Alan Blakeley Photography

One wedding I’ll never forget is Clare and Ross’s—right in the middle of the pandemic. I’d refunded all my customers at the time because no one really knew what was going to happen. But Clare and Ross were so determined—they insisted I stay booked and that I had to be their photographer. After several postponements, I was incredibly honoured to be one of just 10 people allowed at their wedding. I’ll never forget that they gave up a guest spot for me instead of a close family member. That meant everything.

And to top it off, they brought me back a year later to photograph their big anniversary celebration, with all their friends and family finally there. That whole journey with them was just unforgettable

What I’m most proud of is the way photography can truly make people feel something—whether it’s laughter, happy tears, or a big boost of confidence. I once photographed a young girl who was being bullied for not looking ‘beautiful enough.’ I invited her in for a full portrait session, with and without makeup, and showed her just how stunning she really was. She left seeing herself in a whole new light. That moment stuck with me. That’s the magic of photography—it’s not just about how people look, it’s about how they feel. I want to capture the best moments, feelings and emotions from your wedding day.

Make sure you meet all your suppliers in person before the big day. It’s so easy for someone to seem great over email or on the phone, but in person, it can be a completely different vibe. I’ve seen couples have their day thrown off by a supplier they just didn’t gel with. That’s why I always include a pre-wedding photoshoot it gives us a chance to meet properly, see how I work, and just have a bit of fun. I want you to feel totally comfortable in front of the camera so we can get the best, most natural shots on your wedding day.

Aside from the must-have moments like the first look, I always recommend getting at least one big group photo with all your guests. I’ve had couples tell me, ‘No group shots, please!’—only to say a year later that they wish they had just one photo of everyone together. It’s all about finding the right balance, and that’s where I come in—to make it quick, easy, and actually fun!

Rain on your wedding day? Bring it on! Some of the most epic, movie-worthy shots happen in the rain. I’ve always got two umbrellas packed—so we can laugh, splash, and make magic without worrying about getting soggy!