2015 - what a year.

It was while chatting to a potential client at a fayre recently that I realised just how amazing this year has been. I've met some truly incredible people, photographed some amazing weddings, and booked what I know will be some equally amazing weddings for 2016 and 2017.

So, I thought I''d share with you some of my favourite images from this year. It was a tough task because there was just so many! 

Below are my favourites from 2015. Hope you like them!

 

We recently had the honour of being invited to photograph the Buonaiuto family, and an honour it certainly was!

World, meet baby Alessandro.

I hope you like the sneak peak. 

I was recently told by someone who was looking through my portfolio that all the weddings I photograph look so happy, and this one was no exception!

Just a month ago we had a fantastic day photographing the beautiful, relaxed wedding of Philippa and Lee at Maes Manor Hotel, Blackwood.

The celebrations for the bride and her bridal party started with a glass of champers and fizz, and a few nibbles at the Maes, and whilst the hair and make-up team (Jo Adams of InnerBeauty and Hair By Lucy) were busy with the bride I got some detail shots. For every bride I capture these items to help tell the story of your day, as do the bridal preparation shots.

Philippa was extremely organised and had the support of some fantastic friends and family.

The groom arrived with plenty of time for us to grab a few photographs of him and his groomsmen, and the guy couldn't stop smiling! 

The decor by Esme Weddings was a beautiful pink with ivory lace and flowers by Cottage Garden gave a stunning, chic theme to the day.

The speeches were full of laughter and (happy!) tears, and we stayed for the evening with our Studio and for the first dance.

Hope you enjoy looking at these photographs as much as I enjoyed taking them!

 

 

 

So, I was asked recently what couples should consider when choosing their wedding photographer. I've put together what I believe is THE definitive guide to finding YOUR perfect wedding photographer.

If you've got a minute, have a read and take on board some advice from someone who has been on both sides of the camera.

 

Love your photographer!

Make sure you have a connection with your photographer, and they are the professional you know you can trust. Assuming you are hiring a professional and not Uncle Bob, your photographer is someone you will get to know in the run up to your wedding day, and along with your new husband or wife, they will be the person you spend your ENTIRE day with. They are the ones who will be looking after you and your cherished memories after the day is done. You need someone who knows how to do their job - sound fair enough?

 

A worthy investment

Ensure the photographer is as invested in your day as you are and the products they supply are of high quality. As much as this is your wedding day this is their reputation, and a photographer should care about your day as much as you. Your wedding album is a very precious publication, documenting every key stage of your beautiful wedding day. If you value your wedding memories, make sure your photographer offers a professional, high quality service and products.

 

Trend follower or trend setter?

Be mindful of photography trends. Photography trends are not only subjective, they are very much that; trends. And trends, especially extreme ones, will soon be out of favour. Keep this in mind when looking at a photographers style - will their style still be as appealing in 10 years? (Spot colour anyone?)

 

It's YOUR day

Don't be too quick to follow the recommendation of a friend. You may be thinking of asking friends or relatives for recommendations because that's the way it's done, right? Word of mouth recommendations are important, but a wedding photographer is a personal choice. Just because your friend connected with a certain photographer don't be too quick to book the same. Explore, research and get in touch with at least a few different photographers first so you know you are choosing based on what and who is right for you. It's YOUR day.

 

One day, one chance

Last but by no means least, book the best photographer you can afford. Yes, I know I am biased, but your photographs are the only thing left from your wedding day. Again, if you value your day and the effort you've put into it, invest as much as possible in your wedding photography. 

 

Now, of course I base this advice on the values I have as a professional wedding photographer. I believe wedding deserves the most amazing images possible.

If you think so too, I'd love to hear from you.

Mark

Blackwood Photographer - Engagement Shoot

I had the pleasure of doing an e-shoot for a great couple from Blackwood who are getting married next August. As a born and bred Blackwood man I knew of a few local places which would make for some great, relaxed, couple shots, and we settled on a local park area with a quaint little pond.

They were terrific to work with and so easy to photograph, and I can honestly say I am very much looking forward to photographing their wedding!

Newborn Photographer, Newport

Introducing the gorgeous baby Freya! This little lady was only a week or so old, and photographing such a tiny, precious bundle was an incredible honour, and I was even lucky enough at the end of the session to catch her with her beautiful big eyes open!

Here are a few highlights from the session:

Cwmbran Wedding Photographer - St Gabriel's Church

On Saturday 11th September we photographed the wedding of Rhianon and Chris at St Gabriel's Church, Cwmbran. 

Rhianon & Chris had booked their photography with me well over a year before the wedding, something I always advise a couple do to avoid disappointment, and we kept in touch during that time, even if only to see how their plans were coming along. 

Upon arrival bridal prep had commenced, the gown hung perfectly in the window (purchased from the fantastic Charlotte Alexander, Cwmbran. Pop over to their site to view their terrific dresses at: www.charlottealexander.co.uk) and the bridal party were having the finishing touches applied to their make-up which had been done by the very talented Naomi of Naomi's Nails, Cwmbran. 

The ceremony was in St Gabriel's Church, and what a church it was! We're fond of church ceremonies, particularly because of the atmosphere and the features they have.

After the ceremony was a dove release by All Doved Up; www.alldovedup.co.uk, and the incredible hog roast was from the brilliant The Full Hog, Cwmbran.

I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking; below are some of our favourite shots of the day - we hope you like them!

Family Portrait Session, Cardiff

Waters Family

As you'll have seen from the taster photograph I posted, we did a family portrait session with two beautiful little ladies recently, and I've been itching to get the finished product ready to show off. Straight out of the camera these images looked terrific, and needed very little enhancing, as I'm a firm believer of having the skills to get it right 'in camera' - here is a photograph I took with my phone during the session of the back of my camera:

You can see for yourself how little I had to do once I'd uploaded these.

The sisters were a joy to photograph and were basically just models for the whole session!

Hope you like the finished product as much as I do.

Rhianne x

It was my wife, Rhianne, who had the idea of offering a portrait service to teenagers, but not the kind where they're made to sit sweetly and smile for the camera.

Fate is a funny old thing. They say everything happens for a reason, but when Hayley and Gavin found themselves in a position where, due to external factors, they had to not only choose another date to get married but another venue as well, I doubt this saying was of much consolation to them.

I recently met with Sarah and Elliot at Miskin Manor to do their engagement shoot, as this is their venue that they're getting married at.

They wanted to use the photographs for their Save the Date cards, and brought along their beautiful dog, Jake, to incorporate into the shoot, and he was an absolute delight!

Below are some of my favourite images.

The requested shot for the Save the Date card.

We met Ellen and Dave at a fayre at Cwrt Bleddyn back in May and they said they were getting married in June... of this year! They had decided they didn't really need to wait, nor did they want to, and had found a beautiful venue and date they were happy with and booked with me on the day.

We arrived in time for bridal preparations, with probably a little too much time actually, so utilised this time to get some truly amazing images of Ellen getting ready.

The ceremony was at their local church, then back at Cwrt Bleddyn for the rest of the celebrations, where the pastor joined them and gave a lovely speech before the meal.

During the evening is when we choose to do the couple photographs, which made for some fantastic images.
Have a look and see for yourself!

I know this is a topic that divides many, both clients and professionals alike, and just the title of this blog post will have caused some to wonder if I've lost my marbles. But hear me out...


You should not book anything less than full day photography, and I'm saying this no matter who you have or intend to have as your wedding photographer.
Why? Here's why.
I'm dealing with an entirely new generation, one that is tech savvy, knows how to get the most out of a product and service, and are very much accustomed to things being 'unlimited' - minutes, texts, data, download allowance, food and drink. Gone are the days when you could cap something and people just accept it.
The generation who are now my clients are used to freedom, they want it all, they want...

Why I offer nothing less than full day wedding photography

And that's just the before-the-wedding stuff!


The ceremony itself is always covered...




Along with the family formals...




But what then? Does the day end?


No chance.