Yorkshire wedding photographer review of the year
Well blimey what a whirlwind of a year! Being a wedding photographer is something that still blows my mind. There’s always something crazy to point my camera at, another cracking wedding venue to add to my list (cannot wait to see the new Wharfedale Grange barn when it opens its’ doors this year) and always some incredible new friends to make along the way. This year I’ve shot weddings for two LA couples, one New York Couple, dragged my sorry ass all the way to deepest darkest Wales for my good mate and artist/singer/dj/producer Adam’s wedding at Dews Lake Farm which had the most excellent Best Man’s Speech I’ve ever experienced, photographed a hand made eco friendly wedding in the Lake District (it even made it into the Guardian!), had the honour of being the photographer and witness at an elopement, shot my second Theakston family wedding (yes the beer was splendid!), and got to shoot my friend Rach and Chip’s daughter at East Riddlesden Hall.
On top of that, I’ve met some new beautiful babies as my clients go from being brides and grooms to fully fledged parents, hopped down to Glastonbury with my buddies The New York Brass Band, worked alongside Loud Noises with my crazy mate Tim, hitched a lift on the Shed Seven tour to shoot backstage and even managed a week away in Spain. All in all it’s been pretty eventful, inspiring and random.
And I couldn’t have done it without all my amazing wedding clients and their families who have welcomed me with open arms. entrusted me to take pictures at what is surely one of the most important days in their lives, given me carte blanche to let my vision unfold without panicking, and let me drink their beer. To each and every one, I thank you. I do not take this job for granted for a single minute (although staying awake for a six hour journey home at 1am can be a challenge for sure) and I hope 2018 will unfold with just as much gusto, creativity and enthusiasm as my new clients can handle.
A huge high five to all my favourite idiots who help me keep my sanity as we float along in this sea of wedding wonderment. You know who you are and you all make me laugh til my sides ache, are brilliant at drinking/snowboarding/providing excellent motivational conversation, plus giving me a giant kick up the arse when procrastination sets in – which when you work on your own, can happen at regular intervals.
So here it is… 2017 in all its’ glory. Some photographers go for the funny documentary edge, some for the moments, some for the portraits. This year, I’ve decided to please myself. These are the shots I love from each of my weddings in 2017. They might not be the obvious, perfectly exposed, storytelling shots that lots of photographers love, or the big bold portraits that garner a million likes on Facebook, but for me they encompass a feeling, an emotion and a fleeting bit of soul that will forever stay with me. I can’t wait to do it all again in 2018!
Yorkshire wedding photographer, by Shelly Mantovani at Toast of Leeds. If you’re getting married in the future in Yorkshire, the Uk or Europe, get in touch by visiting my photography website at www.toastofleeds.co.uk or you can find me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. I photograph weddings across the UK in tipis, barns, country houses and iconic hotels. For more information and to check availability, contact me now.