What is your most memorable wedding?
This is such a difficult question to answer. I've been lucky enough to photograph a massive range of weddings all over the world so picking a single one is impossible. A few memorable moments that come to mind:
- A parade through the streets of Addis (Ethiopia) with trumpets and dancing.
- A ceremony on a cruise ship in the Atlantic presided over by the ship's captain.
- A reception that took place at a skate park in Leeds.
- Being on stage with the lead singer of Bastille.
- Having to sub in for a bridesmaid when the real ones were 3 hours late to prep.
- A beautifully intimate wedding with only 4 guests.
- And loads sooooo many more!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Fun, Relaxed, Natural, Colourful, Energetic
What about your business are you most proud of?
After photographing 130+ weddings I've never had an unhappy couple (touch wood). My couple's experience working with me means so much to me that I can't think of anything more important.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Schedule into your timeline several breaks for just the two of you to enjoy a few minutes together alone.
And do it your way (but I'm sure you've heard that one before).
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Hangover Over Kit Favours - Mini bottle of Vodka, personalised bottle of coke with their names on and a packet of Alka Seltzer.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
After their enquiry I'll always jump on a video call with a the couple before booking. This call allows them to meet me, see a recent full gallery from a single wedding, ask any questions they might have and confirm if I'm a perfect fit for their day.
6 weeks before their wedding, I reach out with an Online Questionnaire which captures all the information I need for the day (timelines, addresses, list of family formal photos etc).
After their wedding they receive a Highlights Slideshow and all of their photos within a password protected Online Gallery within 5 weeks.
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
While all my couples hire me for my documentary style and this approach makes up 98% of what I do on a wedding day, I'd still recommend all couples get a traditional photo of themselves and their parents. In addition to usually keeping the parents happy, it also acts as a record that will be more important down the line.
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
With every wedding being so different I can't think of one.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
Embrace it!! It will bring your favourite people closer together (literally as they won't be able to go outside) and you will have amazing memories that would have never been possible had it been a sunny day.
Describe how you got into photography.
After University I spent 7 months living in Freetown, Sierra Leone working for an NGO. I quickly fell in love with the country and its people.
But it turned out that most people's views of Sierra Leone back in the UK were still of a war torn country. This was an image I wanted to correct. So I bought my first DSLR camera and started documenting the people, their characters and the energy of the place. Today I now do the same thing for couples at weddings.