WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR!

So, some of you may have noticed, around 2 weeks ago on social media, I leaked a bit of a clue about something that's happened just recently.

I don't usually do a Monday blog, but this one is too exciting to leave any longer, so I wanted to officially let the cat out of the bag, and reveal a little more information, as we've only gone and won a bloody award!

I am immensely proud to announce that Jonathan David Photography has been named The Prestige Awards Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023! I was told to keep it quiet for a week or so until the publication was officially released, so naturally, there was a sneak peek on social media within 10 mins of me having the award in my hands!

Now, I'm not sure who nominated us, as they did it anonymously (FEEL FREE TO MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN!) but we always go into these things with a bit of pessimism, as there are honestly some incredible photographers out there capturing some equally impressive images. The odds certainly aren't in anyone's favor going into these competitions, and in our category in particular, I'm told there were ALOT of entries.

To whoever did nominate us, however, I'm truly thankful and humbled that you took time out of your day to put us forward. Thank you.

If being nominated wasn't enough, there was a round of judging to go through too, where your work, your website, reviews, and your business are meticulously assessed to decide on a final winner.

As you can imagine, as there are so many entries to contend with, the judging process does take a long time, and if I'm honest, I'd kissed the idea of winning anything goodbye and had forgotten about the whole process until I received a call from the organisers to congratulate me on winning.

Other than my weekly blogs, and my swanning around at weddings, there's a hell of work going on behind the scenes, that anyone who runs a business will only be too aware of. Pressing the shutter is the easy bit! There are countless hours spent trawling through thousands of images, editing, and everything else that goes hand in hand with running a business. It's downright stressful at times and Rachel will often tell me off for not taking some time out to relax, but truth be told, I absolutely love my job and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Not only did we get an expenses paid trip to a very swanky hotel just outside Birmingham, but our highly coveted award also came with its very own, glass trophy! Which has already taken pride of place in the living room... Obviously next to my Lego collection!

They'll be a published magazine released in the next couple of weeks, that we've also been asked to appear in, which will include a one-page spread on us here at Jonathan David with an extract on the business and some of the judge's feedback too!

Just to round off though, this doesn't come without its own cheesy Oscar award-winning acceptance speech, so here goes:

My first round of thanks goes out to Rachel, as she's always been a driving force in what I do. Without her help, love, and support, we certainly wouldn't be where we are now. Be it coming along to weddings, or propping me up when I'm stressed out, I couldn't do it all without her.

I've no doubt, I've been a source of frustration for my parents over the years, and I can certainly say hand on heart I've not been the easiest of people to bring up! Regardless of the stress, they've always been there for me whenever I needed them, even when I've been too proud to accept help.

It wouldn't be fair to write all of this without thanking Dan, our videographer here at JDP. He's not only an incredible talent, an all round good egg, but a mate too.

Finally, to the couples I've worked with. I've met some utterly fantastic people through my work and made some equally close friends as a result. Photographing weddings is never something I take for granted, and I appreciate how much trust is placed in me when I come to photograph your big day. I get to share one of the happiest days of your lives with you and have the honor of being probably one of the people you spend the most time with throughout the day. You're all amazing, thank you.

Thank you all so so much.

Peace, love and Photos.

Jono x

(Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023)