TWIA Regional Winner – Best Photographer in the North West

I’m absolutely thrilled to say I’ve been named Best Photographer in the North West at The Wedding Industry Awards 2026!

Before I get into the night itself, it’s worth explaining what TWIA actually is, because couples often ask. The Wedding Industry Awards is one of the most respected competitions in the UK wedding world. It focuses on real feedback from real couples and it’s a trusted pillar of the wedding industry.

Judges are highly experienced professionals who look at everything from consistency and creativity to client care. It’s all about genuine experience, great service, and real results. Winning a TWIA regional award means your couples have not only taken the time to vote for you but have shared their honest experiences with the judges, who then assess your work, approach, and overall contribution to the industry. That’s why it means so much.

This year felt particularly special because I took my daughter, Ava with me. Sharing it with her made it even more special. She got to see the industry up close, meet the people I’m lucky to work with, and watch the room fill with excitement as everyone arrived. We got dressed up and the atmosphere at Heaton House Farm was buzzing from the moment we walked in.

It was great to see so many familiar faces. It’s always a pleasure to catch up with the teams from James Places and Crow Wood. I also got to see King of Aces and Vicky Harrison, two good friends in the industry. These events always feel more special when you get to celebrate alongside people who understand the highs, the graft, and the heart that goes into this job. Thomas Demol Photographie was snapping photos throughout the event, and I can’t wait to see the professional shots. There was such good energy in the room, and moments like that deserve to be documented properly. Seeing the night through someone else’s lens is always a treat.

The moment they read out my name was a blur. Pure adrenaline. Walking (running!) down the aisle, slapping hands with people all the way down, was exhilarating. Then, as I reached the stage, I started doing these ridiculous side steps with Damien, who was hosting. Adrenaline makes you do funny things!

After I was on stage, I did my interview, but I was buzzing so much that I genuinely can’t remember what I said. I’m half excited and half terrified to watch it back. If I come across as even remotely coherent, I’ll be taking that as a win in itself.

It’s been two days and I’m still riding the high. My wife has told me I need to get back to doing some work but I think I’ll be stringing it out a bit longer yet! It’s made me think back to where I started, the support from my couples, the suppliers who cheer me on, and how lucky I am to be part of this community.

For me, this award isn’t just something shiny to put on a shelf. It represents every early morning and late night, every story I’ve had the privilege of documenting, and every couple who has trusted me with one of the most important days of their life. Honestly, I’m still a bit speechless thinking about it. Couples past, present, and future have shaped my career in ways I’ll never be able to properly describe. Their support genuinely means the world to me. They’re the reason I get to do what I love every single day!

I’m also incredibly grateful to the TWIA judges. To be recognised among so many talented photographers in the region is an honour. The standard in the North West is high. We’ve taken the national Best Photographer award at the finals for the past two years, and I never take that for granted. Being part of a community where we can push each other, celebrate each other, and keep raising the bar is something I really value. It isn’t just photographers. It’s planners, florists, cake makers, stylists, entertainers, celebrants, and every supplier who makes a wedding day come together. If you love what you do, it shows, and it was humbling to see that reflected back.

As for what comes next, the journey continues in January when I head to Liverpool for the National Finals. I’m excited, nervous, hopeful, and incredibly proud to be representing the North West. Whatever happens, I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!

To every couple who voted, thank you. To every supplier who messaged me, cheered me on, or celebrated with me, thank you. To everyone I saw on the night, thank you for making it unforgettable. And to Ava, thank you for being the best plus one anyone could hope for.

I’ll be spending the next few weeks soaking all of this in, getting back to editing, chatting with couples, and preparing for Liverpool. No matter what happens at the finals, I’ll always look back on that night at Heaton House Farm as one of the highlights of my career.

What a night!