Documentary wedding photography

I’m sure that if you asked any documentary wedding photographer what superpower they would most like to possess the answer would be ‘invisibility’. But in lieu of that fantasy, they might say ‘simply to blend in while still being close to the action’. For my part, I take it as an unintended compliment if I’m ignored for most of a wedding day. I see it as a sign that I’m accepted and trusted – and that’s a pre-requisite for any documentary wedding photographer.

It also really helps if you’re photographing a couple who are both laid back and know your work well enough to understand what it takes to capture natural, interesting and humorous pictures. Rhiannon and Bob, and her parents, were so welcoming and relaxed when we met up at the family home in East Sussex before the big day that I knew it was going to be a fun wedding to photograph.

East Sussex wedding photography

Their All Saints’ church wedding in the sleepy village of Waldron had a really timeless feel to it. Parts of the church date back to 12th century; the Star Inn over the road has been serving drinks for 450 years, and the vintage green and cream bus that drove guests the two miles back to the reception at the family home wouldn’t have looked out of place in an episode of ‘Dad’s Army’. And then there was the old Rolls Royce gliding sedately down the sunlit country lanes…

There is also something wonderful and rare about being able to celebrate a wedding at home, especially when you have a field to put up a properly huge marquee and lots of space left over for the kids to play hide and seek. And as for the grown ups…well…I have to say that I’ve rarely witnessed such ambitious dance moves. Especially the 40-something dads, as you’ll see in the pictures below!

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

Are you getting married in Sussex, Surrey, Kent or Hampshire? Check out this guide to my favourite wedding venues.