Welcome to a little blog post about some of my favourite wedding images captured in 2024
2024 stands out as one of my most favourite years as a wedding photographer. Each year surprises me and it's the most wonderful journey. I have had the privilege of capturing the love stories of some of the most incredible couples. A true honour, one that fills me with immense gratitude. So a big thank you to each and every one of you.
No wedding is ever the same...
The way I document weddings always prioritizes genuine connections over posed perfection. Capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of the day, embracing the spontaneity and authenticity.
The following images cover my whole 2024, in weddings from Spring to Winter. I have set this blog out following the different sections of a full wedding day (my Platinum Package) from morning prep to just after the first dance.
MORNING PREP... CAPTURING THE ATMOSPHERE
When a couple books me for my Platinum Package (FULL DAY) I arrive at the venue 2 hours prior to the ceremony to capture morning prep photos.
The moments leading up to the ceremony are some of the most emotional and intimate parts of a wedding day. Bride (or Groom) prep photos are an opportunity to tell a story of excitement and transformation
I focus on the ambiance of the prep space. Shots of the bridal suite, natural light streaming through windows, or the chaos of hair and makeup tell a story. Including candid moments of laughter, shared advice, and quiet reflection add authenticity.
DETAILS MATTER...
I like to highlight the small but significant elements such as
- The Dress: Shots of the dress hanging in a beautiful setting before it’s worn.
- Shoes and Accessories: Elegant displays of shoes, jewelry, and veils.
- Floral Arrangements: Close-ups of bouquets..
GETTING READY...
Bride (or Groom) prep images capture the excitement, anticipation, and personal touches that make a wedding day so special. These photos set the tone for the story of the day, showcasing the bride's (or Groom's) journey from preparation to the aisle.
SEEN FOR THE FIRST TIME...
I love to capture the first reactions of the bridal party or family when they see the bride fully ready.
ON THE WAY TO THE CEREMONY...
.Bride (or Groom) prep images set the foundation for the wedding album, capturing the anticipation and intimate moments that make the day uniquely personal. By blending creativity with careful planning, these photos become cherished memories for my couples.
THE VENUE...
When possible I like to scout the location so I can familiarise myself with the space beforehand to identify the best lighting and backdrops.
Venues of 2024
This year I was lucky enough to work at the following wonderful venues-
the mount without, bristol
THE EMLYN HOTEL, WALES
DOMO BOUTIQUE HOTEL, OLDBURY
TREEHOUSE HOTEL, LONDON
MOXHULL HALL, SUTTON COLDFIELD
THE BLAKELANDS ESTATE, STOURBRIDGE
WOOTTON PARK, HENLEY IN ARDEN
WESTON HALL, STAFFORD
THE VILLAGE HOTEL, DUDLEY
STANFORD FARM, SHREWSBURY
CANDIDS OF THE WAITING GUESTS...
When capturing candid images I use a mix of lenses from my good old 24mm-70mm, I use my long lens, 70mm-200mm & my 35mm lens. I use these to capture moments from a distance without intruding. I watch for natural laughter, emotional reactions, or intimate conversations. If my couple have booked musicians to entertain their guests I take a few candid shots of them too.
THE CEREMONY...
Capturing a wedding ceremony is one of the most critical parts of wedding photography. The ceremony is full of emotions, sacred moments, and significant rituals, and my goal is to document them beautifully and unobtrusively.
I mix wide shots that show the venue with close-ups that capture emotions.
THE NEW MR & MRS...
Photographing the bride and groom walking back down the aisle (the recessional) is a pivotal moment in wedding photography. It’s a joyous and celebratory scene, often full of genuine smiles, laughter, and applause.
TIME FOR CONFETTI...
Photographing the confetti shots at a wedding can be one of the most exciting and visually stunning moments to capture. Usually, it occurs during the recessional or just after the ceremony as the couple exits the venue.
I tend to brief the guests to ensure they know when to throw the confetti for a synchronized moment.
5 MINS OF ISRAELI DANCING...
Israeli dancing is a vibrant and integral part of Jewish culture, and at Abigail & Sam's wedding this year, I got to capture the joyful expression, tradition, and celebration. A highlight of the Hora, where the bride and groom are hoisted onto chairs and celebrated.
GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS...
Group photographs are a cornerstone of wedding photography, capturing key relationships and preserving memories with friends and family.
Prior to the wedding day I ask my couples to create a Shot List. A list of groups they want photographed (e.g., family, bridal party, friends). I recommend to keep the list short as the group images tend to take a long time, taking my couple away from their drinks reception. A short list keeps everyone happy and means I can get on with my more candid photography.
DRINKS RECEPTION - CANDID IMAGES...
Capturing candid images during the drinks reception at a wedding allows me to document natural interactions, and the celebratory atmosphere. Guests are often relaxed and mingling, creating opportunities for natural, candid moments. I like to move around the space discreetly to capture different angles and groups. I use a longer lens to shoot from a distance without intruding on guests’ conversations.
COUPLE PHOTOS...
Photographing couple portraits at a wedding is one of the most important aspects of my day. These images will likely be the most cherished by the couple, so it’s essential to capture their connection and the romance of the occasion.
On a wedding day I like to take a walk around the venue's grounds in advance to identify picturesque spots, such as gardens, archways, or scenic overlooks.
I tend to shoot a mix of classic romantic poses and creative shots.
I love to capture movement as my couple walk hand-in-hand, laughing or chatting. I like to chat with my couple during the session to ease nerves and encourage natural expressions.
WEDDING BREAKFAST ROOM DECOR...
Photographing the decor at a wedding is an essential part of the day, as it showcases the couple’s style and the effort they put into planning their big day.
I like to photograph the decor before guests arrive to avoid clutter and distractions
THE WEDDING BREAKFAST...
I tend to capture just key moments during a wedding breakfast as this is traditionally when a wedding photographer takes 5 to change batteries and check memory cards and (hopefully) enjoy a bite to eat.
I like to capture the guests candid moments of laughter, conversation, and interactions at the tables.
THE SPEECHES...
I use a zoom lens to capture candid moments without being intrusive. I focus on laughter, clinking glasses, or tender looks exchanged across the table, the speaker’s gestures, and the couple’s response.
DON'T FORGET THE LITTLE GUESTS...
When there are children present at a wedding I like to make a point of capturing candid shots of them - this goes down well with both the parents of the children and my couples.
THE EVENING RECEPTION...
Photographing the wedding evening reception is all about capturing the energy, joy, and special moments of the celebration as the event shifts into a more relaxed and festive atmosphere. With guests dancing, toasts, and the party vibe! I like to use my zoom lenses so not to invade the guests space which makes for more candid, natural images.
SPARKLER SHOTS... where is a lighter when you need one?!
Photographing sparkler shots at a wedding is a magical and dramatic way to capture the energy and excitement of the couple's grand celebratory moment. These shots often have a romantic and cinematic feel, especially with the contrast between the sparkling lights and the night sky.
I like to direct the guests to stand in two rows facing eachother and get my couple to either walk or run towards me. I use off camera flash to assist me.
CUTTING THE CAKE...
The cake cutting usually happens in a dimly lit area, so I make sure my flash is ready.
I ensure the cake is positioned well, with no clutter or distractions around it.
I capture the moment the couple makes the first slice. I watch for playful or emotional moments as the couple shares the first bite. It’s often a joyful time, and the reaction to the couple’s expressions can create great candid photos.
THE FIRST DANCE...
Photographing the first dance at a wedding is a highly emotional and intimate moment, full of significance for the couple and their guests. This moment is often a highlight of the evening, and to capture it beautifully I use my off camera flash and take a mix of wide angle shots and close-ups of the couple. I communicate with the DJ so we both know when we are about to start and I like to ask the guests to stand around the dancefloor - making a great background for my shots.
FATHER & DAUGHTER DANCE...
Photographing the father-daughter dance at a wedding is a tender and emotional moment. It's often filled with joy, tears, and love, so it's important to capture both the intimacy of the moment and the atmosphere around it. The dance usually happens after the first dance and before other dances, like the mother-son dance or party dancing. I'm always mindful of my positioning so that I don’t interrupt the moment. Once again I use my off camera flash set up to capture the moments beautifully.
PARTY TIME...
At most weddings once the couple have had their first dance, the DJ will call for the wedding guests to join the couple on the dancefloor. I like to capture a few shots of the party atmosphere just before I say my goodbyes and leave the party rocking.
Photographing the party and dancefloor at a wedding is all about capturing the energy, excitement, and emotions of the guests. The dancefloor is often one of the most lively and spontaneous moments of the day, so it’s important to be ready to document the fun, candid moments, and vibrant atmosphere.
ONE LAST SHOT FOR THE ROAD...
Depending on the mood of the wedding on the day, if the couple aren't rocking on the dancefloor with their guests I like to ask my couple to join me outside for one last shot - of them outside their venue (if the building happens to be lit up at night) Couples usually use this time to reconnect after a long day and take 5 in just eachothers company.
i then say my goodbyes and set off for home...
