My top 10 wedding portraits
When it comes to stunning landscapes, North Wales will always have my heart. My family is from Wales so we visit regularly and being surrounded by breathtaking mountains and lakes, it’s no wonder that kind of scenery makes my heart sing. But living and working in Colchester and Ipswich – the flattest part of the country, with barely a hill in sight – I firmly believe you don’t need dramatic backdrops to create beautiful wedding portraits. After all, it’s about you, the couple, not the location, right?
As I looked back and chose my top 10 wedding portraits, a few things stood out: natural moments, your unique personality, and the genuine connection between you both. These are the elements that truly make an eye-catching portrait for me. Sure, a stunning location can help, but it’s the emotion, laughter, and love that make a moment unforgettable. I’ve included a little snippet alongside each photo, highlighting why it’s one of my favourite portraits. I hope you enjoy this collection as much as I enjoyed capturing them! In no particular order…
Playful
There are so many elements that go into creating a great photo – the lighting, the composition, and getting all the camera settings just right. But sometimes, it’s simply about capturing a fun moment shared together. This shot of the bride and groom on the rope swing at Houchins is a perfect example. The light is beautiful, but what truly makes this photo special is the genuine connection between them. It’s playful, joyful, and a reminder that the best portraits aren’t just about the setting – they’re about the love and laughter shared in the moment.
Meaningful
This black and white portrait is a favourite of mine, not just because of the resulting aesthetic but because of the personal story behind it. It’s the perfect nod to their shared love of reading. Their venue had this charming little library nook, and rather than just taking a standard photo of them standing in the room, I framed it so they looked completely surrounded by books. The soft lamp light falls beautifully on their faces as they smile sweetly at each other, capturing a moment that’s both intimate and meaningful. It’s a perfect example of how a portrait can reflect a couple’s personality while making creative use of the space.
Natural
Sometimes simplicity is the key to a stunning portrait. This photo of the bride and groom walking through a tall wooded area is beautifully natural – no gimmicks, no cheesy poses, just the two of them sharing a moment together. I love using trees and greenery as a backdrop because it helps it feel natural and timeless. The way they look at each other while walking creates such a genuine connection. It’s proof that a portrait doesn’t need anything fancy to be powerful – just a few trees and a beautiful couple being themselves.
In the moment
This portrait is the perfect example of setting the scene and then letting the magic happen. After the wedding breakfast we stepped outside for some portraits where they donned their sunglasses for a more casual, laid-back look. I guide them on where to stand for the best light and background, but after that, it’s all about letting them be themselves and being ready to capture real moments. A top wedding portrait for me is a genuinely happy couple together, in good light.
Classic
Sometimes, a classic, formal portrait is just what’s needed on a wedding day. This full-length portrait captures the bride and groom standing together, looking directly at the camera with an air of elegance. Framed beautifully by the tree in the background and showcasing the bride’s stunning, alternative dress, there’s a timeless grandeur to these images. While my style is typically more relaxed and candid, I love including a few of these stately shots – they feel iconic and are perfect for those mantelpiece shots.
Unique
This portrait is truly one of a kind. On the way to their wedding reception, we made a stop at the couple's home for portraits since it was already dark outside – one of the challenges of a winter wedding. Instead of a traditional setting, they stood chatting with each other, cup of tea in hand, capturing a beautifully candid moment that’s as cozy as it is unique. It’s not every day you see a wedding portrait like this, but for these home birds, it’s the perfect reflection of who they are. I love that it’s so wonderfully personal.
Personality
I love working with fun-loving couples who don’t take themselves too seriously. ‘When I say ‘pose’, you do a pose’ – it’s always a delight to see how people interpret it! This couple absolutely nailed it. With no conferring beforehand and just a split second to decide what to do, they delivered a moment that’s full of personality and energy. It’s spontaneous, it’s playful, and it’s an absolute beaut of a picture.
Creative
I love the creative composition of this portrait; the window perfectly frames the couple, drawing your attention right to them. What really makes this photo special, though, is the way the groom is looking at his bride – completely captivated, unable to take his eyes off her, while she looks beautifully at the camera. It’s a simple yet powerful moment that captures their love so naturally.
Unscripted
This portrait of the bride and groom holding hands as they walk up a tree-lined path is pure magic. With the groom casually carrying the bouquet over his shoulder so the bride can lift her dress, it’s an absolutely authentic moment that couldn’t have been planned. Framed by majestic trees and bathed in beautiful light, this image touches me in a way that words can’t fully capture. Sometimes, a photo just feels right, and this is one of those times.
Romantic
This close-up portrait of the bride and groom touching foreheads with their eyes closed beautifully captures a quiet, romantic moment. Although it’s a more intentionally posed shot than my usual natural style, it perfectly reflects their gentle personalities and the sweet connection they share. Sometimes a little guidance in posing leads to the most tender, heartfelt images.
Written by Eleth Mageehan, (c) 2025, all rights reserved.
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