Like most girls, I love it when an event or opportunity arises that allows me to wear a beautiful and glamorous gown for the evening. There is something very exciting about planning what you are going to wear to a special occasion that is a complete change from your usual look.
Apart from on your wedding day, or unless you are a movie star, it’s your chance to transform yourself, put on some ridiculously high heels and feel like a million dollars. Even, if for just one night, you can forget your day job and dress like a red carpet queen! I love people watching too, so to me, part of the excitement is also observing how gorgeous everyone else looks in their own choice of outfits at such events.
A few weekends ago I attended the very fabulous Awards Night dinner at the annual SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers) Convention which is held at the Hilton Metropole in London. This is the second year I have attended the Awards and I had been really looking forward to it after last year where I met so many wonderful people.
Apart from that, the whole weekend is a fantastic opportunity to mix with other creatives, who combined, have some breath-taking talent. The SWPP puts on a fantastic trade show each year which attracts thousands of visitors, as well as giving people attending, the opportunity to experience some inspiring classes, held by speakers who share their knowledge on a wide range of photography subjects, from business and technology, to posing and lighting.
The purpose of the Awards dinner is to celebrate the success of photographers from around the world and recognise them for creativity, innovation and effectiveness in their photographic skills. It is a glittering event with over 500 people attending from the industry.
I felt honoured to have been awarded a merit myself for a fine art boudoir image, which I entered into the Classical Portraiture category in the print competition. My image was displayed alongside work from some of the best photographers in the industry and followed on from winning another award last year, so it felt like a great achievement, especially as the judging for competition entries is very high.
To recreate my Awards Night look, we arranged a photoshoot at the fabulous 5 star Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa in Sussex.
Alexander House is a luxury manor house set within 120 acres of glorious Sussex countryside. It has a choice of restaurants, an award-winning Utopia Spa and beautiful rooms designed for your comfort. It has recently opened an amazing lodge which sits separately from the main house and which oozes contemporary charm.
When we arrived, we were escorted to one of the stunning Cedar Lodge Garden Suites. The large, spacious room, was a beautiful mix of vibrant pinks and calming grey tones, with a comfortable lounge area and an ensuite bathroom to die for. I could happily have moved in! If pink is not your colour however, there are a range of individually designed rooms to suite your taste. The outside of the building also had a fabulous stone wall where the above images were taken and which complimented the rustic wood of the rest of the building. Having photographed many weddings, it made me think how dramatic a bride and groom would look pictured against it, for a really contemporary looking portrait.
When it comes to choosing a gown for a glamorous event such as the Awards night, I put a lot of thought into what I think will suit my shape and complexion. I spent hours trawling online stores for a wow factor dress that was youthful but also flattering and elegant. I must have flicked through hundreds of dresses before I found this stunning Lauren Ralph Lauren metallic gown from House of Fraser. It was literally love at first sight and I knew I had found my dress…
The shape of the dress is designed to be incredibly flattering to your figure with a slight stretch in the material for comfort and a waist synching design across the middle to ensure your curves are shown in all the right places. As well as the gorgeous shimmery metallic material, the neckline is trimmed with beautiful stones to give it that extra sparkle and there is a zip from the waist to the neck at the back to create a secure fit. It is incredibly lightweight to wear and feels amazing on. It is also a dress that could be worn by women of all ages, such is the softness of the colour and youthful yet classic design.
I accessorised my dress with a pair of beautiful Jimmy Choo Luna Champagne Glitter Fabric Platform Peep Toe Pumps, a champagne satin clutch which I was lucky enough to get in the sales from Marks & Spencer, a shimmering mesh bracelet by Links of London and my Michael Kors jewelled bracelet watch. I finished the look with statement red nails and a spritz of my favourite scent, Romance by Ralph Lauren.
I would like to thank Alexander House Hotel for their hospitality and look forward to visiting again but next time as a guest!
Lovely dress, lovely person!!! So happy to see you looking this happy! X X