Ann and Steve Marry in Thurstaston with a Reception in Thornton Hough

Saturday was such a beautiful day - weather-wise and company. Ann and Steve got married at St Bartholomew's Church in Thurstaston which is a gorgeous little church, and where I was looked after by Jane and Joyce. After the ceremony Ann and Steve took their guests to Mere Brook House in Thornton Hough where we all enjoyed a delicious winter barbecue with pumpkin lanterns and fireworks along with a brazzier to keep us all warm.

Ann is one of those people it's an true pleasure to know - I first met her a few years ago linked to the Cecil Beaton exhibition in Liverpool's Walker Art Gallery and we've stayed in touch ever since. And it was no surprise that Steve is just as lovely when I met him earlier this year. It was a real pleasure for me to photograph the wedding of a friend who is beautiful both inside and out. Ann looked perfect all day - and both were clearly so happy.

I loved the little touches that Ann had put together - there were flags for the recessional (Union Jack, Scottish, Welsh and even stars and stripes for one American guest!) as Jerusalem was playing the two of them out of the church, and in the evening we were all treated to fireworks. Thankfully the weather was perfect for them.

Here is a little sneak peek of the photographs - and I think you'll agree that Ann looks absolutely stunning - a grown-up Alice in Wonderland. Truly perfect with her Prince Charming (I know, I know, Prince Charming wasn't in Alice in Wonderland!)

Amanda's Photo Shoot 2012

Every year in October Amanda has her very own photo shoot and each year we try to do something a bit different. This year we stayed indoors for a change and created some fabulous photographs together. Looking forward to getting Amanda's reaction to this year's selection - here's just a little sneak peek of what we managed to capture. I really love the black and white photographs ... although those red shoes look amazing too and that wouldn't show if all the pictures were in black and white.

It's Your Wedding, Not a Fashion Shoot

In 2008, 2009, 2010 I won a series of awards, one of them being Fashion Photographer of the Year. And so with such a strength in fashion photography you might expect that I want to force fit fashion into every wedding. Sure, my wedding photography is influenced by fashion, but that's as far as it goes. I've noticed recently that more and more photographers, particularly the newer ones, are showcasing weddings as if they are fashion shoots, courses are being marketed to photographers about fashion photography that are advertised with a model in a wedding dress, and people are using pictures taken at courses to create a portfolio to get work as a wedding photographer - and so I've decided it's time to set the record straight.

On your wedding day, I respect that this is a solemn occasion with moments of happiness, some with tears, and lots with laughter. The bottom line is that this is your wedding day, it's not a fashion shoot, it's not a photo shoot. It's your wedding.

I promise to direct you to create some amazing photographs, and I also promise to capture natural moments of beauty and emotion as they happen. But most importantly, I promise not to take over your day with a fashion shoot designed to grace the pages of my website. Your photographs will reflect the two of you, the kind of people you are, the relationship you have together, and who you are with your family and friends.

You may, and probably will, feel like your photographs look like you were featured in a magazine, particularly when you hear from your friends how fabulous you look in photographs I've taken of you - but none of them will have been taken as if we're on a fashion shoot. All of them will be captured in moments of happiness, telling the story of what really happened on your wedding day, not the story that some photographer decides should be told of the two of you.

Let's get back to reality - let's photograph the wonderful and true story of your wedding!

Photographs from Emma and Aron's wedding earlier this year.

Zoe Photography Wedding Magazine

Are you getting married in 2013? Looking for the perfect match with your wedding photographer in the Liverpool, West Lancashire, Southport, Formby and Wirral areas? Drop me an email to receive a copy of my Autumn 2012 wedding magazine and get a taste of who I am, what I am about and the kind of photographs I take, as well as reading what previous couples have said about my work.

Email me zoe@zoephotography.co.uk

November is Headshot Specials

Calling Liverpool actors, comedians, performers, public speakers, models, business people - get professional headshots taken in November on one of the Zoe Photography November Headshot Specials. Just 5 dates in November - choose from Friday 2nd, Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th, Wednesday 21st, and Sunday 25th November. Limited number of slots available each day. All sessions take place in a central Liverpool location.

Choose the time slot that suits you - from £50 for a 15 minute headshot session with 3 photographs on disk, a 30 minute session for £75 with 6 headshots on disk, up to a one hour session for £150 with makeup and 12 images on disk (please arrive 40 minutes before you allotted time for makeup). A variety of images is created for different looks.

Call me on 07792 650 742

Email zoe@zoephotography.co.uk

In Business

I know I am followed by a lot of photographers and business owners as a result of my business writing in national magazines, but I don't tend to write about business here - so why not go and visit my In Business Facebook Page or my In Business Blog. See you there!