Annelie Eddy Photography Captures Beautiful Surrey Wedding

Our ‘Real Weddings’ section is another opportunity for couples to find inspiration and find their wedding photographer. It doesn’t matter which part of the world you live in, if you’re inspired by what you see then you should get in touch with the wedding photographer. You should never forget one thing, a wedding photographer loves to travel and all our wedding photographers are passionate about what they do.

Wedding Photographer: Annelie Eddy Photography
Makeup: Claire Hayes Makeup
Couple: Laura and Yiannis
Ceremony Location : The Greek Orthodox Church of St Andrew the Apostle
Reception: Lyne Village Hall, Lyne
Wedding Date: 21st May 2016

Tell us a little about yourself…

I am Annelie and I am a documentary wedding photography. I love observing and photographing the connections and relationships between people.

I live in North London, close to beautiful Alexandra Palace, with my husband Steve and my little boy Cosmo. I love good stories, picnics, sunsets, and water melon.

How do you think or would like people to describe you?

Kind, friendly, insightful and organised.

Tell us a little bit about the wedding day…

This was a Greek Orthodox wedding. The ceremony took place in a tiny romantic church in Surrey. The church was packed with not a square inch in sight, with some of the guests watching the ceremony from outside. Laura and Yiannis chose the charming Lyne village hall for a very relaxed and down-to-earth wedding reception. There were lots of DIY wedding decorations, including hand-made bunting in the hall and pretty hearts decorated the ceiling of the marquee. Laura’s brother-in-law had brewed his own craft beer for the wedding for the guests to enjoy.

How did you get into wedding photography?

In a former life, I was an unhappy accountant. After taking time out and travelling around the world for 15 months, I decided that it was time for a career change and followed my passion and became a professional photographer.

How long have you been a wedding photographer?

I shot my first wedding in 2009.

Can you share how you’ve made your wedding photography business a success? Any mistakes you made along the way?

A lot of hard work and dedication. I’ve also found it really useful to learn from other photographers. I have done a lot of second shooting in my time and that has been invaluable. My business background has also helped me with the business side of things.

What do you think a bride or groom should be looking for and not looking for in terms of wedding photography packages?

I think the most important thing is hiring a photographer you are very comfortable with and like having around. You are going to spend a lot of time with them on your wedding day.

How do you advertise yourself and what for you has really worked?

I have had some success with Google Ads. This year I’m really focusing on improving my SEO rankings. I have also found building relationships with couples and people in the industry is really important for word of mouth referrals.

Why do you think people hire you?

The couples that hire me don’t like the idea of posing for the camera. They want to have fun with their guests on their wedding day rather than spending hours on group/couple portraits. What is important to them is to have a set of photographs that documents what their wedding day was really like to relive the memories in years to come.

How many weddings do you average per year?

Between 15-20.

Whose wedding would you love to shoot?

My parents’.

If you were asked to shoot a destination wedding, where would you hope it would be?

Cuba – such beautiful architecture and vibrant culture.

What equipment do you have for a typical wedding day?

2 camera bodies (Nikon D700; D750); 35mm, 85mm and 24mm lens; occasionally I will bring out my 70-200mm lens, 2 speedlites

What is the most challenging thing about a wedding?

Staying calm and getting great pictures when lots of things are happening all at once.

Do you have an approach to a wedding?

I like to get to know the couples I work with beforehand. I want to find out more about family situations, what is important to them and how they feel about certain parts of the day. That really helps me to be very aware and better understand situation, and ultimately makes my pictures more meaningful.

Who or what inspires you?

Great light.

Best & Worst marketing idea so far?

Best : improving SEO. Worst: taking out a print ad in a registry office brochure. I spent £500 and didn’t get a single enquiry.

If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?

Set design on a film.

Share your favourite image of the day and why

I love the picture of Laura + Yiannis sitting in the car and the little boy peeking to see what is going on. It’s a classic wedding image with a bit of a twist.

Do you have any goals for the future photography related or otherwise?

To run a successful business with a healthy work/life balance.

What do you think is key to being a successful wedding photographer?

Understanding people and being able to relate to them.

Are there any other wedding photographers whose work inspires you, can be a well know photographer or somebody you’ve stumbled across?

I love Tyler Wirken’s work. He is an amazing photojournalist. I also really admire Kirsten Lewis’ family photography. I might splash out one day and ask her to photograph our family.