What is your most memorable wedding?
Not an easy question to answer, I really do love me a good wedding. That said, the first one that sprang to mind was on the hottest day of the year, I got so sunburnt despite guests demanding I put more factor 50 on, and the party went on until 2am. And I stayed until then of course. It was a total DIY Festival shindig in the middle of a field. There was tug of war, street food vans, prosecco a plenty. It was basically how I'd plan my wedding, only swap out field for industrial warehouse in Digbeth in Birmingham.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Fun, relaxed, joyful, story-telling, emotive
What about your business are you most proud of?
The bonds I make with people. When I get asked back to photograph day in the life shoots with my couples and their families and everyone gives me the biggest hugs, asks after my other half or when parents of my couples contact me to say how much they love the wedding photos. It's special.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
It's your wedding, do it your way and don't sweat the small stuff. Your wedding is one mega celebration of your relationship, so it should reflect who you both are.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
When couples have their best mate conduct the ceremony, or both partners walk down the aisle with both of their parents. I also love photo family trees, where you get to see the family weddings that came before the couples - especially when they have been put in actual trees hehe.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
Email - Skype - Book - Keep In Touch - Wedding Day - Happy Dance Upon Photo Delivery. Or sometimes its Email - Book - Skype. In summary anyway, I think it's really important to get to know a couple, and for them to get to know me. I will ask around a million questions, because I really do want to know it all. As a Bride or Groom it's really important you get on with your photographer, as out of all suppliers they really will be spending the most 1 on 1 time with you, and you need to know they are going to nail your story. I want to be like an old friend blending in not just for you but for everyone at the wedding, and I really think that makes a difference to the shots I get.
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
I think trusting your photographer to tell the story of your day is really important. That said, making some time for couple portraits is always good. Even if you're anything like me and feel super awkward being the centre of my cameras attention, I don't do anything super posey. It's more walk/chat/giggle/snap. Plus it is really nice to have a some time away from the crowd, just you two (very nearly almost).
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
As my style is more documentary I don't tend to get any requests for specific photos. If myself or a couple want to incorporate a specific backdrop in our portraits then we'll all discuss it and give it a go if we are up for it of course!
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
Channel your inner child and stomp in the puddles. Rain never stopped anyone from saying 'I do'. Choose to get rained on or buy some really cool wellies, rain macs and umbrellas!
Describe how you got into photography.
We'd be here all day if I gave you the full story. Let's just say I came out the womb being photographed and I guess that stuck?! Haha, seriously it's always been about people for me even when I was young, photographing all the moments in peoples lives, big or small. So whether thats eating breakfast with your two year old or standing up in front of all your friends and family and marrying the love of your life. It's all so wonderful to capture, keep, and remember. You can find out the full story on my website ;)