Nominated for The Wedding Industry Award, and Why It Means a Lot

I got some unexpected news about a week after Hannah’s wedding. Her mum nominated me for The Wedding Industry Awards. It caught me off guard. Awards aren’t something I think about much. But this one feels different because of who put my name forward and why.

Why I Don’t Chase Awards

Most photographers build their business around winning awards. They enter competitions, display certificates, and lead with accolades. That’s not my focus.

For me, wedding photography is about capturing moments, not trophies. I measure success differently. It’s in the thank-you messages months after a wedding. It’s in the couples who say their photos helped them relive their day. It’s in the quiet moments I noticed that no one else did.

Trophies don’t make better photos. They don’t help nervous couples feel comfortable. They don’t capture the look between a father and daughter during the first dance.

I focus on the people in front of my camera, not the judges behind a desk. But when someone else notices what you do and thinks it deserves recognition, it hits differently.

Why This Nomination Matters

Hannah got married in Northumberland, with a ruined castle as the backdrop for their couple photos. Beautiful setting, lovely people, and a day full of genuine moments.

Hannah’s mum later told me I captured amazing photos without being in anyone’s face. I moved around quietly, getting the shots without disrupting the flow of the day. That’s when she decided to put my name forward.

That means more to me than any professional judge’s opinion. It’s recognition from someone who lived the day, not just looked at the photos.

How It Reflects My Approach

This nomination tells me I’m doing something right with my connection-first approach. Hannah’s family felt comfortable because I wasn’t getting in their way.

I didn’t spend the day directing every moment. I moved quietly around the venue, capturing what was happening naturally. The castle ruins made a stunning backdrop, but the real magic was in the moments between poses.

The best shots happened when people were just being themselves. Hannah’s genuine smile during the ceremony. Quiet conversations during drinks. Natural interactions that make each wedding unique.

These aren’t magazine-perfect poses. They’re real people having real moments. That’s what Hannah’s mum saw in the photos. That’s what she wanted to celebrate.

A Reminder of What Really Matters

Getting nominated reminded me why I limit myself to 20 weddings a year. It’s not about being exclusive. It’s about being present.

When you’re not rushing between venues or squeezing in extra bookings, you can focus on what matters. The couple in front of you. Their story. Their comfort.

Hannah’s mum didn’t nominate me because my photos looked like everyone else’s. She did it because they captured her daughter’s day beautifully without me getting in the way. Real, warm, and full of the connections that made it special.

That’s exactly what I set out to do when I pick up my camera. And it’s what I’ll keep doing, whether I win anything or not.

Thank You

To Hannah’s family, thank you for trusting me with your day and for this unexpected honour. To everyone who’s let me document their celebrations, you’re the reason I love what I do.

If you’re planning a wedding and want a photographer who’ll blend into your day rather than take it over, let’s chat. No pressure, just a conversation about capturing your story as it naturally unfolds.

The best recognition isn’t an award on the wall. It’s couples who feel truly seen in their photos.