I was beyond delighted to find out recently that I had won the Wedissimo Wedding Awards for 2025. Finalists were decided initially by a public vote, which in numbers I came top of, such a great feeling. Then, in the final itself the submissions were judged by Royal Photographer Millie Pilkington.
Millie based in her Dorset portrait studio is a well known and respected UK photographer to press and public, not least for her photos of William and Kate’s Royal Wedding. Also now known as the Prince and Princess of Wales of course 🙂
Wedissimo itself is the largest and fastest growing wedding directory of its kind in the UK, and is very similar to Airbnb in the way it works. I’m happy to say that I’ve been their busiest and allegedly most popular photographer too, which I regard as a real privilege. I’m grateful to all those couples who wrote me some stellar reviews too. I take nothing for granted!
I’m going to share some other images from the two wedding winners, for context of these particular couple’s special days, and also Millie’s published comments on them both. I’m also before that going to show my other entries that topped or were thereabouts in the public vote.
Here’s what Millie had to say about each of these winning images:
First the featured image shot at Hall Place of L & J’s Halloween wedding with owls! L was 8 months pregnant too! I choose this old textured backdrop very carefully:
Millie Pilkgton: “This portrait is a vibrant celebration of individuality and style. The rich colours—the deep purples and blacks of their outfits—contrast beautifully with the earthy tones of the rustic wooden door and brick backdrop, creating a visually striking scene. The owls add an unexpected, whimsical touch, elevating the image beyond a standard portrait to something truly unique. The couple’s gaze at one another feels genuine, adding warmth to an otherwise edgy and fashion-forward composition. Textures are key here: the rough wood, weathered bricks, and sleek fabrics create depth and dimension. It’s bold, quirky, and unapologetically confident—a standout entry that commands attention.”
Second is N & D after their wedding ceremony at Chelsea Old Town Hall. Here’s the original blog post about it:
Chelsea Old Town Hall Wedding with David
Millie Pilkington says, “This image is wonderfully eccentric—a testament to the creativity and boldness of both the photographer and the couple. The composition is meticulously balanced, ensuring every element contributes to the story without overwhelming the frame. The bride and groom’s poses and expressions strike the perfect balance between humour and elegance, fully embracing the surreal nature of the shot. The technical execution is flawless, with an excellent use of light and framing to highlight their presence while allowing the bizarre context to shine. It’s an image that’s both intriguing and entertaining—a standout piece that celebrates individuality and artistry in equal measure.”
I walked past this display outside a Mexican restaurant on my way to the ceremony, and I thought how striking, different and memorable it could be for the couple if they were into it. They, like L& J were going to get all the usual candid and documentary images I always capture, but if I think there’s something that a couple would feel comfortable with, and it would leave them with something unforgettable (in a good way!) then I will do whatever it takes to achieve that.
Sometimes that can work against me, in the sense that couples looking for their perfect wedding photographer may think my galleries are too alternative or quirky, but truly these are just a fraction of what my brides and grooms receive. And if you would like to see an entire wedding or three, please just ask. Alternatively, read my many Google reviews to find out not just what people think, but also the way I work and what those wonderful couples receive from me here:
Here’s my other images publicly voted into the final:
HALL PLACE WEDDING
Here’s some other shots from L and J’s alternative wedding at the beautiful Hall Place and Gardens:
By David Green
