Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I live between Harrogate & Mallorca with my wife Jen, and our two dogs Margot & Scout. I am solar-powered and love the sunshine, slow living, and sea swims. I love walking and being active. I am a wedding photographer and have been shooting weddings for nearly a decade—now only shooting weddings in Mallorca to reduce the amount of time I spend traveling.
You have shot some amazing weddings in a host of beautiful locations, how did you and Jen decide on the location of your own wedding?
Once we got engaged, we didn’t want to wait to get married. We knew we wanted to spend our money on a marriage vs a wedding. We had an intimate wedding in Harrogate, and we will have another version in Mallorca one day. Weddings are expensive things—and we are looking for a bigger home right now and on a fertility journey, so we wanted to spend our money on things that were more long-lasting vs one day.
We had an early ceremony, and then brunch with our closest friends and family, and it was perfect.
As a recent bride yourself, how was it to be on the other side of the camera?
I don’t like having my photograph taken—like most people! :) I think for me, the photographs I end up wanting on our walls are the ones that are the in-between moments—the pictures of guests, the moments you don’t see happening. Choose a photographer you feel comfortable with. I also found it hard because I knew I would be incredibly emotional—and I am a fairly private person, so I was very particular about who I wanted to see me in my most vulnerable state. As a photographer myself in the industry, I felt aware of who I wanted to capture the day. I chose a wonderful photographer but whom is also a friend, so it felt very natural.
What would be the one piece of advice you could give a couple to prepare for the big day?
Even with a small wedding, I underestimated how stressful it still was, how many decisions needed to be made. I certainly have a newfound appreciation for what my couples go through ahead of their wedding, and I try not to add in any way to the stress with extra questions. We were up until late the night before the wedding dressing the table and adding the small details, and I wish we had been more organized to ensure that we got a better night’s sleep. Start planning as early as you can - if you want to add thoughtful touches don’t underestimate how much time these things take - don’t be like us and be making these at midnight the night before the wedding :)
What was the favourite part of your own special day?
That is tricky … I know it sounds cliche but having everyone we love in one room, seeing everyone look so smart and dressed up.. after that I would say the speeches - which I didn’t expect. My best friend stood up and did an incredible speech - I wish I had that moment on video (tip for brides, have someone record even on an iPhone the important moments like speeches & readings- I wish I could listen to these back) and Jen did a speech which took my breath away.
How did you approach your wedding gift list and what are some of the items you included and why?
Given our wedding was so intimate we didn’t expect gifts, but it was a wonderful surprise that so many people were so generous. We were gifted a fund which contributed towards a honeymoon in Croatia and some new items for our home. We have amalgamated two houses so we didn’t need much really - but photo frames and luxury bedding is always wonderful. I am a huge believer that your bedroom should be like an oasis of calm and your bed should feel luxurious every time you get in to it. I also like creating the same feeling when we have guests to stay- I want them to feel like they are staying in a hotel and always look forward to staying with us.
What are you both excited about for your future together?
Everything really… but we are both very broody and hope we will get pregnant in 2025. Jen turns 40 in May and I hope to host a party for her in Mallorca with our close friends and family. Summers in Mallorca are fairly idyllic- daily Aperols in deck chairs at our favourite beach bar in our sleepy little town that so few tourists know about. The weekly market in the town square. I feel incredibly blessed that I am excited about so many things - our day to day life is so wonderful that every day I feel very happy and grateful.