A couple of years ago I set up the Documentary Wedding Photography community on Google+. The community has grown at a steady rate and now has over 2,859+ members and a healthy flow of stimulating observational wedding photography.
Every week an image is selected as ‘Photo of the Week’ from the submissions and the previous weekly winner is responsible for making the winning selection, the baton is then passed to the next winner, and so.
This post is a celebration of 1 year of the community and the outstanding wedding photography that has been posted by the members in 2015. If you would like to share your photography in the future, head over to community and join them.
I would like to thank all the members for making contribution to the community and congratulations to winners. I do hope you enjoy the work below, additionally it can be viewed on YouTube here: http://youtu.be/N-JcaXQp2vY
I would like to mention there were 4 additional winners of ‘Photo of the Week’ this year but I was unable to secure their consent to post their photography. There are as follows: Maciej Janowicz, Jackson and Co Photography, Marie Wootton Photography, Haydn Rydings Photography.
Google+ Documentary Wedding Photography Image of the Year
My choice for the documentary wedding photography image of the year goes to York Place Studios and their iconic ‘Snow Bride‘. This image has already been celebrated several times already in 2015 and I’m sure you will agree it’s totally enchanting!
Richard Skins Photography – Week 01 Winner: December 29 – January 4, 2015
Story behind the image: Sophie & Pete – Highcliffe Castle – Dorset. This is one of those moments that you see happening and glad you were quick enough to take the image. I don’t always get them but I enjoy these surreal images when I’m quick enough!
Photographer: http://www.richardskinsphotography.co.uk
Adam Riley Photography – Week 02: January 5 – January 11, 2015
Story behind the image: Bridesmaids – This image was shot at Inglewood Manor in Cheshire. Ghislaine and her bridesmaids were getting ready in one of the rooms upstairs, the run is buzzing with action as all the girls are in the final stages of preparation. This is one of those type of images that you wait for and hope to come together.
Photographer: http://www.adamrileyphotography.com
Steve Grogan Photography – Week 03: January 12 – January 18, 2015
Story behind the image: I like using reflections such as mirrors or water for a creative effect in my images. This was taken at the brides Mum’s home in Manchester, this is where she was getting ready with her bridesmaids.
Photographer: http://www.stevegroganphotography.com
Linus Moran Photography – Week 04: January 19, 2015 – January 25, 2015
Story behind the image: The image was taken at Athelhampton House, near Dorchester, Dorset. A beautiful 15th century private home steeped in history. The image was one of those priceless moments that I didn’t see coming – always the best to capture. I had moved from the front of venue to the back for an alternative angle when the couple were exchanging their vows. I think the bridesmaids and close family were shedding a few tears, to which one of the flower girls decided to pass a tissue across the aisle. This simple exchange added a fresh, alternative presentation to the ‘straight’ vows change / wedding service type shot, capturing the emotional context of the day. One of my favourite images from recent years.
Photographer: http://www.linusmoranphotography.co.uk
Steve Grogan Photography – Week 06: February 2, 2015 – February 8, 2015
Story behind the image: Taken at Mottram Hall in Cheshire, UK. I’m predominantly a documentary photographer but whenever I’m asked to do more formal group shots I try and capture them in as relaxed a manor as possible. This image is of the groom with his groomsmen relaxing just before the ceremony, they were all sat down in a row chatting away so I took a few shots without them noticing.
Photographer: http://www.stevegroganphotography.com
GWS Photography – Week 08: February 16, 2015 – February 22, 2015
Story behind the image: This was taken at Angela & Gary’s wedding at Culcreuch Castle in Fintry, Scotland. After the tension of the first dance, the party starts and this young couple ease into their fun mode.
Photographer: http://www.gwsphotography.co.uk
Steve Grogan Photography – Week 09: February 23, 2015 – March 1, 2015
Story behind the image: Taken at Sale Town Hall, Manchester, UK. This was a mixed culture wedding with the groom originally from South Africa and the bride from India. Both families were in attendance and it was a very emotional ceremony as you can see from this shot of the bride shedding a tear.
Photographer: http://www.stevegroganphotography.com
Richard Skins Photography – Week 10: March 2 – March 8, 2015
Story behind the image: Jennifer & Jamie – North Cadbury Court – Somerset. I love this image simply because of the fact that you can see how important and emotional it is for Jennifer to read the words from her future husband, It was great to photograph those emotions. I love the way the tear catches the light, the black and white definitely makes the image.
Photographer: http://www.richardskinsphotography.co.uk
Martin Makowski Photography – Week 11: March 9 – March 15, 2015
Story behind the image: This photo was taken at Kelham House in Nottinghamshire. There were quite a few kids present at this wedding and they all had such a great fun. Sometimes falling over and being hurt is part of the play. She was soon back in the game.
Photographer: http://www.makowskiphotography.co.uk
Alejandro Bergado Fotografía – Week 12: March 16 – March 22, 2015
Story behind the image: The image was taken in the Basque Country (Spain) in Restaurante Azurmendi, captured from a real moment just when the bride gave the wedding bouquet to her sister, it was a powerful moment and bride’s face speaks by herself…
Photographer: http://www.alejandrobergado.com
Kristian Leven Photography – Week 13: March 23 – March 29, 2015
Story behind the image: A father kisses his daughter’s hand before giving her away. That’s what the picture says, but I’ll always be really fond of the story behind it. Just before we all came downstairs for the ceremony at Stoke Place, I overheard Suzan’s dad say to his daughter: “Anthony thinks I’ll let your hand go, but he’s wrong – I’m never letting go.”
Photographer: http://kristianlevenphotography.co.uk
Barry Page – Week 14: March 30 – April 5, 2015
Story behind the image: A deeply emotional father and daughter moment at a wonderful Brighton wedding.
Photographer: http://www.barrypage.co.uk
John Colson Photography – Week 15: April 6 – April 12, 2015
Story behind the image: Moat House Barn, Dorsington, Warwickshire. Carys is a very accomplished pianist. By way of a surprise for her new Husband Will, Carys arranged to play one of his favourite songs on the piano after they had finished their wedding breakfast. I’d never seen anyone do this before, and haven’t since either!”
Photographer: http://www.johncolson.com
Adam Riley Photography – Week 16: April 13 – April 19, 2015
Story behind the image: Bridesmaids – This image was shot at Inglewood Manor in Cheshire. Ghislaine and her bridesmaids were getting ready in one of the rooms upstairs, the run is buzzing with action as all the girls are in the final stages of preparation. This is one of those type of images that you wait for and hope to come together.
Photographer: http://www.adamrileyphotography.com
York Place Studios – Week 17: April 20 – April 26, 2015
Story behind the image: The snow bride is one of our most popular photographs of 2015. Winning first place in the wedding category of this year’s International Rangefinder Photography Annual, it has been a firm favourite with couples and peers alike and one of our personal favourites too! The frame was taken at Broughton Hall outside a snow covered teepee – our Australian bride ran outside when it started snowing and we quickly followed. This frame captures the moment when she lifted her hands up in pure excitement to touch the snow – after living in Australia for so long it was her dream to have snow on her wedding day!
Photographer: http://www.yorkplacestudios.co.uk
Kristian Leven Photography – Week 18: April 27 – May 3, 2015
Story behind the image: If you were to ask me one of the things I love about photography, it’s expecting the unexpected, and having been a photographer at well over 100 weddings this was certainly unexpected! I absolutely love everything about this picture – from Lucy’s expression to the fact that her veil managed to ‘attack’ the guy she’s just married! Definitely one of my all-time favourites.
Photographer: http://kristianlevenphotography.co.uk
Stylish Wedding Photography – Week 19: May 4 – May 10, 2015
Story behind the image: Emotional groom sheds a tear and is comforted by his dad (who was also his best man for the day) as his smiling bride approaches with her father. Shot at Old Thorns in the Hampshire Suite. Love this image as it has so much going on and is full of emotion. When I was editing it, I also realised it had the page boy, bottom right in the picture too, who was their favourite nephew. Add to that a bride, both fathers and quite a few guests – it’s a great shot.
Photographer: http://www.stylishweddingphotography.com
Martin Makowski Photography – Week 11: May 11 – May 17, 2015
Story behind the image: Father and the bride shared the very special moment just before the ceremony. The image shows strong connection between them. It happened in a perfect spot. There was no natural light source in the room other than a small window to the left. I took this shot at Chequers Inn, a Nottinghamshire wedding venue near the Belvoir Castle.
Photographer: http://www.makowskiphotography.co.uk
Stylish Wedding Photography – Week 11: May 18 – May 24, 2015
Story behind the image: The Grooms Speech. Another very emotional moment from this wedding. It really was a lovely wedding to shoot. Shot in the Hampshire Suite at Old Thorns Manor Hotel in Hampshire. I love the image firstly because of the light – that’s really what makes the bride stand out, perfect window light on her face surrounded by a darker background. Her face is totally in the moment, fully animated with a huge smile. The little extras of her touching her wedding ring and the fathers hand on her shoulder are just icing on the cake.
Photographer: http://www.stylishweddingphotography.com
Stephen Bunn Photography – Week 11: May 25 – May 31, 2015
Story behind the image: This is a little detail shot from Kim and Alex’s wedding back in March 2015, this was taken at Ramster Hall in Chiddingfold, Surrey. The image is a documentary style photograph in that nothing was moved or interrupted just pure observation. I had noticed that Alex was chatting to a few friends whilst sub consciously adjusting to the freshly placed wedding band around his finger, I shot a couple of frames and prefer this image as the ring was obstructed in the previous frame. Simple subtle details really add punch to a complete story when documenting a wedding day.
Photographer: http://www.stephenbunnphotography.com
Kristian Leven Photography – Week 23: June 1 – June 7, 2015
Story behind the image: Last year was the first time shooting at the Turner Contemporary in Margate, and one of the things I loved was the interior decor – all white walls and clean lines – making it perfect for minimalistic photography. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when I saw the above scene in front of me! One of my favourites from any year.
Photographer: http://kristianlevenphotography.co.uk
Kristian Leven Photography – Week 26: June 22 – June 28, 2015
Story behind the image: I haven’t photographed many Indian weddings – in fact, this was only my second in 5 years – but something which I found so moving was all the outpouring of emotion on the day. This moment came near the end of the ceremony, as Jesal thanked her mother for her wedding gift, whilst being surrounded by her newly anointed husband, and father and grandmother.
Photographer: http://kristianlevenphotography.co.uk
Ian Bursill – Week 27: June 29 – July 5, 2015
Why do I like this image? The beautiful light, the vibrant colour, the beautiful bride and her calm look while her make-up artist puts the finishing touches to the costume. She’s in her own little bubble, while chaos is going on all around her in the room. It doesn’t look like it, but it’s a totally unposed shot, as all of mine are.
Photographer: http://bursill.com
Richard Skins Photography – Week 28: July 6 – July 12, 2015
Story behind the image: Kim & Dave – Seymours Court Farm in Beckington, Somerset. Quite a lot of the marquees I photograph are all white which is fine, I noticed that part of the stage marquee was jet black and had tested some images out on guest an hour before the dance between Kim and her father. It was a special moment which is really helped by the contrast and framing of the marque to the two of them dancing.
Photographer: http://www.richardskinsphotography.co.uk
Martin Makowski Photography – Week 30: July 20 – July 26, 2015
Story behind the image: I love storytelling images. It is one of my favourite shots I have taken last season. I framed this moment during the signing of the register. Lucy and Stef’s wedding was full of emotions, joy, happiness. They got married at St. John’s Church in Perlethorpe with reception at Thoresby Riding Hall.
Photographer: http://www.makowskiphotography.co.uk
David Yoriana – Week 31: July 27 – August 2, 2015
Story behind the image: This image was taken at Espacio Gastronómico del Chef Guillermo Rodríguez, in the comune of Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile. That was the first time I registered a surprise wedding… Yes, you read it correctly… That was a surprise wedding! All the guests that were invited thought they have been invited to the bride’s birthday. The bride and the groom planned their wedding secretly because they did not want their wedding to be a conventional one so the day of the wedding was the day of the bride’s birthday. They invited their close friends and family to a birthday party to give them a big surprise. Espacio Gastronómico is a very warm place with beautiful rooms and a very nice illumination. The image of the bride is a résumé of that magical moment full of happiness.
Photographer: http://howphotography.co.uk
How Photography – Week 32: August 3 – August 9, 2015
Story behind the image: After a very emotional reception to the couples wedding Haka I was hoping for moment like this and nearly fell over myself in the rush to capture it when it happened. It was a powerful moment and the atmosphere was truly electric.
Photographer: http://howphotography.co.uk
Scott-Wood Photography – Week 33: August 10 – August 16, 2015
Story behind the image: This was taken at a winter wedding where the grandmother was inspecting the bride’s handiwork (a cake maker) and I love it for the concentration on the grandmother’s face.
Photographer: http://scott-wood.uk
Martin Makowski Photography – Week 34: August 17 – August 23, 2015
Story behind the image: This image is from Rich and Emily’s marquee wedding at The Old Hall in Groby, Leicestershire. I love this picture and its quirkiness. Lighting conditions were perfect for a silhouette and I just had to wait for a right moment to unfold.
Photographer: http://www.makowskiphotography.co.uk
Karolina Kotkiewicz Photography – Week 35: August 24 – August 30, 2015
Story behind the image: One of the perks of getting married in Apex Hotel on Waterloo Place is the light in the ceremony room. It’s an amazing addition to all the emotions during the ceremony. Here’s bride’s brother giving the so emotional speech during the service.
Photographer: http://www.kkotkiewicz.co.uk
York Place Studios – Week 36: August 31 – September 6, 2015
Story behind the image: We at York Place Studios love a crazy dance floor and this wedding had a particularly bonkers one! The wedding took place at Dukes Place Courtyard in Harrogate on a summers day in one of our favourite wedding settings – a teepee! We are always searching the dance floor for those perfect layered moments so when one of the guys started taking a photo whilst simultaneously two girls threw their heads back in perfect symmetry we knew we had a cracking shot! To see the full post follow the link below.
Photographer: http://www.yorkplacestudios.co.uk
Ian Bursill – Week 37: September 7 – September 13, 2015
Story behind the image: I’d just finished documenting the boys arriving and fixing button holes. Went back up to the bride’s room to record the dress being out on and got greeted by her sister and niece in the midst of a nappy change. I love the layering in this shot, three layers with individual stories in each.
Photographer: http://bursill.com
Richard Skins Photography – Week 38: September 14 – September 20, 2015
Story behind the image: Tiffany & Chris – Old Greens Barn – Surrey. I knew Tiffany’s dad would come in from the far door so I positioned myself just behind the bride. You never know what type of reaction you will get from fathers but sometimes they are awesome. He was truly over the moon and it made for some really emotional photographs.
Photographer: http://www.richardskinsphotography.co.uk
Martin Makowski Photography – Week 39: September 21 – September 27, 2015
Story behind the image: Robbie and Helen’s wedding took place at Holy Cross Church in Epperstone with reception at Hodsock Priory near Worksop, Nottinghamshire. Dad and the bride special moment was captured just before they entered for the ceremony. No need for words here, the way they look at each other says everything about their strong bond.
Photographer: http://www.makowskiphotography.co.uk
Kristian Leven Photography – Week 40: September 28 – October 4, 2015
Story behind the image: Now this shot has been done before. MANY times before. But what I love about this one is the light and the expressions of the Bride, Father of the Bride, and Maid of Honour, which seem to give a clear idea on what they’re currently thinking before making the walk into the ceremony room at Hatfield House
Photographer: http://kristianlevenphotography.co.uk
Karolina Kotkiewicz Photography – Week 41: October 5 – October 11, 2015
Story behind the image: Who said the bride has to be nervous before the ceremony? Lovely Malinda with her father driving to Arta in Glasgow can tell you that it’s not true. Such joyful moment 🙂
Photographer: http://www.kkotkiewicz.co.uk
Kristian Leven Photography – Week 43: October 19 – October 25, 2015
Story behind the image: Jordana, on her way to her First Look.
Photographer: http://kristianlevenphotography.co.uk
Martin Makowski Photography – Week 46: November 9 – November 15, 2015
Story behind the image: This lad was playing some imaginary game on his own. I didn’t want anything or anyone within the picture, just him and his world. Framing wasn’t easy. I had to position myself quite low to eliminate all unwanted elements from the photo. It was taken during outdoor speeches at Dan and Kelly-Anne’s wedding. They got married at Newstead Abbey near Nottingham.
Photographer: http://www.makowskiphotography.co.uk
Stylish Wedding Photography – Week 47: November 16 – November 22, 2015
Story behind the image: Back shot of Bride standing in Window. Another wedding shot in one of the bridal suites at Old Thorns Manor Hotel, Hampshire. The bride had just put on her dress and went over to the window to check her makeup in the small mirror. There was no posing involved as always, as a documentary wedding photographer my job is simply to observe what happens and when something fabulous happens, I try and get a great image from it. She was totally unaware that I was shooting this picture. Funnily for a photographer, the spotlight above her which give off a horrible light during preps actually worked in my favour for this image, giving a great light on the details of the dress.
Photographer: http://www.stylishweddingphotography.com
Stephen Bunn Photography – Week 48: November 23 – November 29, 2015
Story behind the image: Wenshuo & Laurence during their portrait session at Leeds Castle in Kent. Although I am mostly a documentary wedding photographer, I do take the couples away for a few portraits on their wedding day. I am always drawn to the moments in between portraits, a touch, motion, suggestion, or maybe a gentle breeze through the bride’s hair can all add a touch of life to a photograph.
Photographer: http://www.stephenbunnphotography.com
Adrian Thomas Photography – Week 49: November 30 – December 6, 2015
Story behind the image: This image was captured during the bridal preparations for Lisa & Richard’s wedding at the Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel in Bridgend, South Wales. I’m always looking for an alternative perspective for my images and having read where the light was falling I saw an opportunity and grabbed it by balancing behind and above Lisa on a wobbly chair. I love covering the bridal preparations and this image is very memorable to me as it reflects how calm Lisa was at the time. Shortly before the giggles, the tears and champagne started to flow.
Photographer: https://adrianthomas.co.uk
Stylish Wedding Photography – Week 50: December 7 – December 13, 2015
Story behind the image: Bride and Groom walking down the aisle while the guests throw confetti on them. Shot at Rhinefield House Hotel. This was a small intimate family wedding, shot outdoors at Rhinefield on a glorious late summer day. I love the fact that it shows the lovely Doric Temple where they’ve just got married, lots of happy faces of the guests, lovely backlight, showing what a sunny day it was. It’s a great shot to sum up the wedding day in one image.
Photographer: http://www.stylishweddingphotography.com
Kristian Leven Photography – Week 51: December 14 – December 20, 2015
Story behind the image: Flowergirls
Photographer: http://kristianlevenphotography.co.uk
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Amazing collection of photographs! Congratulations!
Great photos, Congratulations to everyone !!!
Some great photos, I really like them all. Well done everyone x