Favourites from 2009

It’s hard to believe we’re almost two weeks in to the second month of the new year already! It’s around this time of the year where I look back at my work from the past twelve months and look again with fresh eyes at the weddings I’ve covered. So I thought you might find it of interest to know which photographs are my personal favourites from the whole year. I figure it might give you an insight into my approach.

The first image is from Miranda and Arthur’s wedding in Dublin back in June. The photograph was taken with a long lens to isolate the moment. I could see Arthur whispering into Miranda’s ear during a quiet period in the ceremony. A wide lens aperture blurs out the background so that all you see are Miranda’s smiling eyes. This image to me just sings! It just sings of the romance of their moment and the beautiful dynamic in their relationship. It’s a beautifully intimate portrait and I’m proud to say it could just be my favourite of the year!

The second photograph above was taken in September at Gemma and Scott’s wedding in Belfast – and for me this image is another pure storytelling moment. Gemma’s parents had been married in the very same church over thirty years ago. As Gemma and her Dad pulled up outside the church, the car door opened and before stepping out, Dad just planted a little kiss on her cheek. Again, it’s a really heartfelt moment from real life captured in the photograph – without any staging or directing from me. The reflection of the bridesmaids and the little flowergirl waiting in the background adds another dimension to the image.

Aside from photographing such lovely fleeting moments, one of the best things I see (where possible) is the couple’s reaction to when they first see their album. I love just sitting back and watching them thumb through the book with big beaming smiles. More than anything, that’s the reason I do what I do. Last week, Gemma received her album over in York in England and she sent me this lovely message:

“Hi Dylan,
Thank you sooooooooooooooooooooo much for the beautiful album we are both so pleased with it, I couldn’t put it down last night, every time I looked at it I saw something different in the photos! Again thank you for all your help it has been a pleasure working with you, you made the whole process so easy and enjoyable.
Take care.
Kind regards
Gemma and Scott”

I’m really proud to get great feedback like that and I have to say I can’t wait for my new wedding season to begin next month.