Top UK Wedding Photographers 2024

For the 4th consecutive year, I'm thrilled to be a part of Professional Photo Magazine's, Top 50 UK Wedding Photographers 2024. I'm not so much of a photographer who tends to chase awards, I think the best validation comes from loving and believing in your own work, and providing the best service that you can for your couples. But, it is always a welcome surprise to be acknowledged by an award you hold in high regard, with some of the best talent in the UK.

This award is a little different to most, and has been shrouded in mystery since it's inception, with photographers asking how it works and how they can get onto the list. Whilst most awards you enter or are nominated, and then have to pay, or submit an application, this one just lands in your inbox the day before it goes a live. A very unassuming email, which the first year I was awarded, I genuinely thought it was spam (it landed in my junk), but was the most welcome surprise to realise it was legit. The Top 50 doesn't work off of pay for play, or most votes, it's just a group of industry leaders deciding who they think best fits, and awarding them. Although there aren't any specific rules to follow to get onto this list, it's been said that what Professional Photo Magazine look for is not just high quality work, but photographers who are voices in the industry, who give back via education, who provide a whole quality service for their couples and have individual and distinct styles and perspectives. It really is an honour to be included, nonetheless for the 4th year, and it really is so amazing to feel like my work is seen for what it truly is. All any artist wants is to be appreciated in the way they envision their creations being received.

To take a look at the full list, and the wonderful write up, the link is here - Professional Photo Magazine, Top 50 UK Wedding Photographers

I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to all of my couples this year. This really is my life's work, my heart and soul and a lot of my purpose, and it wouldn't be such an amazing journey without the couples who believe in me, choose me, and trust me to document their stories. Your trust allows me to create in the best way for you, in a way that feels natural and honest to you both, and that's when the best working relationships are made. I wouldn't be able to capture the magic of your emotions, or connections between your family without your total vulnerability, and I have loved working with every one of you this past year.

My work also wouldn't be what it is without the help and support of many, many suppliers and models. Alongside shooting weddings, I run my own workshops and styled shoots, and it really does take an army, and talent in so many fields from so many people to keep these running. You all allow me to curate and create my dreams, to photograph scenes and couples and adventures that then and inspire real couples and adventures, many of you have become my closest friends and again, I couldn't have gotten here without you all. So to the couples that choose me, the suppliers that uplift and support me, the models that trust me, and my friends, the most sincere and heartfelt thank you.

Choosing images to use for this was no easy feat, I've gone into detail about each a little more on Instagram, but here's some defining moments from 2023 and some a little earlier, that have felt like moments of importance for me and my journey,

Esme x

1. Tom and Ben, a couple that became my models for an adventure in Ireland. Rain, wind, more rain, and some of my favourite images from my career.
2. Ash + Tom, a Lake District elopement. This was so special, just us at Rydal Caves after a private ceremony.
3. Chloe at golden hour at one of my favourite venues, Eden Barn. A quintessentially British summertime, early evening image.
4. Betti + Af at Belle Art Photography's workshop on Skye. My first trip to Skye, and I fell in love. Epic landscapes and Becy's unique view and expert teaching, not only was this an incredible trip, but Becy is now my own wedding photographer, so many memories in this image.
5. Bex walking down the aisle at Netherbyres house in Scotland. A truly beautiful vulnerable moment, I loved that Bex and Ash really relaxed on their day and let their emotions show. They were so present and had the best time.
6. Tom and Ben again, in black and white. That's how much I love them,
7. Eve + Callum at Hidden River. A beautiful styled shoot with talented suppliers and good friends, at a venue that's become integral to my journey.
8. Jessica at Legacy Workshop, by Muse and Mirror in France. Such a highlight of last year and a testament to investing in yourself. I learnt so much from my peers, the incredibly knowledgeable speakers, the heavily curated shoots. The whole experience was an immersive art retreat.
9. Jessica again, a favourite portrait.
10. Glen and Tom for another of my own Untold Workshops, in the Lake District. The small intimate workshops have each been so special, but this was a highlight.
11. Another from Legacy.
12. Jess dancing with her dad at Limepark in Ireland. Jess and Rich were another couple who were just present on their day and loved every second. I love the blur here, I can feel the joy and movement of the moment.
13. It wouldn't be a round up of my work without the beautiful, rebellious Jay and Sam. Models turned into friends, it's always a joy working with these beautiful souls, to show up for the couples in the industry who don't fit into the gender stereotypes. From our Plath gothic shoot.
14. 15, and 17. Kim and Paul. Models turned clients, and I'll be shooting their wedding this year. An elopement shoot in the lakes, in the place I attribute to starting my journey. This was during lockdown and was such a release for everyone. I still love these images as if they were recent, and it feels like yesterday.
15. Lateisha + John, after they signed the register. A beautifully intimate micro wedding in Manchester. That moment of pure joy is everything.
16. Megan during her drinks reception, just so happened to stand in the most beautiful light as she gazed out the window and reflected on the day, Perfection
17. Soph and Gabs again, in my beloved Manchester. It simply wouldn't be my work again without a lesbian couple. The LGBTQ community are a driving force of the shoots I create, because I want to always show up for my own community. This shoot was just a glorious example of that.