Candid wedding photography across Northern Ireland
Candid Wedding Photographer Northern Ireland
Tommy and Laurene are award winning husband and wife photographers. Real laughs, real moments and no stiff posing, so your photographs look and feel like your day.
- PhotographingWeddings since 2014
- StyleCandid and documentary
- TeamHusband and wife
- CoverageTwo photographers
- Packages from£1,375
What candid means to us
Candid wedding photographers who let your day happen naturally
Candid wedding photography means we photograph moments as they happen instead of setting them up. We watch, we wait and we anticipate: your dad wiping a tear, your friends laughing through the speeches, the look between the two of you just before the first dance. Nothing is staged and nothing is repeated for the camera.
Plenty of photographers say they offer candid or documentary wedding photography in Northern Ireland, but the photographs do not always show it. Most of the images we deliver from a wedding are candid, and we will not interrupt your day to set up cheesy or contrived photographs.
You will still get beautiful portraits of the two of you. We keep them relaxed and give you gentle guidance, so they feel natural, not stiff. If you would like to understand the differences between styles, read our blog on the different types of wedding photographers in Northern Ireland.
We are a husband and wife team and we only work together, so every couple has two photographers. One of us can follow you while the other finds the candid moments between your guests that you would otherwise miss.
Real moments, two photographers, no stiff posing.
Recognition
Award winning candid wedding photographers
How we work
How we capture candid moments
We do not ask people to stop what they are doing, so conversations, hugs and reactions carry on exactly as they would without a camera there.
Bridesmaids seeing the dress for the first time, a grandparent reacting to the speeches, a bride and groom sharing a private laugh. We are already looking in the right direction.
One of us stays with you while the other finds the candid moments between your guests, so you never miss what happened on the other side of the room.
When it is time for the two of you, we keep it short and relaxed. A little guidance, a walk together and a few laughs gives you portraits that feel natural, not stiff.
This photograph is from Jessica and Chris's wedding at Breckenhill, as the bridesmaids saw the bride in her dress for the first time. You can see the full day on our Breckenhill wedding blog post.
Candid, prompted and posed
Candid, prompted and posed: what is the difference?
Most wedding photographs fall into three styles, and a good photographer uses each one in the right place. Knowing the difference helps you decide how you want your day to feel.
Moments photographed as they happen, with no direction at all. It works best for the ceremony, the speeches, the drinks reception, the first dance and the dance floor. This is most of what we deliver.
A simple, natural activity instead of a pose, such as walking together and chatting. It suits couple portraits, especially if you feel self conscious in front of a camera. This is how we approach your portraits.
Everyone arranged and looking at the camera. It is needed for family and bridal party group photographs, and for any specific shot you have asked for. We keep these quick and organised.
You may also hear the word documentary. The two terms overlap: documentary photography tells the story of your day as it unfolds, and candid describes how natural people look in those photographs. Our approach is documentary first, so the story comes first and the portraits fit around it. Read more in our blog on the different types of wedding photographers, or our guide to family and bridal party group photos.
Through your day
The candid moments we look for through your day
Candid photography is about being in the right place before something happens. This is what we are watching for as your day unfolds.
Getting ready
The quiet nerves, the mum fussing with the veil, the bridesmaids laughing together. Many of the best photographs of the day happen before you leave the house. Read more on whether you need wedding prep photos.
The ceremony
The look when you first see each other, a tear from a parent, the laugh when someone stumbles over the words. We stay out of the way and let it happen.
The drinks reception
Guests hugging, grandparents meeting the youngest members of the family, friends catching up. With two of us working, we can cover far more of your guests.
The speeches
The reaction matters as much as the speaker: the groom hiding his face, the room laughing together, the dad trying not to cry.
The party
The first dance, the dance floor, the cousins and the uncle who has just discovered his moves. This is where you let go, and the photographs show it.
The moments nobody plans
A flower girl laughing with her grandad on a gravel path, or the bridesmaids seeing the dress for the first time. They only happen if you are watching.
Real candid weddings
Candid moments from real weddings
None of these moments were set up. Grandparents meeting for the first time, a groom wiping away a tear as he sees his bride, a toast in the hotel bar, guests taking turns on a swing and a page boy walking through the ceremony. This is what candid looks like at weddings across Northern Ireland, including Larchfield Estate.
Every wedding is edited in the same natural, true to life style. Click a photo to see the whole day.
A flower girl laughing with her grandadHillmount HouseView the day
The bride and groom laughing during the ceremonyLarchfield EstateView the day
The groom crying as he sees the bride coming down the aisleLeighinmohr HotelView the day
Grandparents meeting for the first timeGlenavon HotelView the day
The bride crying during the speechesHarbourview HotelView the day
The groom and groomsmen enjoying a drink in the bar before the ceremonyLough Erne ResortView the day
The bride and groom sharing a quiet moment togetherBeech Hill Country HouseView the day
Guests laughing and taking turns on the rope swingOld Court Strangford LoughView the day
A page boy during the ceremonyClandeboye LodgeView the dayAcross Northern Ireland
Candid wedding photography at venues across Northern Ireland
From Belfast hotels to country houses, castles and the coast, we photograph candid weddings wherever your day takes place. Here are some of the venues where we have worked, each with its own photographer page.
Planning something smaller? We also photograph elopements and micro weddings across Northern Ireland, and you can read our blog on the best wedding venues in Northern Ireland.
What our couples say
Relaxed, natural and at ease
What couples say about having Tommy and Laurene photograph their wedding day.
We had our big day in June and honestly we can’t thank Pure Photo N.I enough they literally went above and beyond they captured every perfect moment of our day. You can just tell these two absolutely love their job as each picture is flawless and they made us feel so at ease, we can’t wait to share all our pictures with friends & family. Highly recommend.
Had the pleasure of booking Pure Photo for our wedding in January. Couldn’t recommend Tommy and Laurene highly enough. Made everybody feel really at ease and took some beautiful uninvasive photos. Completely professional at all times but still up for having a laugh and taking some unconventional shots. Delighted with everything, thanks again so so much!
Absolutely amazing service. Our photographs told the whole story of our day, they were natural, modern and unique and so flattering -from a bride who doesn’t like getting her photo taken. A lovely couple themselves, they keep you relaxed and laughing throughout and even helped make tea and keep my five year old in check.
Choosing your photographer
How to choose a candid wedding photographer
Plenty of photographers say they shoot candid. These are the things worth checking before you book anyone, us included.
Highlights always look lovely. Ask to see a full day so you can judge how the whole wedding is photographed. You can see complete days on our real weddings page.
Ask how much of the day is candid, and how they handle portraits and group photographs. A clear, confident answer is a good sign.
Look for couples who mention feeling at ease and getting natural photographs. You can read ours on our kind words page.
Two photographers cover more candid moments, with one staying with you while the other finds your guests. We are a husband and wife team and both of us attend every wedding.
You will spend more time with your photographer than with almost anyone else on the day. Choose people you feel relaxed with, because it shows in the photographs.
Check the hours of coverage, how soon you get your gallery and what is included. See exactly what we include on our pricing page, or read our blog on mistakes to avoid when booking wedding vendors.
Frequently asked questions
Candid wedding photography questions answered
The things couples ask us most about candid wedding photography. If yours is not here, send us a message or have a look at our wedding FAQ.
What is candid wedding photography?
Candid wedding photography means photographing moments as they happen, without setting them up or asking people to pose. Instead of directing your day, we watch for the laughs, the tears, the hugs and the small looks between people, and photograph them naturally. You get photographs that look and feel like your day.
What is the difference between candid and documentary wedding photography?
The two terms overlap and are often used to mean the same thing. Documentary photography tells the story of the day as it unfolds, and candid describes the natural, unposed way people look in those photographs. We work in both: a documentary first approach with relaxed creative portraits of the two of you. You can read more in our blog on the different types of wedding photographers in Northern Ireland.
Will we still have any posed photographs?
We never stage or repeat moments, but a few photographs are worth taking properly: your portraits as a couple and the family groups. We keep these short and relaxed, with gentle guidance instead of stiff posing, so you are back with your guests quickly. Planning your list? Have a read of our guide to family and bridal party group photos.
What if we feel awkward in front of the camera?
Most couples do, and that is completely normal. We chat as we go and give you something to do, like walking together or talking to each other, and the nerves usually fade within a few minutes. Many of our couples mention in their kind words that they felt at ease.
Will you get in the way on the day?
No. We stay in the background and spend time with your guests so they feel relaxed around us, which also means more natural photographs of them. We do not interrupt the day to set things up, so you can enjoy it.
Why do you work as two photographers?
We are a husband and wife team and we only work together, so every couple has two photographers for the whole day. One of us stays with you while the other finds the candid moments between your guests, so you never miss what happened on the other side of the room.
Do you photograph candid weddings across Northern Ireland?
Yes. We photograph weddings across Northern Ireland, from hotels and castles to country houses and the coast. You can see where we have worked on our real weddings page, or read our blog on the best wedding venues in Northern Ireland.
How much does a candid wedding photographer cost?
Our collections start at £1,375 for half day coverage and go up to £2,675 for a full day with albums and an engagement session. Both of us photograph every wedding, and there is no extra travel charge for weddings within Northern Ireland. You can see exactly what is included on our pricing page.
When will we get our photographs?
Your private online gallery is delivered within six weeks of your wedding, with high resolution downloads and a print shop. If you cannot wait, our fast edit add on guarantees your photos within 10 days for an extra £400.
How do I check if you are free for my date?
Send us your date through the enquiry form and we will let you know if we are free. You are also welcome to ask us anything about how we work.
Pricing
Candid wedding photography packages
Our four collections flex around your day, whether you are planning an intimate ceremony or a full celebration anywhere in Northern Ireland. Both Tommy and Laurene photograph every wedding, and everything included is shown here. See our full package details.
- Getting ready to the call for dinner, speeches included if they are before dinner
- Album available to add later
- Getting ready to first dance and 2 songs
- Album available to add later
- Getting ready to first dance and 2 songs
- 30 x 20 Storybook album
- Getting ready to first dance and 2 songs
- 40 x 30 Storybook album
- 2 parent book albums
- Engagement session included
- Two photographers
- Private online gallery
- In gallery print shop
- Delivered within six weeks
Add +£400 for photos guaranteed within 10 days.
A travel supplement applies, so just ask for a quote.
Planning a small ceremony? See our micro wedding packages, from 2 hours of coverage.
Second day coverage and more, just ask.
How booking works
Three simple steps to secure your date
Tell us your date
Send us your wedding date, your venue and your ceremony time if you have it, using the form below or a quick message on WhatsApp.
We get back to you
We reply as quickly as we can, usually within a few hours, to let you know if we are free and to answer anything you would like to ask.
Secure your date
Once you are happy, booking is simple and hassle free, and then you can relax knowing your photographers are sorted.
Dates fill up fast. We only take on a limited number of weddings each year so every couple gets the time and care they deserve. Dates are confirmed on a first come, first served basis and cannot be held in advance.
Your date might still be available
We only take on a limited number of weddings each year. Send us your details and we will check your date straight away, or message us on WhatsApp if you would rather chat.
- Relaxed and naturalReal moments, quiet photographers and no stiff posing, so you can enjoy your day
- Award winning candid workBest Candid Wedding Photography Couple, Global Wedding Awards 2024
- Two photographersTommy and Laurene, a husband and wife team, photographing weddings since 2014
Message us on WhatsApp
Send Tommy and Laurene a quick message and ask us anything you like.
Chat with Tommy & Laurene