Category: Featured

Continuing our Wedding Photography Awards blog series, take a look at our shortlist for the best first dance photos. Each captures the start of a couple’s journey together as partners for life, and all the magic, love, excitement and joy of the day.

OVERALL WINNER: Artisan X Wedding Photography | Chris Denner

The story behind this photo: “This was captured at Prestwold Hall, the couple are Chris and Michelle. The image was lit behind with two flashes to capture the movement and a bridesmaid was camera left in the shadows throwing the dress and veil. I really wanted to use the epic entrance vertical lines in contrast to the drama of a first dance, and the movement of the dress just works so well. Two or three attempts and we had it, and a very giggly bridesmaid!”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: The artistry of this photo is entrancing. There is an otherworldly quality to it, which perfectly evokes the feeling of being transported in the first dance. The composition is masterful, with the couple standing in the middle of the dimly lit room, illuminated by the soft ceiling lighting, the bride’s veil flowing behind her. The solidity of the vertical columns contrasts beautifully with the weightlessness of the billowing veil. We also love the stillness of the moment, and the way the couple’s reflection is mirrored on the floor. It is overall a magical and awe-inspiring image, filled with beauty, grace and wonder.

Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!

Clive Blair Photography | Clive Blair

The story behind this photo: “This was the bride and groom’s first dance, with their engagement photo on the photo-wall in the background.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo combines theatre with intimacy. Silhouetted figures, spotlights and smoke contrast with joyful expressions, clasped hands, and the very personal touch of having their colourful engagement photo hanging behind them.

Cream Photography | Amanda Wilcock 

The story behind this photo: “This couple were the best dancers ever and filled the dancefloor all night, surrounded by their friends.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo beautifully captures the spirit and joy of the first dance. The smiles of the bride and groom are infectious, as are the smiles of their loved ones. We love to see the bride’s outstretched arms as she fully embraces the moment, and how she directly meets her partner’s eyes. Their love for each other is obvious, as is their shared bond.

Damian Burcher Photographer | Damian Burcher

The story behind this photo: “The glamourous Mimi and Bish enjoying their first dance”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the brightness and colour of this photo, which perfectly capture the love and happiness of the moment. The couple’s close pose, with their foreheads touching, and their matching smiles, creates a touching yet uplifting effect.

Hawaiian Shirt Photography | Tom Hewett 

The story behind this photo: “I captured this great dance shot with the dress in full display. I like that both the dress and the light above are in a circle.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the energy and dynamism in this photo, especially of the bride spinning in her vibrantly patterned dress. There is a real sense of joy in the moment.

Imogen Eve Photography | Imogen Eve 

The story behind this photo: “Lauren and Dan doing the dirty dancing move during their first dance at Highley Manor in Sussex.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the feeling of freedom captured in this photo, as the bride soars in her partner’s uplifted arms. The use of greyscale adds a measure of sophistication, which contrasts beautifully with the light-heartedness of the pose itself.

Kelsie Scully Photography | Kelsie Skully 

The story behind this photo: “For the first dance, these two had all their guests throw confetti! Nothing like being showered in their love”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a fun, vibrant and colourful photo, which has a real feeling of love and celebration. We love how the hand throwing the confetti is in the foreground but blurred, drawing the eye to the couple just behind, who are in focus and clearly the centre of attention. We also love the bride’s expression of joy as she dances with her partner. The happiness of the guests in the background adds to the atmosphere.

Mark Wallis Photography | Mark Wallis 

The story behind this photo: “Nothing better than the rare occasion when the couple really enjoy their first dance, and even better when the guests gather round and enjoy it too.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The couple’s genuine joy is wonderful to see. We particularly love the bride’s carefree gesture of pointing to the ceiling. The composition is itself very artful, with the couple in the centre and the guests arrayed behind them in a semicircle. The drama of the photography contrasts beautifully with the passion of the subjects themselves.

Paul Roland Williams | Paul Roland Williams

The story behind this photo: “Just a beautiful expression of happiness from the bride in this favourite of mine.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: It was the bride’s expression that caught our eye too – the light in her eyes, the smile on her face. The elegance of the black and white image complements her serene joy. There is an almost luminous quality to it. We love the composition as well, with the couple in the foreground to the right, while the guests look on in the background.

Philip Quinnell Photography | Philip Quinnell Photography 

The story behind this photo: “I asked the couple to take 5 minutes alone, and when I returned they were practicing their first dance. I captured this without them knowing!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The combination of drama and dynamism in this photo is breathtaking. The sinking sun bathes the couple in golden light, illuminating the bride’s dress as her partner spins her about. We love the ambience created by the play of light and dark. It is a perfect snapshot of an intimate moment in time set against a natural backdrop.

Teri V Photography | Teri Vincent

The story behind this photo: “The majestic Kings College in Cambridge was the perfect setting for this incredible wedding, so why not take in the full view from the gallery for this first dance image?”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo has the feeling of a painting, which gives it a majestic and impressive quality. We love the artful perspective from the gallery, with the couple in the spotlight in the centre and the guests surrounding them in a perfect circle.

Tom Cullen Photography | Tom Cullen 

The story behind this photo: “I lit this photo slightly differently due to the space and atmosphere to create a more “vibey” look that the couple loved”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the symmetry of this photo, with the two lights shining like stars either side of the couple as they embrace in the centre. Having the guests barely visible in the darkness is a masterful choice, as it puts the attention entirely on the couple and the enchanting moment they share, but reminds us that they are surrounded by loved ones.

There you have our favourite first dance photos of 2022! If you loved our line-up, stay tuned for the next in the series: the most emotional ceremony moments, sure to be a tear-jerker!

You Might Also Like…

• Best First Look Photos of 2022
• Most Emotional Ceremony Moments of 2022
• Best Cake & Champagne Moments of 2022
• Best Couple Shots of 2022
• Best Group Shots of 2022
• Best Artistic Shots of 2022
• Best Candid Shots of 2022
• Best Kids Wedding Photos of 2022
• Best Pets Wedding Photos of 2022
• Best LGBTQ+ Photos of 2022
• Best Themed Weddings of 2022

Happy Planning!

No wedding would be complete without a top-notch wedding photographer – the person responsible for making your special day last forever.

Our Wedding Photography Awards are here to celebrate just that. Take a look at this year’s selection of the most special wedding photos across 12 exciting categories, captured by our incredible wedding photographers, and handpicked by our panel of industry experts. We received 340 submissions in total – that’s 900 individual photos across all the categories. So a huge congratulations to all those photographers who have been shortlisted!

Go through the list and discover the story behind each photo and why we chose them.

And if any catch your eye, why not reach out to them on their Bridebook profiles to snap them up for your own wedding? After all, there’s no denying that the best wedding inspiration can come from dreamy photos of fellow brides and grooms who have already tied the knot.

Kicking off with the best first look photos. Seeing the bride in her wedding dress for the first time is always an emotional moment for all those involved, and one that’s so special to capture. It’s all about the emotions and reactions, from anticipation to joy to pride to love. We were blown away by the amazing submissions we received – here are our favourites.

OVERALL WINNER: S.G Mark Photography | Stephanie Mark

The story behind this photo: “Becca and her bridesmaids were getting ready at the magnificent Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh. Her mum helped her into her dress and I thought of arranging the first look with her bridesmaids – the looks on their faces, it was worth it!”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: For us, this photo perfectly captures everything a first look is meant to be. It is all about the beauty and magic of the big reveal, and the emotions and reactions of those in the room when the bride makes her entrance. We adore the line-up of emotions on each of the bridesmaid’s faces, from shock to delight to pride to awe. The composition adds to the effect, with the bride posing in the foreground with her arms spread out and her back to the camera, while the bridesmaids stand together side by side, their hands clasped in front of them. The luminous, golden lighting creates a warm and light-hearted atmosphere, which wonderfully captures the joy of those in the room. It is a photo which is both artful and natural, combining posed perfection with heart-warming humanity.

Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!

Amy Chapple Photography | Amy Chapple

The story behind this photo: “This photo is from the wedding of Poppy and Josh, who got married at Beaconside House in North Devon in 2021. The gorgeous bride, Poppy, bought her stunning dress from Champagne and Charlotte Bridal and had been waiting until the day to show to her adoring bridal party who raised the roof for the moment!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The expressions of joy on each of the bridesmaids’ faces are beautiful to see. We particularly love the gesture of the little girl covering her face, while the other children watch to see what her reaction will be.

Flowtography Weddings | Francesca Low

The story behind this photo: “This was the first time the bridesmaids had seen the bride in her dress. They had no idea what style of dress she was going for and took bets on what she would have gone for. Needless to say none of them guessed right! They are a very close knit group of friends and definitely #bridetribe goals!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the energy and vibrancy in this photo – it is super fun, colourful, vibrant and full of joyful laughter. The reactions of the four bridesmaids are priceless, and really show the story of their attempts at guessing the style of their friend’s dress.

Jessica Hayman Photography | Jessica Hayman

Photo © Jessica Hayman Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This dad was making light of the day (joking all morning), until he saw his daughter. He couldn’t stop sobbing, making us all cry (yes, the photographer too!).”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The choice to shoot in greyscale adds to the intensity of the scene and gives weight to the composition. It perfectly captures that breathtaking moment when the dad sees his daughter before the wedding ceremony and is overcome with emotion.

Jeff Oliver Photography | Jeff and Sarah Oliver 

The story behind this photo: “When the bride’s dad saw his daughter for the first time on her wedding day he was so overcome that emotion just took over. We love the look between mum and daughter while dad is struggling to hold it together.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The monochrome tones here perfectly capture the intensity and drama of this emotional moment. We love to see the bride’s visible gasp as she shares a look with her mum, who is herself overcome with emotion as she holds her husband close.

John Hope Photography | John Hope 

The story behind this photo: “We always love an emotional dad! I love how the bride squad really add to the energy and emotion in this shot.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The composition here, with the bride standing in the foreground to the side, while the dad and bridesmaids stand facing her, is very artful, and adds to the emotionality of the photo. We love to see the varying expressions on each of their faces – from the intensity of the dad’s tearful pride, to the bridesmaids’ smiles of delight.

Lemon Feather Photography | Cemanthe McKenzie 

The story behind this photo: “I met Jane and Tom when they agreed to do their engagement session in the only snow storm we’ve had in 2 years! So their wedding day was going to be fun. Well it was fun but also full of happy tears, starting with this wonderful moment between Jane and her dad at the first look. She looked amazing and that veil was incredible!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo captures such a special moment. The dad’s expression of admiration and love for his daughter is beautiful, while the gesture of wiping the happy tears from his face adds to the emotionality of the composition.

Missy P Photography | Kirsty Atkinson 

The story behind this photo: “Dad and Rebecca were both so nervous to see each other for the first look just before the ceremony and the emotions showed the incredible bond they hold – even the venue staff shed tears over the beautiful father and daughter moment they shared.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love how this photo captures the dad’s outpouring of emotion at such a climactic moment. Having him in focus in the centre, with her in the foreground but out of focus, adds to the effect, and puts all the attention on his reaction.

Rafe Abrook Photography | Rafe Abrook 

The story behind this photo: “Jill’s reaction when seeing Kunal for the first time in church was absolutely priceless!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love this unique interpretation of a first look. With the groom in the foreground but out of focus, the attention is on the bride’s reaction of excitement as her husband to be turns around to meet her eyes – a truly magical moment.

The Studio Without Walls | Adrian Neal 

The story behind this photo: “I had just spotted the shoes coming down the stairs, and it seemed to tell the story of that moment”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is an artful, striking composition, that uniquely captures the moment just before the first look. It is the anticipation of the big reveal that really shines in this photo, with the bride’s family waiting downstairs as the bride takes her last steps towards them.

Tobiah Tayo Photography | Tobiah Tayo 

The story behind this photo: “The groom was so excited to see his bride walk down the aisle. I love his expression.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the groom’s expression too! We also love to see how her eyes meet his, while the father of the bride looks down at his daughter with a smile.

Tom Cullen Photography | Tom Cullen 

The story behind this photo: “I love capturing these moments and the emotion from the bridesmaids was so touching. A beautiful moment.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a classic, emotional first look moment. Capturing the bride’s reaction through her reflection in the mirror adds a lovely layer of extra depth.

There you have our favourite first look photos of 2022! If you loved our line-up, stay tuned for the next in the series: the best first dance photos, captured straight from the dancefloor!

You Might Also Like…

• Best First Dance Photos of 2022
• Most Emotional Ceremony Moments of 2022
• Best Cake & Champagne Moments of 2022
• Best Couple Shots of 2022
• Best Group Shots of 2022
• Best Artistic Shots of 2022
• Best Candid Shots of 2022
• Best Kids Wedding Photos of 2022
• Best Pets Wedding Photos of 2022
• Best LGBTQ+ Photos of 2022
• Best Themed Weddings of 2022

Happy Planning!