We are Annie & Christian also known as Olliver Photography.  We’ve been shooting reportage, documentary style weddings in London and the rest of the UK for 13 years.

 We are now based between London and Scotland. Most of our work is urban London-y weddings but we love a country and coastal ‘do too.

 Sharing a love for photography, we wanted to start a business that allowed us to work together creatively and follow our passion.  13 years, (5 babies and 1 puppy) later we’re still going strong!

 Our style is very relaxed, informal and friendly. We will capture the narrative of your day, at a distance.  No pushy, cheesy, posey shots.  This allows us to achieve natural images, inspired by light and true moments.

 We draw on many influences but we are mostly inspired by the couple themselves and what is important to them, as well as setting.  At an urban location in London, we are inspired by the local architecture, vibrancy of the people around, and those details that make a place special. The brickwork, street art or a canal, perhaps.  Further afield, at a chateaux wedding, we’re inspired by the rolling landscape, fields of sunflowers as far as the eye can see, the stone of the chateaux, sunlit lemon trees, and shafts of light hitting tile flooring.  A sense of place helps to frame the whole experience of the day.

 An obsession with little details, and an understanding of how natural light can lift a subject from something ordinary to something beautiful….for a good look at our eclectic reportage style see our mosaic of wedding images from the past 15 years

Some notes on our approach

Pre-Wedding- why we love engagement shoots...

We recently decided to change up our package for the coming season to offer an engagement shoot for every new couple. We'd noticed the huge benefit to couples who had already had a shoot as an 'extra' with us, who felt much more relaxed on the day, which showed through their images. They are a great opportunity to get some practice in front of the camera and feel at ease on your wedding day. No daunting photography nerves at all! An engagement shoot also provides you with some gorgeous images as a record of this special time to look back on. Think a summery stroll down the canal, a wander through your local bustly market or a wintry walk in the park with a coffee.

The important components of the 'Story' of your day

Preparations…

Our favourite part of the day to photograph by far.  The atmosphere in the room swings between intense emotion and nerves to fun and laughter.  It’s such an intimate time.  Watching the bride or groom surrounded by their closest friends and family provides inspiration for some really poignant images.  We love how both bride and groom preparations can contribute to the narrative of your day.

The Ceremony…

Church, Town Hall, Orchard or Field, saying your vows to each other with your loved ones to witness, and leaving married. This is the time for your photographer to fade into the background and allow you guys to take centre stage. Tears, laughs and promises of forever. We never take for granted the privilege of recording these first crucial moments.

Group Shots…

Groups are something that we get asked about a lot.  They are a little bit 'marmite' for some photographers.  Some hardcore reportage photographers refuse to do them at all, while other more traditional types spend an age setting up the shots, backdrops and yelling at your guests.  We sit firmly on the fence, believing that group shots, especially family ones are actually a crucial record of those important people, a moment in time.  Who knows when you will all get together again and lets be honest, your Granny will definitely want one of you and your cousins on her mantle!  Having said that, we also very firmly believe that these should not take long.  Your wedding is for you to enjoy, you do not want to be standing for an hour waiting for the photographer to get set up, yawn.  They also shouldn't be too formal and stuffy.  Group shots can be quick, relaxed and informal without a side of cheese!  We advise 10 combinations maximum, and get them over and done with pain free.

Bride and Groom/Bride and Bride/Groom and Groom Portraits…

Again, not everyone is into having a marathon portrait session when you could be enjoying your canapes and catching up with guests but you probably would like some images of you and your love on this special day.  Nothing too posey or awkward but something that captures the two of you taking some time out and celebrating the fact that you have done it.  You are married!  Our dream is to grab you guys for 15 minutes after your ceremony and then do a second quick session later in the evening to capture the sunset or beautiful golden hour light.  By the evening you are normally super relaxed and happy to grab 10 minutes away from the crowd.  We love our couple portraits to reflect the informal atmosphere of our photography yet capture the poignancy of your day.  It's all about the balance.    

Party time…

The final chapter in the narrative of your day- when the band starts, the lights twinkle, the drinks flow and everyone relaxes into the evening. Let the celebrations begin!

Movement and Light…

We aim to capture the movement of your day throughout using natural light and an eye for the detail.  Does a flower girl twirl?  How does the train of your dress fall when you walk?  Exactly how does your best friend squeeze you when she hugs you?  Where does your love plant a kiss?  What about the flame of your bbq and the wind through your veil?  Small moments that make a story.

My eclectic wedding portfolio

The best way to understand how I shoot weddings is to see more images that I have shot. Simple really! So, please check out more wedding moments on my wedding portfolio page…