One of my favourite moments when photographing a wedding is when I capture a frame that I just KNOW is going to be a stunner. Sometimes, the little screen on my camera can exaggerate how good an image is, but in this case, I knew I’d nailed it. Over Barn, with its rustic charm and warm atmosphere, has been the backdrop for so many incredible wedding memories—but one image, in particular, stands out. Let me take you behind the scenes of this special moment and why it means so much to me.

I always love photographing the first dance. It’s such an intimate and emotional moment, but it also comes with a challenge. As a photographer, you only have a couple of minutes to position yourself in just the right spot, with the right lighting, the right background, and then—wait for the perfect moment.

During Jake and Ellen’s first dance, I was capturing some lovely shots from a slightly different angle. They were good—full of emotion and joy—but I felt they were missing that extra something to turn them into a real “banger.”

Then, I looked up. I spotted the beautiful lights strung across the barn and realised that if I moved to the far end of the room, I could use them—along with the guests—as a natural frame around the couple. By that time, they had invited their friends and family onto the dance floor, adding even more energy to the scene. Now, all I had to do was wait.

And then—it happened. They moved in for a kiss, completely lost in the moment. I clicked the shutter, and I just knew.