2017 has been without a doubt, the most successful year so far for Laura Grace Photography and I am so grateful to every single person that has contributed to its success. This year I have been privileged to capture more weddings than the two previous years combined; a trend that is set to continue in 2018 with only a few spaces remaining towards the second half of the year.
Every wedding is truly a joy to attend and I consider myself so lucky to be able to immerse myself with the friends and family of a couple on the most special day of their lives. I know it’s ridiculously soppy but I am so fortunate to have found a job that makes me so happy. One of the best parts is getting to know my couples before hand, which is why it is always great to do a pre wedding shoot.
Of course, as many of you will know from social media, one of my personal highlights of the year was being nominated and shortlisted for Best New Business at the prestigious Welsh National Wedding Awards. It was incredible to be invited to the evening and we had a great time, not least because we were able to meet so many of the industry’s leading wedding suppliers.
This year has seen a wide range of wedding venues being used from as far west as Woodhouse Barn in Pembrokeshire to the grand Orchardleigh House in Frome. I have visited hotels, castles, barns and even village halls, showing that South Wales and the South West have a huge variety of venues to offer. As always though, it is the atmosphere created by the couple and guests that makes the wedding, more than the venue itself.
Being a wedding photographer also allows me to see so many wonderful details that brides and grooms have spent so long considering. From epic cakes to stunning jewellery, fairytale dresses and beautiful flowers, the energy that goes into planning a wedding these days is all consuming.
Even though it is not something I promote as much, I do still enjoy doing portrait sessions for babies, children and families and am delighted when past clients ask me to capture their growing families. Of course, this also means that i can't resist sneaking in a few shots of my own little girl whenever she lets me!
So what could 2018 bring that will beat this incredible year? Well with nearly double the amount of weddings booked already and new enquiries coming in, the business is definitely growing. Along with my own (not so little) growing bump, our new arrival due early in the year will ensure that 2018 is a very busy year indeed!
I will continue to honour my wedding commitments and look forward to one of my greatest challenges to date – a destination wedding! In May I will be travelling to Sorrento to photograph the beautiful wedding of a very special couple. I am also excited to be photographing some lovely venues for the first time including Bryngarw House, Aldwick Court Vineyard, Rosedew Farm and The Manor in Crickhowell. But I’m equally looking forward to revisiting some favourites of mine: De Courecy’s Manor, New House Country Hotel, St Pierre and Canada Lodge & Lake as well as many more!
I'd like to thank everyone once again: clients, other suppliers, family and friends, your support is invaluable to me! Happy New Year, I hope 2018 is the year your dreams come true xx