Jack Slade Photography

It's a hard one to pick but probably one at the end of summer 2021. The last lockdown had been and gone and most if not all of the restrictions had been lifted. The wedding was in Norfolk and it was a beautiful day. As the wedding wasn't local to me the couple were kind enough to put me up in the stately home where most of the over sea guests were staying and where the bridal prep would be. I arrived the night before in the dark so I didn't get a proper chance to see where I was staying. When I went for a scout to see where the wedding car would be leaving I had to pinch myself! The ceremony was honest and heartfelt, you could see how much the couple was in love. The reception was outside; the wedding marquee was incredible, adorned with flowers, an amazing dance floor and beautifully laid tables for the guests to dine at. The sun was out and the catering staff were attending to the guests, the drinks were flowing and everyone was having a great time! The reason why it was memorable was that we had all spent the last year in an anxious state of not knowing what was going to happen and being apart from our loved ones. It was incredibly special to see people connecting and being able to spend time together after such a long time apart.

Unobtrusive, Respectful, Honest, Emotive, Personal.

I pride myself on being an easy-going, relatable person. Therefore, it has to be the relationships I build with my couples. It is so important that I 'click' with my couples, making them both feel relaxed and at ease. This is when I'm able to capture the best photographs.

It's a really good idea to have a good think about what you want for your 'big day' and what it is that's most important to you both. This could be the venue, guests, the brides dress, food, music. Whatever it is, make sure you communicate that to each other and myself - I can then work towards capturing those moments in photographs, ensuring you have the memories in digital form.

I love all the tiny, intricate details that each couple bring to their wedding day. At one of my favourite weddings, there was a tiny bow sewn into the bride's wedding dress. The material came from the bride's mother's 'something blue' that she wore on her wedding day to her father.

I always aim to be a personable photographer. Right from the first point of contact, be it through Bridebook, direct email, the contact page on my website etc, I will start by getting to know you as a couple. I think it is important to meet in person, as then we can really begin to discuss what your day entails, how much coverage you are wanting and to see if we are a good fit for one another.

The moments spent alone, away from any guests, are always the most special photographs to capture.

Every couple has their own unique wants from their wedding day, but the most original, and different, photograph I have been asked to take is of the bride pouring a glass of champagne, which the shetland pony (which happened to be at their wedding) was carrying!

You've just got to embrace it! Make sure you have some umbrella's just incase and have an extra glass of bubbly!

My mum has always been interested in photography; I have a memory of laying in the grass with her showing me how to focus an old SLR lens. Many years later, I walked into my local Jessops and picked up a Canon 550D, it evolved from there.