Little overwhelmed? Really don't know where to start!

I meet couples regularly that are being torn between getting excited and sheer panic of where to start, how are they going to afford everything and how do they know who to book! Well.. I've put together a little checklist that I hope will help you begin your planning and allow you to actually enjoy this process!

A Sunny September Saturday, as my busiest wedding season yet draws to a close, Sophie & Ollie have finally reached the day they have been waiting for. ​

Written by myself and Natalie Michele; a pregnancy blogger and mother of two beautiful children. You can read more of her content at Maternityathome.

Taking professional photos of your baby can be some of your most treasured memories for the future. Regardless of whether he or she is a newborn, 6 months old or just celebrated their first birthday, babies are super fun and cute. Their innocent smiles and tiny personalities is something worth cherishing for a lifetime. ​

On the first day of Autumn, as the leaves were falling and the orange glow shone from the sunset I organised a stylised fashion shoot. Something I rarely do anymore but absolutely love. 

My Dad bought a 1970s beetle back in the summer and had been bugging me since to get some photographs of it! It was beautiful, full of character and story, a time piece, a collectable that had been adored by many. 

My idea for a fashion shoot with the Beetle was perfect. I asked Abby Inez, a local singer and friend of mine to do some modelling for me. She had recently decided that she would like to start modelling more, so she was excited to collaborate!

We drove the beetle to Hanbury, where I located the perfect positioning for the sun to shine through the window. Natural light is my absolute fave and the golden hour is a definitely my chosen time for any shoot. 

Check them out here...

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Remember why you started. 
That was a term I have been told over and over again. It gets me through the rough days, the long hours and the moments I think to myself I can't hack this anymore. When I start to sink I remind myself why I started. 

I started my small business when I got back from a year travelling! (That itself was a year ago now.) Straight out of university I took a plane and started the adventure of a life time. It was incredible and I could go on forever about all the memories I have of America and Australia - see my blog here with funny and exciting tales of my adventure! However the one thing I realised when I came to the end of my travels was how much I missed taking photographs. Now I mean proper photographs. Planned, creative, collaborative, photographs that made someone else smile, and in turn made me smile. I had taken thousands of photographs whilst exploring, and those all have very sentimental meaning to me. Yes, I do still often scroll through them wishing I was back on that white sandy beach with no worries in the entire world. Okay, I'm making that trip sound too great aren't I ? 

Well... there was something missing. I could travel for the rest of my life but I would have to incorporate my passion for photography into it. 

My passion and drive began to come back. I couldn't wait to spend hours talking to other creatives about an idea, making mood boards with pritt-stick in my journal, experimenting with light, style, location and also progressing and learning through every step. I couldn't wait to hold my camera again. 


When I first returned home from Australia, I was emotional. No matter what anyone says it never prepares you for the rollercoaster of emotions and feelings that you come back too. My life was completely different when I came back. And although it was incredible to see my family and friends, I felt lost. 

I had no idea what I was going to do. Where did I start? How do I start? 

I looked around me at all my friends who had come out of uni and landed amazing jobs. I was envious. Until I realised none of them where doing what they passionately talked about when we were studying. People follow money. They follow security. They say yes because its sometimes easier than saying no.

Although when I got home I started working at my local garden centre I knew I was only there until I had managed to save a little bit of money. 

I had a passion and a drive to be a photographer. 


It was just after Christmas that I quit my job, registered online as self employed and went on a business course. Laura Jayne photographer was officially in business! I literally jumped in at the deep end. But.. I would never have done it otherwise if I didn't fully commit myself to my art. I knew I wasn't going to be making any money and I was prepared to make a loss as I plowed everything I had into setting up the foundations of the business.

If you take anything from me, its don't be scared to follow your dreams. 

This beautiful wedding of Leah and Joe at Whitbourne Hall, Worcester was an absolute pleasure to photograph!

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Leah and Joe were surrounded by their beautiful family and their two kids Gemima and Seb. Their friends had flew in from all over the world to celebrate with them!
Whitbourne Hall, situated in the beautiful countryside of Worcestershire was the perfect setting for the Walch Wedding. We were threatened by grey skies in the morning, but as Leah and Joe said their vows the sun beamed through the glass roof of the great hall. 
On the wedding day I spent the morning with Leah at her house in Worcester with her mother and 11 bridesmaids! The girls had their hair and make-up done and the flower girls kept busy eating snacks and watching TV. Fair to say the house was full! I helped by taking the flowers to the venue for her and got them prepared and ready at the top of the princess staircase Leah would be walking down with her Dad that afternoon. When Leah's dad arrived on the balcony and saw her, he was struck with emotion at how beautiful Leah looked. 

They married in the great hall of Whitbourne Hall. Instead of walking down the isle, Leah had chosen to walk down the grand staircase. 

Walking in twos the bridesmaids walked down the stairs as everyone waited in anticipation to see the stunning Bride. Joe's face lit up, and his eyes filled with tears as she made her way towards him. Everyone, facing towards the staircase, had the perfect view of Leah's entrance, which made this wedding so special and unique. 

After they said their vows to each other and to the kids, Seb made a few words to his mum and dad which didn't leave a dry eye in the room. The register was signed and everyone gathered on the lawn for welcome drinks before throwing the confetti. The kids played with all the activities they had set out for them, including a massive white bouncy castle! Sure to say the adults had fun on that after a few drinks too...

Leah had given me a long list of groups she wanted to be photographed, so as the sun was shining we gathered everyone together for photographs. I managed to steal a few moments of them together before the skies opened up and the rain started pouring. Good timing as the Paella was being served! After dinner as the sun was setting as we chased the golden light around the gardens for a short while. 

Leah's Dad had prepared a speech and everyone had put their stakes on how long it would take... however it was incredible and so personal to Leah and Joe. He had even written a catchy song which he played on his Ukele. 

The evening brought more guests, children full of energy and some crazy dancing! Seb  sang his Mum and Dad a few songs which once again brought everyone to tears.

As the evening drew later, Joe was dreading the first dance however Leah had a surprise for him.... 

As everyone gathered around for the "First Dance" Leah picked up the microphone and made a small speech. She explained how this song is so special to them as it was at Glastonbury Festival, when Coldplay were playing that Joe turned to Leah and said those beautiful and special 3 words... I love you. As Leah began singing Fix you, Joe had eyes only for her and was so emotional.   

Joe and Leah cut the cake and we took some sparkler photographs just before the hog roast was shared and everyone danced their way into the night...


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