The Butterfly AVM Charity Ball 2025
The Butterfly AVM Charity helps those affected by AVM (arteriovenous malformation) by offering information, advice and funding research into the condition. Here are some images from their Charity Ball.
I work with a handful of charities and they all raise money for amazing causes. My own charity story started a few years ago when my mother was diagnosed with a Grade IV Glioblastoma, which is the most aggresive type of brain tumor. She passed away a few months after her diagnosis and in the last month of her life, I discovered what a hospice was and learnt about the amazing work they do. That was when I first started using my photography to help a charity with their fundraising.
AVM (arteriovenous malformation) is a term that I had heard about but did not really know much about; it was only when a friend asked if I was available to shoot an AVM charity ball did I take some time to learn about the condition. I was shocked to learn that most suffers don’t usually know about their condition until it suddenly presents itself, sometimes with deveastating consequences.
The Butterfly AVM Charity helps those affected by AVM by offering information, advice and funding research into the condition. The charities fundamental mission is “… to inform the general public about AVMs, and let them be inspired and moved by the stories of AVM sufferers…”. Before the charity was set up, families affected by the condition had very few places they could go for information and support.
The fundraising work that they do is amazing and I was humbled to be in their presence. I would urge you all to visit The Butterfly AVM Charity website to learn more about AVMs and their work and if you are able to, DONATE to an amazing charity.
The Ball itself was an amazing success and an occasion to celebrate life! Here are a couple of images but the main images can be viewed HERE, where you are able to download images and also order prints.
Nikkah at Shah Jahan Mosque, Woking, Surrey
Shah Jahn Mosque, built in 1889, is Britain’s first purpose built mosque and an amazing venue for a Nikkah ceremony.
Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking, Surrey was built in 1889. It is the first purpose built mosque in the country and is now a Grade 1 listed building. The mosque itself is intimate and the main prayers actually happen in the large surrounding halls but the original mosque is always open for individual prayers and I would highly recommend anyone to take the opportunity to prayer inside. I have been coming here since childhood and it still feels special to pray inside the original mosque.
Marriage is one of the most important days in a Muslim’s life and having your Nikkah inside Shah Jahan Mosque makes it extra special. Below are some images.
Wedding at South Farm, Royston, Cambridge
It all begins with an idea.
I visited cambridge a few years ago and had a thoroughly lovely time seeing some sights . I recently got to visit again and this time for a family wedding at South Farm, Royston, Cambridge. It’s a lovely venue for a wedding and it’s also licensed, which is even better. The ceremony was held outside and the wedding breakfast was in the barn, which looked magical!
What I really liked about South Farm is that the dance floor is annexed to the barn and a glass wall separates the two. So people can either enjoy the DJ and dance the night away, or sit/rest at a table and chat to family and friends, whilst still keeping an eye on the dance floor in case their favourite track comes on!
We had a lovely warm day, which soon turned into a lovely warm evening.
The beautiful couple, Meriem and Nadhir on their wedding day at South Farm, Royston, Cambridge.
Wedding at Weybridge Register Office
Wedding ceremony at Weybridge Register Office.
Weybridge Register Office
Weybridge Register Office, also known as Rylston, holds a very special place in my life. It’s my local register office—the place where I registered my marriage, the births of my children, and even the passing of my mother. Over the years, it has become more than just a building to me; it’s a place tied to some of life’s most important milestones.
If you’re considering Weybridge Register Office for your ceremony, here’s everything you need to know about this elegant, historic house and what makes it such a special place to tie the knot.
A Brief History of Rylston
The land on which Rylston stands was once part of Henry VIII’s royal hunting grounds. The house itself was built in 1911 and purchased by Surrey County Council in 1963. In 1993, it was officially designated as Weybridge Register Office, serving the local community for weddings, civil ceremonies, and registrations ever since.
While the building has undergone some structural changes, the exterior has remained largely unchanged. Rylston is a beautiful detached house, with original oak panelling, fireplaces, and a magnificent oak staircase. The stained-glass windows at the staircase create a timeless backdrop, and the French windows lead out onto well-kept gardens that make for perfect wedding photographs.
The Happy Couple at Weybridge Register Office!
Why Couples Choose Weybridge Register Office for Their Wedding
As a wedding photographer who has worked at Weybridge Register Office several times, I’ve seen why so many couples choose it as their venue:
Historic Charm: The architecture provides character and elegance.
Intimate Spaces: The ceremony rooms feel personal and welcoming, ideal for smaller weddings.
Beautiful Photography Opportunities: From the oak staircase to the gardens outside, Rylston offers plenty of backdrops for memorable wedding photos.
Convenient Location: Situated in Weybridge, it’s easily accessible for local couples and their guests.
The garden at Weybridge Register Office offers a lovely backdrop for photos
My Experience Photographing at Rylston
Every time I photograph a wedding at Weybridge Register Office, I’m reminded of its charm. The natural light streaming through the stained glass creates a romantic atmosphere, while the gardens provide a serene spot for post-ceremony portraits. Couples often tell me they love the balance between tradition and intimacy that the venue offers.
Bride and Groom inside the summer house at Weybridge Register Office
What to Expect on the Day
On your wedding day, you’ll be greeted at the register office by staff (who are super friendly who will take you through the legal checks before the ceremony begins. The ceremony itself can be personalised with your choice of vows, readings, and music (subject to approval).
Afterwards, many couples and their guests head outside into the gardens. This space is ideal for group photos, candid shots, and those romantic portraits that capture the joy of the day.
Tips for Couples Getting Married at Weybridge Register Office
Book early: Summer Saturdays fill quickly, so secure your date as soon as you can.
Think about timing: Mid-morning or early afternoon ceremonies often give you the best light for photos in the gardens.
Parking: There is on-site parking, but it can be limited. Encourage guests to car-share or use nearby car parks.
Keep it personal: Even though it’s a register office, you can add personal touches—such as readings, music, or special flowers—to make the ceremony feel truly yours.
A Personal Reflection
For me, Rylston is not just a wedding venue—it’s a place woven into the fabric of my family’s story. I’ve experienced it as a husband, a parent, a son, and a photographer. Each time I step inside, I feel a mixture of nostalgia and admiration for this beautiful house and the countless lives it touches.
Every couple who marries here becomes part of that ongoing story. And if you choose Weybridge Register Office for your wedding, you’ll be celebrating your love in a venue that blends history, beauty, and community in a way that few places can.
For me, Weybridge Register Office will always be more than just a register office—it’s a place filled with personal memories and countless stories of love, family, and community. For couples considering a wedding at Weybridge Register Office, you’ll be choosing a venue with not only history and beauty but also a truly special atmosphere.
How Long Does It Take to Edit Wedding Photos? (And Why It’s Worth the Wait)
A blog post discussing how long it takes to edit wedding photos and the steps involved.
Discover how long it takes a professional wedding photographer to edit your photos, why the process matters, and why the wait is worth it.
The Hidden Hours Behind Wedding Photography
When couples think of wedding photography, they picture the big day itself — vows, laughter, dancing, and endless camera clicks. But what many don’t realise is that the wedding day is only half the story. The other half happens behind the scenes: editing.
So, how long does it take to edit wedding photos? On average, two to three hours of editing are needed for every hour of shooting. That’s why it takes weeks, not days, for your final gallery to arrive.
Why Editing Wedding Photos Takes Time
1. Selecting the Best Shots - A professional photographer may take thousands of photos, but you’ll only receive the very best. Culling ensures your gallery tells a story, without duplicates or less flattering images.
2. Colour and Light Correction - From dark barns to bright gardens, every venue is different. Editing balances colours, corrects lighting, and keeps your gallery consistent so it reflects the day as you remember it.
3. Adding Style and Creativity - This is where your photographer’s artistic style comes in. Editing enhances tones, mood, and atmosphere while keeping everything natural and timeless.
4. Retouching the Key Moments - Couple portraits and group photos often receive extra care. Professional editing keeps the look real while making sure you feel confident and radiant.
5. Delivering the Final Wedding Gallery - The last step is exporting, backing up, and organising your images into an online gallery you can easily share with family and friends.
Edited vs. Unedited Wedding Photos: What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest reasons editing takes time is because of the huge difference between raw, unedited files and a finished gallery.
Unedited photos (RAW files):
These are straight out of the camera. They often look flat, with dull colours, odd lighting, and the occasional closed eye or awkward expression. Professional cameras are designed this way to preserve maximum detail, but to the untrained eye, they can look disappointing.Edited photos (final gallery):
This is where the magic happens. Colours are vibrant but natural, the lighting is balanced, and distracting elements are minimised. Edited galleries tell a cohesive story that flows from start to finish, reflecting the atmosphere and emotions of your wedding day.
To put it simply, unedited photos show what happened; edited photos show how it felt.
This is why hiring a professional who invests time in editing is so important — because you don’t just want thousands of untouched files, you want memories polished to perfection.
The Overall Time Commitment
When you add it all up, editing can easily take 20–40+ hours depending on the length of your wedding day. In short, for every hour I spend shooting at your event, I’ll spend around two to three hours editing.
This is why professional photographers take weeks to deliver a polished gallery rather than rushing it in just a few days.
Why This Matters for Couples
Hiring a professional isn’t just about getting someone with a camera. It’s about trusting that your memories will be treated with care.
While a cheap photographer might hand over thousands of unedited files, a professional will deliver a curated, polished story. This saves you time, stress, and disappointment — leaving you free to simply enjoy your memories.
How Long Will You Wait for Wedding Photos?
Every photographer’s workflow is different, but most couples can expect:
Sneak peeks within a few days
Full wedding gallery in 4–8 weeks*
*However, I totally undertand that times are changing and in today’s world, waiting 6-8 weeks for images is an eternity. I’ve now streamlimed by workflow so that my clients generally receive their images in 2 weeks of the wedding.
My Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take to edit wedding photos? Much longer than you might expect — but for good reason.
Editing is where your love story is refined into timeless memories. It’s not just about pictures; it’s about creating a gallery that reflects the joy, atmosphere, and emotion of your day.
That’s why choosing a professional photographer is so important. You’re not just investing in photos — you’re investing in peace of mind, artistry, and a finished gallery that’s worth the wait.