Wedding Photography - Why I really stay late?

The story, the memories. 

Yeah yeah, I know... I portray myself as a  party animal who's a real hoot to be around in the evening (and the day).  Someone you and your guests can enjoy themselves with, someone who actively takes part during the day and especially at night.  All those things are true. 

The real reason I stay is for the story, your story and your memories.  Pictures of people having a great time on the dancefloor at your wedding is great and I am rather good at it, BUT the real reason I stay is stuff like this....  

Here follows the last sequence of pictures from Abi & Marks wedding .  Taken at some point between 1 and 1.30am as the day was finishing when we were all rather drunk. 

These are memories, these are your memories, this is why I stay.  They aren't pictures for popularity, or winning awards or to please anyone else, they are pictures I take for you as a couple, your pictures, your real memories of what will be a fantastic day.  

Last dance, not the first dance - end of the night

I recently had a 'debate' (we'll call it that) with another photographer who stated quite openly I'm irresponsible for joining in during the wedding, it's not what couples want and it's 'unprofessional'.

My answer to that was piss off - I'm not here to please other photographers or a pat on the head - I'm here to photograph a couples day, to make sure they feel comfortable around me and to give them proper memories in pictures.  I'm here for the people who book me - to give them what they want, which is me, my approach and my (their) pictures.

So my answer to me being irresponsible is.....am I?

Or does being viewed as part of the wedding, rather than the hired help give a unique and personal insight into your day that you just don't get from 'the photographer'? 

Does you trusting me, embracing my approach, feeling 100% comfortable around me give you real memories to look back on, show your real character ?

I'd argue yes, a million % yes, and so would my couples.  

If you're in any doubt, click here to read the review from Abi & Mark, my new friends. 

Thanks for reading.