What is your most memorable wedding?
I have photographed so many different weddings, and I can't think of any I didn't love. I think my most memorable was a very creative couple who transformed an empty theatre into a celestial paradise. It was featured on Love My Dress recently, and was just really fun and inventive.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Elegant - Luxe - Fresh - Contemporary - Natural
What about your business are you most proud of?
I am proud that I have a unique style and that I am driven by creating beautiful images for you, rather than money or trends. The most important thing to me is that my couples are absolutely in love with their images, I go out of my way to make sure that happens, and it always does.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Enjoy the planning! I know it can feel like a chore and overwhelming at times, but if you both sit down one night a week with a glass of wine or a cup of tea (Wedding Wednesday, anyone?) and choose one specific task to work on, it can be fun. I still look back at that memory with my now-husband and smile, it was such a special period of time.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I like to meet couples in person or via Skype first, as it means we get to properly connect with each other and I get a better sense of what you want from your wedding photography (this is very important to me). Once you have decided to book, I will send my contract and invoice for the booking fee info over to secure the date. After this, we will have an engagement session which is always relaxed and fun, and for those that are nervous, it is a perfect time to realise couple photography not scary at all! I will be just like a friend taking candid shots while we go for a wander somewhere, and you will get some gorgeous images of this lovely pre-wedding time. A month before the wedding, I will send you a detailed questionnaire to complete, so I have all of the information I need at my fingertips on the day, allowing me to get on with the photography without disturbing you both. On your wedding day, I will be quietly capturing everything in the background, while you both enjoy the day with your guests. Depending on the time of year, you will receive a link to your private online gallery 6-8 weeks after the wedding, and a gorgeous USB print box in the post.
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
I don't necessarily think there is one single photo, I like to tell the whole story of the day from the nervous energy of the bride getting ready (love this part!) to the momentousness of the ceremony, and all the heady emotions afterwards. It is a very emotional journey, which is incredible to watch.
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
I don't normally get asked to take specific shots, as my clients book me based on my natural and emotional documentary approach. I capture organic moments that happen as the day unfolds, and they will be the ones that bring the joy and emotion when you look back on them.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
Embrace the rain! I grew up in Ireland so it doesn't scare me at all. In fact, a soft drizzle can make for a beautiful, romantic image. It is also unlikely to rain all day so if you'd rather avoid it, keep your schedule a little flexible so we can pop out for ten minutes when the sky clears.
Describe how you got into photography.
As a child, I was constantly drawing or designing something. I studied fine art at college, then went to Dublin Institute of Technology where I graduated in Photography. After working as a photographers assistant for 18 months, I moved to northern China for a couple of years, followed by Montreal and Kuala Lumpur before finally arriving in London in 2006. There I worked as a picture editor and art director at a top photo agency, where I stayed for 8 years, and when my children (now 7 and 4) were over the baby stage, I finally launched my wedding photography business. I am still in my third year but it has been such a rollercoaster ride so far - I have had my work published on numerous wedding blogs as well as winning two Gold Awards from The Societies of Photographers so I am delighted with how it has progressed. I photograph a lot of events as well as weddings, so all of this experience has helped make me prepared for all kinds of lighting situations, and thinking on my feet when plans need to change abruptly!