2025!
January is a great time to look back at last years’ weddings. Not just because it’s the start of a new year but because it’s wet and miserable and I can look back at and share sunny day photos!
Jen’s 40th birthday wedding day
First up, I need to talk about Jen’s big day.
Not actually a wedding, but her 40th birthday where she, her husband and daughter and all her friends got dressed up as brides and grooms and went for afternoon tea at Hattons on The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells. It was such a blast! Before the afternoon tea part, we pranced around the Pantiles taking photos of Jen and her lovely family. Fraser proposed again. She said yes again.
Amy & Leon Double
Next is Amy & Leon’s two parter. Originally they contacted me to ask about photographing their legal ceremony in Lewes which was just going to be the two of them and their two friends as witnesses. Whilst discussing their plans they revealed that the second part of their wedding was going to be in Monflanquin in France where they would do the big wedding celebration with Amy’s uncle being the officiant. “I can travel" I tell them and the next thing you know we have booked a family holiday to Spain and France with their French wedding celebrations in the middle which I will photograph.
And the winner of my best ceremony wedding photo is…
We need to discuss my favourite ever ceremony photo. Mother of the Bride causally tossing Winnie the Pooh across the room whilst doing her reading. Another Lewes Registry Office wedding.
2025 the year of alternative group photos (well for one wedding)
Back to Amy and Leon’s French wedding celebration, Amy asked if I had any ideas for something a bit more interesting for their group photos with the bridesmaids and grooms men so this is what we did…
Four seasons in one day
That’s what Mahala and Peter had when they got married in September in Eastbourne, just about finished the outdoor ceremony when the heavens opened - the confetti run really was a run and a mixture of confetti and rain! And then closed again so we could go to Beachy Head for some (blustery) portraits of the two of them.
Please enjoy a selection of photos from my 2025 wedding season. Hope to shot you in 2026! 📷
Choosing your wedding photographer - part 2
Choosing your wedding photographer part 2
How to Make Your Short(ish) List of Wedding Photographers
Choosing the right wedding photographer can feel overwhelming. But once you’ve set your budget, decided how much coverage you need, and figured out your preferred style, it’s time to create your short(ish) list.
Use this guide to help you narrow down the options and find a photographer who’s the perfect match for your big day.
Where to Start Looking
Personal Recommendations
Ask friends or family who’ve recently tied the knot.
You can view their full wedding gallery.
You already have a sense of how the photographer worked on the day.
This is a great way to get honest feedback based on real experience.
Use Wedding Directories
Sites like Bridebook and Hitched let you:
Filter by location, budget, and style
Create a profile to save your favourites
Discover photographers you might not find through social media
💡 Tip: Start local to keep the list manageable, many photographers are happy to travel but filtering by region helps avoid overwhelm.
Use Google (Strategically)
Include style + location in your search.
Try:
“Documentary wedding photographer East Sussex”
“Editorial wedding photographer Lewes”
Adding key terms helps bring up photographers who actually fit your vibe.
Ask Your Venue
Venues often have a list of recommended suppliers.
Just be sure to ask:
How is the list created? Is it based on quality?
Or is it paid-for placement? (Yes, that happens.)
facebook Groups (With a Grain of Salt)
Local groups and planning forums can offer great suggestions.
But beware:
You’ll get a lot of responses
Many people just tag their friends (not always the best fit)
💡 Wedding-specific groups tend to be more helpful than general community ones.
Read Reviews
Check testimonials on:
Google
The photographer’s own site
Directories like Hitched or Bridebook
Look for consistent praise and honest feedback.
First Contact: What to Ask
Once you've shortlisted your faves contact them to check if they’re available for your wedding date.
When you get in touch:
Ask to see a full wedding gallery, ideally more than one
Share your wedding date, venue, and rough timings
Mention what drew you to their work
Photographers will likely showcase their best images on their site—so seeing a full gallery gives you a better sense of consistency and coverage throughout the day.
🚩 Things to Watch Out For
Styled Shoots
Styled shoots are fun and creative, but they’re not real weddings. If a website is only full of styled content ask to see real wedding galleries. Why? Because real weddings are fast-paced, emotional, and unpredictable—your photographer needs to thrive in that environment.
“Natural Light” Only
Natural light is beautiful, but…
What if your venue is dark?
What if it rains all day?
What about the evening reception?
A professional should know how to use flash when needed. If someone says they only shoot in natural light, and your venue is moody or dim, that could be a problem.
Too Good to Be True?
Ultra-low prices should be a red flag. Some photographers:
Book lots of weddings cheaply
Send unvetted associates (sometimes without telling the couple)
Fail to deliver or go out of business
Bottom line: If it feels suspiciously cheap, dig deeper before booking.
Meet & Greet: Before You Book
Before making a final decision, arrange to chat with your top pick(s). Most photographers are happy to meet:
Over Zoom
By phone
In person
Questions to Ask:
Are you insured?
Venues may ask to see public liability insurance, and it’s a must-have for peace of mind.Do you carry backup equipment?
Equipment fails. A pro should have at least two camera bodies and multiple lenses.What’s your backup plan if you can’t attend?
Illness, injury—it happens. Ask what steps they’d take if they couldn’t shoot your wedding.
Use the call to get a feel for them personally too. You want someone who makes you feel comfortable, not just someone who takes pretty photos.
Decision Time
By now you should have:
Seen full galleries
Checked availability
Asked key questions
Got a good sense of who’s right for you
If someone ticks all the boxes and you get a great gut feeling then go for it!
Your wedding photographer is one of the most important suppliers you’ll book. Make the choice with confidence.
📌 Final Thought
At the end of the day, pick someone whose work you love and whose personality feels like a good fit. You’ll be spending a lot of your wedding day with them, so you want someone you trust, like, and can laugh with.
Happy planning, and good luck finding the perfect match! 📸💍
Choosing your wedding photographer - part 1
How to Choose Your Perfect Wedding Photographer
Your wedding photos will outlive the cake, the flowers, and even your memories of the day, so it’s worth getting the right person behind the camera.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Searching for a wedding photographer can feel like a full-time job. A quick Google search for “wedding photographers” returns thousands of results. Post on Facebook and suddenly you’ve got hundreds of comments, mostly from well-meaning friends and family tagging someone they know.
So how do you sort through the noise and find the photographer who’s actually right for you?
This guide walks you through each step to help you confidently find your perfect match.
Start With the Basics
Before you get caught up in dreamy portfolios and Instagram aesthetics, it’s essential to get clear on a few key logistics:
Budget
Decide what you’re comfortable spending. This is your first filter, it instantly narrows down your list of candidates.
Coverage Time
How many hours of the day do you want captured? If your favourite photographer’s full day package is out of budget ask if they offer a half-day option that covers from ceremony through to first dance.
Think about what matters most to you:
Do you need the morning prep?
Or is the ceremony and reception enough?
One Photographer or Two?
For larger weddings, or if both partners want their prep moments photographed, consider a second shooter. Make sure you factor this into both your budget and expectations.
Many photographers offer a second photographer as an optional add-on.
Others work in pairs as standard.
Once you’ve nailed down these essentials you’re ready for the creative part…
Find a Style You Love
Ask yourself “How do I want my wedding photos to look and feel?”
Wedding photography styles vary in both shooting approach and editing tone. Understanding what resonates with you will help you zero in on photographers who match your vision.
Shooting Style
Traditional: Posed portraits and formal group shots
Documentary: Unobtrusive storytelling; real moments as they unfold
Editorial: Stylish, polished, often fashion-inspired
Candid & Fun: Playful, spontaneous, lighthearted
Romantic: Soft tones, emotional captures
Hybrid: A mix of the above (most modern photographers fall into this category)
Editing Style
Light & Airy: Bright, clean, dreamy
Dark & Moody: Rich shadows, dramatic tones
True to Colour: Natural skin tones, timeless colour grading
Vintage-Inspired: Muted tones, film-like textures
Bold & Colourful: Vibrant and punchy
💡 Pro tip: Browse Instagram and Pinterest with intention. Save the images that speak to you and look for common threads in style and tone.
But remember: editing trends come and go. Colour pop anyone? 🤔
📷 Want to See Style in Action?
I’ve edited two of my own images in a few different styles to show how a single photo can change.
Summary
Choosing your perfect wedding photographer is part research, part intuition and a big dose of trust.
Once you:
Set your budget
Decide on coverage time
Choose the style you love
…you’ll be well on your way to finding the right person to document your day exactly the way you imagined it.
✨ Coming Next…
In the next blog post, I’ll walk you through how to make your shortlist, what to ask photographers when you contact them and some red flags to look for before you book.
Stay tuned!
Ready to Start Your Search?
Explore my portfolio or get in touch to check availability for your date. Let’s see if we’re a good fit!
Breaking traditions and making your own
I’ve notice in the last few years, couples have been embracing change more than ever when planning their wedding. Traditions that once seemed essential are now optional as brides and grooms choose to make their big day more personal, relaxed, and unique. Here are some of the shifts in weddings that I've seen:
1. Shorter Photography Packages
Gone are the days when a photographer was expected to document every single moment from early morning preparations to the last dance. Many couples now opt for a shorter photography package, capturing only the most significant moments without feeling overwhelmed by an all-day photoshoot. I can easily cover the ceremony, some group photos, couples’ portraits in two hours and probably still have time for a bit of documentary/candid photography of your reception and guests.
2. Wearing What You Want
Brides and grooms are ditching traditional attire in favor of outfits that truly reflect their personal style. Dresses have become shorter, more colorful, or patterned, or even replaced with a jumpsuit. Black three piece suits have been replaced with different colour suits and the ties have been ditched. Couples are focusing on comfort and self-expression. The same goes for footwear - high heels and stiff black shoes are no longer the only options. Since you'll be wearing them all day, why not choose something comfortable and something you can enjoy wearing again after your wedding?
3. Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses
Instead of coordinating in identical gowns, bridesmaids are now wearing dresses in different styles, colours, and fabrics that suit their individual styles and personalities. This creates a more natural, visually interesting look and allows each person to feel happy and confident in what they are wearing. This of course can go for the groomsmen too. And I’m sure I don’t need to say that your Bride Tribe or Groom’s Dudes (is that a thing? Have I just made that saying up?!) no longer has to be the same sex.
4. Walking (or Dancing) Yourself Down the Aisle
More brides and grooms are choosing to forgo the traditional ‘giving away’ moment and are instead walking, or even dancing, down the aisle solo or with a partner, or partners, of their choice.
5. Alternative Wedding Cakes
Wedding cakes are no longer limited to tiers of sponge and icing. Couples are opting for creative alternatives like doughnut towers, cupcakes, or even going down the savoury route and have a cake of cheese!
6. Ditching the Sit-Down Meal
Some weddings are moving away from the traditional sit down three courses in favour of a more relaxed meal. Buffets, grazing tables, food trucks or picnic hampers all allow the couple and their guests more choice on what to eat - hopefully there will be something for everyone. And who wouldn’t love an ice cream truck for pudding?!
7. Alternatives to Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers are beautiful but can be costly. If you still want to have fresh flowers to decorate your venue then choose a design that is portable so you can have it in the ceremony and then in the reception room. Or you could opt just to have fresh flowers bouquets and buttonholes and use alternative ideas for the decor such as potted plants, dried flowers, candles or books adding a personal and eco-friendly touch.
8. Including Pets in the Celebration
For many, pets are family and are being involved in weddings more and more. Most of the time it will be dogs that make it to the wedding day (can’t see my cat walking down the aisle in a flowered collar!) but you can have photos of your pets, your pets as drink or cake toppers or even the cake itself modelled on your furry friend! If you can’t include you pet in your wedding day you can always do a photoshoot with them afterwards in a place where they will be more comfortable.
Today's weddings are all about authenticity and personal expression. Whether you choose to follow every tradition or break them all, what matters is celebrating in a way that feels right for you.
Yet another new printed product!
I do love seeing photos in print, this is why I include a complimentary small photobook in all my packages. However for those of you that like something a little bigger I have some gorgeous photobooks that you can upgrade to, a cute little accordion book thing and now I have another new printed product - a photo album!
Not like the old style pop the photos under the clear sticky paper (avoiding air bubbles and creasing if you can) and in a couple of years’ time it loses it’s stick and they all drop out. No, these albums are like books with REALLY thick pages.
Like the photobooks they come with a variety of different colours and textiles options for the padded cover, you can also have an acrylic covered photo on the cover. Unlike the photobooks though they now offer a wood cover too! This would be perfect for anyone who is having a woodland or nature themed wedding.
Another thing I really like about these is that you can mix the paper types up throughout the album and there is a beautiful metallic paper option that works really well with black and white images in particular.
There is also the usual choice of matt or gloss paper but if you’re not sure what to go for I’m happy to give you some advice and you can have a look at my samples.
You can find out more about this and the other products I offer here. I’m hoping this new addition to my printed products shop will be a bit hit with 2024 couples and beyond!