2025 Year in Review – Go Full Time They Said, It Will Be Fun They Said…..
Well… what a year. 2025 was my first full year as a full‑time wedding photographer, and let me tell you, it was equal parts magical, exhausting, hilarious, emotional, and occasionally powered by nothing but Red Bull, Haribo and adrenaline!
I photographed more weddings than I ever imagined, met the most incredible couples, and discovered that my camera bag definitely weighs more at the end of the night than it does at the start (science still can’t explain this).
But above all, this year reminded me why I chose this job: because capturing real, unposed, blink‑and‑you’ll‑miss‑them moments is the best feeling in the world.
A Year of Growth, Graft & a World Record Number of Steps!
Going full‑time was a leap — a big one! There were days when my legs felt like they’d been replaced with overcooked spaghetti, and evenings when I genuinely considered editing while lying flat on the floor. But every wedding, every couple, every moment made it worth it. 2025 taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of always having a spare pair of socks in the car.
The Venues That Made 2025 Unforgettable
This year took me all over Cheshire, North Wales, Lancashire, Manchester, and beyond. Each venue had its own personality, its own quirks, and its own perfect pockets of light that made my documentary‑style approach shine.
Here’s a little love letter to some the places that shaped my year:
Chester Town Hall - Grand, historic, and full of character. The kind of place where every doorway looks like it belongs in a period drama.
Inglewood Manor - Timeless elegance, dreamy gardens, and some of the softest, most flattering light known to humankind.
Highfield Hall - Warm, welcoming, and perfect for candid storytelling. A venue that feels like a hug.
The Square at Chester Zoo - Where else can you photograph a wedding and hear a lion roaring in the distance? Iconic.
Beeston Manor - Rustic charm, rolling countryside, and sunsets that deserve their own Instagram account.
Oddfellows Chester - Quirky, stylish, and full of personality — a photographer’s playground.
Henblas Country Park - A Welsh gem with sweeping views and barn vibes that make every candid moment feel cinematic.
Rowton Hall Hotel - Classic, elegant, and surrounded by gardens that look good in every season (even the ones that involve sideways rain).
The Monastery Manchester - A jaw‑dropping venue with architecture so stunning it almost distracts you from the fact you’re working.
Grange Barn - Rustic, relaxed, and full of charm — the perfect backdrop for natural, documentary‑style wedding photography.
Abbywood Estate - Vibrant gardens, open skies, and colours that pop straight out of camera.
Plas Meanan - A North Wales treasure with views that make you want to move in permanently.
Soughton Hall - Grand, romantic, and full of atmosphere. A venue that makes every moment feel important.
Cock O’ Barton - Cosy, characterful, and brilliant for couples who want a relaxed, laughter‑filled day.
Tyn Dwr Hall - Fairytale vibes, woodland surroundings, and interiors that make every candid shot look editorial.
The Coach House at Soughton Hall - Rustic elegance with a modern twist — a gorgeous space for storytelling.
The Plough Inn, Eaton - Warm, intimate, and full of charm. A proper feel‑good venue.
Hafod Farm - Mountains, meadows, and magic. A dream for natural, unposed photography.
The Upper House - A hidden gem with character in every corner.
Mere Court Hotel - Classic, stylish, and always a joy to photograph.
Burlton Manor - A stunning barn venue with beautiful light and endless countryside views.
Heaton House Farm - A firm favourite — versatile, scenic, and perfect for capturing real, unscripted moments.
The Moments That Made the Year
When I think back on 2025, it’s not just the venues or the timelines — it’s the tiny, fleeting moments that stick with me:
A veil flying off like it had somewhere more important to be
A best man speech that made half the room cry and the other half cry‑laugh
Kids doing knee‑slides on the dance floor
A groom whispering “I’m absolutely terrified” seconds before the ceremony
A nan absolutely sending it to ABBA
A couple taking a quiet moment together while the world buzzed around them
These are the moments I live for. The ones you can’t pose. The ones that tell the real story.
Signing Off 2025
To every couple who trusted me in 2025, from the bottom of my heart - thank you. You made this first full year unforgettable. To round things off, below are some of my favourite moments from last year.
Looking Ahead to 2026
If 2025 was about stepping into full‑time wedding photography, 2026 is about levelling up — more storytelling, more creativity, more candid magic, and hopefully slightly fewer days where I forget to eat until 4pm. If you’re newly engaged or planning a wedding for 2026, 2027 or 2028, now is the perfect time to get in touch! Let’s create something unforgettable together.
Jamie x
