Documentary wedding photographer, London UK & International

Real people, at real weddings, having a really good time

In this gallery you’ll find a combination of unposed photos and portraiture, on both film and digital.

These images are all from real weddings, showcasing the diversity of the kinds of weddings I photograph, including intimate elopements, festival style weddings, town hall celebrations and drag queen officiated ceremonies. If you are at the planning stage, I hope these photos give you some ideas for what’s possible when you plan your day around what matters most to you.

“There was once, and there was only once; once was all there was.”
― Ali Smith

Soft monochrome image of two brides in white outfits running through a meadow
Monochrome image of two grooms walking through a confetti line, Berkshire
Bride in sequinned white dress standing bathed in warm golden sunlight
Black and white film image with light leak of guests enjoying canapes, Hampshire
Black and white image of man in oversized white bow and kippah signing marriage registry
Two people running through a field, they are wearing wedding attire and the image is softly blurred and has blueish tones
Black and white image of wedding ceremony set up with a long aisle and chairs outdoors in the Cotswolds
Two men stand gazing at each other in a vineyard in France, they wear modern stylish wedding attire
Two people embrace, one is leaning into the other, the image is in black and white and they are wearing suits
Two grooms are silhouetted against a big open sky above a vineyard, there is a crescent moon in the sky
Two people walk into the sun, one wears sequins and the other a custom made train that trails behind him, they are bathed in orange light
A group of people gathered in a garden, the image is in black and white, they look relaxed, one girl is wearing a flowing bridesmaid dress, a man looks directly at the camera
A couple stand with their backs to the camera looking at The Plaza, the couple are out of focus and the neon lights of the building are in focus, the bride is wearing a white cape
Two pairs of feet against bright green grass, one is wearing green shoes and the other is barefoot
A bride with a shaved head stares into the camera, she wears a modern sleeveless dress which shows off her tattooed arms and shoulders
Black and white photo of two grooms in tuxedos spraying a bottle of champagne
Three people dancing, there are light leaks across the photo
A bride and groom embrace in the sun. The image is black and white. He kisses her forehead.
A bride and groom in traditional Indian wedding wear, she is reading from a phone and he is wiping a tear from his eye
A softly blurred black and white of two people walking away from the camera, one wears sequins and the other a long white train
A film photograph showing a wedding table with guests chatting to one another, the image has cool blue tones
A bride is laughing with some of her guests, she holds a large bouquet in a modern style, a dog is looking up at her and a groom stands by her side to the right of the image
Guests are throwing confetti, a man is looking directly into the camera, the image tones are very warm
Two grooms embrace, one is stood in front of the other and looks happy, he is wearing glasses and the other leans into his neck, smiling
A black and white image of a table set up for a wedding in France, the light is casting harsh shadows indicating that it was a very sunny day
A bride is hugging her Grandmother, a groom to the right of the image is smiling at her, a parent looks on, also smiling
A bride has her back to the camera, she wears a long white veil and is carrying a large bouquet, she is walking towards a red London bus where some guests are waiting for her
A black and white film image of a bride and groom walking away from the camera, there is a greenhouse in the background. The bride wears a vintage dress and has curled hair piled into an elegant style
A black and white image of a bride and groom, they both look into the camera, the bride stood just behind the groom looking shyly. He wears a bow tie and she wears a veil. There is a statue and a fig tree behind them.
Two brides are running into the sunlight, they are bathed in very warm orange light and both are wearing loose, fairy-style dresses
A vintage style wedding cake with four tiers below a bold arrangement of flowers, the photo has been taken with direct flash and shot on black and white film
A black and white image of a tray of oysters on ice
Two wedding guests look at each other beside a tipi at a wedding in Devon, the girl on the right wears a floral top and is smiling, the man on the right holds a cigarette in his mouth and an open shirt
Black and white photo of a child holding a bouquet of flowers, surrounded by adults.
Wedding guests are laughing as they listen to speeches at a wedding in London, there are two women central to the image, one is screaming with laughter and the other beaming at her
Black and white photo of a restaurant with a group of people dining, lit by a large window. Shelves with photos and vases of flowers are visible. Wooden furniture and dim lighting create a cozy atmosphere.

Does documentary wedding photography feel like the right approach for your celebration?

If you hope to feel free to immerse yourselves in your wedding with the people that you love, and want a truthful, thoughtful record of day then yes.

My approach is focused on your experience of the day as it unfolds. I believe in letting go of limiting restraints and preconceptions of what a wedding and its documentation should look like.

I take on a limited number of weddings per year so that I can give my full attention to each of my couples, and work closely with them to understand what matters most to them.

Thank you so much for taking the time to look through my work, it really means the world.

“Jess captured the essence of the moment. Her keen eye for detail and her artistic vision ensured that each photograph she took was not just a picture but a story in itself. She has the ability to make everyone feel at ease, which resulted in natural, candid shots that perfectly reflected the joy and emotion of each special moment” — Grant & Jonny

What is documentary wedding photography?

Documentary wedding photography is an approach that concentrates on letting things happen and letting things be.

As a documentary style wedding photographer, my approach is often described as unscripted and relaxed. I don’t tend to direct the action, and instead focus on capturing what unfolds.

A common misconception about documentary wedding photography is that it can be purely observational and objective, offering a faithful representation of reality. In this understanding, the camera is "not there" and everything happens organically.

In truth, the camera is a presence and the photograph is an interpretation of reality. 

What I can promise as a documentary wedding photographer, is to never impose expectations on you or try to control or shape what is happening. I won’t tell you how things should be captured, or ask you to prioritise anything other than being there with the people you’ve gathered to celebrate with. By getting to know you (as a couple and individually) I will aim to capture what unfolds as you experienced it.

I will encourage you to be present and uninhibited in your enjoyment of the day. 

Decorative poem print with floral and cat illustrations, featuring lyrics and "unwritten" text.