Manchester Wedding Photographer
Real Photos – Real Weddings – Real People
Your wedding day is full of real, precious moments as you start the new chapter of your love story. I’m there to capture those real moments which will be cherished forever.
Relaxed and calm on what is often a busy day, I’m happily snapping away the day in an unobtrusive, seamless manner so you can enjoy every bit of your fabulous wedding day while I do what I do best – wedding photography that brings the smiles for years to come!
I spend time to learning about your day, what your own ideas are, the venue and then I get to work, documenting those charming details that collectively tell the story of your day in the way that best represents you as a couple. I’m easy going and have nothing but your best interests in mind which helps you relax if you are camera shy. So I’m happy to answer all your questions about your wedding photography to help you feel at ease about your big day.
As a wedding photographer in Manchester, I cover weddings in the North West, including Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, The Ribble Valley, the Lake DistrictLiverpool and beyond. Comfortable in any setting, at big weddings to more intimate ones, indoors and outdoors, I approach every wedding with the same professionalism and fun, relaxed manner.
I believe that everyone deserves beautiful wedding photography and am happy to hear from you, however you identify.
“Michael was wonderful, amazingly professional, warm and an absolute rock of calm on our big day and as a queer couple we felt totally supported throughout. We’re delighted with the photos Michael took which perfectly captured the vibes and happiness of us, our friends and family on the day.”
Mark and Tim
Take a look at my wedding photography portfolio to see some of the amazing weddings I’ve been honoured to capture, and get in touch today for a chat about your special day and how I can make sure it is something to treasure forever.
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Documentary Wedding Photographer Style
There are now countless photographers around Manchester who claim to be a documentary wedding photographer. I prefer to call myself a relaxed wedding photographer. My relaxed approach lets couples enjoy their day and allows me to capture lovely of them, their guests and loved ones.
Most of the photography is candid to catch all the moments, but there are still creative portraits when the happy couple wants them. This is all done with minimal posing.
KIND WORDS
“From the moment Michael arrived he made myself and all my bridal party feel at ease. He was friendly and funny, and captured many natural laughs and smiles from all my guests. I have since spoken to many of my guests and they have commented on how great the photographer was. I can’t recommend him enough. Lovely man. Thank you Michael for being part of our special day. Amazing”
Lindsay and carl
What To Expect On Your Wedding Day
Wedding Prep
On the day, I like to start while you are getting ready and take the time to settle into your wedding day. More time is usually spent with the bride in the morning but often I capture the grooms getting ready too. At this point in the day I act more as a documentary wedding photographer and don’t like to pose anything.
The joke is that it’s the bride’s day, but I think it is important to acknowledge that the day is special to the groom as well. A lot of choice can go into getting the right suit and there are often quite touching moments between the groom and his best man.
From there, I like to get wedding photos of the venue and ceremony room along with your guests arriving.
“Michael photographed our wedding on 23/12/23 and was amazing from start to finish! He was instantly warm and friendly towards everyone and made our guests feel at ease. He went above and beyond our expectations and managed to capture some incredible photos that we will treasure forever, despite the pouring rain!”
Chloe and Nick
Manchester Wedding Photography
During the ceremony, I try to be as unobtrusive as possible. I keep my camera on silent and keep out of the way. I’m here as a professional, and that’s how I work. Photographing weddings is never about the photographer.
Formal Photographs
After the ceremony, there is all the usual “fun” of corralling everyone for the group photographs. This is often like herding the proverbial cats, but I get it done with minimum fuss.
I then whisk away the couple for some couple portraits for 20 minutes before getting them back to their wedding party. This is the perfect way to get some shots, but I know I’ll be capturing the inspired portraits later.
Mingling
There is usually time for some mingling before the wedding breakfast. I use this time to get photos of people’s interactions. All the little bits you may miss while having to chat with everyone you have invited.
“Michael is an absolute genius, he had to be working with us, we had a Peaky Blinders wedding which he embraced fully, he is a total professional he listened to what we wanted and boy he deliver , his patience and imagination has left us with stunning photographs and life long memories. MT Legend.”
Paul Parker
The Wedding Breakfast
Expect this to take around 2 hours at least. The speeches usually take place before or after the meal. It doesn’t really matter to me which, as long as I know when they will happen.
This time is important for us to check over our cameras, back work up and have a break. Food is also necessary whether you have been amazing and provided a meal, or if it’s just sandwiches. Take a look at my blog about Feeding Your Photographer.
Couple Portraits
Depending on the time of year, after your wedding breakfast can be the perfect time for your portraits. These can be on the grounds of venues or nearby. Mostly for these, I use natural light with some off-camera flash as well. It’s a time to really let my creative style flow.
Evening Reception
The portraits usually take us up to the time when your evening reception will start. With more friends joining you and the DJ or band starting up. This is another time for me to get wedding photographs of happiness and laughter. Images of your loved ones having so much fun and in the moment.
Cake Cutting and First Dance
Around 8.30 pm, most couples want to get the final formalities out of the way. Often, this is the cutting of the cake followed by the first dance. My approach to this is the same as every other part of the day. You enjoy being in the moment, I’ll take the photos.
There may be people out there who want photography of them holding a knife while grinning at the camera. But these aren’t my couples. My couples want natural photographs so they cut the cake and then dance!
The Afterparty
After the first dance, I like to hang around for a while and capture the festivities. It’s nice for you to see what happened on the dance floor after you did your bit. The energy is usually high at this point and inhibitions are low. I can create fantastic dance pictures for you to look back on (or bribe your wedding party with).
Do We Get Any Pictures On The Day?
You may do, I like to send a few over while you are having your meal if I have time.
“We absolutely loved having Michael as our photographer, he is a very talented young man and a perfect gent . He was so relaxed and guided us throughout our wedding and we are delighted with our pictures he captured our day with all our friends and family perfectly everyone looks so happy and the pictures are so beautiful. Michael you are the Man !!!”
Michelle and Matt
“An absolutely amazingly talented artist who captured so many memories and moments from our special day.
Unbelievable attention to detail, a great listener and always trying to get the best for us on one of the happiest days of our lives.
Thanks to Michael we have so many memories, captured so beautifully, to look back on.
We barely noticed he was there but knew he was always right by our side for anything we needed.
Would not think twice to recommend!!!”
Cheryl and Stephen
