Why I Only Take on 20 Weddings a Year
In an industry where many photographers pack their calendars with as many weddings as possible, I’ve made a deliberate choice to cap mine at just 20 per year. While others chase quantity, I’ve discovered that limiting my bookings has transformed not only my business but the entire experience I can offer my couples. Here’s why quality, connection and presence always matter more than cramming in another weekend.
Being Fully Present on Your Most Important Day
When you’re only photographing 20 weddings instead of 40 or 50, something magical happens: you can be completely, utterly present for each one. I’m not thinking about yesterday’s wedding or tomorrow’s timeline. I’m not mentally exhausted from back-to-back weekends. Instead, I’m fully immersed in your story as it unfolds.
This presence allows me to notice the quiet, fleeting moments that others might miss. The way your partner’s eyes light up when they first see you walking down the aisle. Your grandmother wiping away a tear during the vows. The gentle squeeze of hands during the ring exchange. These aren’t poses or setups—they’re genuine emotions captured because I have the mental space and energy to truly see them.
Building Real Connections with Every Couple
Photography isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about relationships. When I limit my bookings, I have the time to genuinely get to know each couple before their wedding day. This means multiple planning calls where we discuss not just logistics but your love story, your personalities, and what matters most to you.
I encourage engagement sessions not just for practice with the camera, but as opportunities for us to connect. By your wedding day, you’re not working with a stranger behind a lens—you’re working with someone who understands your dynamic, knows your inside jokes, and can anticipate the moments that will matter most. This familiarity translates directly into more natural, authentic photographs because you’re comfortable being yourselves around me.
Creating a Stress-Free Experience for Everyone
Photographer burnout is real, and it shows up in ways that affect your wedding day. When I’m not overbooked and overwhelmed, I approach each wedding with fresh energy and enthusiasm. I’m calm under pressure, solution-oriented when challenges arise, and genuinely excited to be there celebrating with you.
This relaxed energy is contagious. When your photographer isn’t stressed, rushed, or mentally checking out, it creates space for you to be more relaxed too. You can trust that everything is being captured beautifully while you focus on what really matters—marrying your best friend and celebrating with your loved ones.
Prioritising Storytelling Over Shot Lists
With fewer weddings on my calendar, I can approach each one as a unique story rather than a checklist to complete. Instead of rushing through a standard shot list, I have the bandwidth to focus on the narrative of your day—the anticipation during getting ready, the emotion of your ceremony, the joy of your celebration.
This storytelling approach means looking beyond the obvious moments to capture the in-between feelings, the generational connections, and the cultural traditions that make your wedding uniquely yours. While other photographers might be focused on simply “getting the shots,” I can invest in understanding and documenting the deeper meaning behind your celebration.
Honouring Life Beyond Photography
Photography is my passion, but it’s not my entire life. By limiting my weddings to 20 per year, I can maintain boundaries that keep me healthy, present for my own family, and sustainable in this demanding industry. This isn’t just about work-life balance—it’s about being the kind of photographer and person I want to be. When I’m well-rested, fulfilled in my personal life, and not burnt out from overworking, I show up as my best self for your wedding. I bring creativity, patience, and genuine joy to your day because I’m not running on empty. This sustainable approach means I can continue serving couples with the same level of care and excellence year after year.
A Philosophy of Care Over Commerce
At the end of the day, limiting myself to 20 weddings annually isn’t a business limitation; it’s a choice to prioritise connection, presence, and care over pure profit. It’s about believing that your wedding deserves a photographer who is fully invested in your story, not just fulfilling a contract. This approach isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But if you’re a couple who values genuine connection, authentic storytelling, and working with someone who will be as invested in your day as you are, I’d love to hear about your vision and explore whether we might be the perfect fit.
If this sounds like the kind of experience you want for your day, you can find out more about me or see how other couples have felt working together on my stories page. When you’re ready, say hello. I’d love to hear about your plans.