Hello!

Welcome to The Quintessential Image™, My name is Chantel Elise and I am a photographer based in Wiltshire, England whose specialty is focusing on the details, moments and emotions that create the quintessential image.

I am delighted to have this opportunity to share with you a visual journal of some truly incredible brides and grooms, unique individuals, and delightful families in not only the United Kingdom, but in my native home of Southern California as well.

Please sit back, get comfortable and have a look around. If you are looking for anything specific please use the links at the top or the search bar at the bottom of the page. I know this site is in its infancy, yet there is alot more to come so please don't forget to check back often. Thank you for stopping by!

{ photo credit, 1/3: vintage photo booth }



Jennifer & Kevin { wedding }

1, September 9, 2008 – 12:57 am
Jennifer & Kevin are absolutely, without a doubt, the quintessential bicycle loving couple! They both met at Mountain Mayhem, considered to be the worlds biggest 24 hour bike festival. The course which takes place in the UK takes a great deal of strength and endurance. To actually complete it requires even more in the way of utter determination. Who would have known on that summer day in ‘06 that these two thrill seekers with wheels would find true love. Not long after Kevin took a break from the 9-5 of the office and swapped computers for ski’s. Working as a ski instructor in Canada Kevin soon became lonesome for Jennifer and when she came to visit he proposed to her during a romantic winters night in Vancouver.

Whilst planning the wedding Jennifer had taken inspiration from both Style Me Pretty and Offbeat Bride. From inspiration boards and custom details to unique wedding themes, both sites offer the bride to be with creative motivation. Armed with great resources, Jennifer knew that only one type of venue would suite. It would need to be relaxed, naturally a bit rustic, and most importantly have plenty of green space; just in case if the bikes were to make a showing that day! Wellington Barn was the top contender and thus provided the perfect backdrop for Jennifer and Kevin’s bicycle themed wedding.

Thank you Jennifer & Kevin for choosing me to photograph the special moments from your wedding day. It was wonderful being able to capture your love, laughter, and tears of joy. I hope you both loved your honeymoon cycling in Scotland and that you enjoy many more exciting and romantic journeys together.

I would also like to thank the lovely and hardworking girls at the barn for being so kind! And a huge thank you once again to Sharice for your assistance and that fabulously panned shot!

By Chantel | Posted in Recent, Wedding | Tagged , , | 10 comments         Add a Comment
  1. Ariel   -  

    Gorgeous! I’m definitely featuring one of these photos on the blog this week. :)

  2. Jennifer   -  

    Yay! This is us! Man, we rock! Thanks for some truly excellent wedding photos Chantel and Sharice – we LOVE them! Woohoo!!!!!

  3. Rychelle   -  

    That last image ROCKS! I hope they are getting a giant canvas print of that one =)

  4. Amelia   -  

    What a truly special wedding! My hat’s off to you, congratulations!

  5. ShiloM   -  

    Wow! Did you see her grass green eyes…absolutely beautiful…I don’t know if they were photoshopped, but wow! What a pure green.

  6. Dabney   -  

    These photos are inspiring! You two just look like love! Exciting!

  7. Tiffany   -  

    Jen, that close up pic of you is just beautiful…….really stunning!!!

3 Trackbacks

  1. By Offbeat Bride | Jennifer & Kevin ride off into their future on 1, September 10, 2008 at 1:49 pm

    [...] love happy bikey couples riding off into their future together, like Jennifer and Kevin here, as recently photographed by Quintessential Images in the UK. Lots more beautiful photos from this [...]

  2. By Wedding Watch » Yikes Bikes… Making a Great Wedding Getaway! on 1, November 12, 2008 at 12:29 am

    [...] start us off, check out this awesome shot… so [...]

  3. By Wedding Watch » Eco-Friendly and Budget-friendly Wedding Ideas on 1, December 13, 2008 at 6:48 pm

    [...] may remember my bicycle post, where I featured this picture. Not only does a bike provide a unique getaway, it is also pollution-free, and it makes for [...]

Helen & Mark { wedding }

1, August 8, 2008 – 4:00 pm
The day was predicted to be quintessentially British, better known as wet! Yet, Helen knew better, and just in case, she did put in some requests for a “sun dance”. I won’t lie, the day wasn’t without a few summer drizzles. But, it did just so happen that the sun dances must of worked their magic, as the skies cleared and the sun graced Helen & Mark’s wedding day.

Helen prepared at her parents home and while everyone was rushing about, Helen was all smiles, relaxed even. She was truly enjoying the excitement of the day, even going over to say a big hello to all the neighbors peaking their heads around the corner whilst donning her gorgeous Jenny Packham gown. Soon she would be marrying the man she loved, and everything was indeed as sunny and bright by then as it should be.

St. Mary the Virgin church provided the perfect setting for Helen & Mark’s vows. As it stands next to a National Trust property it is not surprising that it was in an outstanding setting. Friends and family gathered within the church as Helen arrived and walked up the path on her fathers arm. As they made their way to the church Helen and her dad shared some laughs and bonded once more before he would give her hand to Mark. Helen and Mark had a fantastic choir singing “signed, sealed and delivered” whilst they were signing the registry book. Mark and Helen were blessed to have so much love and support from their dearest friends and family as they walked back down the aisle, hand in hand.

The venue was beyond gorgeous with a spectacular garden consisting of tall hedges and secret romantic nooks around every turn. The guests got to enjoy the music from the guitar players whilst enjoying the sunshine outside and later that evening during the dance they got down to the sounds of the dj’s. Helen, whom used to organize weddings, paid a great attention to every detail. From the lovely and whimsical little birds within the flowers and on the cake, to the more sultry Moroccan theme that night complete with cushions and lanterns.

Helen and Mark, I want to say THANK YOU! Thank you for managing to be brilliantly organized and at the same time so relaxed! Thank you for being so thoughtful and kind even after the wedding! Thank you for allowing me to document your Big Day, I am truly honoured. I had been looking forward to your big day since we met, and it did not disappoint. I cannot wait to see some images from your honeymoon in Italy.

A special thanks to the staff at Guyers House for all their hard work and attention to everybody there, even the photographers! And a huge thank you to Sharice for your amazing and invaluable assistance!

By Chantel | Posted in Recent, Wedding | Tagged , , | 4 comments         Add a Comment
  1. Penelope   -  

    Fantastic Photos! I love the detail shots, especially the sparkly shoes. What a lovely bride and groom. I can’t wait to see more of your work.

  2. Vicky   -  

    Wow – these photo are absolutely gorgeous! This is my sisters wedding and Chantel and Sharice have perfectly captured the day. I can’t wait to see the rest of the photo’s.

  3. Mike   -  

    Great pictures, my favourite is the little guy near the pews, excellent shot.

  4. Steph   -  

    I love the photos and am looking forward to seeing more!