What is your most memorable wedding?
All of my weddings are memorable in their own way, but the one that sticks in my head right now is a crazy colourful farm wedding with Llamas in bow ties and Donkeys in flower crowns! The whole day was full of love and laughter, which was totally infectious!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Fun, creative, relaxed, alternative and colourful!
What about your business are you most proud of?
The personal touch! My couples always comment on how approachable I am, and most of them end up as good friends afterwards!
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Do it your way. Nothing is too 'you', and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Your wedding should reflect the two of you as a couple, not a picture perfect, cookie-cutter ideal. ROck your day, your way!
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
I loved the personalised children's activity packs at a wedding, with awesome individual caricatures of each child, drawn by the groom- I love kids at weddings, and its so nice to include them.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
Each couple is totally different- some couples book and don't need me til a week before, others text and call often, seeking advice or just for a chinwag- either option or anything in between is fine by me! Usually we have a meeting, either by Skype/ facetime or in person, have a really good chat and get to know each other, then once you're booked in, I send over a booking pack, crammed full of useful contacts and information. I check in with my couples often, and then, around 1-2 weeks before I'll call you to iron out the finer details. After the wedding, photos are delivered within 6 weeks.
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
Again, every couple is different and there are no rules! But I think all couples should take 15 minutes away from their guests to have a couples session- it gives you chance to catch up. have a cuddle and decompress away from prying eyes. Plus you get some lovely shots of just you two!
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
All my couples have lots of cool ideas, but I think my favourite was an epic selfie with all 100 guests! Quite a job to organise but epic results!
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
Don't sweat it- I'll always find a way to get you some awesome shots! And buy an umbrella, just in case.
Describe how you got into photography.
I've always been a creative type, studying Contemporary Applied Arts at Cumbria Institute of The Arts (Now University of Cumbria), and embarking on a career in Textiles, before spending many years teaching. I first picked up a camera to photograph my little brood, but got 'hooked' on capturing the joy on people's faces, leading me to decide on weddings and events as a focus. My husband bought me my first 'proper' camera (along with an uncharacteristically romantic post-it note stating "My best investment x", and the rest, as they say, is history!