What is your most memorable wedding?
I had the pleasure of photographing my sister-in-laws wedding which was amazing but made that extra bit special as my three daughters were all bridesmaids!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Creative, relaxed, quirky, sociable, natural
What about your business are you most proud of?
I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of your day and the biggest reward to being a part of it is witnessing the couples emotions and happiness both on the day and then afterwards when they see their wedding photos for the first time.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Your wedding is such a precious occasion and with all the excitement on the day goes by so quickly. I always tell my couples that when it comes to photography you are not there to pose all day, you are there to simply share one of the most important days of your life with you family and friends. So don't allow your photographer to keep you away from your wedding party for too long, it's my job to capture the day with as little impact on your time as possible.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
I am always looking for new ideas of how to make your day even more special so came up with a very unique idea for making your reception table plan very personal. I create bespoke life sized couple cut out table plans which can be designed around any wedding theme and allow the couple to have a bit of fun and put a real personal touch to their day. The table plans always go down very well with the wedding guests as it's the last thing they expect to see!
Describe your typical process with a couple.
First meeting with couple to discuss photography packages and show them the albums I produce. Meet couple at chosen location for engagement photo shoot then send photos to couple within the next 2 weeks (optional extra). Meet couple to photograph them for their reception table plan, discuss design theme then produce the plan and have it printed 2 weeks before the wedding day (optional extra). Meet with the couple again at the venue a few months before to discuss locations and run of the day. Contact couple a week before to check any changes to run of the day and get formal photo list written up. Arrive early on the wedding day, fresh and ready to go! Contact the couple within the first two weeks after the day to show thank you card photos - produce cards. Contact couple around 4 -6 weeks after the day with the web link to their password protected gallery to view their wedding photos. Send the wedding USB within the next week advising the couple to choose their favourite photos for their album. Album is then produced within 2 weeks of receiving their choices and then printed 4 weeks after approval.
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
Too many possibilities to have a #1... how about a selfie with the photographer - ha ha!
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
I was asked to photograph a wedding couple both hanging at the same time from a signpost which was very funny.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
Rainy days are obviously a little disappointing but I always say that one positive is that it always keeps the wedding party more lively and contained as when it's dry outside guests tend to wander off leaving the party more fragmented! So always have a couple of nice brollies on hand just in case as you can get some stunning shots out in the rain!
Describe how you got into photography.
I have always been interested in photography from an early age and bought my first camera when I went to Hong Kong. I studied art & design at college and learnt to produce my own photos in a dark room which gave me a real understanding of exposure. I then went on to university and continued to develop my photography skills through a diverse graphic & 3D design course. My real photo journalism experience started when I became a press photographer for 14 years which taught me the importance of capturing important moments under very high pressure environments. I started to photograph family and friends weddings as a hobby and quickly discovered that I enjoyed them so much that I should do them for a living so started my own business.