50 Wedding Gift Ideas 2023 for Every Budget

Whether you’re an engaged couple looking for cool ideas for your wedding gift list, or a guest wanting to source an extra special present, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of 50 unique and thoughtful wedding gift ideas that are sure to make any couple smile. From bespoke, personalised presents, to unforgettable gift experiences, there’s something for everyone – homebodies, foodies, art lovers, adrenaline junkies and more! Read on for the full list.

Wedding Gift Experiences

1. Theatre tickets to The Lion King for two – £144, Virgin Experience Days

For a spectacular theatrical experience like no other, look no further than Disney’s multi award-winning musical. It’ll make an ideal post-wedding date night for the couple.

2. A weekend getaway at The Bird (Bath, Hotel) – £290, Virgin Experience Days

Treat the couple to a two-night winter stay with breakfast at The Bird in Bath. The’ll stay in a cosy king room nestled just a short saunter from Bath’s main attractions.

3. A sunrise air balloon ride – £260, Virgin Experience Days

Let the couple take to the skies together from one of over 100 locations across the UK. They’ll see the sunrise from an unforgettable new perspective aboard one of Virgin’s iconic red balloons.

4. A wine tasting minibreak – £142, Virgin Experience Days

A tranquil one-night countryside break with a vineyard tour and wine tasting at Chapel Down Winery, featuring fine wines and picturesque views. Perfect for wine- and nature-loving couples.

5. A spa gift card – £250, Champneys Health Spa

With a gift card from Champneys, the couple can choose their own path to relaxation and rejuvenation. At-home products, tension-relieving treatment, or a complete romantic spa break!

6. A Russian spa experience for two – £150, Banya No.1

Tucked away in Shoreditch, Banya No.1 offers an authentic take on the Russian Spa. This 3-hour couple-friendly session comes complete with a private booth and table at the lounge cafe.

7. A gourmet dinner at a fancy restaurant – £250, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants

For the ultimate foodie wedding gift, give the couple a very special London dining experience. Treat them to an exquisite six-course tasting menu at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin starred Pétrus.

8. A two-hour cooking class – £128, The Jamie Oliver Cookery School

Led by professional chefs, this hands-on two-hour course at The Jamie Oliver Cookery School is perfect for newlyweds. From Indian feasts to pasta masterclasses, the choice is theirs.

9. A kintsugi pottery class for beginners – £100, Class Bento

Give the couple the Japanese art of kintsugi at this unique London pottery class. They’ll each get to create a beautiful ceramic piece to take home with them and treasure.

10. A how-to-draw art class for beginners – £190, City Academy

A fun yet educational one-day beginners’ art class, perfect for the creatively-minded couples out there. They’ll have fun expressing themselves while developing their drawing technique.

Personalised Wedding Gifts

11. A personalised wedding guestbook – £35, Stori

What better way to commemorate the big day than with Stori’s personalised book-bound guestbook? You can collect everyone’s best wishes for the happy couple to share with them.

12. A bespoke wedding venue line drawing – £42, Letterfest

Letterfest’s wedding venue portrait is personalised with the couple’s names and wedding details in a handwritten font below. It’s a stylish illustration that makes the perfect wedding gift.

13. A personalised cheese board/serving platter – £27, The Rustic Dish

We love this personalised cheese board, which doubles as a serving board. Why not include some of the couple’s favourite cheeses in the mix for an extra special wedding gift?

14. A personalised silver plated photo frame – £20, Engravers Guild

A classic silver plated photo frame will keep the couple’s happy memories safe year after year. You can engrave it with a message of your choice for a very personal wedding gift.

15. Personalised date night cards – £18, Not On The High Street

These British-made personalised date night cards are a cheap but thoughtful wedding gift. With 52 surprise activities, both indoor and outdoor, the couple can spend exciting quality time together.

16. Personalised Mr and Mrs mug set – £25, Not On The High Street

These ceramic Mr and Mrs mugs can be printed with the couple’s surnames and wedding date. They’ll remember their wedding every time they have their morning coffee or afternoon tea!

17. Personalised Mr and Mrs indoor doormat – £22.50, Not On The High Street

This doormat can be personalised with the couple’s married names (Mr & Mrs / Mr & Mr / Mrs & Mrs) and their wedding date . A personal and welcoming introduction to their home!

18. A set of personalised kitchen aprons – £40, Not On The High Street

These high quality aprons are made of pure cotton and can be personalised with any name or message. A unique wedding gift for couples who love to cook or bake.

19. Personalised embroidered heart couples dressing gown – £40, Sparks and Daughters

This beautiful cotton dressing gown set makes a lovely personalised wedding gift (or cotton anniversary present). The couple can wear them after a bath or when relaxing at home together.

20. A hand-poured personalised candle – £20, Kindred Fires

This hand-poured natural soy wax candle, encased in frosted glass, makes a charming keepsake wedding gift. It can be personalised with the couple’s name, wedding date and a happy message.

Wedding Gifts for the Home

21. Matching Manon throw and cushion covers – £170, The White Company

This cosy and tactile lambswool-blend collection comes in a classic basket weave. It’s an all-seasons knit sure to bring comfort and joy to the recently married couple’s new home.

22. A classic cast iron Le Creuset casserole dish – £329, Le Creuset

You can’t go wrong with a classic Le Creuset dish – it’s great for one-pot wonders, and will last the couple a lifetime. We particularly love this limited-edition romantic hearts design.

23. A pink glass desk & table lamp – £198, Oliver Bonas

This handmade curved glass lamp from Oliver Bonas is the perfect way to lighten and brighten a couple’s new home. Its pink marbled design is unique to each piece.

24. A set of pink champagne flutes by Maison Balzac – £65, Liberty

These lovely pink glass champagne flutes are sure to elevate the couple’s dining display. They also offer the perfect excuse for using up any leftover bubbly from a Champagne Tower!

25. Vera Wang for Wedgwood Love Knots tealight holders – John Lewis, £52

These classic tealight holders make a beautiful, timeless wedding gift. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a thoughtful wedding gift that combines functionality with style.

26. Capiz wall flower decoration – £78, Anthropologie

This gleaming wall flower, made from handcrafted capiz shells, is sure to give the newlyweds’ walls a touch of glamourous charm. A special piece to remind them of their special day.

27. A ceramic indoor hanging pot trio – £22.99, Hortology

These adorable baby dotty hanging pots are ideal for those green-thumbed couples who don’t have much outdoor space. They’re perfect for hanging herbs or little succulents in the kitchen.

28. A pack of 7 essentials gallery frame – £50, Dunelm

Let the couple show off their wedding photos with this set of black on-trend photo frames. To make their gift extra special, print seven of their favourite wedding day shots and put them in the frames.

29. The original Scratch Map – £20.95, Luckies of London

For couples who love to travel, the original Scratch Map is the perfect affordable wedding gift. Each country scratched off will symbolise a new adventure together, and look great on their wall too!

30. A leather memory box – £229, Life of Riley

This leather memory box is a nifty way for the newlyweds to their precious memorabilia and letters. Styled like a classic treasure chest, it’s a lovely keepsake wedding gift for the home.

Luxury Wedding Gifts

31. A luxury all-in-one wedding day hamper – £160, Fortnum & Mason

This joy-giving wedding hamper is filled with all sorts of celebration-ready goodies. From bubbles to tea to chocolates, everything was created with happy couples in mind.

32. The Velvetiser (white edition) – £99.95, Hotel Chocolat

This indulgent in-home hot chocolate machine is perfect for newlyweds. Let them enjoy a barista-grade drink as part of their morning ritual, or curl up on the sofa with a velvety cup in the evening.

33. Wedding Bells biscuit tin – £48, Biscuiteers

This Wedding Bells collection features an irresistible assortment of wedding-themed lemon biscuits in a keepsake tin. You can even personalise the heart biscuit with a message for the happy couple.

34. A Panasonic bread maker – £199.99, John Lewis

For couples who love creative yet hassle-free baking, look no further than an automatic bread maker. They can enjoy fresh bread and cakes every day without sacrificing quality time.

35. A year of flowers – £240, Bloom and Wild

Brighten up the couple’s home with a year-long flower subscription. Whether they choose the flowers themselves, or prefer to be sent a surprise, they’ll have a fresh delivery every 28 days.

36. The Adventure Challenge book (couples edition) – £49, The Adventure Challenge

The Adventure Challenge book will keep the couple’s date nights fresh and exciting year after year. Each new adventure is a mystery until it’s scratched off, making for unforgettable experiences!

37. Name twin stars gift – £69, World Star Registry

For a special and unique wedding gift, let the happy couple name their own stars. They’ll get matching certificates showing their stars’ co-ordinates, which they can track each night in real-time!

38. The Luxury Retreat Hamper – £179, The Newt in Somerset

Let the couple relive their honeymoon experience with a touch of at-home hotel luxury. The Luxury Retreat Hamper contains everything newlyweds need for a cosy yet indulgent night in together.

39. A bespoke wine subscription – from £36/month, The Grape Reserve

If you know the couple enjoys a drink or two, consider a monthly wine subscription gift. Each curated monthly selection comes with tasting notes, as well as a complementary recipe.

40. A projector for two – from £399.99

Give the couple a cinema experience on the go, with Anker’s Nebula Capsule portable projector. They can enjoy a romantic night watching movies together under the stars anywhere in the world.

Useful Wedding Gifts

41. The Ultimate Travel List – £19.99, Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet’s bestselling Ultimate Travel List is a must-have coffee table book for couples who love to travel. It ranks the world’s greatest places to visit, featuring 200+ awe-inspiring photos.

42. A large carry-on suitcase – £394, Monos

Monos’ award-winning, honeymoon-friendly suitcases will last the couple a lifetime, and come in 10 gorgeous colours. Their largest check-in case is perfect for a few weeks away in the sun.

43. The Couple’s Cookbook: Recipes for Newlyweds – £20, Cole and Kiera Photography

Written by husband and wife wedding photographer duo, Cole and Kiera Stipovich, The Couple’s Cookbook: Recipes for Newlyweds is a lovely primer for newlyweds starting their first home together. From easy weeknight meals to beautiful weekend brunches to dinner party delights, this is a fun, playful and useful wedding gift that will keep on giving.

44. A high and low parallettes set – £119.95, Mirafit

Help the sporty couples out there build up their own home gym! With a Mirafit high and low parallettes set, the couple can train together from the comfort of their living room.

45. A backpack picnic hamper for two – £49.99, Greenfield Collection

Let the couple enjoy lovely picnics together with this deluxe backpack hamper for two. It’s got all the essential accessories, plus plenty of space to accommodate food, drinks and containers.

46. An artisan KitchenAid mixer – £499, KitchenAid

Even the most kitchen-shy couples will want a KitchenAid mixer on their gift list – from whipped cream to mashed potatoes, it does it all. You can customise it further with an assortment of other useful attachments, like spiralizers or a pasta roller, for an even more personal wedding gift.

47. McGregor 5-piece gardening set – £35, Argos

 

If the couple are moving into a home with outdoor space, this 5-piece gardening set is ideal. Strong, durable, and built to last – these tools will keep their garden looking gorgeous!

48. A Smarter coffee machine – £199, Smarter

No gift list is complete without a coffee machine, but for a more unique wedding present, consider a lightweight Smarter coffee machine. With the Smarter App, the couple can set the strength and choose from two different modes, ‘filter’ and ‘grinder’, to achieve a flawless cup of coffee each time.

49. A scribble writing digital alarm clock – £15, Prezzybox

This scribble writing digital alarm clock doubles as a light-up memo pad – perfect for busy or forgetful couples! And at only £15, it’s a super cheap wedding gift, that’s super fun and useful!

50. An AirTag, £35 Apple

For couples moving into a new home together, a tactile Apple AirTag will provide a private and secure way to easily locate their most precious items…like their new housekeys!

There you have our top 50 wedding gift ideas for every budget. From homebodies and foodies, to nature lovers and adrenaline junkies, there’s something to delight every couple.

Best Themed Weddings of 2022

We’re wrapping up our 2022 Wedding Photography Awards with our final category: themed weddings. From the decorations to the food, to the music and the activities, enjoy our selection of the best unique and creative themed weddings of the year, where couples are free to truly express their personalities and share their interests with their guests.

OVERALL WINNER: Tom Cullen Photography | Tom Cullen 

Photo © Tom Cullen Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “May the force be with them! Meela and Maciek tied the knot at The Secret Garden in Kent. They had an incredible day and rocked their couple shots in the autumn sunshine. Their details really reflected their personalities, with a lightsaber bouquet, Nordic gnomes and a visit from Marduk their gorgeous Elf Hound!

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: This is what the best themed weddings are all about – celebrating your love for your partner alongside your shared interests. This image is full of personality and individuality, as well as artistry. We particularly love the clever use of props to structure the composition, with the vertical lighsaber perfectly dividing the shot of the couple’s profiles. And the Darth Vader mask is something else – a bold, striking choice!

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

AJTImages | Alex Taylor

Photo © AJTImages | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The couple loved Beauty and the Beast and wanted to incorporate it into their photos.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo truly captures that Disney magic with its artistic use of lighting! We love how perfectly it creates that iconic dance scene.

Bolla Bello Photography | Bolanle Bello 

Photo © Bolla Bello Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The bride’s dad surprised the couple with a Chewbacca mask as he was asked to give his opening speech. The couple are movie heads and were pleasantly surprised and joyful to see the dad embrace their love for movies on their special day.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The Chewbacca mask transforms an otherwise classic wedding speech photo into something truly unique and special, not to mention funny!

Dave Edward Photography | Dave Edward

Photo © Dave Edward Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A movie-themed wedding and this was the couple’s take on The Hangover”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: A playful, candid image, which speaks for itself! We love to see the groomsmen having so much fun posing and playing out their roles.

Jennifer West Photography | Jennifer West

Photo © Jennifer West Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Drummer Luke and photographer Kirsty celebrated their love with a weekend-long, mini music festival wedding. I wanted to make a unique portrait for them against the festival tents. Using a hand-made multi-coloured neon sign and some creative slow shutter speed, I created heart-shaped light trails around them. The evening was warm and balmy and as the music filled the air, Luke and Kirsty say it was one of the most special memories of their wedding.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo is a perfect balance of dreamy and romantic, and unique and colourful. A vibrant themed wedding, full of love, joy and celebration.

John Mason Photography | John Mason

Photo © John Mason Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This was a football-themed family wedding.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a brilliant action shot of an alternative wedding. We love to see the bride’s determined look as she prepares the football, while her dad blows the whistle.

Lemon Feather Photography | Cemanthe McKenzie 

Photo © Lemon Feather Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I love bouncy castles at weddings, and Anna and Joe’s big bouncy slide was no exception! The theme of their wedding was “Cake Fest” and the whole day was about fun and joy.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We think “Cake Fest” should be the theme of every wedding! We love the energy and sense of exhilaration here, and the bright party colours.

Michelle Charnock Photographer | Michelle Charnock 

Photo © Michelle Charnock Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I adored this wedding party. The couple were so free spirited and full of love for each other and their families. They’re probably one of the coolest couples I’ve ever captured and I think this captures a lot of what they’re about.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: What a vibrant and energetic shot! We love the pops or orange and eclectic, retro theme, which perfectly matches the couple’s fun, alternative pose.

Peter Rollings Photography | Peter Rollings 

Photo © Peter Rollings Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Chris and Claire are avid VW campers, and wanted to theme this throughout their day. This was the perfect summer wedding, with this image reflecting their love of their Volkswagen Jammin.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the perspective and dynamism of this photo, with the Volkswagen head on in motion, and the couple embracing in the front window.

S.G Mark Photography | Stephanie Mark

Photo © S.G Mark Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Jules and Garry wanted to feel like they were in a regency drama for their wedding photos. During their wedding at Auchen Castle in the Scottish Borders, we took advantage of moody skies and dramatic lighting to make their dreams come true.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the composition of this photo, with the swing and riverside setting. The moody sepia hues add a timelessness in keeping with the theme.

The Bearded Man Photography | Paul Stevenson 

Photo © The Bearded Man Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A Cornish festival wedding at Kudva, a remote campsite on the coast.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see such the couple having so much fun with their wedding, from the bride’s pink hair against the pink smoke bomb, to the groom’s sunglasses and glittery gold trousers. Their playful personalities really shine through!

Twigs Branch Photography | Paul & Suzi Wilkinson 

Photo © Twigs Branch Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A cinema style elopement, at The Electric Cinema in Birmingham.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the glamour and drama of this photo – perfect for the cinema style theme. The dazzling off-centre spotlight from behind, and the couple’s clasped hands across the aisle, beautifully show off the chic art deco setting.

There you have our favourite themed wedding photos of 2022! That brings our Wedding Photographer Awards series to an end. If you missed any of the other categories, or fancy taking another look at one of your favourites, be sure to check out the rest of the series. They’re not only a great source of inspo, but also the ideal way to find your dream photographer!

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Happy Planning!

Photographer ‘Platinum’ Best of Bridebook Winners 2023

The Best of Bridebook 2023 winners have been announced! This list showcases UK photographers with the most 5-star reviews from 2022. Take a look at this talented bunch:

Platinum Winners 2023

 

“The UK’s greatest wedding businesses have been chosen! We are so proud of the 450+ winners, especially after a difficult few years for the industry. We are excited to recommend the best wedding services. Huge congratulations to this year’s winners”. – Hamish Shephard, CEO & Founder, Bridebook.

Best LGBTQ+ Photos of 2022

We’re celebrating diversity and inclusion with our best of LGBTQ+ wedding photos, hand-selected for our Wedding Photography Awards. From the fun and colourful, to the unique and unusual, it’s all about recognising and accepting love and joy in all its forms.

OVERALL WINNER: Flisher Photography Ltd | Luke Flisher 

Photo © Flisher Photography Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The couple wanted to do a smoke bomb shot with pride flag colours with their wedding party in front of Harlaxton Manor to celebrate Harlaxton manors first gay wedding.”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: This is a true celebration of the best of LGBTQ+, made all the more special because of the venue’s history. We love the composition, with the grooms in the centre, and their loved ones standing to either side, all of them laughing and showing their support. The smoke bombs in pride colours are spectacular, and give this image a fun, playful tone while also sending an important message of pride and togetherness.

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

AJ Feather Photography | Arienne Jonas

Photo © AJ Feather Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Jon and Matt laughed so much together, they had me in tears. We went for a walk along the water and I laughed so much.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A candid, uplifting image, set against a beautiful natural backdrop. The couple’s smiles and laughter are infectious!

A W Photography | Andy Wilkinson 

Photo © A W Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I had initially wanted to take a silhouette shot then develop this with the use of a smoke grenade. As I asked the couple to walk towards me I noticed the sunlight coming through the adjacent trees and quickly turned off the OCF to allow the sun’s rays to catch the smoke, creating this image.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a breathtaking, magical shot. We love the effect of the sun’s rays catching the smoke amidst the trees as the couple embrace.

Bart Kerswell Photography | Bart Kerswell 

Photo © Bart Kerswell Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Nina and Jo didn’t fancy a first dance, so decided on an egg and spoon race. What a amazing idea, even I had a go.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is what the best of LGBTQ+ is all about – celebrating your special day in a way that’s unique and personal to you, and having fun doing so.

Big Day Weddings | David Green

Photo © Big Day Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A fantastic gay wedding day at The Gherkin in London.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The sweeping staircase and monochrome tones create a dramatic and striking image. We love the perspective looking up at the smiling brides.

Chloe Palmer Photography | Chloe Palmer

Photo © Chloe Palmer Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Two beautiful brides signing their wedding register at Highcliffe Castle”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a classic but beautifully shot photo – we love its simplicity and clean, white palette. The look the brides share is what makes it so special.

LB Photography | Leanne Brookes 

Photo © LB Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “It was 5 minutes before the cake-cut and it had just started to rain, so I quickly grabbed Jamie and Jordan for an extra special photo in the archway of The Arnold House”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: The illuminated umbrella and balloons create a fun, celebratory image. We love how the balloons frame the couple as they gaze into each other’s eyes.

Lemon Feather Photography | Cemanthe McKenzie 

Photo © Lemon Feather Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Tasha and Becky were so wonderful on their wedding day as they knew I loved rainbows so they gave me a small rainbow keyring to say thank you for their photos. Their whole day was about rainbows from a rainbow flag exit, to fans, to socks. This photo holds a special place in my heart, for both the rainbows and how wonderful they were.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a fun and colorful photo – we absolutely love the rainbow fans! It perfectly captures the brides’ personalities and joy.

Magpie-Eye Photography | Jenny Ellen 

Photo © Magpie-Eye Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “David and Nathan were finally married in July of 2022…in a heatwave…in a velvet dress! Thankfully the aircon was fully functional and Nathan stole the show in their Billy Porter inspired gown.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A photo which truly celebrates diversity and individuality. Seeing Nathan make his grand entrance in his incredible gown is beautiful to see.

Marta Ilardo Photography | Marta Ilardo 

Photo © Marta Ilardo Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A wedding is a beautiful celebration of love, of your commitment to each other. It’s wonderful to have witnesses, people who share your joy. But it’s also great to want to make it very personal and intimate. Poppy and Marcela chose to combine the two. They officially got married in a town hall and then exchanged their vows and rings in a quiet Soho corner. And I was there to unobtrusively capture it!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The simplicity of the grey brick background puts all the focus on the couple and their beautiful love. A lovely intimate moment, sensitively captured.

Nik Bryant Photography | Nik Bryant 

Photo © Nik Bryant Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Matt and Darryl at the iconic Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Having the wonderfully talented Neil Ridley with me meant we could light and create this superb image.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The use of differently coloured panels of light behind the couple makes for an unusual and striking image. A very creative composition.

Steve Ayres Photography | Steve Ayres 

Photo © Steve Ayres Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A Peaky Blinder’s style wedding at The Royal Pavilion in Brighton”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see alternative weddings that reflect the couple’s unique personalities and interests. The ‘PRIDE’ letters behind the couple add some extra magic.

There you have our top picks for the best LGTBQ+ wedding photos of 2022! Stay tuned for the grand finale of this blog series, with our favourite themed weddings of the year.

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Happy Planning!

Wedding Gift List Guide – ft The Wedding Shop

One of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding is creating your wedding gift list. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start and what to choose. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you create your perfect wedding gift list. From deciding on a gift registry, to choosing the perfect gifts, we’ve got you covered!

Deciding on a registry

Photo © The Wedding Shop

The first step in creating your gift list is deciding on a registry. There are several options to choose from, including traditional department stores, online retailers, or even a combination of both. The most important thing is to choose a registry that suits your unique needs and preferences. A traditional department store registry will allow you to add a mix of home and lifestyle items, whereas an online registry will give you the flexibility to add items from multiple retailers.

Our recommended gift registry

Photo © The Wedding Shop

For creating a unique and personalised gift list, our top choice is The Wedding Shop. Our founder, Hamish Shephard, used it for his own wedding, and was very impressed! They’ve won a number of awards, and it’s completely free to sign up. Plus, you get your own Gift Guru (a.k.a. personal wedding gift list advisor), to help make your journey enjoyable and unique to you, not to mention stress-free! They’ve got over 30 years of experience and feature over 450 brands, so your list will be in the best possible hands, and you’ll have a great selection of gifts to choose from.

Choosing the perfect gifts

Photo © The Wedding Shop

Once you’ve decided on a registry, it’s time to start choosing the perfect gifts. Consider what you currently have and what you still need, and include a mix of items at different price points (to cater to guests with different budgets). For homebodies, consider items like cookware, bedding and home decor. For foodies, think items like a KitchenAid mixer, a set of high-quality knives and a cast iron skillet. For all the art lovers out there, add a beautiful painting or sculpture, or a membership to a local museum. For the adventurous couple, consider adding experiences such as a cooking class at a gourmet restaurant, or a hot air balloon ride at sunrise – the possibilities are endless!

Our recommended must-have items

We’ve picked out our favourite must-haves from The Wedding Shop, which are sure to inspire you!

Creating your perfect wedding gift list is an exciting opportunity to start building your new life together as a couple. By following these steps, the whole process will be fun and stress-free! Looking for alternatives to physical gifts? The Wedding Shop offers these too! From honeymoon funds and charity donations, to memorable experience gifts, we love the choice and flexibility. Plus, everything is all in one place, which makes the whole process so oh-so-easy from start to finish.

The Best Winter Wedding Guest Outfits

Winter weddings can be such a magical and dreamy experience. But choosing the right winter wedding outfit can be challenging as well. As a wedding guest, you want to look balance formality and style, while also staying warm and comfortable amidst cooler temperatures. To help inspire you, we’ve put together our top tips and tricks for the best winter wedding guest outfits, so you can look and feel your best this season, whatever your style or budget, and whatever the weather!

1. Dresses

Dresses with billowing sleeves, higher necklines, and longer hems are ideal choices for a winter wedding. Opt for a thicker, heavier fabric, like wool or velvet, to keep you warm. You can choose from a variety of sensible styles, from a flowing maxi dress to a form-fitting cocktail dress. The trick is to make a statement with bold prints and luxe embellishments like beading or lace detailing.

2. Suits

You can’t go wrong with a stylish suit at a winter wedding. For warmth and comfort, choose a suit made from a heavier fabric, like wool or corduroy. For a more casual look, consider a pair of dress trousers or skirt with a button-up shirt, with either a sweater or blazer. If you’re on a budget, consider renting a suit – it’s not only a cost-effective option, but also more sustainable.

3. Colours

Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to wear warm colours in rich, jewel-like hues. Think wine and champagne tones, emerald green, ruby red, burgundy and navy blue.

4. Accessories

From scarves and shawls, to hats and gloves, winter accessories will keep you warm, while also adding a pop of colour and glamour to your outfit. Add some extra sparkle to your look with eye-catching jewellery, like a statement-necklace, earrings or a brooch.

5. Outerwear

A winter wedding always calls for a warm outer layer. For a timeless and sophisticated look, consider a classic wool coat or pea coat, which will keep you warm and complement any dress or suit underneath. For a more budget-friendly option, consider an elegant faux fur jacket. They come in a variety of styles and colours, and can be found at a fraction of the cost of a real fur jacket.

6. Footwear

Closed-toe shoes are a must for a winter wedding, whether that’s heeled boots, ankle boots or loafers. Make sure they’re comfortable enough to dance in, and will keep your feet warm and dry. If you’re on a budget, consider buying a pair of shoes in a neutral colour, like black or brown, so you can wear them with multiple outfits and on more than one occasion.

Now you’ll be properly prepped for all those winter weddings pencilled into your calendar. Whatever the weather throws at you, you’ll have a guest outfit that’s both sensible and stylish.

Supplier Showcase: Veganuary Edition

Sustainable and ethical weddings are on the rise. Back in the day, very few venues and suppliers would cater for such requirements, or when they did, would do so with little creativity (cue sad stuffed mushroom and limp lettuce leaf). But now, there’s a demand amongst today’s couples for more locally sourced, ethical menus, as well as vegan and cruelty-free wedding choices. And so, celebrate the month of Veganuary, we’re showcasing our favourite vegan venues and suppliers.

1. The Wellbeing Farm

Photo © The Wellbeing Farm | See their Bridebook profile

The Wellbeing Farm is one of our favourite sustainable wedding venues…period. It offers a fun, unique farm-based barn experience, is the first B Corp certified venue in the UK, and has just become members of the Sustainable Restaurant Association (which you can’t enter if you haven’t got sufficient vegan and other dietary credentials). Their general ethos is around wellbeing, and minimising stress for its couples. And ensuring every single one of your guests has a creative and tasty meal – whether they’re vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free – is a huge part of that. Their innovative Head Chef sources natural, local produce to create vegetarian and vegan menus that are big in both quality and taste, and even went on a course specialising in vegan desserts (so no more lonely fresh fruit salads!). A lot of venues may offer a single vegan option, but this vegan-friendly venue prides itself on offering a range – a range of starters, a range of mains, a range of desserts. So you’ll be spoilt for choice! For the meat lovers out there, they use Meatless Farm and Beyond Burger as meal substitutes, so you’ll hardly notice the difference.

2. Wilderness Weddings

Photo © Wilderness Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

Stylish and sustainable, relaxed and boho, there’s so much to love about Wilderness Weddings. Set in a protected nature reserve, it features woodlands, giant tipi tents, and a lakeside boathouse. Their seven accredited caterers provide a wealth of dining options, catering for all tastes and budgets. For vegetarians and vegans in particular, choose Scott Anderson catering, who pride themselves on designing bespoke menus around each couple’s requirements. Look no further for creative canapés, scrumptious sharing wedding breakfasts, and exquisite evening platters!

3. Lettice Events

Photo © Lettice Events | See their Bridebook profile

Lettice Events is one of the country’s leading names in luxury catering, known for its innovative and creative food design, cutting-edge presentation and stylish service. Their team of talented chefs can cater to specific dietary restrictions, including a completely vegan menu. From vegan cream cheese and smoked carrot ribbons on light rye wafers, to roast pumpkin skewers, you and your guests are sure to be delighted. With pre-event tastings available, you can effortlessly sample different flavours and select your favourite dishes ahead of your big day.

4. The Hogless Roast

Photo © The Hogless Roast | See their Bridebook profile

Two veggies unable to stomach another bean burger, Matt and Ross, a.k.a. The Hogless Roast, have reimagined the traditional hog roast for a new generation, whether you’re a vegan or simply trying to reduce your meat consumption. Their smoky BBQ vegan burgers use the best plant protein out there – lathered in apple sauce, topped with homemade stuffing, and loaded into a toasted vegan brioche bun. They’re packed with protein and fibre, gluten-free, and, most importantly, keep pigs off plates! Plus, they only use eco-friendly packaging, and are members of the NCASS.

We’ve taken the best plant based protein out there, infused it with smoky BBQ flavours, lathered it in apple sauce, topped it with homemade stuffing and packed it into a toasted vegan brioche bun. Then we’ve thrown in some naughty vegan crackling for good measure!

5. Bee Vegan Bakery

Photo © Bee Vegan Bakery | See their Bridebook profile

For bespoke wedding cakes made vegan, look no further than Bee Vegan Bakery – whether you’re vegan yourself, want a more inclusive option for all of your guests, or have allergies or dietary requirements. There are also plenty of other sweet and savoury vegan treats available, from meatless carrot ‘bacon’ and almond ‘feta’ canapés, and bitesize vegan pastries.

6. Bakehouse Revolution

Photo ©Bakehouse Revolution | See their Bridebook profile

From cute cupcake favours to magnificent multi-tiered showstoppers, Bakehouse Revolution works with you to personally design, bake and create stunning wedding cakes for your special day. Everything is 100% vegan, and will leave a smile on everyone’s faces, whether vegan or not.

7. Tanya Westley Vegan Hair & Makeup Artist

Photo ©Tanya Westley Vegan Hair & Makeup Artist | See their Bridebook profile

Tanya Westley is a vegan wedding hair & makeup specialist based in Oxfordshire. Her kit consists of a carefully curated list of cruelty-free, vegan products, from brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Cover FX, Face Atelier and Illamasqua, to Kenra, Paul Mitchell, Moroccan Oil, Living Proof and more.

8. Becx Beauty – Makeup Artist & Beautician

Photo ©Becx Beauty – Makeup Artist & Beautician | See their Bridebook profile

Becx Beauty offers a bespoke makeup service for your special day, to ensure you look incredible while everyone looks on in awe. She is fully qualified, insured and accredited by BABTAC (The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology), and also Barbicide certified. All of the products are vegan and cruelty-free. As a makeup artist, she has built up a strong reputation and portfolio, becoming one of the most sought after vegan and cruelty-Free MUA in the North East.

9. Lauren Marie Studio

Photo © Lauren Marie Studio | See their Bridebook profile

Lauren Marie Studio creates hand-painted, bespoke, eco-friendly wedding stationery that tells your own unique love story, with lots of detail. She is passionate about providing conscious and sustainable stationery, and uses a gorgeous range of eco-friendly papers, sourcing ethical, vegan-friendly materials wherever possible in her exquisite designs.

10. Vegan Wedding Photography

Photo © Vegan Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re a vegan, and keen to choose a wedding photographer whose personal values and lifestyle align with your own, be sure to check out Vegan Wedding Photography. Denis is passionate about the environment, nature and sustainability and follows a vegan lifestyle.

Whether you’re a vegan yourself, want to create a more inclusive wedding for your guests, or simply want to reduce the impact of your wedding, the vegan-friendly venues and suppliers above are a great place to start . If any caught your eye, be sure to check out their Bridebook profiles!

2023 Wedding Fashion Trends

From simple, timeless looks and plain fabrics, to chic, colourful styles with luxe embellishments, this year’s weddings are sure to be full of fashion inspiration and ideas. To get a better understanding of the latest trends and must-have looks this wedding season, we reached out to some of the top dressmakers in the industry to get their expert insights and predictions.

1. Simple styles + extra detailing

Photo © A Bridal Story | See their Bridebook profile

The simple look is in this year – from the style to the fabric. “We’re seeing lots of simple designs made from luxurious mikado, satin or crepe,” comments Jo Maloney from A Bridal Story. “Less is more is definitely going to be a key bridal trend.” Elizabeth from Elizabeth Kate Bridal is also noticing more “plain wedding dresses and plain fabrics such as mikado and satin.”

At the same time, bridal fashion is featuring plenty of luxe accessories and detailing. Fross from Fross Wedding Collections Ltd is seeing a trend towards simple gowns accessorised. “For example, lots of our brides love to add bows to their satin gowns.” According to our dressmakers, the most popular fashion element this year is bows, followed by pearls, then feathers, and finally beads. Zera Rowell from Aime Moi Encore says they are “seeing a demand for simpler designs where extra details can be featured such as big bows and lots of pearls, flowers and head pieces. Flower appliques and colour are also very popular!”

2. Colour, colour, colour

Photo © Heartfelt Vintage | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding dresses with colour are also en vogue. Over half of the dressmakers we spoke to are seeing wedding dresses in alternative colours to the traditional bridal white. Kate Ashwell from Heartfelt Vintage says they are ‘seeing a huge uplift in the number of requests for colourful dresses’. Donna from DM Bridal Accessories also emphasises seeing ‘dresses with colour’.

As for bridesmaids’ dresses, the most popular colours this year are champagne, earthy tones, and greens (both emerald and sage). Dusty rose, blush pink, dusty blue and navy blue are also trending, particularly as we move into the season of late winter/early spring.

3. Statement dresses + luxe embellishments

Photo © Couture & Tiaras Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

At the other end from simple styles, many of our dressmakers are seeing dramatic statement dresses. Jo Maloney from A Bridal Story comments that “big and bold designs are also trending with dramatic skirts, necklines and sleeve’, while Margo Brittain from Margo Chamberlain Millinery is seeing “puff sleeves, long trains, maximalist styles, and large flower corsages.”

Princess skirts, long or floating trains, long veils, even capes, are in high demand. Kate Ashwell from Heartfelt Vintage attributes this to the popularity of Netflix’s Bridgerton: “The Bridgerton-inspired trends keep on coming!” Jekaterina Domnych from Gold Needle Ltd speaks of an “abundance of uber-chic inspo in the 2023 wedding dress trends, from dramatic ball gowns to colorful wedding gowns to luxe embellishments like bows, feathers, ruffles, gloves, capes, scooped and strapless necklines, high-low hemline ball gowns with over-the-top tiered skirts, decadent fabrics and beads, lingerie-inspired slip wedding dresses.” She also adds that “in 2023 we’ll be seeing more statement veils with 3D elements, sparkles, flowers, prints and pops of colour. Fashion is stepping away from plain tulle and making the veil its own masterpiece and something that is able to express the bride’s style and personality.”

4. Long gloves/long sleeves

Photo © Aime Moi Encore | See their Bridebook profile

Continuing the Bridgerton theme, the trend towards long, elegant gloves is making a comeback in 2023: our dressmakers unanimously report long gloves, from long tulle gloves to long opera gloves. Amy Money from Amy Money Millinery also comments on the trend of long sleeves, and even detachable sleeves for greater versatility and flexibility throughout the day.

5. Splits/slits

Photo © The White Room | See their Bridebook profile

“Split dresses are very on trend”, Zoey Jayaweera from The White Room of Minchinhampton reports. Duduzile Sibanda from Couture & Tiaras Bridal agrees: “We are selling a lot of dresses with a slit.” Split wedding dresses are gaining in popularity over the years because they offer a modern and elegant look, while also being comfortable to dance and move around in. Not to mention that a slit can show off a pair of beautiful shoes!

6. Detachable skirts/multi dresses

Photo © Fross Wedding Collections Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

Many of our dressmakers are seeing a demand for detachable skirts or separate overskirts, as brides increasingly look for versatility and flexibility when it comes to choosing their wedding dress. Fross from Fross Wedding Collections Ltd notes seeing “brides wanting two gowns, daytime and evening looks, or gowns with detachable skirts to create two looks in one!”

For bridesmaids, multi dresses (a.k.a. convertible dresses or infinity dresses) are all the rage. These dresses can be worn in different ways, so bridesmaids can choose the most flattering style for their body type and taste. They can also be worn again and again long after the wedding, making them both practical and cost-effective. Jekaterina Domnych from Gold Needle Ltd lists a range of flexible styles for bridesmaids: “mismatching bridesmaids dresses, cowl neck bridesmaids dresses, velvet bridesmaids dresses, convertible bridesmaids dresses.”

7. More individuality/non-traditional dress

Photo © Dressarte Paris | See their Bridebook profile

More and more brides are opting to break the mould and wear a non-traditional wedding dress that more truly reflects their own personal style and preferences. Lisa Carrington from Lisa Carrington Couture summarises this trend: “More and more brides are turning to individuality – bespoke instead of mass-produced. I feel trends heading more to personal tastes and not what everyone else is doing, so possibly more quirky and adventurous details will come through.” Nathalie Neuilly from Dressarte Paris agrees: “[There is] great interest towards non-traditional wedding outfits and colours (like black and green in particular)”.

8. Sustainable options

Photo © Love It Again Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

Sustainability is increasingly become a key concern for today’s couples, according to many of our dressmakers. Eve Mannion from Love It Again Bridal has observed that “more couples are becoming eco-conscious about their wedding choices”. Wendy Hook from Vintage Adornments agrees that the eco fashion trend continues to grow with more and more brides opting for sustainable choices when it comes to choosing a dress: “There’s a real move towards more sustainable choices for both cost and environmental reasons. Vintage and nostalgic themes are also having a real influence after the years of the pandemic and then the fuel and economic crises – couples are keen to harken back to happier times and evoke that in their wedding styling.” Popular sustainable options include choosing a dress made from organic, natural or recycled materials; renting a wedding dress; or opting for a vintage or second-hand dress.

Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a bridesmaid, or simply a fashion-savvy wedding guest, these styles, colours and fabrics are sure to make a statement at any wedding this year. You’ve now got all the inspiration and ideas you need to start putting together your own unique look!

Best Pets Wedding Photos of 2022

Calling all animal lovers! Enjoy our hand-picked selection of the best pet photos for our Wedding Photography Awards. Pets bring so much comfort and joy to a wedding. They’re a great source of fun and entertainment, and can add such a personal touch.

OVERALL WINNER: The Studio Without Walls | Adrian Neal 

Photo © The Studio Without Walls | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Hungry dog at a wedding reception…loved its bow tie!”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: What a beautifully captured, funny and memorable photo! We adore the little dog’s cheeky expression as it eyes up the platters, and the way it stands to the side, front legs held up, like it’s one of the human guests. The purple bow tie adds to the comical effect and gives this photo real personality. We love the brightness of this shot too, with the vibrant saturated colours standing out against the black background.

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

Ajie Jones Photography | Adrian Williams-Jones 

Photo © Ajie Jones Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The speeches went on too long for Toto.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This little dog’s sleepy expression is so adorable! We love the way it rests its chin on the table, and looks directly at the camera.

Alexa Poppe Wedding Photography | Alexa Poppe 

Photo © Alexa Poppe Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Liz loves goats! So when she found out that the venue had their very own goats we decided to meet them. The goat was not fussed about us so much and had an obsession with Liz’s beautiful colourful bouquet!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo really made us smile – the goat’s cheekiness, the colourful flowers, the bride’s laughter. Everything about it is uplifting and joyful.

Andy Sidders Photography | Andy Sidders 

Photo © Andy Sidders Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Maia and Matt petting ‘Porka Radcliffe’ and ‘Uswine Bolt’ after some amazing pig racing at Maia and Matt’s wedding at Stowe House.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A super fun and unique take on the pets at weddings theme! We love the perspective from the ground up, with the couple crouching at the pig’s level.

Boryczewski Photography Zee | Zdzislaw Boryczewski 

Photo © Boryczewski Photography Zee | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Just before the ceremony the groom gave some love to his dog. But the dog’s look!!!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A lovely heart-warming image, with an unusual composition. The connection between the groom and his little fur baby is beautiful to see.

Flisher Photography Ltd | Luke Flisher

Photo © Flisher Photography Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Kirsty is a dog trainer and it was important to the couple to have their dogs be a part of their wedding at the beautiful Stubton Hall.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a fun and light-hearted image. We love the composition and colours, with the three gorgeous dogs taking centre stage.

Harry Richards Photography | Harry Richards 

Photo © Harry Richards Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The bride took her pet horse for a walk.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A beautiful, timeless image which captures a real feeling of freedom and wildness. The black and white palette adds a sense of refinement and elegance.

James Ireland Photography Ltd | James Ireland 

Photo © James Ireland Photography Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This Dalmatian sat and waited so patiently at the front of the queue for the wedding breakfast.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a fun yet sophisticated image, with a striking composition. We love how the black and white palette picks out the Dalmatian’s spots.

John Hope Photography | John Hope

Photo © John Hope Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This couple’s dog latched onto the energy of the couple gesturing everyone to the dancefloor after their first dance. He clearly wasn’t going to be left out!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see this dog joining in the dancing like one of the human guests. There is a wonderful energy and vibrancy to this photo.

Luke Hardy Photography | Luke Hardy 

Photo © Luke Hardy Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Rosie was only staying for the church ceremony but she just had to be a part of some of the photos. She’s so happy that mummy and daddy are now married.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A charming, candid shot of the couple walking with their adorable dog! We love the subdued, wintry tones in contrast with the pops of festive red.

Sam Chipman Photography | Sam Chipman 

Photo © Sam Chipman Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Lauren and John always wanted their trusty doggo, Gryff, to be a big part of their wedding day. And he definitely played his part and stole the show.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We agree that Gryff stole the show here! We love the way he’s smiling at the camera, held between the couple, who are themselves smiling at each other.

White Thistle Wedding Photography | Simon Fox

Photo © White Thistle Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Usually the wedding couple have special requests for family or friends they want me to make sure I get a photo of. However, for Andy and Vicky, their priority was their dog Freyja.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such vibrant and joyful image, full of character and personality! We love the bright colours, the confetti, and the dog’s happy smile.

There you have our favourite photos of pets at weddings this year! Next in this series is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, with the best of LGBTQ+.

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Happy Planning!

Best Kids Wedding Photos of 2022

Browse our favourite kids wedding photos for this year’s Wedding Photography Awards. Children often aren’t aware of the camera, so photos can capture their genuine reactions and emotions, not to mention those fun and silly moments that adults might overthink.

OVERALL WINNER: Paul Roland Williams | Paul Roland Williams 

Photo © Paul Roland Williams | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I loved the way it looked like the boys were trying to trick the barman into thinking they were older than they were.”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: This is such a beautifully captured and heart-warming kids’ shot. We love the composition, with the two boys standing on stools behind the bar in their smart suits, their backs to us, trying to look grown-up and sophisticated. The barman’s knowing expression adds to the effect. The lighting adds a mature touch, at odds with the presence of the children, which makes the scene all the more humorous and memorable.

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

Bolla Bello Photography | Bolanle Bello

Photo © Bolla Bello Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This was supposed to be a posed group shot of the couple and the groom’s sister and family. The kids ran left and right throughout and I decided to make it fun. I asked them to run toward me instead and that’s how we got the shot.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the feeling of fun and freedom in this unposed shot. There is a real sense of energy and excitement captured in the kids’ playful running.

Elwood Photography | Tim Elwood 

Photo ©Elwood Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The flower girl sucking it up at Lee and Leah’s wedding at Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle.

Why we shortlisted this photo: The flower girl’s intense, almost challenging, expression is very striking. We love the way she looks directly at the camera, completed unfazed.

Grace Nicole Photography | Grace Evans 

Photo © Grace Nicole Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “All of the children were desperate to visit the sheep in the field opposite the venue, so they all gathered to look through the gate and I captured them all peering through at the same time.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A lovely candid moment, beautifully captured. We love to see the children’s natural curiosity as they peer over the fence.

James Merrick Photography | James Merrick 

Photo © James Merrick Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Waiting patiently for his cue, Obie was beaming as he prepared to walk down the aisle with the rings.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the artful composition of this photo, with the young boy in focus in the centre, perfectly framed by the couple’s joined hands in the foreground. His solemn pride as he stands patiently with his hands held up is beautiful to see.

Katy Brothers Wedding Photography | Katy Brothers 

Photo © Katy Brothers Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “During the downtime, before the speeches but when the little ones had finished dessert they all took to the floor to play with the balloon decorations which had been positioned around the room. Once they had gathered them up, the older kids had wrestled them from the youngsters and were beating each other with them. I love this photo, of the youngest flower girl trying her best to convince the young bridesmaids to give her back her balloon. Children at weddings always have their own dramas that if you stop to watch for, create beautiful, emotionally candids.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The quiet intensity of the youngest flower girl’s expression is beautifully captured. We also love the storytelling behind this photo.

Lemon Feather Photography | Cemanthe McKenzie 

Photo © Lemon Feather Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “These two were so cute and as soon I walked into the room to shoot bridal prep, they warmed to the camera and wanted to show me everything in all the rooms in the suite!

Why we shortlisted this photo: An adorable shot, full of playfulness! The composition is very effective, with just the girls’ faces peeping over the edge of the bath.

Lewis Horsley Wedding Photography | Lewis Horsley 

Photo © Lewis Horsley Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Was meant to capture their beautiful dresses from behind, but this cheeky one did not want to play ball.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The cheeky expression of this bridesmaid is priceless! It transforms an otherwise classically formal photo into a uniquely playful snapshot.

LB Photography | Leanne Brookes 

Photo © LB Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The bride and groom’s little boy wanted to be as close as possible to his parents and while the couple were exchanging rings he was watching…picking away!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a funny and brilliantly captured shot. It’s candid moments like this that make photos of kids at weddings so special.

Paul Swift Photography | Paul Swift 

Photo © Paul Swift Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The bride and groom’s son ran off with a (very large) piece of cake.

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the fun and playfulness of this photo. The boy’s cheeky side-long glance as he prepares to take a bite of cake is wonderful to see.

Tobiah Tayo Photography | Tobiah Tayo 

Photo © Tobiah Tayo Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The flower girls were so excited to see a real life bride and wear her veil.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a sweet photo, with lovely warm lighting. We love the expressions on each of the bridesmaids’ faces, and the way the bride is smiling with them.

Winnington and Coe | Ben Winnington & Elle Coe 

Photo © Winnington and Coe | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Gorgeous niece and flower girl seeing her auntie getting ready.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A beautiful photo capturing a beautiful moment. We love the perspective here, with the focus on the little girl’s reaction, and the bride’s back to us.

There you have our best kids at weddings photos of the year! For even more bundles of joy and cuteness, stay tuned for the next article in this series: pets at weddings.

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Happy Planning!

Everything You Need to Know About Vows at Your Wedding

couple doing their wedding vows

Wedding vows are often one of the most highly anticipated parts of a wedding for guests and are a crucial aspect of any wedding ceremony, as they serve as a couple’s public declaration of love and commitment to one another. The vows are a symbol of the promises that a couple makes to one another in front of their loved ones, and are often considered to be the most meaningful part of the wedding ceremony as we get to see some of the reasons the Bride and Groom are choosing to get married. This is why it’s so important that the wedding vows you choose for your big day are well thought out and personalised to your relationship, as they will be a lasting reminder of the love and commitment the couple has for one another.

What are Wedding Vows?

The traditional role of wedding vows is for the couple to publicly declare their love and commitment to one another, and to make promises to each other for the rest of their lives. You will see wedding vows typically made during the wedding ceremony, where the Bride will meet the Groom after walking up the aisle accompanied by her bridesmaids.

Gorgeous emotional bride performing her vows wearing a stylish white wedding dress with bouquet taking vow during outdoor wedding ceremony near aisle to handsome groom, her eyes tearing up

In a traditional wedding ceremony, the couple makes vows to one another in front of their loved ones and a representative of their chosen faith. They publicly express their love and commitment to one another, and make promises to stay together in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, until death do they part. These promises are taken seriously and are expected to be upheld throughout the marriage. Whilst these are often the main themes presented in many wedding vows, each faith and, often, religious leader, will have a slightly different take on the wording included. 

The traditional role of wedding vows is to provide a sense of solemnity and seriousness to the marriage ceremony, and to make the couple’s commitment to each other clear to all of the guests present as well as the wider community.

Different types of wedding vows 

Religious wedding vows are typically traditional and follow the religious texts and doctrine of the chosen faith. However, couples may choose to use the standard set of vows or personalise them with their own special promises.

Non-religious wedding vows, IE, those used in civil ceremonies, can be written by the couple themselves. They often include promises that reflect the couple’s personal beliefs and values. Secular wedding vows are not religious in nature but instead focus on the couple’s commitment to each other as individuals. Many people find writing wedding vows from scratch a tricky business so most officiants will be able to provide you with examples to use as-is or that can be edited so you can make something perfect that suits your day.

How to Write Wedding Vows

Writing wedding vows can be a daunting task, but there are a few tips that can make the process a little easier. One important tip is to start by thinking about what you want to say and what promises you want to make. You should also think about what makes your relationship unique and special. Other tips include keeping your vows short and sweet, speaking from the heart and making them personalised to include special memories you may share as a couple.

wedding vows ceremony on beach close up.

It’s also always worth speaking with whoever is leading your wedding ceremony as they will be able to help you in figuring out what type of vows will work for your ceremony and make sure all the important points that you need to include arent missed. Something else that is often forgotten is also to pratise! Practising your vows outloud beforehand will make you less nervous on the day itself.

Traditional wedding vow examples

Traditional wedding vow examples include traditional Christian vows, which typically include promises to “love, honour and obey”, and Jewish vows which the bride promises to “love, honour and respect” the groom. In other religions such as Hinduism or Sikhism, couples recite or listen to a series of verses relating to marriage that they agree to uphold.

Non-traditional and contemporary wedding vow examples 

Non-traditional and contemporary wedding vows are becoming increasingly popular amongst couples who are looking to express how they feel to one another on a personal level, examples include personalised promises and declarations of love, such as “I promise to love you, support you, and always be your partner in adventure” or “I promise to be your best friend and partner in all things, and to love and cherish you forever.”

Renewing Your Wedding Vows

Couples renew their wedding vows for many reasons, such as to celebrate milestone anniversaries, to reaffirm their commitment to one another after a difficult time, or simply to renew the romance and love in their relationship. Sometimes couples choose to renew vows so that they can do so in front of their children, or even to relive a wedding that was cut short the first time around. Whatever your reason, vow renewal services offer couples a great way to celebrate their love surrounded by friends in a less traditional way. An officiant can lead the ceremony or you could choose to have a ‘blessing’ led by a religious leader from your community.

How much does it cost to renew wedding vows in the UK?

The cost of renewing wedding vows in the UK can vary greatly depending on the location, venue, and type of ceremony chosen. According to some estimates, the average cost of renewing wedding vows in the UK ranges between £500 to £3,000 or more.

Factors that can affect the cost of renewing wedding vows in the UK include the location of the ceremony (outdoor or indoor,city or countryside), the number of guests invited, the type of food and drink offered, and any additional services (such as photography or videography) that the couple may want to include. Some couples may opt for a simple ceremony with only a few guests, while others may choose to have a larger, more elaborate vow renewal the surpasses their original wedding day.

How to plan a vow renewal ceremony  

Planning a vow renewal ceremony is similar to planning a wedding. It is essential to choose a meaningful location, decide on the guest list, select the appropriate clothing and flowers, and hire any necessary vendors, such as a photographer or florist. It is also important to consider the type of ceremony you want, whether a private ceremony with just the couple and close family, or a larger celebration with many guests in attendance.

The promises made during the wedding ceremony, whether traditional or personalised, serve as a constant reminder of the love and commitment between the two of you, so it is worth your time to sit down with your partner to agree on a set of vows that you will remember fondly for years to come.

 

Best Candid Shots of 2022

Take a peek at our favourite candid shots for our Wedding Photography Awards – those natural, true-to-life moments which can’t be recreated, and which capture the real spirit of the big day.

OVERALL WINNER: Lisa & Neil Wedding Photography | Lisa & Neil 

Best Candid Shots of 2022
Photo © Lisa & Neil Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Lucy and Aiden arrived post ceremony to their reception aboard a steam train and its gorgeous carriages. Their infectious excitement failed to reach one guest who was concentrating on her mobile phone footage!”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: What a wonderful shot – candid at its best! Both the couple’s reactions (the bride halfway standing, the groom lifting his hand in a wave), and the guest’s unprompted phone action, are completely natural and of the moment. We love the contrast between the couple’s laughing faces and the guest’s serious concentration as she takes her own snap, apparently unaware of their grand arrival. The use of the train window as a framing device is also very effective – it gives the image a unique and interesting perspective.

Absolutephotouk | Howard Treeby 

Photo © Absolutephotouk | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “There were lots of antlers on the walls and the shot made the bridesmaid look like a deer! (The reflections caught the other end of the room too).”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A candid yet artistic bridal prep shot. We love the bridesmaid’s natural laughter, and the perfect timing of capturing the antlers to frame her head.

Atken Photography | Shane Atken 

Photo © Atken Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The moment when a space hopper race ended before it had really even started! I remember the bride starting well but after around three jumps the hopper bounced backwards ending with the bride lying on the grass like a starfish!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: What a brilliantly captured, light-hearted moment. We love to see the bride’s playfulness, and her unashamed starfish-style collapse onto the grass.

Eyeshine Photography | Daniel Jones & Laura Johnson

Photo © Eyeshine Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A gust of wind caught the bride’s veil as she arrived at the church with her mum.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the way the bride’s veil billows around her like a cloud that can’t be controlled. Her and her mum’s genuine laughter is beautiful to see.

Jervis Wedding Photography | Paul Jervis

Photo © Jervis Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “It was a terrible day and an outdoor wedding in October with no Plan B. They did bring clear ponchos. There was a lot of laughter.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the contrast between the rainy day black and white palette and the happy laughter. This is what weddings are all about – having fun with your loved ones, laughing off the less-than-perfect moments, and joyfully embracing the moment.

John Hope Photography | John Hope 

Photo © John Hope Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This might be my favourite ever speeches photo. I wish I could remember what was said but whatever it was, it hit the spot big time! Belly laughs from the deepest depths!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is what speech moments are all about – full of the kind of throw-you-head-back laughter that can never be posed or prepared for.

John Mason Photography | John Mason 

Photo © John Mason Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Well you chose him to be best man. Taken an Minstrel Court.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: Best man’s speeches are meant to be cringe, and this one is perfectly captured. We love the crazy look on the best man’s face, the groom’s obvious embarrassment as he covers his hands over his eyes, and the bride’s laughter.

John Price Photography | John Price 

Photo © John Price Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The bride wanted something silly and different for her bridal preparations. This is just one of the silly ones where I got the bride in the bath and the bridesmaid on the side. Such fun!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the fun, relaxed vibe of this candid shot, and the bride’s non-serious approach to her bridal preparations. It’s an image full of joy and laughter.

There you have our best group shots of 2022! Up next: the best artistic photos, featuring the most aesthetic, beautifully shot, perfectly posed images from our most creative photographers.

Katy Brothers Wedding Photography | Katy Brothers

Photo © Katy Brothers Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Kerry and Ian married on Bournemouth Pier to be close to the ocean. Ian’s family had relocated to Spain when he was young and he had spent much of his childhood there and Kerry had also always been a beach baby. The cake, which was made by a friend from work, was covered in churros and looked amazing! The moment was completely spontaneous and really speaks to the kind of fun-loving relationship they have – moments later Ian got his own back by returning the favor and a lot of laughs were had at this wedding.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the fun and spontaneity of this moment, especially the expressions on both the couple’s faces. We also love to see such a unique choice of cake!

Nel van Huyssteen Photography | Nel van Huyssteen

Photo © Nel van Huyssteen Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I captured this image on the wedding day of Frederick and Georgina in Brickendon Hertfordshire. They had a marquee wedding at home on the 28th of August 2021. This image was captured during bridal prep when one of Georgina’s bridesmaids was having her hair done, sitting in front of a large table mirror, singing out loud very dramatically. It perfectly sums up all the drama and energy of Georgina’s wedding morning.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The bridesmaid’s expression here is priceless. We love the perspective of looking from behind her head into the mirror to see exactly what she can see.

Sarah Legge Photography | Sarah Legge 

Photo © Sarah Legge Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This was a magical moment when a butterfly landed on my beautiful bride and I was lucky enough to capture it.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A different kind of candid shot, perfectly captured. We love its stillness and beauty, as the bride turns slightly to look over her shoulder to spot the butterfly.

S.G Mark Photography | Stephanie Mark 

Photo © S.G Mark Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Victor and Jenny wanted a photo with their best man – but then Jenny’s friend’s son did something super cute off camera. Jenny’s bright smile just captured her happiness on her wedding day.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the contrast between the men’s posed faces, and the bride’s completely candid and expressive reaction to her friend’s son off camera.

There you have our best candid shots of 2022! For more candid (and super cute) moments, check out our next article in this series: kids at weddings.

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Happy Planning!

Married Couples’ Top Tips: Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

We know wedding planning can be stressful at times. Finding the perfect photographer is no exception. Where to even start? It’s an important decision, after all, as they’re the person responsible for capturing your special day. That’s why we reached out to our recently married couples, and asked them to share their top tips for snapping up your dream wedding photographer. Read on to learn for their best advice – they’re now fully fledged wedding experts in their own right, having gone through all the planning you’re now going through!

1. Research on social media

Photo © Captured By Crissi | See their Bridebook profile

“Ask your venue if they have any recommended suppliers, or see who has tagged your venue on Insta to find who has shot there recently. Start following the ones whose styles you like on Instagram early.” – Danielle & Oliver

“Research research research! Find what style of photography you like and think about how comfortable you and your partner are in front of a camera. Check out the photographer’s social media to see how they work.” – Katie & Andrew

“When I was first planning the wedding, I started following applicable hashtags, like #suffolkwedding and #ukwedding and #ukweddingphotographer. I started keeping a list on my phone of the ones I liked. As I had time, I looked at more of their posts, work, and how they interacted, as well as at what other people said about them.” – Liz & David

“Always check out their Instagram first to ensure the style of their photographs fits what you’re looking for. You can even ask them to send your more via email.” – Simran & Jonathon

2. Think about their style

Photo ©Lauren Henson Photography | See their Bridebook profile

“Make sure the photographer does the type of photos you are looking for (whether it’s all natural, or posed, or a certain way they edit), and the way you want to receive your photos (whether all on a memory stick, a photo album etc.” – Ashleigh & William

“Look at what styles you love and see what you like when choosing. Everyone is different so knowing the style you love will help reduce the list!” – Claire & Alistair

”Be aware that photographers have a signature style – read filter – some will apply a darker sepia tone across the board and others will pop the colours to give a bright look. You are unlikely to get a mixture of both! Decide what’s most important to capture and what you’ll use most. Some photographers will do a lot of posed shots but you can go for a documentary style photographer to capture unscripted moments and random joy” – Lucy & Tom

“Speak to them about their style and make sure it matches yours! We wanted a lot of candid photos and found the perfect photographer for that – Lauren Henson Photography.” – Phoebe & TJ

3. Check out their portfolio

Photo © Joab Smith Photography | See their Bridebook profile

“Request a full gallery of photos to see how the photographer’s style looks across the whole day. We loved ours, Joab Smith Photography.” – Cait & Alex

“Have a look at their previous work and MAKE SURE they photograph the way you like. Each photographer has their own style so have a look at other weddings they have done and 100% make sure you let them know exactly what you want on the day.” – Georgina & Jack

“Check out their portfolio and compare finishes. A lot can look similar until you look closely at the style of finish – choose one you like. Some over do it and you lose yourselves, some don’t go far enough and the photos can look basic. Look for the sparkle. Sarah Carter Photography takes a lot of time and effort to polish every photo and it really shows.” – Isabella & Arnie

“Look at their portfolios and have an initial chat, to see that their work and personality match you both as a couple. They’re an important part of your wedding day.” – Shannon & Mason

4. Consider your photographer’s personality

Photo © Nick Brightman Photography | See their Bridebook profile

“Find someone you connect with. We used Captured By Crissi.” – Anne & Bruce

“It’s so important to meet your photographer face to face. Your photographer needs to be some someone you like and get on with. They are with you for most of your day and often help out with things when you’re stressed and getting ready! We used Nick Brightman Photography – he was a wedding ninja! He blended in like one of our guests and took real photos of the day rather than posed for photos.” – Katie & Andrew

“I LOVED my wedding photographers – Lisa & Neil Wedding Photography! Lisa and Neil were my faves by far so we scheduled an intro Zoom and right off the bat I liked them – most of all because they made my now-husband laugh and feel comfortable. That was so important because he was not a big fan of being photographed. So make sure you and your partner have a good rapport with whoever you choose! It will matter when you’re having a magical/stressful day!” – Liz & David

“Make sure you are comfortable with them, their verbal communication and style.” – Lucy & Tom

5. Consider an engagement shoot

Photo © Lisa & Neil Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

“Having a pre-wedding/belated engagement shoot really helped us get used to being in front of the camera.” – Derrian & Bryce

“Take up the offer of an engagement shoot if you can. It’s not really about the engagement; it’s about working out which shots work, getting you used to the photographer, and getting angles right – you can then feedback to the photographer what you do and don’t like so they know for the big day.” – Lucy & Tom

6. Know who and what you want your photographer to capture

Photo ©Danny Jack Photography | See their Bridebook profile

“Find someone who will put you at ease in front of the camera and capture all of the little moments throughout the day that you might otherwise miss. It makes it more like a story of your day that you can relive over and over, rather than just endless formal portraits (unless that is what you want). We feel incredibly lucky that we had such an amazing photographer to work with – Danny Jack Photography.” – Derrian & Bryce

“Give the photographer the images and names of the important guests at the wedding to photograph.” – Simran & Jonathon

7. Consider what you’re willing to spend

Photo ©Sarah Carter Photography | See their Bridebook profile

“Invest a good amount of your budget in your photographer – you get what you pay for, and for us it was one of the most important things.” – Derrian & Bryce

“Remember your day goes really quickly but your photos last forever, so don’t skimp on your photographer – they are worth their weight in gold!” – Katie & Andrew

“Don’t pay ridiculous prices for something that you can get just as good for half the price. We had a budget-friendly photographer for half the price of what we were originally quoted.” – Laura & Lee

“It’s not all about cost! We found a great photographer who was just starting out on her own but had photographed weddings for years with someone else – we got a great deal!” – Lucy & Tom

There you have the best advice and tips for finding your perfect wedding photographer! If any of those mentioned caught your eye, why not reach out to them on their Bridebook profile?

Venues’ Top Tips for Engaged Couples

Congratulations on your engagement! Your wedding planning journey awaits! To help you get started, we reached out to our venues, and asked them to share their top tip for newly engaged couples. From choosing your wedding venue, and knowing what to look for, to checking venue availability and dates, we’ve rounded up all their expert advice to share with you.

1. Remember that it’s your big day

Photo © The Duke of Cornwall Hotel

“Our top tip when you’re planning your big day is to remember that it is YOUR day. So decide together what you both want, agree a budget, and then make a list. Aside from saying I do, choosing your venue is also a big decision. So do your research and make appointments with the wedding managers for viewings early in your planning. Make sure your quotation covers everything you need and that there are no hidden costs. And have fun with it, it is YOUR big day!” – Rebecca Prust & Kim Downer, The Duke of Cornwall Hotel

2. Book your show round in early

Photo © Offley Place County House

“Our top tip for newly engaged couples is to get your show round booked in. By seeing lots of different types of venue, you’ll be able to narrow down the one that’s just perfect for you.” – Hayley, Offley Place County House

3. Think about what’s important to you

Photo © Larchfield Estate

“So, first of all, congratulations! One of my top tips for newly engaged couples would be to sit down and have a think about what it really important for you for the day when it comes to looking at venues – how you want it to feel, how you want it to flow. And when you start to enquire with venues, and when you start to visit them, discuss those things with the team. It will give you a very good sense of whether it’s the right place for you – if their vibe matches yours, and also if their values as a company match up with your values as a couple as well.” – Hannah Watson, Larchfield Estate

4. Look for a venue’s unique features

Photo © Deer Park Weddings

“Congratulations – you’re newly engaged! When you’re looking around wedding venues, my top tip is to always look for the unique features of a wedding venue. Some will be really obvious – otherwise the event manager or wedding coordinator can talk to you about them. So have a look for them and find out what they are. It’s so important – not only for you, because it’ll make your day so special, but also for your guests to talk about for years and years to come. And also, the people behind the venue, supplier or service are so important. They will be such a big part of the day, so get to know them and ensure their style of working is right for you.” – Harry South, Deer Park Weddings

5. Know what your personal requirements are

Photo © Roundwood Function Centre

“My number once top tip for selecting your venue would be to make sure you find somewhere that has the flexibility and scope to make sure they give you the day that you’re after, making sure to take into account all your ideas and your own personal requirements. Don’t rush any decisions and always have a notebook for any questions to ask people – otherwise you will forget!” – Luke Howard, Roundwood Function Centre

6. Take lots of notes

Photo © The Keddleston Country House

“The one thing I would recommend is having a wedding planning book, to bring with you when you have your planning meetings and appointments. Then you can make notes as well, as sometimes it can be overwhelming when there’s lots of information to go through. You can ask any questions and not feel as though it’s all in you’re head, because you’ll have it all written down. That will really help you stay organised. It’s also a great thing to keep with you forever. You can get them off Etsy or Amazon – they have lots of different prices, whether £10 or £18.” – Sarita Toor, The Keddleston Country House

With these top tips in mind, you’ll be planning the wedding of your dreams in no time! Keep on top of it all with our free wedding planning checklist – here to guide you every step of the way to ‘I do’.

Best Artistic Shots of 2022

Enjoy our selection of the most artistic shots for our Wedding Photography Awards. It’s all about the aesthetic and creativity – from colours and lighting, to composition and perspective.

OVERALL WINNER: Cotswold Weddings | Jane & Oli 

Best Artistic Shots of 2022
Photo © Cotswold Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “We’re always looking for new angles! Jane had to climb on top of a wardrobe to capture this shot of Emily checking her makeup and getting ready before heading off to Stone Barn to marry Dan.”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: A beautiful and unique bridal prep shot. We love the use of framing and perspective, which tells the story of the bride getting ready and suggests what is next to come. We look through the dress hanger, at the bride looking at her reflection in the mirror, through to the window behind her, itself framed by the dress hanger. We also love the photographer’s determination – literally climbing on top of a wardrobe!

Aby-Joanne Photography | Abigail Thompson 

Photo © Aby-Joanne Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The last shot of the night. We wanted to create a silhouette but it just wasn’t working how I envisioned. Then I gave the flash to the groom and told him to hold it low and point it at the bush and the flash created this incredible heart shape behind them. It was one of those once in a lifetime shots!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: What a dreamy and romantic shot! We love the effect of the flash against the bushes, with the natural heart shape behind the couple.

Ashley Hemsley Photography | Ashley Hemsley

Photo © Ashley Hemsley Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Sometimes less light at weddings creates some stunning silhouette scenes at dusk.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A beautiful silhouette shot. We love how the geometric shapes of the archway divide and frame the colourful dusk sky.

Emd Media Photography and Videography | Eddie McDowell

Photo © Emd Media Photography & Videography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Taken during the couple’s Belfast tour of the Titanic Belfast.’

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love this modern, urban shot, with its clean geometric shapes and bright lighting. These elements contrast nicely with the bride’s light, flowing veil.

Jervis Wedding Photography | Judith Jervis 

Photo © Jervis Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I had my husband Paul on the phone on the other side of the bridge to give instructions and stay out of shot.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love how the bridge frames the couple like a window, while the water reflects them like a mirror. An artful, well-considered composition and perspective.

John Hope Photography | John Hope

Photo © John Hope Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This was shot in the big glasshouse at The Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew. I had the idea to try and make the couple look like they were lost in the undergrowth. I had to find framing that removed everything manmade. It took ages but was worth it!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the effect of this couple’s shot, with its striking composition and use of scaling. There is an illusory, otherworldly quality to it.

John O’Neill Sperrins Photography | John O’Neill 

Photo © John O’Neill Sperrins Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Oonagh ONeill’s wedding day (my daughter). Even though there were other photographers shooting on the day (day off!!!), I had to capture one of my own style of wedding shots on the day too.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: An awe-inspiring, ethereal shot, backlit with an off-camera flash to illuminate the bride’s veil. We love how the veil holds the light, almost like a stained glass window. The symmetry is also very effective, with the sweeping stairs and paintings perfectly framing the bride. Including the intricate ceiling adds to the effect.

Lauren Mitchell Photography | Lauren Mitchell

Photo © Lauren Mitchell Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Bridal prep – keeping it natural and unposed but showing the reality of the morning from a different perspective.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love this unusual perspective of the bridal prep, with its clever use of verticals and framing. The use of black and white elevates this candid shot.

Mark Battista Photography | Mark Battista 

Photo © Mark Battista Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I was photographing details when I saw the reflection of the flower girl running around outside. I just managed to click the moment that she was perfectly framed.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see a natural, candid moment captured in such an artistic way. The use of angles, framing and perspective here is very well considered.

The Unscripted | Lucy Millet

Photo © The Unscripted | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I love creating artistic images and playing with mirrors and reflections. Catherine and Greg were there for it and allowed me to get as creative as I wanted at their wedding!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A very striking and artistic shot. We love the doubling of reflections, and the way the blurring of the foreground draws the eye through the image.

Paul Roland Williams | Paul Roland Williams 

Photo © Paul Roland Williams | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The bride and groom were walking from their ceremony in Bath back to the hotel they were staying in. I knew they’d be walking past this shop and had already decided earlier that I would try and dive in and get this shot of them framed by the mannequins’ legs as they went by. Sometimes creativity is planned as much as it is spontaneous.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such an interesting and unique composition. We love how the static framing by the mannequins’ legs frames such a candid, dynamic moment.

Tom Cullen Photography | Tom Cullen 

Photo © Tom Cullen Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I got creative at night with some lights and fractals.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The play on light here is very striking. It gives the image an abstract, artistic quality, and contrasts beautifully with the darkness of the night sky.

There you have our best artistic shots of 2022! As a contrasting follow-up, next in the series is best candid photos – those natural, unposed, spontaneous, caught-off-guard snapshots.

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Happy Planning!

Best Group Shots of 2022

Group shots are a great way to capture the overall theme and atmosphere of a wedding, featuring the entire party. Here are our top picks for our Wedding Photography Awards.

OVERALL WINNER: Ajie Jones Photography | Adrian Williams-Jones

Best Group Shots of 2022
Photo © Ajie Jones Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Andy and Alyssa didn’t want any standard pictures. I shot Alyssa’s sister’s wedding just before lockdown, and was the photographer for six other couples who were guests at the wedding. So as you can see from the picture we all had a lot of fun. Venue was Bishton Hall in Stafford, and it was a festival vibe wedding.

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: We love the warmth and sunniness of this photo. From the pale blue suits and yellow sunflower dresses, to the backdrop of the ancient Greek temple, to the bright lighting, everything about the image screams fun. The poses of the wedding party are posed and theatrical, yet fun and light-hearted. There is a loose symmetry to the composition which is very effective – it holds everything together without feeling forced.

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

Alexa Poppe Wedding Photography | Alexa Poppe 

Photo © Alexa Poppe Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Matt the groom had some special Cuban cigars saved for his special day. He wanted me to capture the moment when he smoked them with his ushers. The evening atmosphere and backlit courtyard was perfect for it to show off the smoke and create a different kind of group shot.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love an unusual group shot, and this one is no exception. The chill poses of the men, and the effect of the smoke, create a very striking image.

Andy Sidders Photography | Andy Sidders 

Photo © Andy Sidders Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Matt and his groomsmen looking cool, calm and collected before travelling via helicopter to his wedding at Stowe House.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: What a cool, modern group shot – we love its angles and edges. The upward looking perspective adds to the effect.

Chloe Palmer Photography | Chloe Palmer 

Photo © Chloe Palmer Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A fun group shot of Ben and his wedding crew.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the buzz of action captured in this photo as the wedding party happily make their preparations. It has a lovely candid feel to it.

Danielle Richardson Photography | Danielle Richardson 

Photo © Danielle Richardson Photography| See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Sunset on the way back from the shot!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: Golden hour photos are always magical! The sun’s rays beautifully illuminate the figures as they walk back through the fields of wheat.

Derek Anson Photography | Derek Anson 

Photo © Derek Anson Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The bride and the bridesmaids. When taking formal group shots, I encourage genuine laughs with creative prompts and suggestions.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The girls’ colourful dresses and laughing expressions caught our eye. An uplifting, refreshing twist on a classic bridal group shot.

Flisher Photography Ltd | Luke Flisher 

Photo © Flisher Photography Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The couple wanted some non-traditional group shots with their wedding party.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see the grooms and guests enjoying themselves so casually – chatting, drinking, and just having a good laugh! A lovely light-hearted moment.

Michael Newington Gray Photography | Michael Newington Gray Photography 

Photo © Michael Newington Gray Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Rain forced the garden group shots indoors, so I spied this sofa earlier and wanted to use it anyway, for a more editorial inspired shot.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the drama of this editorial shot. The intense frontal gazes of the wedding party, and muted colour palette, make for a very striking image.

Paul Roland Williams | Paul Roland Williams

Photo © Paul Roland Williams | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This was taken a little later in the day which made for a nice relaxed vibe to this group shot.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The late afternoon light gives this photo such a warm, uplifting quality. We love the group’s casual poses and candid expressions.

Queen Bea Photography | Genevieve Hawks 

Photo © Queen Bea Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “One of the reasons I love this photo so much is THE VIEW! I’ve never taken a group photo in such a stunning location before, and I think that, and the sense of fun in it, is what makes it one of my favourite group shots of the year. The location is on the cliffs in Devon at Wurzell Weddings.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the sense of space created by the breathtaking natural landscape, and the relaxed poses of the guests themselves. A memorable group shot!

Simon Murray Photography | Simon Murray

Photo © Simon Murray Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The wedding was shot in Leeds and the bride was, well, a bit late. I saw the sun coming through the mist and therefore an opportunity to get my groomsmen shot. Scots in the mist.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The choice to shoot in black and white creates a moody atmosphere, perfect for such a misty scene. We love the groomsmen’s striking poses.

Teri V Photography | Teri Vincent 

Photo © Teri V Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Found a secret snooker room in the basement of the hotel. Gathered my lights and the full bridal party for this cool group shot.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a unique and creative group shot. We love its intensity and drama, as well as the candid poses of the wedding party in action.

There you have our best group shots of 2022! Up next: the best artistic photos, featuring the most aesthetic, beautifully shot, perfectly posed images from our most creative photographers.

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Happy Planning!

Best Couple Shots of 2022

It wouldn’t be a wedding without a couple to tie the knot! Enjoy our top couple shots for our Wedding Photography Awards, from the romantic to the comedic to everything in between.

OVERALL WINNER: Evenart Stories | Artur Halka

Best Couple Shots of 2022
Photo © Evenart Stories | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Jess and Jamie travelled from Singapore to elope in Glencoe in winter. The couple was dreaming about the trip to Scotland for so long! They were so happy and grateful for being there together. This picture was taken on the road of Glen Etive. Winter conditions created an amazing opportunity to capture beautiful images, which was very exciting for all of us that day. We wanted to capture these beautiful and genuine moments and the newlyweds just expressed that by starting to run for a while to release their energy and emotions. It was so lucky we managed to document that!”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: We love the natural documentary style, set against the snowy peaks of the Scottish Highlands. The dark and subdued, wintry tones perfectly fit the setting and season and add a sense of drama. Yet there is a real sense of lightness and freedom in the couple’s joy and freedom. The bride’s expression is particularly striking – we love her excitement and laughter, and the way her hair is blowing in the wind.

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

Art by Design Photography | Steve Wheller 

Photo © Art by Design Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I am always a sucker for a good bath. I am always looking to shoot something different and my couples are always up for anything.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a prize-worthy couple shot – both artistic and aesthetic, yet candid and humorous. We love its composition and symmetry.

Ceranna Photography | Anna Červinková 

Photo © Ceranna Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Tabitha and Jed eloped with just their closest family members by their side on a small island on the west coast of Scotland which they’ve been coming to for ages for holidays. We went for some photos after the ceremony and they really wanted to go for a little paddle in one of the slate quarries. They went in, it started to rain heavily, they looked at each other, Jed took off his jacket, threw it back to the shore, and the paddle became a swim. It was the most exhilarating moment. Then we just walked back to their cottage and you should have seen their family’s faces when they came back!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo perfectly captures the couple’s joy and exhilaration in the moment. We love to see them laughing and joyfully embracing the moment.

Chris Thornton Photography | Chris Thornton

Photo © Chris Thornton Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “During the ceremony we looked out of the window and snow started to fall. By the end of the ceremony it looked like a winter wonderland outside. Thankfully Raychel and Callum were as excited as I was to go and take some pictures in it…”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a breathtaking, magical photo. It transports you to another place and time. We love its cool, clean tones, and the luminous effect of the light on the bride’s flowing veil. The couple’s blurry reflection in the frozen water is also very striking.

Danielle Richardson Photography | Danielle Richardson

Photo © Danielle Richardson Photography| See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I wanted to make it look like a Rembrandt painting – the grandeur of the venue and this couple deserved it!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The artistry of this couple shot beautifully echoes the art hanging on the walls of the venue itself. We love the moody, dramatic lighting.

Elen Studio Photography | Elena Bocharnikova

Photo © Elen Studio Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo:The story behind this photo: “I love Stapleford Park. There are so many opportunities to take stunning photos outdoors and indoors. My aim is to take a special and unique wow shot for all couples on their wedding day. When I saw Charlotte’s wedding dress I knew straightaway where we needed to go to take this shot for the couple.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the unusual perspective of this shot, with the couple smiling up from below. We also love the shape the bride’s dress makes on the floor.

Elwood Photography | Tim Elwood 

Photo ©Elwood Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Rebecca and Adam relaxing on a vintage sofa, at Rushpool Hall in Saltburn by the Sea.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a heart-warming, candid shot. We love to see the couple laughing together and enjoying each other’s company in such a relaxed and informal way.

Jennifer West Photography | Jennifer West 

Photo © Jennifer West Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Drummer Luke and photographer Kirsty celebrated their love with a weekend long, mini music festival wedding. I wanted to make a unique portrait for them against the festival tents. Using a hand-made multi-coloured neon sign and some creative slow shutter speed, I created heart-shaped light trails around them. The evening was warm and balmy and as the music filled the air, Luke and Kirsty say it was one of the most special memories of their wedding.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo is a perfect balance of dreamy and romantic, and vibrant and colourful. A wonderful couple shot, full of love, joy and celebration.

John Hope Photography | John Hope 

Photo © John Hope Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A fantastically happy couple at the wonderful Babington House. I had to shoot from low perspective to capture the epic feel of all the lanterns.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see such a joyful couple, smiling together and embracing. The lanterns hanging against the black sky create a lovely, dreamy atmosphere.

MagicEye Design | Ash Khosla

Photo © MagicEye Design | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Manvi (the bride) is a doctor and Conor (the groom) is a GP, and they met at medical college and fell in love at first sight. Conor always wanted to have an Indian-styled wedding and went to India with Manvi to do all the shopping for their wedding. They had their beautiful wedding in Larchfield Estate in Northern Ireland.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a beautiful, vibrant photo. We love to see the colours and patterns of the couple’s dress set against the natural foliage backdrop.

Simon Hughes Photography | Simon Hughes 

Photo © Simon Hughes Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Bride and groom are both endurance athletes with a great sense of humour and wanted their wedding photos to reflect their passion for running and fun!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love how this photo embraces the couple’s passion for running and their fun-loving, adventurous spirit. It is a refreshingly unique shot.

Tom Cullen Photography | Tom Cullen

Photo © Tom Cullen Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Found a cool spot and captured a cool moment.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is definitely a cool moment! It’s a classic couple’s shot with the yellow wisteria hanging down and framing the bride and groom in a romantic arch. But what makes it are the couple’s happy expressions. A perfectly captured snapshot.

There you have our best couple shots of 2022! We’re following up with the rest of the dream team, so don’t miss our next article featuring the best group photos of the year.

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Happy Planning!

Best Cake & Champagne Moments of 2022

No wedding would be complete without a showstopper of a cake and champagne to pop and toast with. It’s all about the celebration and joy of the occasion. Here are our favourite snaps of the year, hand-picked for our Wedding Photography Awards. From classic cake-cutting moments, to chic champagne towers, there’s something for everyone!

OVERALL WINNER: Cream Photography | Amanda Wilcock 

The story behind this photo: “This shot was one the bride had imagined for 3 years! It was shot at 8pm immediately before the first dance and was an amazing end to the day’s reception.”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: What a vibrant and joyful photo! This is what cake moments are all about – cake, colour, confetti, celebration! There is a real party atmosphere, from the couple’s laughter to the guests’ cheering. We love the composition with the guests winding up the spiral staircase, showering the couple below with confetti. And the cake itself is incredible – towering and beautifully decorated. This may be a staged shot, but the reactions of the couple and their loved ones give it a wonderfully candid and natural feel.

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

Alexa Poppe Wedding Photography | Alexa Poppe 

Photo © Alexa Poppe Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Liz the bride loves champagne. So just after she said ‘I do’ we got the bride’s clan together to open a bottle. So much fun!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such an uplifting and celebratory shot. We love to see the excitement of the three bridesmaids, and the champagne splatters on the camera lens.

Anthony Elvy Photography | Anthony Elvy 

Photo © Anthony Elvy Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This was taken looking into a mirror. Early morning Prosecco livening up the late morning bridal prep.

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the spirit and liveliness of this photo. There is a real sense of togetherness and celebration, which is what champagne moments are all about!

Amy and Omid Photography | Omid Behi 

Photo © Amy and Omid Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “An LGBTQ+ wedding cake-cut moment with matching outfits for brides Lucy and Yak !”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see such a joyful and colourful image, with the matching floral outfits complementing the magnificent floral cake. The composition, with the cake centrally placed in front of the brides, is also very effective.

Captured By Chris | Captured by Chris 

Photo © Captured By Chris | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “After months of planning, Kat was finally able to enjoy the sweet taste of a doughnut and taste the success of all her hard work!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The expression of pleasure on the bride’s face speaks for itself! This is a moment of pure indulgence and delight, as it should be!

Imogen Eve Photography | Imogen Eve 

 

The story behind this photo: “During a workshop at Asylum Chapel run by Emmy Shoots.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: For a TikTok trend (check out the hashtag #champagnetower, with its 40 million views), this photo has such a timeless, classic feel due to being shot in black and white. The bride’s expression adds a fun, modern touch to this impressive shot.

James Ireland Photography Ltd | James Ireland 

Photo © James Ireland Photography Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Shauna and Tom wanted something a little bit different and fun for their night portrait at The Old Kent Barn and you can’t beat a champagne spray!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is photo is both artistic and theatrical, and fun and playful. We love how the drops of champagne look like stars against the black sky.

Jeff Oliver Photography | Jeff and Sarah Oliver 

Photo © Jeff Oliver Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A completely unprompted moment between Ross and Dale where she grabbed the sharp end of the knife!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a beautifully candid and light-hearted image. We love the playful look the bride and groom share with each other.

M Banka Photography | Magdalena Banka 

Photo © M Banka Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: The bride was a Polish girl, and the groom was from Italy. The wedding was in Scotland, where they both met. Beautiful couple!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: Candid cake moments are the best, and this photo is no exception! We love to see the couple having so much fun with the cake-cutting. The way the groom leans back, as the bride playfully reaches out, makes for a vibrant, dynamic composition. The bright, colourful tones perfectly capture the spirit of the photo.

TaylarJayde Photography | Taylar-Jayde Dodwell 

Photo © TaylarJayde Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The couple were eloping together in Scotland and we decided to kick off the celebration in style.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: An elegant and refined recreation of a classic Instagram-worthy moment. The artistic monochrome tones contrasts nicely with the couple’s playfulness.

Teri V Photography | Teri Vincent 

Photo © Teri V Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The less traditional cheese wedding cake being attacked by the bridesmaids…”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the drama and intensity of this photo, with its moody lighting and striking composition. Not to mention the bridesmaids’ fierce expressions!

White Thistle Wedding Photography | Simon Fox

Photo © White Thistle Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “It’s like rain on your wedding day! When Abby and Cree were married it unfortunately poured down, so we made the best we could with being indoors. In their honeymoon suite was a huge jacuzzi built into the floor, so they jumped in and grabbed their prosecco! The rain might have ruined the outdoors but we found fun inside.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a sweet and intimate champagne moment. We love the way the brides are looking at each other, and kicking their feet up to relax in the tub.

There you have our top cake and champagne moments of 2022! Up next in this blog series is one for the romantics, with the best couples photos of the year.

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Happy Planning!

Most Emotional Ceremony Moments of 2022

We’ve put together our top picks of the most emotional ceremony moments for this year’s Wedding Photography Awards. From hugs and handshakes, to tears and laughter, each photo reflects the emotion and importance of the occasion.

OVERALL WINNER: Vladimir Spirov Photography | Vladimir Spirov

 
Photo © Vladimir Spirov Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This is a shot of a mum of a groom. It’s actually the first second of her emotions. The next moment she went to tears. Then tried to hold herself together. I put a set of all three photos in their wedding album.”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: It’s no wonder the mum of the groom got three photos dedicated to her intense display of emotion. We love how expressive her upturned face is , and how the light hits it, and how she clasps her chest. We also love how the close-up shot puts all the focus on her emotions. The warm tones enhance the feeling of hope and joy.

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

David Bostock Photography | David Bostock 

Photo © David Bostock Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A VERY happy groom to just be newly married at Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The groom’s literal fist pump speaks volumes – it is a beautifully candid moment. We love the bride’s reaction and the way she looks at him full of laughter.

Elizabeth Young Photography | Elizabeth Young 

Photo © Elizabeth Young Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “When you say nothing at all – as if to say “I love you Dad”, and dad looks at his daughter thinking the same thing.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a sweet image. The emotions are more in the gestures than the expressions, as the bride gently rests her head on her father’s shoulder.

Eyeshine Photography | Daniel Jones & Laura Johnson

Photo © Eyeshine Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The breadth of emotions in one image, with the tears of the groom, the joy of the bride and the pride and happiness of her father.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the storytelling involved in this image, as well as the contrast in emotions between the groom, the bride, and the bride’s father. It beautifully captures the whirlwind of emotions at such a special moment in a relaxed, natural way.

Jervis Wedding Photography | Paul Jervis 

Photo © Jervis Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I saw how proud the bride’s 101-year-old grandmother was, and wanted to capture her emotions.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A beautiful, touching image. The composition is masterful, with the couple in the foreground but blurred, and the grandmother in focus between them in the centre, drawing our eyes to her expression of pride and joy.

John Hope Photography | John Hope 

Photo © John Hope Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “There’s a backstory to this wedding that’s too personal for me to share but it resulted in a VERY emotional ceremony. The atmosphere was electric. I find this image of it all getting a bit much for Heather very powerful indeed.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is an incredibly powerful and poignant image. We love how it captures the moment the bride glances up, caught up in the emotionality of the moment, fighting back the tears, as her partner quietly looks down.

John Mason Photography | John Mason

Photo © John Mason Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I absolutely loved these guys – Arpy and Cliff married at St Michael’s Manor, St Albans. They already had 2 kids, were moving to Chicago, and never intended to get married. Then Cliff popped the question and she was over the moon. She was cool as a cucumber until she walked down the aisle, then the nerves really kicked in, but Cliff knew what to do, and they laughed throughout the whole ceremony. One of the funniest weddings I’ve shot in a long while – I loved every minute.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see the couple laughing together and looking at each other with genuine love and affection. The choice to shoot in colour adds to the effect.

Moment Photography Limited | Dan Higginson 

Photo © Moment Photography Limited | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Sandra entered the wedding venue like a movie star. Set to gently swelling music, a recording of her heartwarming words moved everyone to tears as she spoke of her undying love for Jeremy, her car pulling up at the end of the aisle at the speech and music crescendo. In bits and being consoled by his mother, Jeremy briskly walked halfway up the aisle to meet Sandra. Teary-eyed and surrounded by the packed, tight crowd of loved ones, he couldn’t wait to lift Sandra’s veil and finally marry the love of his life.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: Just reading the story behind this photo made us as teary-eyed as the bride. We love how this image captures the intimacy and intensity of the moment, emphasised by the close-up of the couples’ faces, and by the use of black and white.

Nathan Walker Photography | Nathan Walker 

Photo © Nathan Walker Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A very emotional reading of vows. The bride’s mother had passed away from cancer.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A truly emotional photo, and a heart-wrenching story. Both took our breath away. Beyond the bride’s tearful, bittersweet expression, there is a desperation to the way she grips her husband-to-be’s arm. The choice to shoot in colour injects a measure of hope and light into what would otherwise be an entirely sombre and heavy image.

Paul Roland Williams | Paul Roland Williams 

Photo © Paul Roland Williams | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I noticed this guest getting very emotional and her daughter seeming a little concerned and thought it made for a powerful moment and one that the couple would have been moved to see themselves afterwards.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a strikingly original composition. We love the focus on the little girl’s reaction to her mother’s reaction, emphasised by their centrality in the shot.

Sarah Legge Photography | Sarah Legge 

Photo © Sarah Legge Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This was such a joyful wedding! Groom Craig spontaneously twirled bride Lynsey as they walked back down the aisle after their ceremony.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see something unexpected and spontaneous, and this photo captures exactly that. It’s playful and fun, highlighting the joy of the ceremony.

 

There you have our most emotional ceremony moments of 2022! Get ready to party with the next episode in this blog series: the best cake and champagne moments of the year.

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Happy Planning!

Jesse & Andy’s Perfectly Enchanting Christmas Themed Wedding

Themed weddings are a great way to make your big day even more magical, and what’s a more magical time of year than Christmas? Whether you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland wedding, complete with snowflakes and twinkling lights, or a cosy celebration with festive decor and warming holiday treats, a Christmas-themed wedding is full of endless possibilities. To help inspire you, check out Jesse and Andy’s enchanting Christmas-themed wedding. Their festive celebrations made for a joyful and unforgettable day with their friends and family.

The Inspiration & Wedding Planning

We decided to get married in winter around Christmas because we both love that time of year. We have both always loved spending the festive season with our families, and since we started dating it became an important part of our relationship to spend the Christmas season with each other. We made an annual mini-break trip to the Manchester Christmas markets, and it’s something we really bonded over. Christmas is a season of spending time with family and friends, appreciating each other and spreading love, so it just made sense to have our wedding fit into our Christmas celebrations, since it’s something so important to us.

Photo © James Hicks Photography

We had quite a long time to plan, as we got engaged in May 2020. We set a date that was over 2 years away as we obviously didn’t know when the lockdown was going to end.

Photo © James Hicks Photography

The Venue

We used the Bridebook articles for all sorts of advice, from budgeting to guest lists, and most importantly, used the Bridebook app to find our beautiful venue, The Villa Levens!

Photo © James Hicks Photography

The Decor

We (let’s be honest, Jesse) spent a lot of time online, looking on Instagram and Pinterest for visual inspiration for the floral decorations etc., all of which we made ourselves, with help from our family.

Photo © James Hicks Photography

We actually made a physical scrapbook of visual inspiration so that we could have a clear vision for what we wanted for our day which we really enjoyed making, and is now a nice keepsake from our time wedding planning.

Photo © James Hicks Photography

We decided we wanted to do as much as we could ourselves and have a very handmade wedding. All of the invitations and stationery were hand-painted and hand-written, and even the printed stationary for the seat reservations and Order of the Day were designed by Jesse and printed at home.

Photo © James Hicks Photography

The bouquets and buttonholes were made by Jesse using artificial flowers from craft stores and online, and she included a set of fairy lights in the bride’s bouquet to add a touch of festive magic!

Photo © James Hicks Photography

The Cake

The cake was made by Jesse’s sister and bridesmaid, Hannah McNaughton-Hussain, who runs a small baking business in her spare time, and the favours were ceramic tree decorations made by the mother of the bride, artist Annie McNaughton.

Photo © James Hicks Photography

The Fashion

Jesse’s wedding shoes were also Christmas-themed, from her favourite shoe company, Irregular Choice, who specialise in creating unique, show-stopping shoes for special occasions. Top tip: I bought them in the summer, and they were half-price in the sale because they were out of season!

Photo © James Hicks Photography

Jesse and Andy’s Suppliers

As Jesse and Andy have shown, a Christmas-themed wedding doesn’t have to be tacky or cliché. With some thoughtful planning and a little DIY, you can make your fairytale wedding dreams come true with a winter wonderland celebration that’s both elegant and enchanting.

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Happy Planning!