Spring wedding at Botleys Mansion

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;” – Henry V – Shakespeare

Dramatic, I know, but hasn’t life been this way of late? Here I sit, having chosen my 2021 favourites of wedding photography, in the early days of 2022 and I’ve definitely reached an age when I have to stop and think what day it is, let alone what year I’m in. 2021 flew by, it truly did, it was a flash of mixed emotions, endless admin, anxiety and weddings. It was the year I became a mother after much longing and quite a bit of heartache. It was possibly the least ideal time to give birth, the height of Summer, when all restrictions were lifted, and full celebrations were once again allowed.

The huge shift of weddings, last minute in Spring, absolutely floored me. I had no dates left, and I had dates I would need to find others for, as I was going to become a mother. Alongside that excitement, came the worry, as I didn’t want to jinx my pregnancy and I didn’t want to let anyone down. Someone reminded me that I mustn’t set myself on fire to keep others warm, but it wasn’t a time that sat comfortably with me and it was only down to the absolutely wonderful couples who treated me with such kindness that I got through it. I lost 12 weddings. Some I had to find replacements for, and others wanted dates that simply weren’t there. It seemed liked 2020 all over again.

Yet there was hope…

I started my wedding season at the beginning of my third trimester, and I shot 11 weddings before my son came along. I was less ‘ninja-like’ and far more ‘blob-worthy’ but amazingly the minute I started each day, adrenaline kicked in and I loved every moment. Three and a half weeks after his birth I went back to work and finished my year a week before Christmas, capping at 16 weddings. It was a lean year for me, but SUCH a good one.

The photos below are as ever, a collection of images that I loved the most. They aren’t ‘the best’, they aren’t ‘typical wedding photos’ – instead they are what brings me joy when I look back at the year. I spend HOURS choosing these. When I blog a wedding I try to show the story of the day, and give an example of my approach so future couples know how I work. These posts are a bit more vulnerable, I willingly leave images in that may not be everyone’s idea of a good photo, but it’s important to me to try to get across the essence of what I look for when I come to a wedding. Moments, beautiful light and the odd ‘hero’ shot. If the photos I choose don’t fall into these three categories then I know I need to be tougher.

My 2021 favourites of wedding photography

So, back to the weddings. The BEST couples. Truly so, I have made firm friends with many of my 2021 couples, some are having part two this year, and I can’t wait to see them again. Possibly the only thing I can thank covid for; the fact I’ve been blessed to work with some couples more than once. Venues amongst firm favourites, Loseley Park, Millbridge Court and some newfound spots, one being Grittenham Barn, what a place! My brides as ever, looked stunning with many using the fabulous Miss Bush, (highly recommend!) and having their looks completed by uber superstars, Sharon Roberts Hair and lovely Olivia Mills (check them both out if you’re looking for hair and make up!).

If you’ve got this far, then thank you, and please forgive me, baby brain has well and truly taken hold, and I can no longer rely on my literary mind to express just how grateful I am to still call this my job. Ten years, for some reason I’m still here, and 2022 looks ruddy wonderful.

So covid, you’ve been, shown your face, messed around with lives and caused rather a kerfuffle, it’s time to move on. Let weddings be weddings, allow the hugs to feel tighter, see masks be left to Halloween, and bring on heaving dance floors and mad shape-throwing once more. The biggest thank you to all my couples, my husband for coping with an hormonal, exhausted wife, my family for letting me endlessly worry and my friends for listening. 195 frames to remind me how lucky I am…x

Are you planning your wedding for 2022 or 2023? If you’d like to know more about my approach or have any further questions please just shout! I’d love to hear from you!