Documentary wedding photography full of real moments, joy and connection
This blog post is a collection of my favourite images from 27 weddings and 1 engagement session shot throughout 2025. That’s hundreds of moments, thousands of frames, and a whole lot of laughter, tears, chaos, hugs, dancefloor madness and quiet in‑between bits that honestly mean just as much.
These aren’t the ‘perfect’ moments. They’re the real ones.
Choosing the images (aka the emotional rollercoaster)
Pulling together a Best of is never about technical perfection or ticking boxes. It’s about feeling.
I’ve chosen images that made me laugh out loud, well up, or stop and just sit with them for a moment. Photos that instantly transport me back to the noise, the nerves, the joy and the absolute magic of a wedding day.
Some are big, loud moments. Some are tiny, blink‑and‑you’d‑miss‑them ones. All of them tell a story.
And yes — it was ridiculously hard to narrow it down. There are still so many more moments I could have included (and plenty more of these to come 👀).
Doubling down on my documentary approach
2025 was the year I really leaned into my documentary approach — even more than before.
Less staging. Less interruption. More trust.
I put a huge amount of intention into:
- letting moments unfold naturally
- observing instead of directing
- anticipating emotion rather than manufacturing it
- telling the story of the day exactly as it felt, not how it was ‘supposed’ to look
That means stepping back when needed, blending into the background, and being fully present so I don’t miss the good stuff. The messy stuff. The honest stuff.
Because weddings aren’t a styled shoot — they’re a living, breathing, once‑in‑a‑lifetime day.
Keeping it REAL
What I love most about weddings is how human they are.
The nervous hand squeezes before the ceremony. The ugly‑cry laughs. Dresses being stood on. Drinks being spilled. Grandparents holding hands. Mates absolutely losing their minds on the dancefloor.
This year, more than ever, I’ve focused on keeping things real.
Real reactions. Real connections. Real joy.
No forced smiles. No awkward posing marathons. Just people being themselves, surrounded by the people they love, having the best day.
That’s where the magic lives. And in a world of identikit images, it’s what makes your wedding totally unique.
Fun, joy, and everything in between
If there’s one thing that runs through all of these images, it’s joy.
Not just the loud, confetti‑throwing, dancefloor‑sweaty joy — but the quiet, contented kind too. The deep breaths. The knowing looks. The ‘we did it’ moments.
Weddings don’t have to be perfect to be incredible. Some of my favourite images this year came from rainy days, timelines running late, and plans going slightly off‑piste.
Because when you let go of perfection, you make space for something far better: connection.
Thank you 💛
To every couple who trusted me with their day this year — thank you. Thank you for letting me in, for being yourselves, and for allowing me to document your story exactly as it unfolded.
Being invited into these moments is never something I take lightly.
If you’re planning your wedding and want photos that feel like you — full of life, laughter and real moments — I’d absolutely love to hear from you.
2026 and 2027 bookings are open, and there are still plenty more moments like these to come.
Here’s to another year of love, chaos, joy and beautifully real weddings
Documentary wedding photography – FAQs
What is documentary wedding photography?
Documentary wedding photography is all about telling the story of your day as it actually happens. Rather than directing or staging moments, I observe, anticipate and document the real emotions, interactions and energy as they naturally unfold.
Think less posing, more presence. Less performing, more living.
Is documentary wedding photography good for camera‑shy couples?
Absolutely — and honestly, that’s most of my couples.
If the idea of being posed all day makes you cringe, a documentary approach is ideal. I won’t ask you to act a certain way or constantly look at the camera. Instead, I focus on what’s happening around you, so you can relax and enjoy your day without feeling watched.
Most couples tell me they barely noticed I was there — which is exactly how it should be.
Will we still get any group or couple photos?
Yes — but they’re kept relaxed and efficient.
We’ll absolutely make time for the important group photos, and I’ll gently guide you during your couple portraits so nothing feels awkward or forced. The difference is that these moments are short, natural and focused on connection rather than stiff poses.
What kind of moments do you focus on?
The real ones.
The laughter during the speeches. The nervous energy before the ceremony. The tight hugs, happy tears, wild dancefloor moves and quiet moments you didn’t even realise were happening.
These are the moments that bring your wedding day flooding back — years down the line.
What if our day isn’t ‘perfect’?
Good. Honestly.
Some of my favourite images come from days where it rains, timelines slip, or plans change. Perfection isn’t what makes a wedding memorable — people and connection do.
A documentary approach embraces the day you actually have, not the one you thought you were supposed to have.
Are you booking weddings for 2026 and 2027?
Yes — I’m currently taking bookings for 2026 and 2027.
If you’re planning a wedding and want photography that’s relaxed, real and focused on joy rather than perfection, I’d love to hear from you.
Head to my contact page to check availability and see if we’re the right fit 💛
P.S You can also Connect with me on Instagram
