Fourteen from 2014. Simple. Or so you’d think. Sit down, quickly look across a few thousand wedding photos, and pick half a dozen STAND OUT shots. If only it were the 15 minute job I had planned.
Yep, it’s time to review the year gone by, and what a year it’s been. 2014 has seen me photograph an eventful 36 weddings in total, some on the hottest day of the year, and some that barely got above zero. When it’s too hot couples don’t want to be out in the heat, yet conversely, when it’s sub zero brides appear to have special ‘wedding wear’ that keeps them warm despite it’s lacy nature.
Anyone who’s wedding I’ve photographed will know though, I’m the one always wearing an insulated coat in winter, and boiling hot in summer. It’s not a easy task maintaining temperature whilst running from inside to outside, lugging 10kg of camera gear, and focusing on the job in hand. Needless to say, my professionalism always shines though and albeit I may roll my sleeves up on a hotter day, I’ve yet to rock up to a wedding wearing shorts & flip flops (okay, so maybe in Ibiza, but that’s an exception right?).
Anyhow, I digress. PHOTOS – 2014 – WEDDINGS – LOVE – MOMENTS – KISSING. Back to the script. You’re here to take a peak at my TOP 14 from 2014. As ever I’ve included a few reasons why I like the chosen photos and also linked to the couples blog post (if I had managed to create one after the big day). It’s not always possible to blog all my weddings (and have a life) but in the main I do try and get most couples up on the blog for you to read about. Some of my favourite weddings have been the unexpected ones. I’ve had amazing days with couples I’d not met before, and felt right at home from the moment I stepped in the door. So THANKS ALL, for making me feel part of your wedding day and treating me as another guest. If only I had the time on a wedding day to hang out chatting, drinking Pimms and show off some moves on the dance floor (okay, so the latter would never happen. My daughter will testify, I have NO dance skills).
So as I always say, without further ado, here are my favourite 14 photos form 2014. If however you’re keen to see my more inclusive highlights, please check out the wedding photographer portfolio 2014, you may even find your own wedding photos included.
….and the winner for most animated bride of the year goes to……. Sadie :-) Having traveled from Norway to get married back here in the UK, her wedding day was a true success. Fab weather, lovely guests, a caring family and fun all round. This is one moment that always sticks in my mind.
Bigger is better when it comes to photos displayed at weddings right? Good wedding speeches make for great wedding photos – say no more.
A departure from the norm.
When Helen and Steve asked if I’d mind stopping at Gotherington Train station for some photos on the way from the church to wedding reception, I jumped at the chance. It’s unusual and set me a challenge; to deal with ‘joe public’, ‘moving trains’ and immovable train timetables. Time waits for no man with photography and you have to think on your feet. This was the last frame we took at the station, and was my favourite from the shoot.
Mum. Supported by the bridesmaid, looking on proudly. That’s why I like this photo.
Confetti and leaving the church, with a pathway lined by your guests. This photo for me really captures that moment. It’s hectic, taken at close quarters and sows the joy in their faces. Little did they know they’d spend the next 10 mins sat in the wedding car working out how to start it!
‘That moment’.
I see it all the time, but on occasions everyone has a tear in their eye (well except dad, he’s clearly made of strong stuff).
The reveal. Now that’s the kind reaction you’re looking for :-) It’s Sadie again…..I told you her wedding was good eh!? Wanna check it all out? Here’s the link.
A quiet time to reflect. Not all photos are loud and cheery. Sometimes a quiet moment tells the story really rather well.
Too often I see photographers trying to take photos that are unnecessarily clever and overly arty farty (that’s a technical term btw).
Sometimes simple works. That’s why I like this photo.
Group photos. In one corner you have a quintessential English wedding………
…..whilst in the other corner you have The Scotts!
The moment it all gets serious. Well it’s meant to, but Lucy was possibly one of THE MOST RELAXED brides ever. It has it all this photo. Dad, vintage car, wedding dress & veil, bridesmaids, flowers. Shooting ‘wide’ is so important as a wedding photographer, and seeing this image as it unfolds then capturing the moment is what I like most about my job.
It’s Lucy (again), this time during bridal preps. In amongst the frivolities of bridal preparations, there are often little moments than can easily go un-noticed. But a tight squeeze and knowing look is all that’s sometime required.
THE DRESS!
Drama. Winter weddings present a whole new set of challenges, not least the lack of colour and foliage on trees. That’s why I love this photo so much. Finding the right spot and having the light fall perfectly, really made this a WOW shot.
I REALLY love this photo. It’s kinda unusual in the fact Henry & Catherine look quite sullen, which I’m sure they couldn’t replicate if asked, but for this photo it really works wonders.
If you ask men what I do when it rains at a wedding……..well the answer is ‘I take photos’.
* B L I N G *
Hah, I kinda cheated here, it’s two in one. Whatever, I didn’t stick to 14 either, sometimes I like to break free and let’s be honest, picking just 14 favs is impossible.
Anyhow why I like this photo. It’s the light. It’s all about light. Light makes amazing photos. Add a couple and WHAM……you got yourself a killer wedding photo. BOOM BOOM, shake the room.
I hope you’ve enjoyed looking at my top 14 (ish) wedding favourites, don’t forget you can also see the full highlights from 2014 over in my portfolio.