2022: A year in review.

20 Dec

What a year it’s been. 2022: the year we came out of lockdown, the year we had 42 Prime Ministers, and the year the world famous Nottingham Forest returned to the Premier League. It’s the year I’ll remember for being equal parts utter brilliance, and absolute chaos.

In the world of weddings, suppliers could be found putting up the bunting and jumping for joy - as weddings with some form of normality returned. There was a constant reminder that no matter what wedding days threw our way, things could always be worse - we could be back in 2021.

From a personal perspective, 2022 has been the highlight of my professional career, and I’m proud as punch to say that. I’ve been part of a record number of weddings, I’ve taken a record number of enquiries & bookings, and I’ve been part of weddings that a couple of years ago, I thought I’d only be able to dream of. I’ve woke up every morning smiling, and driven home from every single wedding smiling. It’s been incredible.

Amidst the fun of the year, there have been plenty of highlights and memorable events. It’s a big one, so if you’d like to read some of my musings from the year - get the kettle on and keep on scrolling.

Farm yard bridal prep.

Oh so you think it’s cute to get your pet chinchilla in your bridal prep? Well 2022 has entered the room, and it’s got something to say on the subject? Did Daisy really have pet alpacas? Did Sara seriously want a photoshoot with the pigs? These were the big questions ahead of bridal prep, and neither Daisy nor Sara disappointed.

The naughty boys.

‘It’d be nice if could get some romantic pictures of the groomsmen, maybe with a slight undertone of Brokeback Mountain to them.” Suffice to say these can be described as a perfect disaster. A special shoutout for the lack of drink spillage however!

The dresses.

Okay, so I’m not exactly an expert on the subject of dresses (I only wear mine on a Tuesday), but I know enough to realise I’ve seen some absolute stunners this year! More than ever, I’ve seen brides ditch the ‘traditional’ dress, and instead opt for something that is a true reflection of them - and long may it continue!

“D’ya like dags?”

Whilst I’ve (not knowingly) photographed weddings of the cast from Snatch, our four-legged friends have featured quite a lot more than from any previous year! Subsequently, to answer the most asked questions of the year: yes I’m more than happy to photograph dogs, and no there’s nothing Photoshop can do if your beloved has an ‘accident’ on the dress (partner or dog, that is).

Emotional grooms.

This one is what weddings are all about - these boys are the real MVP’s. If you want to start off married life in the good books, then get shedding a tear (it’s what your partner has been getting ready since 4am for!).

Booked two weeks prior.

Now a booking two weeks before a wedding may seem like mega short notice to some, but after 2021’s record of a booking 36 hours before a wedding, there was no rush! There was a bit of a peddle on to get questionnaires sorted, hotels booked, and venues scouted - but boy was it worth it!

Sunsets of dreeeeeeams.

Now this bit I’m struggling for words on. 2022 has been the year where my obsession for golden hour has gone to a new level. I’m currently sporting five apps that give me live golden hour tracking data, and I’m a pair of glasses away from appearing on Sky News a “Specialist in Golden Hour Glowiness Analytics”. I’ve genuinely lost count how many couples have been bundled into my car to find a rogue field which has been blessed with gorgeous evening light.

Be the entertainment.

“How do you ensure the dance floor is bouncing?” I hear you ask. I’ve long been a believer that to really get the dance floor on it, the couple need to set the standard. If you’re on it, the guests will be on it. And if the groom is singing? Well you be better believe the groomsmen are providing the soundtrack, and eeeeeevery guest is coming along for the ride!

P-A-R-T-Y!

Now this one is probably what personifies 2022. After what feels like a lifetime of being locked up (to be clear - with Covid restrictions, not from a life of crime), we’ve all been ready for a proper celebration. And celebrate you did. We’ve had a year of absolutely bouncing dance floors, and you all have the hangovers to tell the tale.

“I’ll buy you a G+T if you do the worm”.

That was it. That was the conversation. I’ve heard murmurings from the bridesmaids that Jess could be tempted into a worm on nights out, but I didn’t realise quite how little convincing she’d need to do it on her wedding day (or maybe I simply underestimated her love for a G+T…).

And finally, the wedding that nearly wasn’t.

There is no more fitting end to this post than to share a few words on Christie + Callum’s day. I won’t give you the full backstory as I can’t bring myself to tell it without a pint in hand, but the journey alone to this wedding involved a lot of snow, diversions, an abandoned car, a fractured hip, a tractor, a 3 mile walk (with full wedding kit in tow), two lots of hitch hiking, and some poorly fitting snow chains.

Without some incredible suppliers, the good nature of local residents, and the commitment from all the guests - this day simply wouldn’t have gone ahead. No matter what the day threw at Callum + Christie, they took it in their stride with unwavering smiles. Never have I met a better pair of role models as an example of how to fully embrace your wedding story, and a wedding which typifies everything I love about my job.