2022 - A Year in Wedding Photography
I was asked earlier in the year during an initial call with a couple whether I’m ‘too much’ on a wedding day. If my enthusiasm and passion come across as overwhelming. Aside from being taken aback by the sheer boldness of the question, I truthfully answered that I couldn’t begin to know how to answer that. Because my whole life, I have felt the embarrassing need to tone down my ‘muchness’, to rein it in. But since this incredible journey of shooting weddings began more than ten whole years ago, I have found that for the first time, all of that ‘muchness’ became my superpower: the energy, the enthusiasm, the passion, the ability to take charge and to multitask and STILL grin and giggle and cry through the WONDER that is a wedding day. Yes, I’m sure it’s ALOT but that muchness is why every couple becomes so dear to me, why I fall head over heels in love with every single one of the EXTRAORDINARY wedding I’m lucky enough to be welcomed into. I give everything of my muchness to you al and I believe that hopeless romantic maximalism is why I’m so goddamn good at my job. Needless to say, after my initial shock at the question and a stern talking-to by my husband who only ever has celebrated and embraced all this muchness, I emailed the couple and politely explained that I didn’t think I was the right fit for their day, all the best with their plans.
As I reflect on 2022, I am feeling so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to photograph so many WONDERFUL weddings. It has been an incredible journey and a total privilege to get to capture such special moments. I have had the opportunity to work with some incredible suppliers who have helped to make each wedding unique and so special, who truly understand the magic of collaboration and inspire me every day at work. From the wedding planners and stylists who have made each wedding fit the couples' personalities and dreams, to the florists and caterers who have created the perfect atmosphere for the day. I’ve returned to some favourite spaces, The Holford Estate, Manchester Art Gallery, Colshaw Hall and Merrydale Manor, Larkspur Lodge, & Manchester Hall, The Palm House in Sefton Park and VIctoria Warehouse. My couples have been courageous and hopeful during this pandemic and have been willing to adjust and adapt to the ever-changing regulations. The way they have embraced the changes and still had beautiful and meaningful weddings is a testament to their strength and resilience. I will never forget the look on Hannah & Shaun's faces when they were finally able to get married in the way they had planned after so many delays. I wept at Sarah & Thomas’s very emotional first look after the wedding changed into something more intimate than what was originally planned. When Martha & Dave exited Manchester Art Gallery in a tornado of confetti, I was cheering along with everyone! I am also thankful for the support of my friends and family. From my husband, who has been my biggest hero and cheerleader throughout the year (all the while building his own business), to my daughter who has been so understanding when I have had to be away on weekends. I am so lucky to have people in my life who understand and support my passion for photography, who love me for this muchness and never in spite of it. But the thing I am most proud of is that I have been able to create beautiful memories for my couples. I have been able to capture the love that they share and the joy that their wedding day brings. I have been a time machine in the truest sense of the word. My ‘muchness’ has translated into candid moments and beautifully quiet portraits, dance floor epicness and space in the silence. I feel like I have been a part of their story and it is something that I will never take for granted.
So here’s to you, 2022 and all of your big beautiful muchness. Here’s to the friends I’ve made and the stories I’ve told. Here’s to the thirty-five AMAZING and perfect and so so special couples who trusted me and welcomed me with only love and grace and warmth and really reminded me that I do in fact have the BEST job in the world. Because it always comes back to you, you see: Sarah & Thomas, Caitlin & Bob, Anna & Jack, Stacy & Nick, Charlotte & Rowan, Becky & David, Martha & Dave, Michael & Charlotte, Harriett & Kevin, Hayley & Dave, Beth & Andy, Tom & Maria, Catherine & Iain, Roisin & Andy, Lauren & Joe, Abbie & Rob, Persephone & Josh, Alicia & Matt, Elizabeth & Richard, Jordan & Sam, Susan & Ian, Sophie & Justin, Charlotte & Lukas, Lucy & Adam, Vickie & Carl, Reem & Tom, Chloe & Tom, Jess & Rory, Chris & Tom, Hannah & Shaun, Shauna & Daniel, Ashleigh & Ryan, Nicola & Aarron, Karen & Dean, Paula & James. From the very bottom of my big fat too-much heart, I literally couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you!
