Our wedding photography

We chose Bristol wedding photographer Martin Dabek.

Martin was fantastic on the day. He was relaxed and fun, putting us and our guests at ease. He also managed to be everywhere all at once!

When we saw the photos we were thrilled. They captured the day perfectly and we loved that he also got some great shots of our guests on the dance floor. Martin also made a wedding video for us using footage he’d captured on his iPhone set to some of the songs we used on the day which is the perfect memento.

Our wedding venue

Barley Wood wedding venue in rural Bristol

Barley Wood is a really special venue. It is an old house set in gorgeous grounds with both outdoor and indoor ceremony options and a Great Hall for the wedding breakfast. It has lovely bedrooms so we were able to have family and friends stay for the weekend of the wedding. It really felt like home for the weekend.

We loved that it was a blank canvas and we were able to decorate the house however we chose. Zach and the team there were so helpful and ensured everything ran smoothly on the day.

The morning of our wedding day was rainy but luckily the clouds parted and the sun came out in time for us to have an outdoor ceremony overlooking the Mendips. This was such a magical part of the day. The weather stayed warm so we were able to have our drinks reception outside as well as a pizza van and coffee van in front of the house in the evening.

Our wedding outfits

After lots of shopping around, I found my dress in Lace and Grace in Keynsham.

The dresses there are stunning and I was stuck between two. Becky and Carol were brilliant and helped me make my decision. In the end I went for a minimalist Chosen by Kyha dress and added sleeves and a personalised veil to make the dress my own.

I wanted to add a hair piece and by chance found a beautiful hairband in Bradford on Avon.

I treated myself to some gold Jimmy Choos to complete the look as the slit in my dress meant my shoes were on show!

Tom decided he wanted a tux fairly early on but wanted something a little different, so went for a navy tux with black details. He hired this from Clifton Suits.

Our amazing suppliers

Papadeli catering

Papadeli were amazing as our wedding caterers. We knew we wanted something a bit different food wise and for the wedding breakfast to be sharing style and they really delivered. Lots of our guests commented on how delicious the food was. Lou was so organised in the build up and felt like a friend by the wedding day. She was also brilliant at catering for anyone with dietary requirements which was very reassuring.

Pip Floral Studio

Anna supplied us with the most gorgeous flowers including a lovely arrangement that went up the staircase leading to the Great Hall. I loved my bouquet so much that I had it pressed and framed as a keepsake.

Little Wedding Helper

Kirsten helped us to style our wedding. We had calls with her to discuss our vision and she had loads of props we were able to borrow on the day to save us buying things we wouldn’t use again. She was amazing the day before and set everything up meaning we could have a (fairly!) relaxed afternoon and evening before the wedding.

George Wilson music

We hired George, a singer and pianist, to play for our ceremony and drinks reception. He took requests from guests and brought great energy to the beginning of the day.

Photo & video – Martin Dabek Photography
Venue – Barley Wood
Dress designer – Kyha Studios
Boutique – Lace and Grace
Suit – Clifton Suits
Catering – Papadeli Events
Flowers – Pip Floral Studio
Styling – The Little Wedding Helper
Hair – Bridal Hair by Jodie
Pianist – George Wilson Music

The post Izzy and Tom’s beautiful Barley Wood wedding, with Martin Dabek Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

Our wedding photography

Damien Vickers captured our Coombe Abbey wedding.

Damien was absolutely fantastic. As a couple that isn’t at home in front of the camera, Damien really put us at ease during our engagement photoshoot and on the day of the wedding. We loved his style of photography and his approach. Damien was great to work with and the photos were beautiful!

Our wedding venue

Coombe Abbey. The Coombe Abbey grounds were beautiful and provided the perfect backdrop to our champagne reception. The marquee very comfortably housed our mid-sized party providing a great space to celebrate our special day with our loved ones.

Our wedding outfits

Suman was wearing a bespoke maroon lengha by Monga’s with champagne gold, pink and sage embroidery complemented by a pink and gold necklace set and traditional red bangles (called a choodha). Scott was wearing a bespoke tailored 3-piece suit by Edit Suits complete with a set of turtle cufflinks as a nod to our home in the Cayman Islands.

Our amazing suppliers

Our fresh flowers and decor were provided by Stylish Weddings who did a phenomenal job with the venue. Fiona and the team were brilliant from start to finish and really understood and brought to our life our vision.

Emma Bradley Designs provided our stationery. No request was too much trouble and Emma’s turnaround time was much faster than we’d expected. The stationery was beautiful with Emma effortlessly tying it all together by incorporating designs and motifs specifically created for our special day.

The post Suman & Scott’s beautiful Coombe Abbey wedding, with Damien Vickers Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

Wedding photographer’s website

Devon wedding photographer Grace Elizabeth

Wedding photographer review

We honestly couldn’t be happier with our wedding photos! Grace was amazing – not only are the photos stunning, but she felt like part of the family throughout the day. She made everyone feel so comfortable, brought so much fun and creativity, and captured the vibe of our little wedding so beautifully. We would recommend her to absolutely everyone!

Your best wedding moment or memory

It was all perfect! The sun was shining, and we had the best time celebrating our wedding with family – both in Exeter and our trip to Italy straight afterwards! Jackson says his favourite memory was watching me walk down the aisle.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

After 12 years together (since school!), we wanted nothing more than a relaxed day with our closest family. The next morning we all jetted off to Tuscany for a few unforgettable days, and once everyone flew home, we carried on our honeymoon in Florence and Milan. It couldn’t have been more perfect!

Venue name + review

Venue was the Jury Room and Exeter’s Historic Guildhall. It was perfect, super central and full of character and history.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

I always knew I wanted to wear a short dress, just felt very me and went with the chill, fun vibe of the day.
Jackson’s suit was from Moss Brothers. As were all the men’s suits on the day, super helpful in the Exeter branch!

Dress or suit shop name + review

My dress, veil and shoes were all bought from Champagne & Charlotte in Bideford – couldn’t recommend enough! All was perfect. Dress was by Watters, Shoes were Charlotte Mills. Alterations were done by Lorraine at https://www.philhamhousedressmaker.co.uk/

Florist name + review

Dingles Florist in Barnstaple. Our flowers were perfect and exactly what we asked for. We loved having the freesias, peonies, and roses included, as they hold such a special meaning for our family.

Cake maker name + review

Cake was from Waitrose and was decorated by my mum and mother-in-law the night before! It was perfect.

Stationery maker’s name + review

I made our invitations myself on Canva.

Wedding readings?

We had two readings, a poem read by my little sister, Ellie. And another poem read by my father-in-law, Jason.

Hair + makeup name + review

My hair was done by Claire (my mother-in-law), and my make up done by Jasmine (my sister-in-law). Both are so important to me and so talented at what they do. They run Cross Street Social (hair and homeware studio) in Barnstaple.

The post The day after, we all flew to Italy! Alice & Jackson’s perfect Exeter wedding, with Grace Elizabeth Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

The images are timeless as the couple’s elegant attire; the backdrop is exquisite and the day looks magical. Lucy told English Wedding, “Ewelina (OTEM Photography) fitted in with this vibe perfectly and was irreplaceable.”

“Ewelina at OTEM photography is the most incredible, amazing, talented photographer you could ask for. She cares so much about your vision and what you want from your photos. She has gone above and beyond more than I ever could have asked for. Her work is INCREDIBLE. It’s better than I could have dreamed of. She’s captured my vision perfectly and she was such a huge part of our wedding.”

More recommended Devon wedding suppliers

Venue: Bovey Castle

Stunning! Chic, luxury, secluded.

Nouveaux hair and beauty

They went above and beyond. Helped me into my dress and walked with me to the ceremony. More than I ever could of asked for with hair and makeup.

The post An intimate Dartmoor castle elopement for Lucy & Lewis, with OTEM Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

“One of the highlights was our little boy going down the aisle first in a ride-on Formula 1 car — a nod to our F1-themed day. We carried the theme through with tables named after Grand Prix tracks and the order of the day styled as “Today’s Line-Up and the seating plan I hand wrote on the barn doors as “Grid Postions”.

Wedding photographer’s website

North of England wedding photographer Joss Denham

Wedding photographer review

Joss Denham Photography – We feel so lucky to have had Joss capture our wedding. From the start, he just got us — relaxed, easy going, and totally in tune with what we wanted. On the day, he blended in naturally, chatting to everyone and capturing everything without it ever feeling staged. We are so happy with the photos — full of emotion, warmth, and real moments. If you want someone who’ll capture the day without turning it into a photoshoot, Joss is your guy. Thank you for the memories we’ll treasure forever.

Your best wedding moment or memory

One of my favourite moments was surprising Matt as I walked down the aisle. I secretly planned to change the song — after the final bridesmaid, the music switched to a pre-recorded version of the Formula 1 theme, played by a local violinist. Watching his face as he clocked what was happening was priceless — a mix of shock, emotion, and pure joy. It was such a personal touch and felt like the perfect way to kick off our ceremony. Another is just sitting back and seeing every single one of our guests enjoying themselves, all mingling with each other and having fun! Priceless to have all our loved ones together in that room.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

We wrote handwritten letters to every guest and popped them on their dinner seats, each with a photo on the back that perfectly captured a fun or special moment we’d shared. It was such a lovely surprise that brought out plenty of happy tears—and a whole lot of smiles too! It really made everyone feel extra loved and part of our day. We also had a free bar to keep the party vibes going and, instead of a traditional champagne tower and coffees, we poured an espresso martini tower — the perfect energy to keep everyone dancing all night!

Videographer name + review

Greg Burnett – From our first call, it felt like chatting to a mate—bonding over F1 and football, he just instantly got us and looking at his work we just knew we had to have him! On the day, he brought the perfect mix of calm, energy, and banter, made everyone feel at ease and blended in like one of the guests. We sobbed watching our trailer film back, it brought the whole day back to life and captured some special moments we thought were missed. His work is nothing short of incredible – we’re honestly obsessed. It’s more than just a wedding video, it’s our story, and we’ll treasure it forever. Greg is an absolute legend and master of his craft.

Venue name + review

Grange Barn, Marbury, Cheshire

Grange Barn was everything we dreamed of and more. From the moment we viewed it, we knew it was the one — rustic yet elegant, warm and breath-taking, we loved the open plan barn to keep everyone together and wow those views. We had so much freedom to make the day our own. Choosing Grange Barn was more than selecting a venue; it was about creating an experience to bring our vision to life surrounded by all our favourite people in one incredible venue from start to finish!

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

Jodie – I wore the Pen Liv ‘Blossom’ dress and I honestly couldn’t have loved it more if I tried. I didn’t have this style in mind at all, The Bridal Rooms suggested I try it and instantly I just knew it was the one! It’s soft, romantic and effortlessly sexy. The subtle sparkle, 3D florals and off shoulder bow sleeves are just insane! My seamstress Holly then customised the neckline into an illusion style, and it was hands down the best decision. It gave the dress a more polished finish, gave me more curves up top and made me feel so confident and happy all day!

Matt – I wore a Marc Darcy stone-coloured tux jacket with a matching waistcoat, black bow tie, and classic black trousers. The tailoring by Platts (Crewe) was spot on — sharp, modern, and effortlessly smart. It felt timeless but still stood out.

My best men and our little 10 month old boy were in full black tuxes, which looked great as a contrast and tied the whole look together nicely.

We both wore Christian Louboutin shoes – a little red sole moment for both of us. Jodie wore the Hot Chick 100s in white patent – super pointy, high, and seriously glam. I lasted until about 9pm before I completely lost feeling in my feet… no regrets!
Matt went for the classic black patent Chambeliss – sleek, timeless, and the perfect match for the suit. Clean, sharp, and seriously smart.

Wedding rings and jewellery

Diamond (surprise from Matt the morning of the wedding!) and pearl earrings, as well as engagement and wedding rings all from Moody’s jewellers in our town Nantwich. They’ve been part of our journey since the engagement and are incredible.

Florist name + review

Flowers – Roxanne @ Silk & Wild. Roxanne is genuinely so sweet, so creative and so passionate. She made our vision even more incredible with her thoughtful ideas. Every detail – especially the flawless red rose arrangements and the insanely stunning split arch – was pure perfection. Honestly it brought us to tears and everyone commented on the flowers. She didn’t just decorate our wedding; she was a huge part of the day. We’re so grateful for the beauty and care she brought to every bloom!

Cake maker name + review

We don’t like cake! Haha. It was a running joke with all Matt’s family that we were not having a cake. We kept it a surprise and booked in Jo (the wedding planner at Grange Barn) to make us an vintage style double-layer heart cake with ruffled piping around the edge, it was the classic victoria sponge with M & J on the top. Not going to lie it slightly converted us and we ate cake for breakfast the week after!

Special personal touches

We wanted the day to feel totally us, so we added a mix of bold, fun, and personal touches. We went all-out with loads of red roses — a show-stopping broken red rose arch as the aisle backdrop, single stems, flowing red bows, and a stunning bouquet. It gave everything a romantic and dramatic feel. Having everyone we love there was everything, especially our 10-month-old little man Jude, who made the biggest entrance riding down the aisle in his mini ride-on car. Then came my five bridesmaids, and finally me and my dad walking up to meet Matt. I just couldn’t stop smiling — it was perfect in every way.

The star attraction was the full size F1 car simulator we hired so everyone could have a go at racing around the track and trying to get the fastest lap (true top gear style leader board was included!) – of course Matt the competitor had to beat everyone to it right at the end! Everyone loved Stealth Racer.

Hair + makeup name + review

Emily O’Brien (Hair) – Emily was an absolute dream, she made my hair better than I ever imagined. She made me feel so calm, confident, and like the most beautiful version of myself. Not only is Emily incredibly talented, but her warm, relaxing energy was just what we needed in the morning. She played a huge part in making the morning so special and memorable for me and my girls. A true one-in-a-million! Farryn Ter-Ossepiantz (MUA) – Farryn is an absolute artist and a beautiful soul inside and out. From the very first trial, to the wedding day she wanted to make sure I was completely satisfied. On the wedding day, she made me feel so beautiful, radiant, and like a better version of myself. As well as her incredible makeup skills, Farryn has a calm and friendly presence and made us all feel so at ease. We all felt amazing thanks to Farryn, our makeup didn’t budge all night, even after lots of dancing! Simply the best.

Catering

Vivid bar and Fork and Field catering – fantastic food and drinks service and quality! The staff were so attentive whilst also laid back and friendly – exactly what we wanted, nothing was too much for them!

Entertainment

The Money music – We couldn’t have asked for a better band than The Money at our wedding. From their chilled acoustic set to the full band’s high-energy evening and dj set, they kept the dancefloor packed and the vibe electric all day and night. Having known these guys at uni, it was incredible to see them all these years later on our big day. Absolute legends who made our wedding unforgettable!
Stealth Racer – F1 Simulator – Stealth Racer tied in perfectly to our subtle F1 vibe running through the day (big F1 fans!) and everyone loved getting behind the wheel. Even though it’s full size, it looked sleek and classy outside the barn. It added a proper fun energy to the day and people are still talking about it! Thanks Vicky & Wayne!

When we got the photos back, we were blown away. They’re everything we hoped for and more. Our photographer Joss Denham captured the energy, the emotion, and all the fleeting little moments we didn’t even realise were happening. Nothing felt staged or forced. Just real, raw memories, beautifully told. Joss has an unreal talent for making us and all our guests feel totally at ease, and somehow was everywhere and nowhere at once on the day — the photos just appear, full of feeling. We couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you for giving us photos we’ll treasure forever.
We feel so lucky to have had Joss capture our wedding. From the first conversation, we knew he was the right fit for us and just got us — he was relaxed, easy to chat to, and completely in tune with what we were looking for: natural, honest moments. On the day, he blended in effortlessly, chatting away to us and guests all day and just quietly capturing everything as it happened, without us even realising! If you’re after someone who captures the heart of the day without ever making it feel like a photoshoot, this is your person. Candid, effortless, and truly special.

The post Jodie & Matt’s F1 inspired Cheshire wedding, with Joss Denham Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

Wedding photographer’s website

Lake District wedding photographer Mark Battista Photography

Wedding photographer review

We had such a great experience with Mark!

He instantly made us feel at ease – really chilled, funny and easy to get along with, which made the whole shoot so relaxed.

On top of that, his photos are amazing. He captured everything beautifully without it ever feeling forced.

Would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a Lake District wedding photographer who’s both professional and a joy to be around.

Venue name + review

The Gilpin lake house

The Gilpin was everything we could have hoped for and more.

The setting is absolutely beautiful, with the Lake House overlooking its own private lake – so peaceful and special.

The staff were amazing, so attentive and friendly, and they really made us feel looked after.

The food and service were faultless from start to finish.

Honestly, it was the perfect venue!

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

The bride wore a beautiful ivory dress, while the groom looked smart in a blue suit, matching the style of our guests.

Our flower girl looked adorable in her own elegant dress, which tied everything together perfectly.

Florist name + review

Bluebell & Ivy Professional florist – unreal and so so perfect!

The post A beautiful intimate Lake District wedding for Lois & Marcus, with Mark Battista Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

Colleen and AJ’s wedding was not just a union of two individuals, but a beautiful amalgamation of traditions, families, and love stories, all captured through the lens of Nicole Chan Photography.

Their wedding was a radiant celebration of love, culture, and community, set against the timeless elegance of the Boston Park Plaza. The couple’s multi-day festivities seamlessly blended South Asian traditions with modern sophistication, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attended.

The celebration commenced with a vibrant mehndi night at Granite Links Country Club. Under the warm glow of string lights, guests were immersed in a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and flavors. Henna artist @hennacafe_designs adorned hands with intricate designs, while dancers from Boston Bollywood energized the evening with captivating performances. Colleen’s ensemble featured a rich, jewel-toned lehenga complemented by flawless makeup from @natalieshafiemakeup and a chic hairstyle by @sweetstylesbyjenna.

The following day, the grandeur of the Boston Park Plaza set the stage for their wedding ceremony. The venue’s historic charm was enhanced by @oluxedesign’s exquisite floral arrangements and drapery by Anju Pathak, creating a romantic ambiance. AJ’s arrival on a majestic horse from New Deal Horse & Carriage was a nod to traditional baraat processions, accompanied by lively beats from @teambsl.

The ceremony, officiated by Pandit Mohinder Singh, was a heartfelt blend of rituals and personal vows, symbolizing the union of two souls and their families.

As evening descended, the celebration transitioned into a lively reception. The ballroom shimmered with elegant décor, featuring Chiavari chairs from Tanvi Rana and ambient lighting by @teambsl. Guests indulged in a culinary journey with delectable dishes from Punjabi Grill and Indian Accent, and sweet treats from Shivam Paan in Nashua. Live music by @ripcordmusic kept the dance floor alive, ensuring memories were made that would last a lifetime.

Vendors

Photo & Video: @nicolechanphotography
Planning: @mint2bevents
Wedding Venue: @parkplazaboston
Decor & Florals: @oluxedesign
DJ & Lighting: @teambsl
Band: @ripcordmusic
Mehndi/Henna Artist: @hennacafe_designs
Hairstylist: @sweetstylesbyjenna
Makeup Artist: @natalieshafiemakeup
Mehndi Venue: Granite Links Country Club
Indian Catering: Punjabi Grill & Indian Accent
Priest/Pandit: Mohinder Singh
Dancers: Boston Bollywood
Chiavari Chairs: Tanvi Rana
Draping: Anju Pathak
Baraat: New Deal Horse & Carriage
Indian Dessert (Paan): Shivam Paan, Nashua
Transportation: MBT Worldwide

The post Colleen & AJ’s vibrant and beautiful South Asian wedding, with Nicole Chan Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

I gave up on posing a little while ago. I stumbled across photographers like Tracy Jade & Naomi Goggin who were just letting couples exist in their own space. It was a lightbulb moment – I’ve also studied under Jesh de Rox and Luis Garvan and all sorts of photographers who have approaches to working with people and emotions. And whilst their methods usually produce something more natural, it always felt somehow manipulative and dishonest to do this on a wedding day – a day that should be filled with natural emotion.

Yesterday, I was shooting the wedding of a same sex couple, and I felt I had to explain myself. Because it probably looks like I don’t know how to pose a same sex couple, whereas the reality is that I don’t know how to pose any couple.

Or, to be more precise, I don’t know how to pose in a way that doesn’t turn people into gender clichés and stereotypes. Whether they’re straight, gay or any other complex shade of the spectrum. Posing is inherently weird, and even weirder in the context of wedding photography. It communicates things about a couple and their relationship – things that may have absolutely nothing to do with that couple.

A broader issue

The wedding industry has long been steeped in traditional gender roles and expectations, often reflecting outdated stereotypes about what grooms and brides should look like, act like, and prioritise during their big day. However, as society evolves toward greater inclusivity and individuality, there is a growing movement to challenge and reshape these norms, allowing weddings to be authentic celebrations that reflect the diverse identities of all couples.

Of course there are plenty of exceptions to this and some wonderful wedding blogs embracing diversity and showing different styles of wedding… But I’m not seeing it reflected in education for wedding photographers – and the styling and couples shown in weddings across the wedding media, Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok just reinforce the visual message of a very homogeneous wedding. (Probably the peril of being in the trade – but I see a wonky picture of a groom and bride filling a champagne tower every time I open up social media). To echo my own website – Not everyone wants to be a Disney princess or James Bond on their wedding day.

This becomes especially problematic when couples don’t fit those moulds.

Same-sex couples, non-binary partners, and those who feel uncomfortable with traditional binary roles often find themselves misrepresented, or worse—excluded—from the wedding photography narrative. Instead of capturing their authentic story and love, photos can end up reinforcing clichés that don’t resonate with them.

And it becomes even more important in the long-term as photos and the media we create become family heirlooms – historical documents that tell us about our families and their histories.

I think we’ll always be able to excuse it with “that’s just what fashions dictated at the time”. But I also think we lose the magic of capturing who the people in the photo really are, and what they meant to each other. I think being able to bottle even a tiny fraction of that is why a lot of us picked up a camera in the first place.

What can we do as wedding photographers / vendors

Breaking away from gender stereotypes in wedding photography doesn’t mean abandoning romance or tradition altogether. It means allowing couples to define how they want to be seen. Here are a few ways photographers can shift their practice:

• Educate ourselves. Understanding your clients means more than knowing LGBTQ+ terminology or history. It’s about listening. Photojournalist Jonas Peterson highlights that listening is the first step in telling someone’s story. Ask open questions early on, learn what makes each couple tick, and avoid assumptions based on gender or tradition. (I love meeting people on their home turf. You learn so much about a couple by just being in their space.)
• Pose for personality, not gender. Instead of defaulting to “the bride looks delicate, the groom looks strong,” focus on what feels natural to the couple. Some people love being playful, others prefer elegance — neither should be tied to gender. Personally I’m playing with trying to create space for couples to be themselves. It’s a pretty awkward space for the first minute or so, but then it transitions into something more personal and collaborative. (I’m planning to cover this more in depth on my own blog.)
  
• Balance the coverage. Give equal attention to all partners in photos and albums. It’s common to see brides featured prominently while grooms or partners feel sidelined—avoid this by showcasing genuine connection and individuality. (And this is an ongoing conversation on English Wedding too.)
• Use inclusive language. Replace “bride and groom” with “partners” or “couple,” especially in communications and marketing.
• Show inclusive photos. Similar to above – showing a wide range of clients, cultures and experiences in our visual storytelling echoes the message to come as you are, not as what is expected of you.
• Highlight authentic moments. The truest photographs often come from documentary-style coverage, capturing laughter, vulnerability, and connection without staging gendered roles.
• Educate clients. Help couples move beyond Pinterest-perfection and embrace their unique relationship dynamics. Your guidance can free them from cookie-cutter expectations.

Preparation Time

I want to also shine a spotlight on preparation time, as I believe traditionally, we weight this in favour of the bride and produce a responsibility on the bridal party to be both the centre of attention, and often quite vulnerable. It also echoes the stereotype that only brides care about their appearance or find getting ready meaningful, while grooms are portrayed as afterthoughts who simply put on a suit.

Of course your couples are going to have priorities and preferences. (Personally I love it when they break with tradition and get ready together – not just for the convenience, but for the care and attention they show to each other on the morning of the wedding) I’d also refer back to the point above – Educate yourself about your clients, ask lots of questions.

Also an actual selling point, as a photographer

Modern couples increasingly seek authenticity and personalisation. They want wedding photographs that truly represent who they are—not society’s idea of who they should be. Offering a portfolio and style that embrace diverse relationships and expressions attracts a wider and more engaged clientele.

Breaking free from predictable gendered poses also pushes photographers creatively. It’s an opportunity to explore deeper storytelling and produce images that resonate emotionally — keeping your work fresh, meaningful, and compelling.

Conclusion

Challenging gender stereotypes in wedding photography isn’t about discarding tradition entirely; it’s about expanding the narrative to include all couples and expressions of love. It allows wedding photography to fulfill its highest calling: capturing not just how couples look on their day, but who they really are.

By listening, learning, and adapting our approaches, we as photographers and vendors can help make weddings — and wedding photography — a more welcoming, authentic celebration for everyone. And that’s got to be a good thing.

PS. Another word on posing / not posing

I may not have convinced you about letting go of posing and directing – and there may indeed be a third way. But I thought I should add this little tidbit from Dawoud Bey’s On photographing people and communities. Dawoud has been photographing strangers since before I was in nappies – and I’m no spring chicken. I’m going to leave with a quote from the book that really stuck with me:

“The things that are going on in the world are so much more interesting than anything you can make up…. If the pose comes from the subject, it will ring truer than anything I can direct. I can’t anticipate subtleties like the drape of her hand or the placement of his hand – the little poetic gestures or grace notes. I have to let them evolve and then recognise them when I see them.” (Page 52, if you want to get hold of a copy)

The post Embracing Every Love Story: Dismantling Gender Roles in Wedding Photography appeared first on English Wedding.