Mercedes Evans Photography

A wedding in the Lake district - they took over a huge house overlooking Lake Coniston and had an amazing band who the groom had followed for years. The setting was remarkable and it was really chilled. The ceremony took place in an old barn, with loads of little details that were personal to the couple and her son composed and sang a song to them and his sons did the best ever best men's speech, all done in rhyme.

fun, relaxed, happy, calm & joyful

Clients seem to love working with me, so I think I'd say my customer service. Very often at the end of the evening we get parents coming and thanking us for working so hard and for going over and above - everything from helping fix the bridesmaids' dresses to making sure that the Bride and Groom have all the photos that they want

Don't think that you have to have all the add-ons, like light up letters and photo booths, you can save yourself money and your guests won't even notice.

A beautiful table display with photos of loved ones who had died and were sorely missed.

When someone has enquired with me, I organise a zoom call to show them some more of my work and we have an opportunity to ask questions to see if we are a good fit for each other. When couples book they sign a contract and pay a retainer, with the outstanding amount being due a month before the wedding. If they have booked a package with an engagement shoot, we will arrange a mutually convenient time ( usually a weekday evening if it's the summer or a weekend in the winter). Then 6 weeks before the wedding I will email a questionnaire to the couple, which asks loads of questions; about everything from the bridal party to timings. From this I will make a timeline to be ok'd by the couple. We will be in fairly regular contact about any details. If the couple are getting married in church I will always try to attend the rehearsal, it's a great way to meet the family and wedding party as well as the vicar. On the wedding day I arrive approximately 90 minutes before the ceremony and will be there all day until after the first dance. If the couple would like a sneak peek on Facebook I will do this for them. The couple will then receive their full online wedding gallery within 4-6 weeks. If they are having an album I ask them to choose the photos and I then design the album. I always encourage my couples to get in touch if they have any questions at any point .

The classic photo that your parents love and will put on their mantlepiece - both of you embracing and looking into the camera.

Not at a wedding but an engagement shoot, we were photographing by a lake and the couple were sitting side by side on a jetty. The only way I could get the angle I wanted was by wading into the water - with my jeans and trainers on and the water came up to my waist! It was a hot summer and the water was like a bath!

If you prefer not to get wet then you will need a wet weather plan but if not embrace it and make it very much a part of your wedding photos - wellies, umbrellas, puddle reflections and night shots are all super cool and great fun too!

As with so many photographers I started photographing my children, then I did a diploma with the Photography Institute. When I first started my photography business I offered only family and newborn photography, weddings came a bit later. Now I do weddings, events, family and branding photography.