Have you ever been to a Greek wedding? If not, I suggest you make some Greek friends who happen to be getting married soon and go to one. The Greek wedding traditions, the loud (and I mean loud) celebrations and the famous money dance are things everyone should experience at least once. As the wedding photographer, I was able to see and capture the wedding from start to finish. Well, I say finish, but a lot of stamina is needed for that level of partying!

I always go to the groom first to give the bride a little extra time to get ready. When I walked into that house, I wasn’t sure I ever wanted to leave. The excitement was palpable. There was movement everywhere you looked. Everyone was talking. The welcome I received was better than I have ever received from family members I had known all my life. It was incredible. In between the laughing and joking I took photographs of the smaller details. Then it was the first of many of the Greek wedding traditions I was going to capture that day, getting the groom ready. The groom’s best man shaved him which shows how much the groom trusts him. Then, the other groom’s men put an item of clothing on him, his tie, his blazer, his pocket square. It was a great moment filled with a lot of laughter.

After taking pictures with the groom and his many, many family members I made my way over to the bride. I didn’t think it was possible, but it was even busier! The ladies were helping the bride to get dressed which was another Greek Wedding tradition. Live music played while symbolic rituals were performed. It was a beautiful moment in the day. I love catching a bride with her parents, but there was something even more special about this. Whether it was witnessing them giving the bride their blessing or the look in their eyes when their daughter walked down the stairs, I’m unsure. Whatever it was, it helped me to create some fantastic images.

The ceremony took place in a beautifully decorated church. Again, there were many other beautiful traditions carried out. The placing of the Stefana on the bride and groom’s head, connected by ribbons to symbolise their unity, was a genuinely stand out moment.

After the post-ceremony pictures, we made our way to the reception. I’m going to be honest with you. The wedding reception was the part of the day I was looking forward to the most, and it was better than I had ever imagined. The speeches were emotional, hilarious and set the tone for the rest of the night. There was the famous money dance. I’m sure I’m 1/20th Greek; definitely should have had this at my wedding. No matter how great you are as a photographer, (and I think I’m pretty good if I do say so myself) emotion and energy go a long way to creating excellent pictures and there was plenty of that at this traditional Greek Wedding.

I would like to thank Andrea  and George for inviting me to be your Greek Wedding photographer. It was an unforgettable experience! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.

Introducing Mr and Mrs Sophie & Ralph

As I walked over to the groom’s hotel, I paused to take in the beauty of Barbados. A wedding in Barbados is a dream come true for many couples, and its not hard to see why. Clear blue skies, white sandy beaches, turquoise seas and laid-back locals. As a destination wedding photographer, you live for the type of setting that a wedding in Barbados offers because it makes it even easier to produce wedding photography that will take your client’s breath away. I was looking forward to two things; the beautiful wedding that would be taking place and the killer tan I knew I’d get in the 30-degree sunshine.
The groom and groom’s men were staying in the Yellow Bird Hotel in St Lawrence Gap. The views were spectacular. It was obvious to see why the couple chose to have their destination wedding in Barbados just from being at this hotel. The staff did everything possible to ensure you had an enjoyable stay, and you could tell they were having a great time. The guys were happy. Happy to be in Barbados. Happy to be together. Happy that they were celebrating the marriage of Sophie and Ralph. It was the type of happiness you only really get with a destination wedding; happiness minus the stress. As usual, I started taking pictures of all the minute details. The groom’s aftershave, his jewellery, his shoes; anything that without due care, you could forget in years to come. As a wedding photographer, I understand the importance of making sure you remember the finer details of your wedding, because you know your wife will be testing you in a few years’ time!

The secret to great wedding photography?… The “P” word.

The guys were in such good spirits it wasn’t difficult to capture the chemistry between them. Even when getting them to pose. Wait… did I just say the ‘P’ word! Yes. Yes, I did. I know a few photographers object to posing when doing wedding photography. They only want to take “natural shots”. I believe that photography is art, and wedding photography should be no different. As a destination wedding photographer, it is my job to create a wedding photography album that couples will still be happy with in years to come. To achieve this, posing is essential. At times the guys didn’t even know I was getting them to pose; those are my favourite shots.
The bridal party were just as relaxed as the groom’s men. Laughing, jokes and compliments were all I could hear when I walked in the room. The bride was as tranquil as the setting of her Barbados wedding. Just like before, I captured the details. The jewellery. The perfume. The glint in her eye when she realised how beautiful she looked in her wedding dress. Capturing precious moments like that is the difference between good wedding photography and great wedding photography. I love when the bride looks through the album for the first time, and they see that look in their eye again. Its what makes me love being a wedding photographer.

Tradition and beauty: Perfect for a wedding in Barbados

The ceremony took place at St Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church in St Lawrence Gap which is a popular choice for many couples having their wedding in Barbados. A beautiful yet understated round building with large beams running down a tent-like ceiling. It was a traditional Roman Catholic ceremony in a church steeped in history. Surprisingly, (and thankfully) the church was cool for what was such a hot day, and the lighting was just right. I was able to get some fantastic pictures of Sophie and Ralph after the ceremony in the grounds of the church. The deep green grass and the views of the sea were perfect for post-ceremony pictures as husband and wife. I know there are plenty of couples that never get a chance to go back to the place where they had their wedding. This why it is important for a destination wedding photographer to capture the details in the landscape in their photographs. I always have the aim of making the couples feel like they are transported right back to that day when they look at their wedding photography. The smile the bride gave when I called her Mrs Sophie for the first time was incredible. It is important to draw out the emotions the couples are feeling as a wedding photographer. Sometimes, they can get so concerned with what is happening around them, that the real emotion stays hidden below the surface. Wedding photography isn’t just about great poses and great settings, it’s about capturing the feelings they felt on their wedding day

Belleview Plantation: A dream come true for a destination wedding photographer

The reception was held at Belleview Plantation. I need to take a moment to say “wow”. This place had it all. A unique, luxurious white building surrounded by palm trees with its own impressive private beach. If you’re getting married in Barbados and want wedding photography that will take your breath away every time you look at it, the Belleview Plantation will give you a great setting. It wouldn’t hurt to have me as your destination wedding photographer either! This was a stunning location to celebrate getting married in Barbados. And everybody really was ready for a celebration! The food was incredible, the atmosphere was vibrant, and the music had everyone on their feet. It was the perfect end to this tropical island destination wedding.
I would like to thank Sophie and Ralph for inviting me to be their Barbados wedding photographer. Your wedding was nothing short of beautiful. I wish you all the best with a lifetime filled with love and happiness.