Best Wedding Photography of 2022

January 14, 2023 by admin

I know I’m a bit late to the party (it’s halfway through January already, where’s the time going?!!), but I thought I’d put together some of my favourite photos from 2022.

So, what did 2022 bring? I’ll be honest with you – it was one of the most challenging years of my life.

I won’t go into details, but my personal life was extremely up and down – what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, eh?! However, from a business perspective it was far and away the busiest and most enjoyable year of my wedding photography career.

I photographed over forty weddings, worked with some stupendous couples at some ridiculously gorgeous venues. captured thousands of wonderful moments, and worked with some amazingly talented suppliers.

I still pinch myself when I think back to when I first started out, and how I struggled during those first few years to book more than 10 weddings a year. Also, during the pandemic I was this close to jacking it all in, selling most of my kit and going to live in a monastery.

(Okay, the monastery bit isn’t true, but you get the gist).

Anyway, thank God I didn’t, because I wouldn’t have experienced and photographed over forty sensational weddings in the last year!

Speaking of which, here are some of the best photos from the last twelve months. Enjoy!

(Before I share them I really wanted to thank the following photographers and videographers who I worked with in 2022, because not only are they some of the most talented people I’ve ever worked with, but I’m extremely proud to class them all as friends as well).

So thank you Sian at Sian Cook Photography, Lindsey at LNZ Photo & Film, Terry at Lily & White Photography, Matt at Black Rock Films, Rich at Carlton Films and James at Eyes Closed, Head First Photography. You all rock so hard, it literally hurts.

Best Wedding Photography of 2021

January 13, 2023January 4, 2022 by admin

I suspect 2021 will be a year that most people won’t forget in a hurry.

The ongoing saga of Covid, various lockdowns, the pervading question of “Will anyone ever get married ever again?!” and a general air of lingering uncertainty…before wedding season kicked off at a thousand miles an hour!

Even though 2021 was extremely challenging, I’m wary of complaining about a year where I was busier than I’ve ever been in my life. Not only did I photograph a year’s worth of weddings in around five months, I also took on a short-term contract job in the summer to bolster my business bank account.

Yep, 2021 was carnage. But ultimately in a good way!

So what about the weddings themselves? Well, they certainly didn’t disappoint! Some of the venues took my breath away, some of the speeches elicited tears of joy…and occasional sadness too.

Some weddings were huge grandiose affairs, and some weddings were small, intimate arrangements with just close friends and family in attendance.

However, all of them were remarkable in their own way, not just because of the reasons mentioned above, but because they all took place in a global pandemic.

Have some of that Covid!!

Here are some of the best photos from the last 12 months. Which ones are your favourites? Let me know in the comments below!

Chelsea Old Town Hall | Gracie & Jack

February 11, 2022October 25, 2020 by admin

Chelsea Old Town Hall Wedding Photography | Gracie & Jack

Love 1, Covid 0

You may have noticed that there’s a pandemic going around at the moment.

You may also have noticed that people are still being sensible and going about their daily business, that life goes on and, perhaps most importantly of all (to me anyway), people are refusing to let this infernal Coronavirus grind them down and are displaying their love (and defiance) by getting married.

I mean, how rock and roll is that?

Gracie and Jack are one such couple. As with many others who have been planning their wedding for a while, a lavish celebration was originally planned in France back in the summer, but Coronavirus very much put paid to that.

However, love always seems to find a way, so Gracie and Jack tied the knot with close family and friends present at Chelsea Old Town Hall.

Luckily for me they asked me to photograph the joyous occasion, and here are some of the best photos from the day!

Danson House, Bexleyheath | Charlotte & Conan

February 11, 2022October 21, 2020 by Dan Biggins

Danson House, Bexleyheath | Charlotte & Conan

Love > Covid

Phrases that no-one had heard of in 2019 but have become commonplace in 2020:

Furloughed
Covid
Freegan*
Micro-wedding

*It’s someone who believes it’s wrong to throw away food while millions of people around the world are hungry. Quite right too.

A couple of weeks ago I photographed my first Covid wedding, and due to the Coronavirus pandemic laying waste to 2020 and everything in it – my first actual wedding of the year. Crazy times indeed.

Luckily it was one of the loveliest, most relaxed weddings I’ve photographed in a while!

Charlotte and Conan were the happy couple, and even though their plans for a larger wedding were put on hold, they decided to work around the current restrictions and tie the knot at Danson House in Bexleyheath.

Here are some of the best images from the day – enjoy!

Oh, and if you’re thinking of getting married during this pandemic, I can heartily recommend opting for a micro wedding. If you’d like some more information about how I can help, please contact me.

Why I Love Bridal & Groom Prep

February 25, 2022July 16, 2020 by Dan Biggins

There’s nothing quite like the hustle and bustle of a wedding morning! There’s a heady mix of excitement and nervous tension as the wedding party prepares for the momentous day ahead – everyone you cherish is there with you. Your Mum, bridesmaids, Best man / men, best friends, siblings – they’re all sharing in your excitement. The makeup artist arrives, and then the hairdresser – the flowers are delivered, and the excitement and anticipation builds.

For me, it’s one of the best parts of the day, and here’s why.

1. Get used to the camera

If you’ve had an engagement session with me then you’ll know what to expect, but if you haven’t – bridal prep is a fantastic way to see how I work. Of course, you’ll be too busy getting ready to notice what I’m doing, but it’s a brilliant opportunity for us to get to know each other a little better, and for you to see how laid back and non-shouty I am!

I find that people are generally self conscious for the first ten minutes following my arrival, but after that? You won’t even notice I’m there, and you’ll wonder why you ever felt awkward in front of the camera.

2. Emotions!

Of course, wedding days are emotionally charged events, and getting ready is packed full of them. The excitement of your bridesmaids. The tears of your bridal party when you step into your dress for the first time, and the look on your father’s face when he sees you for a first look. These are all really important, emotionally charged events that are all too easy to forget.

3. It’s all in the details

For me, weddings are all about moments – the first kiss, the first dance, the way you look at your other half during the ceremony…but let’s not forget your beautiful dress, shoes, and jewellery that may have been passed down from generation to generation. These are all important elements of your day, and bridal prep is an ideal time to photograph these things in a creative way that just won’t be possible later in the day.

4. Telling a story

Finally, your wedding isn’t just about walking down the aisle, or the speeches, or the first dance…getting ready photos are an important part of the day for the reasons outlined above, and as such should be photographed to complete your wedding day story.

Hints & Tips!

If you’d like getting ready photos, plan your timeline accordingly. I like to allow a good two hours to capture everything I need – this gives me time to say hello to everyone, photograph hair, makeup and details, and then leave in good time for the ceremony
Also, if you and your partner would both like getting ready photos, you may need a second photographer depending on location and timings
Speaking about location – how large is the room you’ll be getting ready in? If it’s a small hotel room and there are 15 bridesmaids getting ready with you, then a rethink may be needed.
Make sure clutter is kept to a minimum. Of course, once the Prosecco starts to flow you won’t particularly care, but if you don’t want Jaffa Cake boxes or crisp packets in your photos, make sure they’re deposited of accordingly before I arrive…!

NEW! Wedding Videography and Photography Package!

August 12, 2023May 21, 2020 by Dan Biggins

A lot of couples often ask me if I offer videography alongside my wedding photography service. My response has always been, “What, that moving image stuff? Why would you want that? AREN’T PHOTOGRAPHS ENOUGH DAMMIT?!”, before locking myself in a darkened room and weeping gently for twenty minutes or so.

Then it occurred to me like a bolt out of the blue. “Why don’t I team up with someone who understands all this video witchcraft malarkey, and offer a combined photography and videography package?! What a great idea! WE’LL RULE THE WORLD I TELL YOU!!”

So that’s what I did.

I’m absolutely thrilled to announce my partnership with Matt from Black Rock Films, and as you’ll see from this gorgeous wedding video he clearly knows what he’s doing when it comes to the moving image!

What’s included?

Videography!

Full day of shooting alongside Dan
Drone footage
Highlights Film (approx 3 mins)
Extended Highlights Film (approx 5-15 mins)
Ceremony Film
Speeches Film
Full Feature Film
And more!!

Photography!

all day coverage (until late!)
around 400 – 600 full resolution digital files in an online gallery
Gorgeous luxury albums
Additional photographer
Engagement sessions
Tears of joy guaranteed!
And more!!

For more information about this fab videography and photography package, please click the big shiny button below and drop me a line!

Tell me more! »

Best Wedding Photos of 2019

February 11, 2022December 30, 2019 by Dan Biggins

What a year it’s been! I’m not normally a gushy person, but I feel this post may contain a certain amount of…well…gush, for want of a better word?!

When I first picked up a camera in anger just over ten years ago, I never dreamed I’d be photographing weddings, visiting so many amazing locations and photographing lots of gorgeous couples. Fast forward a decade and it’s been a year packed full of wonderful wedding moments, some of which are featured below.

Before that, I’d just like to say a few thanks. First (and most) of all, to each and every couple whose wedding I photographed this year. I’m not exaggerating when I say that all of you were utterly brilliant. You made my job much easier – no fuss, no drama, just genuine couples who were all up for relaxing and having a great time on their wedding day. I can’t thank you enough.

Secondly, to all the amazing suppliers and vendors I worked with in 2019. From wedding planners, to hair and makeup artists, to cake makers, florists, videographers, dressmakers…I’ve worked with some insanely talented people over the last 12 months.

Lastly, I’d like to thank my regular assistant Sian. Not only is she a brilliant photographer, she’s also great company and ridiculously easy to get on with. She’s also a calming influence when stressful moments arise, so I’d like to thank her from the bottom of my heart. A big thanks must go to Terry as well for his help and support this year – cheers fella!

Bring on 2020!

Stoke By Nayland Hotel Wedding Photography | Louise & Graeme

February 11, 2022October 31, 2019 by Dan Biggins

Stoke by Nayland Essex Wedding Photography

One of the great things about weddings is that you get to spend lots of quality time with family and friends.

In fact, some of them you may not have seen for a long time, possibly years, which makes your wedding day extra special.

At Louise and Graeme’s wedding at the Stoke By Nayland Hotel, Essex, that was especially true for me, because Graeme’s my cousin!

I’m not going to embarrass him by telling tales of how we used to watch Raiders of the Lost Ark as kids, and then attempt to reenact some of the scenes from the film by lashing ourselves to my Auntie’s stair banister with a piece of cord (it’s Indiana Jones’ whip, you see).

Erm, I think I might have said a bit too much there…:)

Anyway, I have loads of other brilliant memories of growing up with Graeme. For example, watching Blazing Saddles and laughing far too hard at the campfire scene. Cheering on Jimmy White while he lost yet another Snooker World Championship to Stephen Hendry. Oh Jimmy, how you broke our hearts. Playing cricket on Frinton Beach. The list literally goes on and on.

So to photograph his wedding to the lovely Louise was indeed a pleasure, an honour and a privilege.

Also, it gave my parents who were also guests lots of opportunity to embarrass me while I was working (I’m joking folks, love you really! â™¥ï¸)

So huge congrats to both Louise and Graeme, and here’s to a lifetime of married bliss!

Thanks!

Venue: Stoke By Nayland Hotel
Dress: Karen Millen
Florist: Kim @ Amnesia Flowers
Hair: Dawne @ Hidden Beauty Hair Co
DJ: Billy Hooke
Assistant Photographer: Sian @ SJC Photography

Christ Church Erith Wedding Photography – Demi & Sean

February 4, 2021October 15, 2019 by Dan Biggins

There are a few things you must never do when meeting someone who plays rugby:

Say, “Rugby? Nah, football’s more my thing!”
Crack the old gag about rugby being played by men with funny shaped balls, and
Mention anything that may upset them in any way shape or form, because they’re generally fitter, younger and bigger / stronger than you.

When I first met Demi and Sean to chat about their wedding, I thankfully managed to avoid all of those things (phew!) They were absolutely lovely, had just adopted a couple of cats (that automatically makes them wonderful people in my book), and were looking for relaxed, natural wedding photographs. Sorted.

This is the second wedding I’ve photographed at the magnificent Christ Church in Erith, and I’d like to thank Demi & Sean and all their family and friends for being great fun during the day!

Thanks!

Ceremony: Christ Church Erith
Reception: Old Brockleians Society RFC
Makeup: Laura MUA
DJ & Toastmaster: Paul Clare / Tall Order Entertainments
Assistant Photographer: Wedding Photographer Essex

Kristi & Jack Sneak Peek! | Five Oaks Events, West Sussex

July 16, 2020August 31, 2019 by Dan Biggins

Five Oaks Events Sussex Wedding Photography

What a day.

Take one gorgeous couple, one sunny day, two ceremonies (one small, one large, both lovely) and one fantastic wedding venue, stir together with a healthy dose of joy, laughter and love and the end result is Kristi & Jack’s beautiful wedding at Five Oaks Events, West Sussex.

During the bridal prep one of the bridesmaids said, “It’s a long day for you and there’s a lot of work”. To be honest, it doesn’t feel like work when you’re photographing a wedding such as this. Yes, I was up at 6am and didn’t get home until 11am, but to be honest time became insignificant. There was so much going on and so many beautiful moments occurred that I totally lost track of the hours ticking by.

Massive congratulations to Kristi & Jack, and thanks for keeping myself and my assistant Sian thoroughly entertained throughout the day! We both wish you all the happiness in the world, and enjoy your honeymoon!