SHOWCASE | MY FAVOURITE WEDDING IMAGES OF 2024
Welcome to a little blog post featuring some of my favourite wedding photographs from 2024.
These documentary wedding photography moments may not be the most technically perfect images I’ve taken, and they may not tick all three boxes of the usual award-winning formula—light, composition, and moment—but they are images that truly speak to me.
Each photo captures a candid, authentic moment from a real wedding day—those in-between, unscripted stories that go beyond the typical posed pictures you might expect from a Nottingham wedding photographer. These are the kinds of images that reflect the genuine emotions, laughter, and connections that make a wedding unforgettable.
2024 has been a record year for me, with many couples opting for private wedding photography, asking for their images to remain offline. While I can’t share some of my absolute favourites for that reason, I completely respect and understand that choice—your wedding photos are yours to share or keep private.
PS: The images below are in no particular order, but each one holds a special place in my heart.
THE SPARKLER EXIT
I absolutely love a sparkler run at a wedding—it’s usually towards the end of the night when everyone’s had a few drinks and is ready for a bit of fun.
This shot is probably my favourite wedding sparkler photo ever, purely because of the couple’s reaction when their sparkler went out mid-run. It’s those spontaneous, unplanned moments that make documentary wedding photographyso special.
To see more images from this Prestwold Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO5000 | F2 | 1/200
ALL SMILES
When it comes to photographing the walking down the aisle moment, the big dilemma is always where to stand and who to focus on. Do you step to the side to capture the groom’s reaction, or do you go for that classic shot of the bride walking down the aisle?
For me, I almost always choose the bride. I love the perspective it gives, but I also want context—so I position myself in a way that captures the groom in the frame too, showing the angle he’d see as his new wife approaches.
This particular image is easily in my top five aisle walk wedding photos. We had perfect shady light, the bride and her dad both beaming, and I love that the guests on the right are watching the groom’s reaction. It’s everything I love about documentary wedding photography in one shot.
To see more images from this Shottle Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO125 | F2.8 | 1/1600
THE CONFETTI RUN
Confetti – yep!
Steps – yep!
Rain – yep!
Walking backwards – yep!
All of that made this confetti wedding photo from Hannah and James’s day quite the challenge to capture. As they came down the church steps at breakneck speed—just after the rain stopped—I was walking backwards, dodging guests, and somehow managed not to fall over. Totally worth it though, because this is one of my favourite documentary wedding photography shots of the year!
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO500 | F7.1 | 1/500
ROLLING THE EYES
One of my favourite weddings of the year was actually my very first—Jade and Darren’s beautiful Rushton Hall wedding in Northamptonshire.
From the moment Jade booked me, I knew this day would be special. She was fun, full of personality, and knew exactly what she wanted—so we clicked instantly. That connection made capturing their wedding an absolute joy.
I could have picked a dozen photos from the speeches alone, but this one—with Jade’s perfect eye roll—wins it for me. A true documentary wedding photography moment that captures her personality in one frame.
To see more images from this Rushton Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Settings: ISO125 | F2.5 | 1/250
A QUIET MOMENT
From my first wedding of 2024 to my very last—this image comes from Steph and Craig’s winter wedding at Hodsock Priory.
It was captured during a quiet bridal prep moment as Steph’s bridesmaids helped fasten the back of her dress. These natural, candid moments are some of my favourites to photograph, especially when there’s soft natural light to work with.
Often, couples get ready in less photogenic spaces (think Premier Inn rooms!), so it’s a real treat as a documentary wedding photographer when the getting-ready location adds to the beauty of the moment.
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO320 | F1.4 | 1/250
THE DANCEFLOOR FUN
The dancefloor is one of my absolute favourite parts of a wedding day. It’s the moment when even the quieter guests get up to have a good dance, and the atmosphere really comes alive.
What I love most about this image is that not a single guest had their mobile phone out—just pure joy, energy, and everyone fully in the moment, celebrating their children’s wedding.
As a documentary wedding photographer, I’m always looking for these authentic, unfiltered moments that tell the real story of your day.
To see more images from this Market Harborough Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony 24mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO2000 | F8 | 1/30
THE REACTION
I love moments like this—when you get to see the genuine, unposed reactions of people on a wedding day, not something staged for a mobile phone picture.
Each bridesmaid has her own unique reaction to seeing Rosie in her wedding dress, and for me, that’s wedding photography at its best: real emotions, authentic moments, and memories you can feel.
To see more images from this Shottle Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO250 | F8 | 1/250
WATCHING MUM
Sam and Ash celebrated their wedding at Cockliffe Country House, a beautiful Nottingham wedding venue. The star of the day was their daughter, who was wonderfully unfazed by my presence as their documentary wedding photographer, allowing me to capture this natural and heartfelt moment.
To see more images from this Cockliffe Country House Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO200 | F1.4 | 1/250
EMOTIONAL DAD
Capturing a heartfelt moment between a bride and her dad is emotional for everyone in the room. As a documentary wedding photographer, I believe this is a time to step back, observe, and capture the genuine emotions as they unfold. No posing, no instruction—just real, unfiltered moments.
To see more images from this Prestwold Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO125 | F2 | 1/250
THAT LOOK
Humour is everywhere on a wedding day—you just have to be ready for it. Experience helps you sense those moments before they happen. My instincts kicked in when Vicky and Ash were laughing and joking during the signing of the wedding register, and I was ready to capture it perfectly.
To see more images from this Tortworth Court Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony 50mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO125 | F1.8 | 1/320
WAVING TO THE GUESTS
I had my eye on this composition while waiting for Noni to arrive for her wedding ceremony at Doddington Hall, one of Lincolnshire’s most stunning wedding venues. I knew the wedding car would sweep around the curved entrance, which I wanted to feature in the frame. What really makes this image special, though, is Noni’s wave to the wedding guests watching from the top floor windows—a candid wedding moment that sums up the joy of the day.
To see more images from this Doddington Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO125 | F4 | 1/1000
THE COLOURFUL PORTRAIT
I don’t feature many couple portraits on my website, as they’re only a small part of the documentary wedding photography I provide. My couples can choose to have none at all, just a single shot, or a relaxed 15-minute stroll around their wedding venue. Tom and Amy opted for a short walk, and with spring in full bloom at their Nottinghamshire wedding venue, it was the perfect chance to capture some beautiful colour and natural, relaxed portraits.
To see more images from this Brooksby Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A9ii Lens: Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO125 | F1.4 | 1/800
DAD WATCHING ON
With experience comes the knowledge of timing — a crucial skill for any wedding photographer during a ceremony.
All civil wedding ceremonies follow a similar structure. Some include readings or poems, while others are simply the legal vows, but the flow never really changes. That consistency means I know exactly when key moments are likely to happen.
This photograph was captured during the vows section of the ceremony, a perfect time to move behind or to the side of the couple to look for emotional reactions. One of my favourite shots to capture is a parent, bridesmaid, or close friend getting teary — and in this moment, it was Dad’s turn.
To see more images from this Rushton Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO160 | F1.4 | 1/250
THE HUG WITH MUM
Hugs will always be one of my favourite moments to capture as a wedding photographer. Honestly, I could have filled an entire blog post with just wedding hug photos from this year, but I’ve limited myself to one for this feature!
This particular hug was captured moments after Ash & Sam’s confetti run — a point in the day that’s perfect for emotional, candid shots. It’s often the first chance guests have to truly embrace the newlyweds and offer their congratulations.
What I love most about this image is the pure emotion in the closeness and tightness of the hug — a beautiful, genuine moment that sums up exactly why I love documentary wedding photography.
To see more images from this Cockliffe Country House Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO125 | F2.5 | 1/2000
ALL EYES ON THE CAKE CUT
It’s not often you get the chance to photograph a wedding cake cut outside, but when you do, it’s worth creating something a little different from the standard shot.
I usually have the couple cut the cake twice — once for me so I can get that classic shot, and once for their guests. During this ‘second’ cake cut, I step back and look for a more creative angle.
At Doddington Hall, the spacious garden provided the perfect backdrop. This wider perspective let me capture the moment from behind the guests, showing them taking their own photos of the outdoor cake cutting — a candid, documentary-style image that tells the full story of the moment.
To see more images from this Doddington Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO125 | F5 | 1/320
THE FIREWORKS
Some years I can go without photographing fireworks at a wedding, and then there are years like 2024, where it felt like almost every celebration had them.
Amber and Nathan’s wedding at Prestwold Hall featured one of the most memorable displays I’ve seen. Just out of frame were two huge stereo speakers playing one of their favourite songs, turning the moment into something extra special. They were able to enjoy the fireworks while sharing a little dance together — a perfect mix of romance, fun, and spectacle that made for some unforgettable wedding photography.
To see more images from this Prestwold Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO1600 | F1.8 | 1/100
THE HAPPY LOOK
Nat and Dario tied the knot at the Telegraph Hotel in Coventry, a stunning wedding venue transformed from a former print works. While the whole day was full of amazing moments, this image stands out as my favourite — capturing the pure joy and connection between them as they walked back down the aisle as newlyweds.
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO10000 | F3.2 | 1/250
PLANNING THE NEXT MOVE
Garden games are a brilliant way to keep wedding guests entertained and add a playful, relaxed atmosphere to the day. At Jack and Leanne’s wedding, the garden was packed with fun — from mini golf, darts, football, and croquet to my personal favourite, Connect Four. I love using the holes in the game to create quirky, creative compositions for their wedding photos.
To see more images from this Market Harborough Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO125 | F1.8 | 1/800
THE FIRST LOOK
As you might have noticed from some of the images I’ve shared, I love capturing genuine eye contact between people on a wedding day. There’s so much emotion you can read in someone’s eyes, and I’m always on the lookout for those moments. This shot from Hannah and James’s wedding is a perfect example — the look they shared as they leaned towards each other says everything about their connection.
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO2000 | F4.5 | 1/500
THE MIRRORED REFLECTION
Mirrors on a wedding day can be both a blessing and a challenge. They’re brilliant for creating unique reflection shots that add depth and interest to your wedding photography, but they can also be tricky — sometimes, no matter where you position yourself, your own reflection sneaks into the frame.
This image from Amber and Nathan’s wedding at Prestwold Hall is a great example of how mirrors can work in your favour, offering multiple perspectives of the same moment in one frame — something you can only achieve with clever use of reflections.
To see more images from this Prestwold Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO125 | F1.4 | 1/1000
THE KISS DOWN THE AISLE
At a wedding, you always have to be ready for the unexpected — and this moment from Ashley and Sam’s wedding is the perfect example. They had just shared their first kiss at the front of the ceremony room and began walking back down the aisle. Then, completely unplanned, they stopped halfway for another big kiss. It caught me by surprise, but I was ready and captured a series of shots of this spontaneous moment.
What I love most about this image is the reaction from their guests — everyone in the background smiling, clapping, and celebrating as Ashley and Sam shared that second kiss. It’s these unscripted, joy-filled moments that make documentary wedding photography so special.
To see more images from this Cockliffe Country House Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO1600 | F4 | 1/250
ALMOST DROPPED
Family formal photos at weddings don’t have to be stiff or boring — especially when one of the guests has enjoyed a few too many drinks! These moments often bring out genuine laughter and real personality, making for fun, memorable wedding portraits that feel far from posed.
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO125 | F3.2 | 1/320
THE EMBARRASSING SONG
I’m not sure if Annika’s dad planned to make her cringe with his hilarious song about her and George, but if that was his goal, he nailed it! Moments like this are what make wedding days unforgettable — genuine laughter, real emotion, and memories that last a lifetime.
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO6400 | F2.5 | 1/250
THE PULP FICTION FIRST DANCE
The first dance — or as I like to call it, “the first shuffle” — is usually when couples cling to each other, dying a little inside while everyone watches. But Steph and Craig had other plans. They surprised their wedding guests by recreating the iconic Pulp Fiction dance scene. This shot has it all: the film projected in the background, Craig giving it his all, and their guests on the right, absolutely loving every second.
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO2000 | F1.8 | 1/250
FINAL TOUCHES
This candid moment from Rosie and Roan’s wedding at Shottle Hall was captured towards the end of bridal prep. Getting clean, natural shots of a bride having her make-up done can be tricky, but with the right timing and patience, it’s possible. For this image, I stood in the kitchen and photographed through the mirror as Rosie sat against the wall — a perfect example of my documentary wedding photography approach.
To see more images from this Shottle Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 35mm F 1.4 GM Settings: ISO200 | F1.4 | 1/250
HOLDING ON
On a wedding day, there’s often a section where nothing ‘major’ is happening — the ceremony is done, the wedding breakfast and speeches are over, and guests are mingling, chatting, and catching up. During these quieter moments, I already have plenty of candid guest shots, so I start looking for something a little different. Sometimes it’s a clash of colours, sometimes it’s interesting shapes, and sometimes it’s a small, funny moment — just like this one, captured in my relaxed documentary wedding photography style.
To see more images from this Market Harborough Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO125 | F1.4 | 1/640
HEADLESS GAMES
A limbo contest at 10 pm on a wedding day isn’t something you see often — if ever. By this point in the night, the drinks have been flowing for hours, and guests are more than willing to do things you might not expect, which is perfect for candid wedding photography. When I photograph wedding games like this, I’ll always start with a few ‘safe’ shots before looking for more creative compositions. That’s exactly what happened here — capturing something a little different to tell the story of the night.
To see more images from this Prestwold Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO20000 | F1.8 | 1/200
THE BEST FRIENDS READING
I’m not a huge fan of moving around during a wedding ceremony — I worry it’s distracting and that guests will notice me more than the couple getting married.
That said, when it comes to readings or poems, you sometimes have to move to get the best possible angle. For this shot, my goal was clear: I wanted the arbour to perfectly frame the couple while also capturing the Maid of Honour framed between them as they looked at her.
It’s a simple image for a simple moment, but it’s also one many might skip past — and that’s exactly why I love it. It’s a unique perspective that reflects the thought and care I put into framing wedding ceremony photographs in a creative, storytelling way.
To see more images from this Shottle Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 50mm F 1.4 GM Settings: ISO125 | F1.4 | 1/10000
THE MIC DROP
This image was captured at the end of the groom’s emotional wedding speech.
Moments like this are as much about luck as they are about experience. I knew I wanted to photograph the end of Nathan’s speech from a central position — I already had plenty of images taken from the sides, shooting along the top table, but I wanted a more direct, balanced composition for this finale shot.
What I couldn’t predict was the perfect combination of elements coming together: Nathan raising the microphone, Amber visibly emotional, and every guest in clear view, unobstructed by the glasses they were raising in a toast. Sometimes wedding photography is about skill and preparation, and sometimes it’s about being ready for a little bit of magic.
To see more images from this Prestwold Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO1250 | F2.2 | 1/250
THE CARD TRICK
I’ve mentioned earlier in this blog post about the balance between skill and luck in wedding photography — and this image is the perfect example.
I’d already captured my safe shots of the moment, but I could see that the wedding magician (just to the right of the frame) was about to reveal the end of his trick. All I had to do was be in position, ready to capture the reactions.
What happened next was completely down to luck and timing — the expressions, the energy, and the joy all came together in a single frame. These are the kind of unscripted, candid wedding photos I love most, where the magic is as much about the moment as it is about the trick.
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO2000 | F3.5 | 1/250
THE FIRST KISS
I love using my 20mm wide-angle lens for first kiss shots when the ceremony space allows for it. This perspective lets me capture so much more than just the kiss — you get the reactions of the front row, the emotion in the room, and a real sense of the wedding venue where the couple said “I do.”
There’s definitely a time and place for a tighter, close-up composition for the first kiss, but for this moment, the wide view told the story perfectly.
To see more images from this Rushton Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO500 | F5 | 1/250
KIDS AND THEIR PHONES
I’ll be honest — mobile phones at weddings are a bit of a bugbear for me. I’m not a fan of guests using them during the wedding ceremony or filming the speeches instead of being present in the moment.
It used to be the younger guests glued to their screens, but lately, it’s more often the older crowd — complete with oversized phone cases stuffed with cards they’ll never use.
Rant over! I still love the composition of this candid wedding photo — three blokes, side by side, all completely absorbed in their phones.
To see more images from this Tortworth Court Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony 24mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO1600 | F2.8 | 1/250
NO PEEKING
The wedding dress reveal is one of the few moments on a wedding day that I’ll gently orchestrate — especially when Courtney wanted her bridal party to see her in her dress all at the same time.
Having everyone cover their eyes made for a fun, playful photo, and of course, the little one couldn’t resist sneaking a quick peek! It’s these natural, candid reactions that make wedding morning photography so special.
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO500 | F3.2 | 1/250
THE MAKE-UP REVEAL
I’ve mentioned a few times the importance of looking for unique wedding photos once you’ve got your safe shots. This moment was exactly that — a different take on showing the bride her finished make-up. Instead of using a mirror, her make-up artist revealed the look on a mobile phone, creating a modern, candid twist on a classic bridal prep image.
To see more images from this Rushton Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 50mm F1.8 GM Settings: ISO1600 | F1.8 | 1/250
EMOTIONS
It’s not often that the bride gives a wedding speech, but at Hannah and James’s Nottingham wedding, Hannah took the mic to share a heartfelt few words about the emotional year they had been through. A beautiful and genuine moment that perfectly reflects my candid, documentary wedding photography style.
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO2500 | F1.6 | 1/200
THE BUBBLES
Roan and Rosie wanted to do things a little differently for their Shottle Hall wedding, choosing bubbles instead of traditional confetti. Guests blew bubbles as the newlyweds walked back down the aisle, creating a fun and unique moment. The instructions on the bubble bottles were hilarious!
To see more images from this Shottle Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO125 | F2.5 | 1/5000
THE FURRY SQUEEZE
Vicky and Ash included their beloved dog in their wedding day, making sure their furry friend was present for the ceremony. This candid moment captures Ash giving him a little squeeze at the front, just before Vicky walked down the aisle – a perfect example of personal, heartfelt wedding photography.
To see more images from this Tortworth Court Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO125 | F1.8 | 1/250
HELP WITH THE SHOES
Wedding shoes on before the dress, or after? There’s no strict rule, but for Noni, putting her shoes on after the dress led to this hilarious candid moment. A perfect example of my relaxed, documentary wedding photography style, capturing the fun, unplanned parts of a wedding morning.
To see more images from this Doddington Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO200 | F2.5 | 1/250
THE SWORD CAKE CUT
Who says cutting the wedding cake has to be traditional? Why use a knife when you can make it unforgettable with a massive sword instead! This fun twist made for some amazing candid wedding photos and perfectly reflects my love for capturing unique, personality-filled wedding moments.
To see more images from this Shottle Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO320 | F4 | 1/250
NOM NOM NOM
Cakes instead of canapés? Now that’s a wedding idea I can fully support! This fun twist on the drinks reception was a hit with guests – and judging by the little girl’s delighted reaction, she completely agrees. A perfect candid moment from a relaxed, personality-filled wedding day.
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO2000 | F2.8 | 1/250
THE TWIRL
A twirl during Sam and Ash’s wedding first dance perfectly showcased the beautiful detail of Sam’s dress, while the movement added a sense of energy and romance to the image – a stunning moment from their Nottinghamshire wedding photography.
To see more images from this Cockliffe Country House Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO640 | F1.4 | 1/250
FINDING IT FOR WEEKS
I’ll be honest – even I find wedding confetti weeks after a big day, whether it’s in my pockets, camera bag, or still in my beard! I’m sure Noni will be discovering confetti from her Nottinghamshire wedding for months to come.
To see more images from this Doddington Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO160 | F4.5 | 1/1000
THE CHURCH CEREMONY
At many church weddings, photographers are asked to stand at the back during the ceremony. This can be tricky in a dimly lit church, but Hannah and James’s Nottinghamshire church wedding was beautifully bright, with a stunning ceiling that I showcased perfectly in this wide documentary-style shot.
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO1250 | F3.2 | 1/250
BRIDESMAIDS
The first few minutes after the first dance are often the most lively on the wedding dancefloor. Once the couple invite guests to join in, the party atmosphere kicks off. To capture the best wedding dancefloor photos, I dive right into the action for those energetic, candid moments.
To see more images from this Shottle Hall Wedding, click HERE
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Settings: ISO1000 | F2.5 | 1/250
A LITTLE WALK TO THE SHOP
When I photograph my couples on a wedding day, we take a relaxed walk and chat, keeping things natural for genuine, candid photos. On Sam and Nick’s wedding day, our stroll led us past a charming village shop bursting with colourful flowers – the perfect backdrop for relaxed wedding portraits.
Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Settings: ISO125 | F2 | 1/1250