Hello, Thank you for reading my review. Strap yourself in, It's a long one!!
So where do I start? My wife and I were looking for a wedding photographer in the Essex area to capture our wedding at The Lawn in Rochford.
Sounds simple enough right? Well not exactly because I am a photographer myself! We live in Bournemouth but the wedding is in Essex (where my wife is from) so not only did I have to look but I had to look in an area I know nothing about! I thought the task would be super stressful. I was wrong. I looked through about 30-40 photographers and I couldn't find a photographer that MAKES photos. Anyone can take a photo but it takes a special eye and talent to capture and make images. I was almost going to give up as I hadn't managed to find anyone that had a style I liked. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't even a case of cost. I just couldn't find anyone I liked regardless of price.
Then I come across Bloomwood Photography's facebook page. I was just searching facebook for pages. I loved her images and knew she had the aforementioned eye and talent. I knew almost right away that she absolutely HAD to be our photographer.
The only other thing I needed to be sure of is if she is a nice person. I mean let's be honest, a wedding is an incredibly intimate and special time for a couple, the person that is going to spend more time with you than your other half has to be a nice person!
My wife isn't a shy person but she wouldn't exactly say she is comfortable in front of the camera.
I had to find someone that would be able to put her at ease so the absolute best images can be created!
So let me paint you a picture. It's Summer 2019.
I gave her a call one weekday evening.
She was a delight to talk to!
But I had my check list so casually I got to work asking questions during our lovely chat.
By the end of the phone call my checklist looked something like this.
Professional = ✔
Fun = ✔
Likes a bit of banter = ✔
Knowledgeable = ✔
Experienced = ✔
Transparent about prices = ✔
Uses Canon equipment!! = ✔✔✔(ok that was a joke as the only people that care what equipment photographers use is other photographers! 😁😆)
I digress, but you get the picture (pun intended) Emma was ticking all the boxes and I knew we HAD HAD HAD to have her as our photographer!
We booked the Bridal prep until first dance + a second photographer to capture the Groom prep and to get things from another angle during the day. Even the best photographer can't be in two places at once!
The second photographer was none other than Emma's own husband! Although I didn't speak to him or meet him until the day, It didn't matter. I knew whoever Emma used for a second shooter would be suitable and would be the same style!
Some of you maybe wondering... Summer 2019? does that mean you wanted to book for 2020? Yes. Yes I did. August 2020 when we were in the middle of a global pandemic! This really enforced my decision that we should book Emma because from start to finish, Emma's communication was second to none. She constantly adapted and changed with the times! In total, we had 4 different dates for our wedding and not once was the price affected. People ask me, OMG you were meant to get married during the 'rona, wasn't that super stressful?
The simple answer is no. Not in the slightest. Disappointing yes. But never stressful. Emma was more than happy to swap us to other dates providing she wasn't already booked. Because I had to have Emma shooting our special day I made sure she was free first then we would ask the venue, then registrars etc etc.
Bottom line - Emma did an amazing thing during covid. She ensured the couples that wanted to book her were as stress-free as possible. Something that I highly respect and admire about her.
All this and we haven't even got to the day yet!
We had a pre wedding shoot which was lovely as it gave us an opportunity to get to know each other. by the time the big day got here, the beautiful bride was completely comfortable about having photos!
So about The Wedding Day....
I could literally show you the images as they are literally a story. The way she captured certain things and told the story of our day had my wife and I in tears 3-4 weeks after the big day when we received our photos because they brought back all the emotions and experiences as if we were there again. All the guests liked her and had loads of comments about how lovely she was to talk to.
Emma from Bloomwood in a nutshell.
A truly remarkable talented photographer with an extremely wonderful way with people.
If you are reading this. Book Emma. Emma nailed it. Don't bother going for anyone else. I did my research and I was not disappointed. Book her and will not be disappointed either! 😍
My wife has said to me many times since the big day that she was so impressed with Emma that aside from the group photos, she hardly realised that Emma was even there creating these wonderful images!
Now a message to Emma that anyone reading this won't like.... Your prices are such amazing value! I would have happily paid more for the exact same service!
Increase your prices! You are worth every penny!
Emma & Ross, you were incredible. It was an honour choosing you to capture our special day. There isn't anyone else I'd rather have and there isn't a single thing I would change.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you did for us. We felt like we've made two new friends! 🙈
Words can't explain how much I appreciate you but as you can see, I've given it a pretty good go!!!🙃
Wayne x