Some emails make you stop in your tracks. This was one of them… A few days ago, I found out that I’d been nominated for The Wedding Industry Awards by one of my couples.
And honestly? I screamed.
Not because of the award itself (although it is incredibly exciting), but because I know what it means.
Unlike many awards, this nomination didn’t come from entering a competition or putting myself forward. It came from a couple who chose to take time out of their lives after their wedding to say, “Our photographer deserves to be recognised.”
It’s Never Just About the Photos
When people book me, they often tell me they’re worried about being awkward in front of the camera. They think the biggest part of my job is taking beautiful photographs. The photos matter, of course, but they’re only half of it. My real job is helping you feel calm when your nerves kick in before the ceremony. It’s quietly fixing a buttonhole that’s fallen off. It’s reminding you to breathe before you walk down the aisle. It’s making space for you to actually experience your wedding instead of feeling like you’re constantly posing for it. It’s knowing when to step forward and when to disappear completely.
The photographs are simply what happens when people feel comfortable enough to be themselves.
I was recently described as my couple’s “Emotional Support Photographer” and I think that pretty much sums it up! I might even pop it in my bio.
One Email I’ll Never Forget
48 hours after delivering the sneaks peek gallery, my couple sent me a message that I’ll probably keep forever.
Not only did they thank me for their images, which they loved; but then they said something I’ll never forget. They told me they couldn’t have got through the day without me. They mentioned not only the images, but the emotional support, the reassurance and the quiet presence I brought throughout their wedding day.
Reading those words reminded me why I do this. My wedding photography has never been about creating perfect images for me. It’s always about people.
Why This Nomination Means So Much
Making people feel safe, seen and genuinely cared for isn’t something you can buy. It’s something you bring into every conversation, every wedding morning and every moment throughout the day. Knowing that my couples feel that and enough to nominate me for an award is something I’ll never take for granted.
Whether I win or not almost feels secondary because in many ways, the nomination itself already feels like the biggest compliment.
To Every Couple Who Has Trusted Me
Thank you.
Thank you for inviting me into some of the most emotional, joyful and important days of your lives.
Thank you for trusting me with memories that will only become more valuable as the years pass.
If I’ve photographed your wedding in the past year, you can vote for me here.
This nomination has simply reminded me exactly why I picked up a camera all those years ago.
I genuinely can’t wait to tell many more love stories.
Looking for a wedding photographer?
If you’re planning a wedding and you’re looking for someone who’ll do more than simply take photographs, I’d love to hear your plans.
My approach is relaxed, documentary-led and quietly supportive: capturing the moments that matter while helping you feel completely at ease throughout the day.
If that sounds like the kind of experience you’re looking for, I’d love to chat.
