Journal · Stories · Guides
Complete real weddings, pre-wedding stories and practical planning guides from the UK, France, Italy and destinations across Europe.
The journal
Newest first, by original publication date.
Wedding Photography
Haley and Daniel's Italian Riviera elopement at Cappella della Madonnina della Punta in Bonassola, with cinematic seaside wedding portraits and sunset in Portofino.
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Saint-Martin-du-Tertre, near Paris, France
A Persian garden ceremony, golden-hour portraits and an evening celebration at a château near Paris.
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Dolomites · Italy
Plan photography in the Dolomites with guidance on Lago di Braies, Seceda, Tre Cime, seasons, light, access, travel and realistic mountain routes.
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Portofino · Italian Riviera
Compare 10 luxury wedding venues in Portofino and the Italian Riviera, with honest advice on costs, views, privacy, access, guest flow and photography.
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Lille · Northern France
Sophia and Marthen’s Château de Prémesques wedding near Lille, photographed from Vieux-Lille and the church ceremony through the château celebration.
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Hallstatt · Austria
Jocelyn and Jonathan’s real winter Hallstatt pre-wedding: dawn waterfront, white bridal gown, casual market photographs, red gown, swans and night lights.
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Paris · France
Plan a Paris pre-wedding photoshoot: locations, light, crowds, outfits, transport and session length, with links to real Paris galleries.
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Portofino · Villa Durazzo
Andrej and Irina’s intimate Villa Durazzo wedding in Santa Margherita Ligure, with Hotel Splendido preparations and portraits along the Italian Riviera.
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Venice · Post-wedding
Sophie and Benjamin’s sunrise post-wedding photographs in Venice the day after their Palazzo Pisani Moretta wedding.
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Venice · Palazzo Pisani Moretta
As a wedding photographer in Italy I can promise you that there are few places on Earth where romance feels as real as it does in Venice. The way the light…
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London · UK
A practical London pre-wedding outfit guide covering seasons, formal and relaxed looks, fabrics, shoes, hair, makeup, packing and real examples.
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South of France
A real two-day Royal Mougins wedding in the South of France, photographed from the welcome dinner and olive-garden ceremony to portraits, poolside dinner and party.
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London · UK
Plan a London pre-wedding route with practical advice on Big Ben, St Paul’s, Tower Bridge, Notting Hill, parks, timing, crowds and outfit changes.
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London · UK
Plan a London pre-wedding photoshoot with practical advice on seasons, sunrise and sunset, locations, routes, permits, outfits and overseas planning.
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London · UK
Xi and Yang’s elegant summer pre-wedding at The Ritz London, with grand interiors, bold dresses and a softer finish in St James’s Park.
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London · UK
Shree and John’s autumn London pre-wedding through the Thames, Regent’s Park, Chelsea, Albert Bridge, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s.
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London · UK
Oey and Day’s spring London pre-wedding, from Primrose Hill sunrise and blossom to Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Hyde Park and Notting Hill.
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Paris · France
A complete Shangri-La Paris wedding story, from hotel preparations and ceremony moments to portraits and evening celebration.
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Paris · France
A luxury Paris wedding story at Four Seasons Hotel George V, photographed with a documentary approach and refined portraits.
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Three spring wedding days at Château Challain: village church, blossom gardens, forest portraits, gazebo ceremony and Grand Salon dinner.
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Switzerland · Alps
Adeline and Glen’s real Swiss Alps pre-wedding across Grindelwald First, Lake Brienz, Alpine villages and spring landscapes, photographed over two days.
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London · UK
A real central London wedding at the Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall, photographed through its formal interiors, portraits and reception.
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London · UK
An intimate Westminster elopement based at Corinthia Hotel, with London Eye, river and Tower Bridge wedding portraits.
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London · UK
Stephanie and Greg’s London wedding, from St Pancras Renaissance Hotel preparations to a skyline celebration at The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe.
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London · UK
Flora and Max’s intimate Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding, beginning at The Ritz with portraits in Hyde Park and the streets of Chelsea.
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London · UK
Fiona and Ben’s Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park wedding, with pink styling, hotel interiors and spring portraits around Hyde Park.
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Loire Valley · France
Domaine de la Tortinière wedding photography in the Loire Valley: a real September château wedding with forest portraits, garden ceremony and carriage ride.
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Paris · France
A real half-day Paris pre-wedding photoshoot covering Saint-Sulpice, Pont Alexandre III, Bir-Hakeim, a Paris café, Trocadéro and the Louvre at night.
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Catalonia · Spain
Sara and Kieran's Mediterranean wedding at Hotel Sant Pere del Bosc, with a terrace ceremony, sunset portraits and dancing.
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Real wedding
A French countryside wedding at Château d’Esclimont, photographed through the estate, ceremony, portraits and reception.
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Rome · Villa Miani
As a Rome wedding photographer , I have the privilege of documenting love stories across Europe, but few venues leave as lasting an impression as Villa Mia…
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Herefordshire · England
Amy and Derek's Eastnor Castle wedding, with red-room portraits, a champagne tower, tango first dance and fireworks.
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Bordeaux · France
Ramon and Rebecca’s American destination wedding at Château de la Borderie in Benest, Charente, with a garden ceremony, vineyards and La Hora Loca.
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Champagne · France
Rian and Sherif’s Wedding at Château de Mairy. View the complete wedding story, venue atmosphere and documentary photography by Janis Ratnieks.
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Elena and Andrew’s intimate winter wedding at Horsley Towers in Surrey, with original photography, venue context and practical timeline advice.
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Natalia and Sevan’s wedding from Kitts Cottage and English Martyrs Church to Wasing Park, with a full Berkshire wedding gallery and planning notes.
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St Andrews · Scotland
An intimate St Andrews wedding at the Burgh Chambers, university grounds, beach and Hotel du Vin.
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Lake Como elopement photographer for intimate villa ceremonies, Riva boat rides and lakeside portraits. See a real elopement and practical planning ideas.
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Loire Valley · France
Château du Grand-Lucé wedding photographer Janis Ratnieks. See Eric and Carol’s two-day Loire Valley wedding, Chinese tea ceremony, garden vows and fireworks.
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Paris · Wedding venue guide
A practical Musée Rodin wedding guide covering the gardens, Hôtel Biron, ceremony options, photography and planning in central Paris.
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South of France
Royal Riviera Hotel wedding photography in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, with a Monte-Carlo church ceremony, Riviera portraits and an evening reception.
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Paris · France
Xiaoyue and Zixuan’s real Paris pre-wedding photography story: Shangri-La Paris, elegant city portraits, movement and a polished but natural approach.
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Santorini · Greece
Santorini pre-wedding photographer Janis Ratnieks captures Lorne and Wing in Oia: caldera views, whitewashed streets, island light and a complete real story.
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London · UK
Asha and Peter’s multicultural Syon Park wedding in the Great Conservatory and gardens, photographed with documentary energy and refined portraits.
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Italian Riviera
Anna and Brian’s Portofino wedding, from preparations at Hotel Splendido and Imperiale Palace to a Villa Durazzo ceremony and evening celebration.
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Lake Como · Real wedding
Real Villa Erba wedding on Lake Como, photographed by Janis Ratnieks. See the celebration, venue atmosphere and practical planning ideas for Cernobbio.
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Portofino · Italian Riviera
Stephanie and Dan’s Castello Canevaro wedding in Zoagli, with a San Giorgio Church ceremony, Portofino portraits and a seaside Italian Riviera reception.
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Sicily · Salina
I had the incredible pleasure of photographing this unforgettable wedding on the stunning island of Salina, Sicily in Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia Hotel . O
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Loire Valley · France
A real Loire Valley wedding at Château du Lude, photographed across its historic interiors, gardens and evening celebration.
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Paris · France
Spring Pre-Wedding Photoshoot in Paris. Explore the complete pre-wedding gallery, Paris locations and practical planning notes by Janis Ratnieks.
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Switzerland · Alps
Iris and Mike’s real Geneva and Lausanne pre-wedding photoshoot around Lake Geneva, St Pierre Cathedral and Lavaux vineyards, with a full image story.
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Planning guide
Compare how photographers work, how they use light and how they edit. The right choice should suit both the photographs you love and the way you want your wedding to feel.
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Somerset · UK
Photography and timeline advice based on a wedding photographed at Babington House, with current venue facts and no stale price claim.
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Real wedding
Planning and photography guidance for a destination wedding at Château de Villette, from interiors and gardens to multi-day coverage.
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Photography gear
A field test of the Nikon Zf and Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S during real photographic work.
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London · UK
Compare leading London hotel wedding venues through real photography, with practical advice on light, guest flow, portraits, weather and planning.
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A real destination wedding in Cork: Caroline and John at Honan Chapel, University College Cork and Fota Island Resort, photographed by Janis Ratnieks.
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London · UK
Lauren and Imran’s intimate spring wedding at Fulham Palace, photographed through its historic rooms, blossom-filled gardens and joyful motorbike exit.
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Loire Valley · France
Claire and Alex’s Wedding at Château Challain. View the complete wedding story, venue atmosphere and documentary photography by Janis Ratnieks.
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Switzerland · Alps
A practical Switzerland pre-wedding photoshoot guide covering Zermatt, the Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva, Interlaken, Lucerne, seasons, transport, weather, outfits and timing.
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Photography gear
The original long-form guide to the cameras, lenses, lighting and working equipment used in wedding photography.
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Lake Como · Italy
Compare Lake Como wedding venues for 2026/2027, including Villa Erba, Balbianello, Balbiano and Pliniana, with guest counts, logistics, accommodation and costs.
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South of France
An elegant Persian ceremony and Riviera reception at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Photography by Janis Ratnieks in Saint-Jean-Cap-F.
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South of France
Real Château Diter wedding photography near Grasse in the South of France, with an outdoor ceremony, gardens, portraits, al fresco dinner and evening celebration.
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South of France
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat wedding photographer Janis Ratnieks. A real French Riviera wedding with a sea-view ceremony, gardens, portraits and Mediterranean light.
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Paris · France
A three-day Paris celebration combining Hôtel de Crillon, a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and an elegant Musée Rodin wedding.
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Dolomites · Italy
A real three-day Alpine pre-wedding: Hallstatt at golden hour and dawn, Seceda in the Dolomites, then an early Lago di Braies boat session.
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Photography gear
A working wedding photographer’s real-world Z8 review, including autofocus, handling and firmware updates.
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Kenneth and Fangs’ winter pre-wedding in the Dolomites, with snow in Val di Funes, Lago di Braies and an evening at Bolzano’s Christmas market.
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South of France
A vineyard ceremony and relaxed South of France celebration near Saint-Tropez, followed from preparations through the evening party.
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Paris · France
Tabitha and Nathan's real pre-wedding photoshoot inside Palais Garnier in Paris, with practical advice on light, access, outfits and planning an Opera session.
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London · UK
Colleen and Jonathan’s Corinthia Hotel London wedding, with a Thomas Guy Chapel ceremony and portraits around Westminster and the Thames.
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Santorini · Greece
Plan a Santorini pre-wedding shoot in Oia: sunrise vs sunset, crowds, walking, wind, outfits, route planning and session length, with real Santorini photographs.
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Leeds · UK
A British-Punjabi wedding at Woodlands Hotel with an outdoor ceremony, baraat, Jaggo and a packed reception.
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Positano · Amalfi Coast
When it comes to planning the perfect wedding in Positano , Italy, there are a lot of details to keep in mind. The date, the location, the dress, your gues
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Florence · Four Seasons
I had the incredible honor of photographing a stunning luxury wedding at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Florence, Italy—a city renowned for its rich
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South of France
A three-day Côte d’Azur wedding in Antibes with a family garden setting, Mediterranean atmosphere and a complete destination-weekend story.
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London · UK
A London wedding from Baglioni Hotel to The Orangery in Holland Park and a refined reception at Claridge’s in Mayfair.
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Venice · Pre-wedding
Lina and Raycent’s real pre-wedding story in Venice, photographed through the city with an editorial and documentary approach.
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Kerri and David’s Winchester wedding story, with home preparations, an outdoor celebration, village portraits and a full Hampshire wedding gallery.
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North Norfolk · UK
A colour-led Voewood House wedding, from Tess's green dress and garden games to the sparkler exit.
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Real wedding
A colourful outdoor destination wedding in France with stylish design, relaxed guest moments and an energetic celebration.
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Loire Valley · France
Winter Elopement at Château d’Artigny. Explore the complete pre-wedding gallery, Paris locations and practical planning notes by Janis Ratnieks.
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Mia and Jonathan’s real Jewish wedding in London, from preparations in North London to Bevis Marks Synagogue and a Trinity Buoy Wharf reception in Docklands.
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Herefordshire · UK
A two-day Hindu wedding at Lemore Manor, correctly located in Herefordshire.
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Tanu and Scott’s wedding at Lemore Manor in Herefordshire, with estate portraits, ceremony coverage and a complete real-wedding gallery.
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Real wedding
An Elegant Black-and-White Themed Wedding in France. View the complete wedding story, venue atmosphere and documentary photography by Janis Ratnieks.
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Simona and David’s autumn engagement photo shoot in Latvia, photographed in the countryside and by the Baltic Sea.
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Planning guide
Start with the place and the experience you want, then plan the ceremony, travel and photography around a day that feels like yours.
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London · UK
Helen and Arion’s London wedding at Town Hall Hotel, Asylum Chapel and MC Motors, photographed as a complete, energetic city story.
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Loire Valley · France
A real Château d’Artigny wedding in France with Chinese traditions, a garden ceremony, château portraits, candlelit dinner, fireworks and a tango first dance.
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France · Destination wedding
Photographer-curated guide to South of France wedding venues across the Riviera, Provence, Saint-Tropez and Nice, with prices and planning advice.
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Paris · Wedding venue guide
Planning and photography guidance for a wedding at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, including the estate, gardens, timing and guest experience.
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Charente · France
A Destination Wedding in Charente, France. View the complete wedding story, venue atmosphere and documentary photography by Janis Ratnieks.
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Carrie and Frank’s James Bond Casino Royale-themed wedding at Château de Challain, with a church ceremony, garden reception, live music, casino games, acrobatics and fireworks.
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Elopement photography in France for intimate ceremonies, château stays, city portraits and quiet destination celebrations.
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Real wedding
A fall wedding near Tours with seasonal colour, château atmosphere and a warm destination celebration. Photography by Janis Ratnieks in Tours · Loire Valley.
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London · UK
Jenny and Chris’s micro wedding at The Swan at Shakespeare’s Globe, with Millennium Bridge, South Bank and rainy London portraits.
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London · UK
A Christmas wedding from The Rookery and St Clement Danes to the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
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Photography gear
A photographer’s field test of the Mavic Mini, including still-image use and the later cold-weather flight update.
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Real wedding
A French Riviera wedding story shaped by the coast, warm evening light, elegant details and a lively destination celebration.
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Lake Como · Italy
Real Lake Como wedding at Villa Carlotta and Grand Hotel Tremezzo, with a Riva boat crossing, portraits and an intimate destination celebration.
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From the journal
Wedding fashion, flowers and portraits at Grand Palace Hotel in Riga, created with the team credited below.
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Charente · France
An American destination wedding in the French countryside, photographed across the château, gardens and evening reception.
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London · UK
Stephanie and Simon’s Greek Orthodox London wedding, from St Sophia’s Cathedral and Hyde Park portraits to an elegant reception at Rosewood London.
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A winter engagement photo shoot in Latvia, photographed in snow with practical guidance on timing, clothing and working in cold conditions.
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Photography gear
The earlier Nikon Z6 travel and real-world test — handling, autofocus, low light and Z-mount lenses.
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London · UK
Jacqui and Paul’s intimate Dorchester wedding in the Penthouse and Pavilion, with rooftop views and portraits around Mayfair.
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Florence · Villa Colazzi
A real Florence destination wedding beginning at Four Seasons Firenze before moving to Villa Colazzi in Tuscany.
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Rebecca and Jack’s real Jewish wedding at a family home in Hampshire, with the ketubah, garden celebration, hora and a complete documentary wedding gallery.
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Lake Garda · Villa Cordevigo
Jenny and Shaun’s relaxed summer destination wedding at Villa Cordevigo near Verona and Lake Garda.
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A photographer’s view of a Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding, including The Chainstore, lighthouse, industrial architecture and East London river light.
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Rutland · UK
An intimate summer wedding at Hambleton Hall with gardens, dinner and views across Rutland Water.
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Danny and Shonagh celebrated their wedding at Woburn Sculpture Gallery. The photographs follow the couple and their guests through the setting and events of their day.
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From the journal
A look back at editorial features, including the London pre-wedding photographs shared in the Daily Mail.
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Ellie and James’s Clearwell Castle wedding in Gloucestershire, with documentary coverage, castle portraits and a complete wedding gallery.
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Eleonore and Victor’s country wedding at Rumene Manor in Latvia, photographed by Janis Ratnieks.
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From the journal
The awarded photograph from Château de Challain in the Loire Valley, first shared with these contest results in March 2014.
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London · UK
A two-day London and Paris pre-wedding story, planned so each city has its own light, route, wardrobe and visual character.
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A real barn wedding in Wiltshire, photographed as a complete story with countryside portraits, reception atmosphere and practical planning context.
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Paris · France
A winter Paris wedding at Château de Vincennes, photographed through preparations, ceremony, portraits and the evening reception.
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Paris · France
A Paris Jewish wedding story centred on family, tradition, ceremony, energy and a full evening celebration. Photography by Janis Ratnieks in Paris.
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Amanda and Fieldman’s Caribbean wedding celebration at Wotton House in Surrey, with portraits, dancing and a complete real-wedding gallery.
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Eltham Palace wedding photographer for Jasmin and Tom’s London celebration, with Art Deco interiors, changing weather and the complete original gallery.
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From the journal
From St Mary’s Church in Broughton to portraits on the Hampshire coast and a reception at Chewton Glen in New Milton.
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A real wedding at Penshurst Place in Kent, with historic architecture, documentary moments, portraits and a complete wedding photography gallery.
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From the journal
A pre-wedding journey through Stanley Market, Repulse Bay and the reservoir, ending at The Peak and in the city after dark.
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Mandeep and Armen’s Armenian wedding around Nonsuch in Surrey, with family traditions, portraits and a complete real-wedding photography gallery.
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Sikh wedding photographer London story with Mandeep and Armen, photographed at a North London gurdwara with family celebrations and the full original gallery.
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The Lanesborough wedding photographer story of Linda and Bizhan’s Persian wedding in London, with hotel celebrations and portraits around nearby Hyde Park.
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From the journal
A look back at the first, second, seventh, fourteenth and eighteenth places awarded in the ISPWP summer contest.
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Stories and guides without a verified original publication date.
Hallstatt · Austria
Sherry and Pete’s real Hallstatt pre-wedding story from March 2020: early morning streets, lake views, travel from Germany and a village almost empty before lockdown.
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A practical guide to choosing a country, comparing venues, planning the weekend, managing guest travel and protecting time for photography.
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Athena and Lee’s real Southern England pre-wedding story, photographed in summer through lavender, woodland and open countryside.
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