I’m Gary, a candid wedding photographer Essex couples book when they want their wedding to feel like a wedding — not a bloody photoshoot.

No awkward posing, no constantly stopping the day and no disappearing five minutes after the first dance. I get amongst your guests, let people be themselves and photograph everything as it actually happens.

And yes, I stay for the party. Music, questionable dancing, too many tequilas and your mates completely forgetting there’s a photographer in the room. That’s usually when things get interesting.

My approach is completely candid and natural. I’m not there to bark orders or spend the day moving you into poses — I’d much rather get amongst your guests and let everything happen naturally.

The more comfortable everyone feels around me, the better the photographs become. Laugh, cry, drink, hug your mates and enjoy your bloody wedding. I’ll concentrate on documenting the real moments, personalities and chaos happening around you.

That’s what being a candid wedding photographer Essex couples can relax around means to me — people being people, without constantly thinking about the camera.

I stay close to what’s happening because that’s where the good stuff is. The little looks, stupid jokes, massive hugs and moments you can’t plan even if you tried.

The only real exception is the group photos. I still think they’re important — especially for parents and grandparents who want that prized photo above the fireplace. We’ll get them done quickly, usually around 15 minutes, then you can get straight back to your wedding.

Everything else? No directing, no awkward posing and definitely no saying cheese. The best photographs are the ones that actually mean something to you and the people you love.

Couple portraits are no different. I’m not going to suddenly turn into a fashion photographer and start bending your arms into weird positions. We’ll usually disappear for 15–20 minutes, have a little walk and give you both a chance to actually catch up on what the hell just happened.

I’ll look for good light, composition and movement, but there’s no cheesy posing. We’ll chat, have a laugh and probably take the piss out of each other a bit. Think of me as third-wheeling rather than directing a photoshoot.

The result is photographs that actually look and feel like you — natural, relaxed and completely unposed.

You don’t have to take my word for any of this either. You can read what previous couples have said about having me around on their wedding day in my testimonials. Promise I didn’t pay them. 😂

If you want to dig a little deeper into how I approach weddings, I’ve written plenty about that too.

Ultimately, being a candid wedding photographer Essex couples can completely relax around is what matters to me. The less you worry about the photography, the more you can enjoy the bloody wedding.