2020 Favourite Wedding & Family Moments - Fun, Romance & Love
Ahh, the annual roundup! I always love looking back at the year just passed – it always makes me smile. Normally it’s a fond look back upon my favourite wedding moments – but this year I’ve photographed more families than weddings!
I began the year with a hugely pregnant belly and 36 weddings booked for the year ahead. With 2020 meticulously planned around Nellie’s arrival, I knew it’d be a challenging year as I balanced the needs of a newborn with my lifelong passion for photography – but nobody could’ve predicted all that was in store! It was a year of highs and lows, postponements, cancellations, worry, stress, uncertainty, tears and more tears. Many couples have had their wedding year blighted by Covid, as they did their best to navigate the never-ending tirade of restrictions and ever-moving regulations. What should’ve been a year of basking in the glorious build-up to their wedding day turned into one filled with anxiety, stress and constant adaptation to the changing rules.
In the end, I photographed just 5 weddings. Those 5 weddings were so special, beautifully intimate and some of the most emotional I’ve ever witnessed. I’ve so much respect for the brave couples who pressed ahead with their wedding in spite of it all – it was an absolute joy to be part of such gorgeous celebrations. Kindness has prevailed; the families I’ve got to know so well have been compassionate, understanding and endlessly patient. And of course, our little Nellie has been a ray of sunshine in such a dark year.
The last year has been a tough one for a wedding photographer, and has forced me to adapt. Running your own business is demanding, and I knew it would be so much harder with a baby on board. But nothing prepared me for doing both during an unprecedented pandemic, which wiped out the wedding industry in one fell swoop. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions all year. Fortunately I’m a naturally positive person – though even my positivity has been tested!
As it turns out, being required to adapt has turned out to be a brilliant thing - I’ve photographed more families than ever before, and I’ve absolutely loved it! From beautiful back-garden shoots, to new-born shoots and forest walks, I’ve had a blast. Going through all of my shoots from the last year is so rewarding. I’ve worked with some really amazing people and I feel honoured to have been a part of all these special memories and family moments that will be cherished for years to come.
What has really kept me going is the overwhelming support my business has received. To those who’ve booked a family shoot, bought an album or booked me for a corporate shoot – thank you. To those who’ve liked or shared my posts, or recommended me – thank you! Thank you so much for all of the support, it means the world to me. It’s been a horribly challenging year but I’m beyond relieved that the business I’ve worked so hard to build over the last 15 years is still standing. My heart goes out to everyone who has had to close their doors and give up doing something they absolutely love. I count myself extremely lucky to still be here and that I can continue doing what I love.
I am, and will always be, eternally proud to work in this industry. I’m surrounded by some incredible talents, most of us started our businesses from nothing, and we all work long hours to do the job we love. From day one I am invested in my clients’ journey and am there for them for every step along the way.
To all of my couples who should’ve been in my 2020 slideshow, hang in there. You WILL get to have your day and it’ll be everything you hoped for and more. Sending love to all my fellow wedding suppliers, small business owners and to all my amazing clients. Thank you for sticking with me throughout this and for your support; I feel beyond lucky. I’m so hopeful (as always!) for a brighter 2021. Here’s to you xxx
