If you're looking for a wedding that was bursting with sunshine, laughter, love, and some of the biggest Yorkshire puddings I’ve ever seen in my life, then allow me to take you on a whirlwind journey through Nicola and Paul's incredible wedding blessing at The New Sundial in South Shields.

This one had it all: glorious weather, a scenic coastal backdrop, stylish surroundings, a heartfelt ceremony, and a feast to end all feasts. But beyond all that, it was the people who made the day truly magical — a bride and groom so clearly in love, a group of guests brimming with joy, and a venue team that made everything look effortless.

Weddings don’t come much more joyous, unique, or bubbly (literally) than Kay and Gareth’s! If you're ready for a story filled with sunshine, three dogs in formalwear, a surprise ring bearer, bubble guns, balloons, and some truly beautiful moments of love and laughter—then buckle up. You’re in for a good one.

I photograph a lot of weddings at The Story in Durham—it’s one of my absolute favourite venues for a reason. The staff are always incredible, the building is stunning, and the couples I meet there always bring their own unique twist to the day. But Kay and Gareth’s celebration? This one had more twists than a balloon animal convention. And more bubbles than a champagne tasting. I still think I’m sneezing bubbles.

There’s something incredibly moving about a small wedding — just the people who matter most, a perfect day, and love shining through in every quiet moment. Jamie and James’ wedding at The Story in Durham was a heartfelt reminder that less can absolutely be more. With just the couple, Jamie’s adult daughter Tyler, James’ mam and dad, and his brother and sister-in-law present, this was a relaxed, no-fuss wedding that overflowed with warmth and joy.

As a photographer who works regularly at The Story, I can confidently say it’s one of the finest wedding venues in the North East. From its elegant interiors to its unbeatable Durham city location, this place has everything — and it’s always a pleasure to shoot there. But it’s the people that make each wedding unique, and Jamie and James made this sunny spring day one I won’t forget.

When you’re a wedding photographer, you learn to expect the unexpected — but every now and again, you get a day that runs so perfectly, it feels like the universe lined everything up just right. That was exactly how it felt photographing Abigail and Cameron’s wedding at The Story in Durham — a gorgeous spring day full of sunshine, emotion, laughter, and one baby in a bow tie who stole the show.

The weather? Spot on. Not too hot, not too chilly — just that ideal kind of day where you can feel summer whispering through the air, but without any of the squinting, sweating, or wind-wrecked hairstyles that can send couples into panic. It was one of those days where everything clicked — and that includes the camera.

Some weddings are calm. Some are joyful. Some are emotional. And some — like Stephanie and Jason’s — are all three, wrapped up in one unforgettable day across two of the North East’s most iconic venues: Redworth Hall and The Story in Durham.

From the moment I arrived at Redworth Hall at 1pm, I knew it was going to be a special one. Bridal prep was in full swing, and the vibe was exactly what any photographer hopes for — relaxed, upbeat, and filled with laughter. Stephanie was joined by her three bridesmaids in the grand surroundings of one of Redworth Hall’s beautifully styled rooms. There was a steady flow of prosecco, a soundtrack of calm giggles, and that electric, happy tension that only a wedding day can bring.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — I absolutely adore working at The Story. It's not just the stunning decor, the immaculate rooms, or the thoughtful layout. It’s the staff. The wonderful people who run this place are kind, welcoming, professional, and always go the extra mile. It really does feel like home when I walk through those doors. Jean, Darren, and I were welcomed with warm smiles and genuine care, as always — and that tone carried beautifully throughout their no-fuss wedding day.

When I arrived at West Auckland Manor House Hotel on a gloriously warm spring afternoon, I had a feeling this day was going to be something special. And it was. From start to finish, Chrissie and John’s wedding was full of sunshine, laughter, and love – the kind of wedding every photographer hopes to be part of.

As a North East wedding photographer, I’ve been fortunate enough to capture some incredible days – but this one was truly something else. Set against the picturesque backdrop of one of County Durham’s most charming venues, the day was relaxed, elegant, emotional, and brimming with joy. Let me take you through it, one magical moment at a time.

West Auckland Manor House, nestled in the heart of the North East of England, stands as one of the region’s most exquisite wedding venues. Combining historical charm with modern luxury, this stunning manor house offers a perfect setting for couples looking to create unforgettable memories on their special day. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, West Auckland Manor House provides an ideal space for every type of wedding.

Nestled in the heart of County Durham, Hardwick Hall stands as one of the North East's most captivating wedding venues. Its rich history, magnificent architecture, and beautiful surroundings make it the perfect setting for couples seeking a blend of elegance and charm for their big day. Whether you envision a grand celebration or an intimate ceremony, Hardwick Hall offers a versatile space that caters to all kinds of weddings.

In just a couple of weeks, I’ll be photographing the wedding of Jean and Darren—and yes, it’s happening at my absolute favourite venue, The Story in Durham. Now, if you know me at all (and if you follow my work, you probably do), you’ll know how much I love shooting weddings at The Story. It’s one of those rare venues that combines elegance, charm, and architectural beauty in one pristine package.

Hey everyone! I'm so excited to finally announce something I've been working on: my brand-new Photography for Beginners course! I've poured my heart into designing a program that's not just informative, but genuinely fun and engaging.

You know, I remember when I first picked up a camera. It felt like trying to decipher a foreign language! All those buttons, settings... it was overwhelming. That's why I wanted to create a course that cuts through the jargon and makes photography accessible to everyone. I want to share my passion and help you discover the joy of capturing beautiful moments.

As a wedding photographer, there’s always something exciting about capturing a couple’s special day at a new venue. Horton Grange, an elegant country house set in the heart of Northumberland, is a hidden gem that offers a blend of Georgian charm and contemporary luxury. I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Leigh and Michael’s wedding at this stunning venue, and what a day it was! From the lively bridal preparations to the excitement of the wedding party, heartfelt speeches, and an unforgettable sparkler-lit evening, it was a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

I know how overwhelming wedding planning can be, from choosing the perfect venue to sorting out all the little details that make your day special. One of the biggest concerns for couples right now is the rising cost of weddings. Everything seems to be getting more expensive—venues, catering, flowers, and even the little things like invitations and decorations. The last thing I want is for the cost of wedding photography to add more stress to your planning.

Photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s a powerful tool for creativity, storytelling, confidence-building, and self-expression. My new program offers engaging 3-hour workshops where students will explore the art of photography using mobile phones or basic cameras, making it accessible and affordable for schools.

For the past six years, holidays have been something of a foreign concept to me. Work, commitments, and life in general have taken priority, meaning travel has been placed firmly on the back burner. But that is all about to change! In the first week of April, I will finally be taking a well-deserved break, and not just anywhere – I’m heading to Tarifa, Andalucía, the southernmost tip of Spain, just a stone’s throw from Morocco. But why Tarifa? The answer is simple: Birds! No, no, no, not just any birds – I’m talking about the awe-inspiring raptors and an abundance of spectacular species that make this region a birdwatcher’s paradise.

If you’ve chosen The Story as your wedding venue, congratulations! 🎉 You’ve picked one of Durham’s most elegant and stylish registry offices for your big day. With its modern yet classic aesthetic, intimate ceremony rooms, and a stunning grand staircase, it’s the perfect place to say "I do."

But here’s the thing: Your wedding photos are one of the most important keepsakes from your big day. You need a photographer who knows The Story inside and out, someone who understands how the light changes throughout the day, the best angles for timeless portraits, and—most importantly—someone who can work seamlessly with the staff to ensure a stress-free experience.

While it’s tempting to save money by hiring a friend with a camera or an inexperienced photographer, it can lead to costly regrets. Here’s why: You Only Get One Chance. A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event—there are no re-dos. If an inexperienced photographer misses key moments, overexposes images, or fails to capture the emotion of the day, there’s no way to fix it afterward.

After years of successfully balancing a teaching career and running a wedding photography business, I am now fully dedicated to capturing your most precious moments. Since stepping away from teaching photography, my business has soared to new heights, and I’m thrilled to offer an even more personalized, detail-oriented service than ever before.

When it comes to kicking off a new year of wedding photography, there’s no better place to begin than The Story in Durham. It’s no secret that this elegant venue holds a special place in my heart. From its sophisticated charm to its seamless adaptability for weddings of all sizes, The Story offers an idyllic setting that I’ve come to love capturing. And what a pleasure it was to document Liz and Chris’s unforgettable day here as my first wedding of the year.