When one of my friends gets engaged, I always advise them to sit down with their groom and pick three things that mean the most to them – three things that they will spend money on, that they won’t compromise on. And then, to some degree, to let the other things go. Every couple chooses different things, but if it was me, I know the first thing I would be prioritising: photography. It’s no secret that I’m in LOVE with wedding photography, of course – I couldn’t do what I do if I wasn’t. (And lucky for me that I can be a blogger, because I sure as hell couldn’t have been a photographer!) I love the way a photographer can capture those moments that you might miss (after all, a bride can’t be everywhere) as well as the ones you will never forget. I love how good they can make you look (anyone who says differently is lying), and I love the way that a great photographer has a sense of narrative, so that the pictures tell a story all on their own. Having spent so much time chatting to photographers, I also know how much hard work, knowledge and passion goes into their work – it really is worth every penny. At the end of the day, your pictures are the one physical thing you really can carry with you from your big day – nothing else really compares. So photography would be at the top of my list.

If you agree, then there’s one homegrown talent that you really have to meet. Claire Morgan is a photographer whose work I have admired since I got started in this industry – every time one of her weddings pops up in my Reader I stop whatever I’m doing and take a peek. Originally from South Africa, she’s based in Austria for much of the year, where she shoots the most beautiful, luxurious European weddings in incredible locations, and gives to each of them a sense both of drama and intimacy. And Claire hasn’t just shot in Vienna – she’s worked in the Seychelles, Armenia, New York, Italy, Greece, Mallorca and Chile, among others. Her work is regularly featured in top magazines and blogs – Grace Ormonde Style, Wedding Magazine, Style Me Pretty. I’ve even been lucky enough to feature some of it here. She has a slew of awards and honourable mentions, but she’s still incredibly lovely and down-to-earth. In short, she’s just the kind of photographer you want at the top of your list. And even better, she is available to shoot in South Africa during summer months – contact Claire for more info.

But enough telling you how awesome Claire is. Time for you to see for yourself… after all, as I said before, the pictures tell a story all on their own…

Contact Claire Morgan Photography:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.claire-morgan.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/clairemorgphoto
Twitter: @clairemorgphoto