Wedding photos are timeless, precious memories that endure years after your big day is over. But how do you make sure that your wedding pictures are as perfect as possible? What do you have to bear in mind when selecting a photographer? In this post, I speak to Tom Halliday. Tom founded Tom Halliday Photography in 2010 and he is now one of the UK’s most established and highly regarded shooters, putting his unique spin on couples’ special moments with a combination of talent and charisma…

How did you become interested in photography?

When I was at school I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was a sponsored skateboarder and we were meant to be going on tour, but I broke my arm badly, so instead of skating I picked up my camera. My dad had bought it for my 16th birthday: a Pentax MZ-90 with digital film. As soon as I started taking photos I thought … Continue reading →

When Sam and Charly asked me to play at their wedding at Villa Grabau near Lucca in Italy recently, I was in the fortunate position of having already sung at a wedding abroad. Last year I played for Jess and Nik’s big day on Lake Como, so I know that it would be logistically possible. It was a case of getting my guitar through security at the airport, purchasing an extra seat and bringing what I could!

Sam and Charly’s wedding was organised by Wiskow and White, a partnership between Lucy and Danielle that ensured the day ran seamlessly. Lucy had liaised with the DJ, who provided me with the required speakers, speaker stands, mixing desk and mic stand.

Lined by orange and lemon trees, Villa Grabau is a remarkable sight.

Guests were very pleased to get their hands on some ice cream during the aperitivo.

The … Continue reading →

I don’t often venture into London to sing at weddings, but when I do, the venues can be breathtaking. That is certainly true of Kew Gardens, where I recently played for the wedding breakfast and first dance of Sarah and Michael.

Earlier in the day, guests were treated to a tour of the gardens while the couple had their photos taken. The evening reception was held in The Orangery, which functions as a cafe during the day for visitors to Kew. The building is absolutely stunning, and its high ceilings and hard floors were perfect for carrying music to everyone’s ears.

The cake looked ever so tasty. It is always placed temptingly close to where I’m singing!

Beautiful decorations adorned the two long tables.

Building up to the first dance…

Security at the venue is very tight and only a few cars are allowed … Continue reading →

On a sweltering day in May I was booked to perform at the wedding of Jack and Michelle. The ceremony took place at Ware Priory in Hertfordshire, and for the afternoon reception guests boarded a boat set for Stanstead Abbots. It was my job to provide music for the ceremony and for the boat trip, including the couple’s first dance.

For the ceremony, Michelle had chosen to walk down the aisle to an instrumental version of Paramore’s ‘The Only Exception’. For her exit with Jack at the end of formal proceedings, they asked me to play an instrumental version of ‘Hotel California’ by The Eagles. It seemed I was saving my voice for later!

After moving my equipment on to the tug boat and setting up, guests started to embark. Jack and Michelle had invited around 50 friends and family to celebrate with them on the water. The professional team at http://www.leeandstortboats.co.uk were there to … Continue reading →

For the wedding of Ross and Hannah at South Farm in Herts, I played three sets: one for afternoon reception drinks, one during the wedding breakfast and one for the turnaround when evening guests arrived.

The couple’s ceremony took place onsite and guests then poured out into the courtyard. Ice cream was on offer, made fresh at the venue, and although it wasn’t a hot day, friends and family still took full advantage!

South Farm is a very picturesque venue and a number of animals including pigs and geese came out to say hello to us during the day…

Following the first drinks reception, guests made their way into the barn. Ross and Hannah had chosen to have their speeches before the meal rather than at the end, which seems to be an increasingly popular option. The father of the bride, groom and best men definitely get to enjoy their meals more this way, without having to be … Continue reading →