2024 Year in Review: The Journey to Full-Time Wedding Photography
Now, before I dive in, I feel I must address the obvious... Yes, I’m writing a review of 2024 in March of 2025. But in my defence, last year was a whirlwind, a beautiful, chaotic whirlwind and I’ve only just caught my breath.
Let me share a little backstory… Jamie Ellis Photography has been my passion project for years, growing steadily while I balanced it alongside a full time career in marketing. However, 2024 decided to throw me a curveball with a surge in bookings and the busiest calendar I’ve ever had. By the year’s end, I knew something had to give. So, I made one of the biggest, scariest, and most exciting decisions of my life, leaving my marketing job of nearly 19 years to fully dedicate myself to wedding photography. Eek, right? But also: wow.
And wow really sums up 2024. What a year! Wedding photography isn’t for the fainthearted. It’s high pressure, physically and mentally demanding, and occasionally requires a Houdini level of problem solving. But let’s be real, it’s also the best job in the world. Where else do you get to spend your working days surrounded by love, laughter, and dancing at over 35 incredible parties?
Highlights from 2024
The year brought so many unforgettable moments that it’s hard to know where to start. From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, each wedding was a masterpiece in its own right. I had the privilege of photographing at some truly stunning venues in 2024, including:
Stirk House and its picturesque countryside charm
The Grosvenor, Pulford, blending elegance with a warm atmosphere
Cheshire Woodland Weddings, perfect for rustic, nature-inspired celebrations
Peckforton Castle, a fairytale setting like no other
Rookery Hall Hotel and its timeless grandeur
Chester Zoo, for couples who wanted a wildly unique backdrop
Larkspur Lodge, brimming with charm and character
Liverpool Town Hall, offering a blend of history and sophistication
Old Palace, Chester, capturing elegance in the heart of the city
And many more, including Grange Barn, Heaton House Farm, Soughton Hall, Highfield Hall, Lion Quays, Owen House Wedding Barn, The Chester Fields, Cheshire View, Rowton Hall, and Briars Hall Hotel.
Each venue presented unique opportunities to craft beautiful, natural, documentary style images. Whether it was capturing a stolen glance beneath the towering ceilings of Peckforton Castle, or the joyous chaos of a dance floor at Talhenbont Hall, these moments are why I love what I do.
Lessons from 2024
2024 didn’t just challenge me, it transformed me. It reinforced the importance of adaptability, communication, and taking a moment to breathe amidst the whirlwind of a packed wedding season. It was also the year I truly understood the power of authentic storytelling through photography.
Candid, documentary-style wedding photography has always been my passion, but in 2024, I deepened my focus on capturing those raw, unposed moments that tell a couple's unique story.
Looking Ahead
2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year, and I’m excited to meet even more amazing couples and document their love stories. I’m also focusing on enhancing the client experience from personalised consultations, to prompt communication and bespoke packages tailored to your needs.
If you’re newly engaged or planning a wedding for 2025, 2026 or 2027, now is the perfect time to get in touch! Let’s create something unforgettable together.
A Look Back at the Magic of 2024
To round things off, here’s are some of my favourite moments from last year. These images capture the laughter, love, and candid beauty that make every wedding unique. Scroll down to see some highlights from 2024’s incredible celebrations!
Jamie x
