What is your most memorable wedding?
I can't split between two really. The first was a totally off the wall, completely different and quirky wedding that was held outdoors on the quayside of an old, listed and converted warehouse that ran alongside the canal in the West Midlands. A glorious day, guests seated on hay bales, bride wearing evening dress and multicoloured and personalised Converse boots, groom wearing jeans and brogues, meal was a fish and chip from a van, guests on a canal boat and a guitar playing in the crowd It was just the most fun!
The second was a New Years Eve wedding at a venue in Cambridge for a same sex couple. One of my most memorable photos ever was shot at this wedding (check out the fireworks shot in my portfolio) and it was just so much fun to be around people who were the most chilled, relaxed people I have had the pleasure to photograph! The dance floor after midnight was bouncing to the AMAZING live band so much I had to stop taking pictures as I couldn't keep the camera still! A brilliant wedding!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Quirky, fun, discreet, different, friendly
What about your business are you most proud of?
Honestly, it's the feedback I get from couples. It genuinely humbles and warms me and I have to say, I get a little bit red in the cheeks reading some of the lovely stuff people have said about me. And without fail (and this is really lovely as I am really, really not a person to blow their own trumpet), they also mention me and my approach, friendliness and helpfulness in the same feedback. I always feel I am just doing my job, but others see it differently and really do appreciate what I do for them as a couple as well as their photography. It's so lovely and that, yeah, makes me very proud
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don't panic!!!! Honestly, I have seen amazing weddings organised in a couple of months. You will find that things tend to fall into place when they need to.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Mentioned it above. The bride with multicoloured, personalised Converse boots! I LOVED that!
Describe your typical process with a couple.
On enquiry via my site or email, I get back within 24 hours, introduce myself, send a brochure and explain my process to them. Then arrange a meet up (vitally important to me), either at the couple's house, a venue of their choosing, you name it. We get together, have a cuppa or a drink, discuss the day, never money unless they want to. I am not a salesperson! I let them go away and have a think about it. Then a follow up email the day after. If the couples decide to book, contracts, booking fee details and any other stuff needed is sent and we are done! Then it's keeping in touch, helping where I can, answering questions or giving advice, you name it. It's a simple, friendly, non-pressured process. Suits me, suits you!
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
I ALWAYS try and get is that one show stopper. The one that the couple would want to get printed large and hang on the wall maybe. That tops the day off. Yes the ones of the day are the bread and butter for the couple. The things they didn't see, the ones that make them laugh. But I adore giving the couple something completely unique to them, that venue and their day.
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
Probably the fireworks at Midnight on New Years Eve. In the scheme of wedding photography, it's probably not that original. But there are few opportunities for individual photographers in their career to do one and I got that chance. And it was so completely worth it because of when it was, what it represented and what I had to put in to create the image for them.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
Wellies and brollies and just get on with it! Nothing that can be done and may as well have a good time anyway! Weirdly, the fun happens even more when the guard is down, so yeah, be prepared and go with the flow. You will be surprised at how good your day is!
Describe how you got into photography.
I had been into photography, shooting film and predominantly black and white, from quite a young age after my parents brought me an old Practika SLR. Then I shot a couple of people and it just clicked. Who knew?! And it grew and grew from there, never really stopping until I was asked to be a second shooter at a wedding and I was hooked. And here I am a fair few years later. Still loving photography and still loving my job!