Grace & Andy
“If you’re going to let someone outside your friends and family spend your special day with you, you might as well make sure they’re a lovely person!”
Which is a wise thing to wonder. Because wedding photography is about so much more than beautiful photos (although, yes, you’ll get plenty of those). It’s also about how it feels to have the photographer in your world.
So how would you like to feel on your wedding day? Maybe it’s:
Relaxed and at ease; just like yourselves?
Immersed in-the-moment so you can enjoy your day to the full?
Oblivious to the camera - but all the happy-tears when you look back at your photos?
If you’re nodding along, welcome! You’re in the right place.
(And no judgement if you’re after someone who’ll bring the party, direct the day, and produce lots of posed highly-edited photos - that just isn’t what I’m best at.)
Who is Sarah?
But you might well wonder...
You didn’t invite all your faves to your wedding, only to spend the day with your photographer
About Sarah Vivienne
where am I going?
What brought me here?
In case you haven't guessed, I’m Sarah (she/her) - Hi!
My story
If we were face-to-face I’d hug you, treat you to tea and cake, and dive into questions about you and your wedding. But since we’re not and I haven’t mastered telepathy (yet), here’s a bit about me.
Click to read!
Photography was always there, right under my nose, waiting for me to notice it.
Dad was a keen amateur, I studied its history at school, and as a child I loved to photograph everything from holidays to our family dog, Sammi, dressed as Paddington Bear (he may not have enjoyed that as much as me). But it was only after a business studies degree, a decade of corporate life, and a shock redundancy that led to a “just to fill the time” photography course, that I saw what was right in front of me.
At first, I was lured by the refined wedding poses, creative compositions, and special effects that others hyped up. But slowly, the beauty of natural moments like the ring exchange, aisle exit, and first dance began to beguile me. Then, as I got better and faster, I saw something deeper, something real. The lifetime of love in a granny’s embrace as she congratulated her granddaughter, the connection between sisters as they painted each other’s nails, the joy of a couple lost in their friends’ music during the signing of the register… And turning these very human qualities into something tangible has become deeply rewarding.
What brought me here?
Now, nearly 20 years and 400 weddings in, I don't think of it as just wedding photography.
I see it as a huge opportunity to capture the real life that inherently exists around your wedding. So I love to capture what’s felt, the essence of a day, and who people are when they’re not being told what to do.
I’ll play my part in helping you plan a wedding that’s yours - and keep you present so you can be yourselves and actually enjoy it. And I’ll support you with holistic resources to make those memories - and photos - as happy as they can be.
Because in the end, it’s not perfection that matters, it’s time well spent being who you truly are with people you love.
Where am I going?
Natasha & Darren
“Our favourite part of our whole wedding photography experience, simply put, was Sarah. She’s just one of those people you can connect with. She’s approachable, listens, and puts you at ease.”
Sweet words
I'm a big kid at heart
I love animals
I have eagle-eyes and magpie tendencies
I Organise with a capital ‘O’
I don’t just capture emotions - I feel them
I'm a calm happy energy
I’m more reality than Insta
I guess ‘sensitive soul’ sums me up.
“But Sarah, who are you really?”
I’m more reality than Insta
I’ve learned the secret to loving your photos is to be true to who you are. Easier said than done, I know. That’s why I’m here not just to capture what’s real, but to play my part as you make it real. I’ll listen, support you holistically as you prepare for your day, and collaborate with you so you can be truly present with each other and your loved ones.
I’m a calm happy energy
On a wedding day, I’m a grounded neutral presence that easily fits in. It’s just me being me - making everyone feel at ease so you can get lost in the moment, knowing I’ll capture it all. It’s a fun day and fun will be had, but for the most part, you’ll barely know I’m there. Because the best photos happen when you forget the camera is even there. But I’m far from shy. So when it’s time for your family photos and pics of the two of you, I’ll step forward - at just the right time - and keep everything flowing.
I don’t just capture emotions - I feel them
As an INFJ, I have an excessive amount of empathy and strong intuition. Which means I’m right there with you - not just as your photographer but as someone who senses the magic. Your small sideways glance at each other during the hymn or a big squeeze from Granny as she congratulates you? I can feel it. And I’ll turn that feeling into something tangible so you can relive it.
I Organise with a capital ‘O'
With my midheaven in Virgo (any other astrology nerds out there?) I was born to be of service. I care - really care - about creating a smooth, stress-free experience for you. You can expect me to be on top of everything and have it all under control - before, during, and after your day - so you can relax and focus on yourselves.
I have eagle-eyes and magpie tendencies
If wedding photography was a game of eye-spy, I’d win. Every time. A photo of 3-year-old-you dressed up as a bride in the background as you get ready, the way the church arch framed you as you exchanged vows, how small your huge marquee looked compared to the towering trees behind, those napkins … I’ll notice and weave in those layers to capture photos full of story.
I love animals.
Dogs are my soft spot. But if you’ve got chickens, I’m absolutely the person who’ll excitedly exclaim “CHICKENS!!!” as if you didn’t know you had them. But if there’s a frog or toad, I’ll run a mile - 15kg of camera kit on my back or not. My wildest dream is to rescue all the animals but if you’ve got furry or feathered guests, I’m already in heaven.
I’m a big kid at heart
I might be a deep-thinker with a strong sense of purpose but I don’t take life too seriously. There’s way too much Sagittarius energy in me for that! I’m an eternal optimist and trust (or at least remind myself!) everything’s going to work out just fine. And I’ll bring that lighthearted energy to your wedding day.
Want wedding photos that answer your ‘who are you really?'
Enquire
Want to explore how this plays out in my work?
Portfolio
Laura & Hugo
“Sarah’s calm presence is the perfect tonic for a nervous bride and groom.”
Isabella & Joe
“She had such a gentle demeanour which made us both feel comfortable, and she could equally take charge of the situation when there were the large family and friends photos.”
Maria & Tom
“For someone who shoots a lot of weddings, she was so excited for us.”
Liz & Pat
“It felt more like meeting a (very well organised) friend (with a large fancy camera or two).”
Katie & Tom
“We would have happily cut into the cake, grabbed a cup of tea, and sat down with Sarah for the afternoon! She’s a dream!”
Wendy & Adam
“I struggle to think of it as photography because right from the start it was as if Sarah had known us and our guests all her life.”
Emma & Andy
“We were blown away with you! We wanted you to stay and hang out with us forever.”
Gemma & Ollie
“We were very impressed with Sarah’s professional approach whilst at the same time, we could relax and be ourselves with her.”
If you’ve got this far, I’m guessing you don’t care for trends, performing for the camera, or being told what to do. Maybe you’re like me, here to choose your own adventure.
That’s where my brand values come in. Like a set of oracle cards, they’re here to bring out the magic already within you. Think of them as a crystal ball for our time together.
Let’s see what the cards say!
Your experience, my values
Just as the calm sea mirrors the sky, your wedding photos will reflect you and your day. Far more beautiful than anything I could stage, they’ll reveal the depths of who you are, the way you love, and how boldly you live. They’ll be the perfect pathway back to your big day, an inspiration to others to live and love just as fiercely, and create ripples that brighten the world around us.
The Ocean’s Reflection
truth
Imagine that carefree feeling of splashing through the gentle waves along the water’s edge. That’s how I want you to feel working with me. Each step of my process is designed to send the overwhelm out to sea and bring in calm and joy. We’ll walk slow, welcome simplicity, and let go of stress, so your photos flow gently and you can soak up every precious moment.
The Serene Shoreline
Ease
Just like the treasures found along the tideline, love is everywhere on a wedding day, just waiting to be discovered. And I love love. Not just romantic love, all kinds of love. So you can expect love in every pixel of your wedding photos. And you can expect it from me too - I want you to feel seen, supported, and wrapped in love from start to finish. That’s a whole lot of love!
The Seashell Heart
Love
The naturally curious seal has its own unique idea of what’s fun - maybe it’s flamboyant acrobatics, popping up all over the place in a game of hide and seek, or whimsically bobbing along in the waves. And we love to see it all. So as we dive into planning, I’ll embrace my playful side to transform ‘another project’ into a joyful process. And I’ll capture your idea of fun in your photos.
The Seal
Playfulness
Tap to reveal
Emily & Pete
“Her talents aside, she’s one of the most genuine and thoughtful people we've ever met. Her empathy for us has been amazing and hugely appreciated. You're not just getting a photographer with Sarah, you're getting a real relationship with the person documenting your big day.”
Making me blush
Known to splurge on:
Alllergies:
Guilty pleasures:
Favourite way to relax:
Favourite season:
Natal chart:
Guided by:
Owned by:
Located in:
Fun Facts
Things I’m often asked
Almost 20 years. I established my business in 2008 and I'm (at least) as obsessed with weddings now as I was then - maybe more! As you can imagine, I’ve seen a thing or two! Lighting conditions, weather, family dynamics, unique customs… I’ll adapt and bring out the best of whatever your wedding brings my way. And being so practiced, I can work fast when it comes to your family photos and pics of the two of you so you’re back to your reception before Uncle Ed eats all the canapes. But also, I’ve seen enough to know I haven’t seen everything and I'm always ready for surprises!
An English country garden. Cosy cottage or grand with land, walled or wild, private or hired, it doesn’t matter. But working somewhere that’s layered with heritage and surrounded by nature fills my tea cup.
I can’t single out just one wedding as I have so many great memories. But I definitely have a type of wedding that makes me feel like I’m winning at life and that’s a classic church or outdoor ceremony followed by a garden party reception. The day truly reflects the couple, has a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere, and the couple completely succumb to the magic of the day. Capturing weddings and couples like this fills me with joy and wonder, and motivates me to give my all even when my knees scream “ENOUGH!”
LOL 15 inches of my long locks went to The Little Princess Trust in early 2024. I loved it short but the curl is real and not suited to the rain, wind, or the high intensity workout that is a wedding! So I’m growing it again. It won’t be quite so long this time; just enough to get my signature wedding day bun back.
Nothing takes my breath away more than photos of people being people. Your iconic first kiss as newlyweds can be captured naturally - but it’s a scripted moment where you’ve been told what to do. It’s what you do on a whim - steal a second kiss, hug tightly, give your guests a jubilant “We are the champions!” gesture of triumph - that gives me a buzz to capture. These are the moments where love, truth, humanity, connection exist. And they’re the photos that allow you to really feel the love and laughter that makes your day yours. So I’ll work with you to fit the photography into your day so you can be present, carefree, and fully yourselves - while I capture the pure essence of your day.
Honestly, every single wedding! We’re all wonderfully weird. It’s part of being human and embracing it makes us shine - something the world desperately needs. And it’s that uniqueness that makes wedding photography such an interesting adventure. Just imagine if every wedding was a carbon copy … yawn! So, nothing is too out there for me to capture. Whatever you want to do - smash a glass, jump a broom, shatter a plate, plant a tree, cast a circle, or simply wear mismatched socks - I’m right behind you, camera at the ready.
Oh, that word! Honestly, I don’t love that term because it’s really just a label for anxiety that other people don’t understand. So in that context, yes, most couples feel anxious about something to do with their wedding. How could you not? Pledging your life to someone is huge. And let’s not forget – planning a major event, most likely without serious event management experience, putting lots of time and money into it, under a cloud of expectation, endless opinions, and societal pressure for perfection, and just hoping it turns out ok - is BIG. Little wonder emotions run high.
I’ve been there, and I’ve seen so many couples go through it. And even if your photos don’t directly show the stress, they can trigger the memory of it. I can’t make it all disappear, there’s so much at play, but I can promise to bring compassion and make your wedding photography carefree.
Also, Bridezilla? What about everyone else?
So that’s me. I’d love to hear about you!
Contact
Want to open up my journal and explore more about me?
Blog
Copyright © 2007-2025 | Sarah Vivienne Photography