread our wings again. Meanwhile, I have the most beautiful photoshoot to share with you today. Our wonderful friend Tara from Pudding & Plum Photography was lucky enough to be in the Algarve before lockdown hit, and I asked her if we could publish these breathtaking images. Think dreamy wedding styling ideas and divine fashion photography in the evening sunlight.

This was a photoshoot combined with learning, which is really important to Tara as a professional wedding photographer. The Iberian Workshop was run by Liza Edgington, and Tara has written a lovely review which we hope other photographers will find interesting. The stunning images really showcase Tara’s talent, and our quick Q&A with our favourite, bubbly Leicestershire wedding photographer shows off her fabulous personality too! For couples planning a destination wedding or wanting to bring a splash of summer holiday style to their UK celebrations, the table styling and details are absolutely on point. I will leave you with Tara to tell you more! Have a lovely (blustery?!) day, lovelies!

Sunset provided such deep warm colours, really rich yellows and oranges. Everything was golden and it was incredible to see that change to pinks, blues and purples over a short period of time.

In the morning, you could soak yourself in the smell of orange blossom, bathe in the surprisingly warm morning sun and indulge in the beautiful breakfast room. The Palacio is bursting with romantic colour, including rich pink walls, the traditional blue and white Portuguese tiling as well as a warm yellow courtyard. There is so much more light in this area as well, especially as the foliage is a different tone and the ground is brighter rather than dark muddy or tarmac.

The room chosen for the table set up was the epitome of luxurious romance, with fantastic tall ceilings, paintings, gold gilded furniture and décor plus floor to ceiling glass panelled doors which opened onto a balcony. The team provided a table and dessert area that used olive greens, pinks and golds. It all felt classic and elegant, clean and dignified. There were lovely textures on the table from the foliage to the chiffon; on the main cake, there were exquisite details on the edging and delicate textures worked through the surface. The macarons and desserts had so much attention paid to them – I could have photographed that table all day long!

I do not really mention this as much as I probably should, but my degree was actually Hispanic Studies which involved Spanish and Portuguese! I lived in the north of Portugal for a semester as well as in Barcelona, so it was wonderful to return after 16 years. I must say that my language was more than a little rusty though unfortunately.

I love capturing the little details. I enjoy placing them all to complement each other, noticing fabrics patterns and colours together. I really loved the foliage that had been collected locally. I thought it absolutely pulled the table together and brought in the ‘real Algarve’ with it. I also loved the fabric runner, I feel pieces like that are so beautiful and elegant in their simplicity.

Tara is based in Leicestershire, and while the Algarve vibe in those parts might miss a little of the Portuguese sunshine, there are some lovely blank canvas and barn wedding venues you could bring a touch of the Algarve to with the right sprinkling of foliage and even outdoor and courtyard dining! Check out Mythe Barn, Shustoke Barn, Dodford Manor, Swancar Farm, Honeysuckle & Castle, and for a more contemporary vibe try The West Mill.

The beach shoot was so much fun, even though we had to work very quickly as the light changes so much in a short time, plus it was actually quite chilly for our model Leila sitting on the sand. It was very early March you see! It was exciting to do this as most of my weddings are in beautiful castles or country houses with gardens, it isn’t often I get to photograph people that are all done up on the beach.

The Iberian Workshop & the importance of continually learning as a wedding photographer

A photographer friend mentioned this workshop to me when we were catching up for a drink. We thought it seemed the perfect mix of a break away and a chance to shoot some dreamy romantic images. It was also at the beginning of the year which can sometimes feel a bit of a slump so it was a tactical decision to input some energy into my photography before the season.

Liza Edgington has very close ties to Portugal having grown up and gone to school there, she was keen to share her Algarve with other photographers. The beautiful light, scenery and food.

Everyone had their own welcome bag put together by Liza including little sweet treats and mini creams. The workshop was arranged so that we actually stayed at the Palacio which was a real luxury. As a mum of twin 5 year olds, it was absolute heaven to have a big room all to myself with views out across the orange groves. It was a certainly a great way to relax into the workshop.

They were a great bunch of photographers and my particular group were super supportive and patient. This is the first time I had ever done a big workshop like this (although comparatively, it’s a small one with just 5 photographers) and I was nervous that I wouldn’t get the time or space I’d like. That was not an issue though and it was great that we were all together in the hotel.

I believe it is important to keep learning – this may very well be because I was a secondary teacher for close to a decade! I think I’d get bored very quickly if I didn’t try new things.

To make me the best wedding photographer I can be, I want to be comfortable and creative in all situations. The day moves incredibly quickly and there are so many important moments to get right. I don’t want to feel limited or panicked by the weather so I have worked very hard on how to shoot on a rainy day or when light leaves early. Portugal was perfect as I wanted to work on using flash in the day time, so as to capture the colours that are so beautiful in a sunset but not to have my subject as a silhouette. It does seem odd to those who don’t use flash, to see someone using a speedlite in the middle of the day. Great news is that I achieved a Bronze Award from the Guild of Photographers for one of those sunset portraits. I definitely achieved my target of being able to use off camera flash in the daylight on that course.

Workshop by Liza Edgington Photography
Hair by  Parley Studio
Make up by Algarve Makeup Artist Susana Aleixo
Dress ASOS
Shoes Bella Belle Shoes
Model Leila Atherton
Location Monterosa Olive Oil
Cake by Hayley Elizabeth Cake Design
Jewellery by PS With Love
Bridalwear from Isobel’s Bridal and Groom
Floristry by Simply Flower
Styling by Hayley Paginton Events
Stationery by Margo and Bees

We’d also like to mention these lovely humans who Tash thoroughly enjoyed spending the workshop alongside! White Chalet Studio, Tash and Will Photography, Indigo + Violet Photography, Sam Cook Photography all helped to make The Iberian Workshop a brilliant, fun and memorable experience!