We're approaching the end of year 2013 and it's time for reflection on what's been a busy year. I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite photos from weddings I've shot in the past 12 months. This will be a short series of posts with a little bit of explanation and story behind some of the images. I hope you enjoy viewing them.

These shots are from bridal preparations, one of my favourite parts of a wedding day. There is so much to capture during this time; emotion, tension, excitement and even a few tears here and there. There is even a shot of the long forgotten and often never mentioned groom prep too, let's not forget them eh?

MK Collins Photography, North Devon wedding photographerMK Collins Photography, North Devon wedding photographer The bride pictured above is Pearl and this is one of the suites at Northcote Manor back in June. When I started the bridal prep that day Pearl was incredibly shy about me being there taking photos, but in no time she began to relax and started posing like a pro!

MK Collins Photography, North Devon wedding photographer This is Alys gazing into the mirror at her parents house in Umberleigh prior to her wedding at The Travellers Rest. One of the things I try and capture at this time is the bride's apprehension after she has got into her dress and the time to leave for the ceremony draws nearer. This was the moment she saw herself in her wedding dress for the first time and I love the slight look of nervousness on her face.

MK Collins Photography, North Devon wedding photographerMK Collins Photography, North Devon wedding photographer This is Liz surrounded by her family all gathered around the mirror. They are all checking out her hair after the hairdresser had finished and asked for Liz to see the results for the first time. Her mum, dad, sister, niece, and brother are all giving their seal of approval. I like the way her niece is on tiptoe peering into the mirror trying to get a peek at her reflection.

MK Collins Photography, North Devon wedding photographer This is Louise (sitting down) getting her make up applied at her parents house in Fremington back in April. The photo on the wall is her family portrait hanging outside the living room. To me, this image shows the transition Louise is about to take starting married life and perhaps a new family of her own.

MK Collins Photography, North Devon wedding photographerMK Collins Photography, North Devon wedding photographer This is a photo of a bridesmaid, Amy, getting ready at the brides mother's house back in September in Torrington. I like this photo for many reasons including the lovely ambient light in the room, the nice wallpaper too, but mainly for the slight grin on her face as she appeared to notice me at the doorway about to take a photo of her! Must try harder to be quiet!

MK Collins Photography, North Devon wedding photographerMK Collins Photography, North Devon wedding photographer

This is Nicola about to leave for the ceremony to meet her groom Darren at Tunnels Beaches in Ilfracombe back in March. She was such a bubbly person and I think the nerves started to kick in at this moment. I love the look on her face, seen clearer in the reflection (which is what I focused on) and her look of apprehension, made all the more ironic, as it is on the 'Keep Calm and Carry on" Poster! 

The bride seen coming down the staircase is Deniece and the location is the Royal Castle Hotel in Dartmouth, South Devon, back on a hot July day. This was shot on an ultra wide angle lens which I used with the intention of emphasising the size and structure of the grand staircase at the hotel while Deniece made her way down.

This is one of my favourite moments at any bridal prep, the first time dad sees his daughter all made up in her wedding dress for the first time. I guess the emotion on his face is one of incredible love for his daughter and a slight tinge of sadness that he is about to give her away at the alter and in a way, lose his 'little girl' to her groom. The bridesmaids in the background show a mixture of laughter and tears in the moment that dad embraces Kirsty. Just a lovely moment and one to treasure for them both (I hope)!

Lets not forget the groom in all the build up to a wedding ceremony! Occasionally I get to capture the groom getting prepared and here is Dan at Northcote Manor adjusting his tie and looking very relaxed.