Documentary wedding photography

Lisa contacted me towards the end of 2015 to say that she and Tom were planning a Blackstock Country Estate wedding in East Sussex the following winter. After just a few minutes of chatting on the phone I knew she ‘got my style’ as a photographer.

Documentary wedding photography, or candid wedding photography, is about unposed storytelling capturing the emotion, joy and beauty of the day. She knew that this kind of approach to wedding photography would lead to the most interesting and moving images. Hope you think so too – see them below.

We arranged to meet up at Blackstock Country Estate and I was able to show her and Tom more of my work and how I go about shooting a wedding in an unobtrusive way. I always think that couples should be able to forget about their wedding photographer and just enjoy their special day and being surrounded by their friends and family.

Of course, like most couples, Lisa and Tom also wanted a few group pictures and some of just the two of them. I always organise this very carefully to make sure it happens quickly and in a relaxed and fun way way so that they’re only away from their guests for a few minutes.

Blackstock Country Estate wedding

On the big day itself I headed to Lisa’s house down on the East Sussex coast. I especially love photographing this part of the day, with the hustle and bustle of everyone getting ready, the excitement building and people arriving. And as you can see from the pictures below, it was pretty emotional when Lisa’s dad saw her for the first time in her wedding dress.

We all then headed north to the venue, ideally located on a ridge in the South Downs with great views across the East Sussex countryside. It was the first time I’d shot a wedding at the Blackstock Country Estate, and we were all blessed with an unseasonably mild Saturday in early December.

The restored Tudor Barn is beautifully rustic and stylish at the same time. And the ancient oak beams make a stunning backdrop, especially for the first dance and the evening celebrations.

Lisa and Tom, and their family and friends, were such fun people to photograph and in the end it’s this that makes storytelling wedding photography a joy to do. Thanks again, you two for having me around!

If you’re looking for a documentary wedding photographer to tell the story of your Blackstock Country Estate wedding, or any other location, I’d love you to get in touch.