A moment in time

Sometimes I wonder what it must be like to be a wedding photographer.

Capturing those all important moments from a couple's Big Day. The pressure to keep one's head when all around you, others are getting a wobble on.

Snapping the bride-to-be in her nightie and rollers whilst a make up artist works their magic is something I just could not do. Partly because my nerves would be in tatters and partly because I drink way too much coffee and my hands shake. A lot.

I would rather be in the behind the scenes team, silent assassin, nip in with the flowers like a floral ninja, pop them in place and leave them to work their magic.

I do like seeing pics post wedding though to get the full experience. Otherwise its like getting an invite to the best party of the year that you can't go to. So thank you to all those kind people that send me pics after the event! I really do enjoy them.

These snaps today are from yesterdays wedding at Brighton and Hove Golf Club. Sadly no views of the rolling Downs as it was blowing a hooley.

Seize the day(lia)

Oh my goodness, so I have a wonderful new assistant in The Emporium who insists that I bugger off from time to time and enjoy a day trip out with my mamma and Mr Mole.

Mamma Mole chose Parham House in Storrington nr Pulborough.

Reasons why you MUST visit:

- The house is rammed with gorgeousness, tapestries, oil paintings, objet d'art.

- it doesn't cost six million pounds to get in unlike other places beginning with 'National' and ending in 'Trust'.

- the gardens are just to die for, romantic mixed borders that echo the tapestries inside the house.

- the dahlias. Bonkers.

- the flower arrangements. Bonkers again. All cut from the garden as flowers kinda should be? But not necessarily arranged in the 'Parham Way' ( not my terminology but judge for yourself )

- the peace and tranquility and copper jelly moulds.

- erm, the cream tea. Nuff said.

- the hothouse of scented leaf geraniums and other covetable plants.

- erm, the cream tea?

- its unhurried air and uber knowledgeable room attendants.

Mamma Mole was in her element pinching cuttings a la old lady stylee and collecting windfall apples in the orchards in true style ie before they fall off the tree, do you know what I am saying? Siiiiiigh.

Muse

The goddess or the power regarded as inspiring the poet, artist or thinker.

No, not the English rock band from Devon.

Oooh how very exciting! Our flowers have become a photographers muse.

Intricate studies of the flowers provide an intimate portrait of the flowers in their natural form. The pictures are incredible in their detail, lighting, colour and perspective.

We have the pleasure of having a trio of pictures displayed in the shop, swing by and stand in admiration. I might even try and sell you a brochure.

Or visit from the comfort of your armchair and peruse the virtual gallery at www.jwardimages.com

OCD

Oh dear. I have to come clean. I seem to have a compulsion to buy, buy, buy these delicious vintage planters. I am not the world's biggest fan of the mass produced item. Although readily available and better value, where is the fun in purchasing mass produced s***e from a nameless warehouse?

Much more thrilling to spy a beautiful Sylvac planter and with heart pounding and hand reaching into handbag for purse, enquire in a nonchalant manner how much said item is. Then pretend to be perturbed by the price and haggle over it when you would in actual fact, give your right kidney for it.

Then rush home and unwrap it with pride. Oooooh the possibilities!!!

Please have a quick gander at my mounting collection and pity me in my fever.

I can't help it.

Save me from myself.