A collaged weddings photos photographed by Just James Weddings, featuring couples celebrating outdoors, confetti exits, sunset portraits, and a central photo of James holding his camera, highlighting his 2025 wrapped year of wedding photography.

It’s hard to believe that 2025 is already coming to a close, and what a year it’s been. From shooting my 33rd wedding of the season to finally catching my breath (just about), I’ve spent the last 12 months doing what I love most: capturing stories, meeting brilliant people, and photographing the kinds of moments that stay with you.

It was my busiest year ever, and somehow, my most fun too. There were challenges (obviously), but I genuinely had a blast. Whether I was climbing hills with couples in love, hopping between wedding fairs, or trying to remember how many ciders I’d had by the end of the night, 2025 has been full of energy, connection, and a whole lot of joy.

So here’s a look back at some of the highlights…

33 Weddings, 9 Engagements & 56,000+ Photos Later

This year, I photographed 33 weddings and 9 engagement shoots, across 23 different venues - 20 of which were completely new to me.

That meant 3,061 miles travelled, 56,921 photos taken (yes, I counted), and more heartfelt moments, confetti shots, and emotional speeches than I could ever fit in a single blog.

Oh, and I flew to one of those weddings, which felt like a bit of a milestone moment for me!

Awards, Podcasts, and Proud Little Moments

Black and gold Hitched Wedding Awards 2025 winner graphic, celebrating Just James Weddings being honoured with a Hitched award and named a Regional Finalist at the South West Wedding Awards for the second year running.
James from Just James Weddings recording an episode of the I Do and Updos Podcast with two hosts, all smiling and wearing headphones at a table with mics. They chat about wedding photography, planning tips, and behind-the-scenes stories.

In 2025, I was lucky enough to win a Hitched Wedding Award, and I was also a Regional Finalist at the South West Wedding Awards for the second year running.

And for the first time ever, I was invited onto a podcast! Huge thanks to the team at I Do and Updos Podcast for having me, it was such a fun experience chatting all things wedding photography, planning tips, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Those little moments, the nods of recognition, the industry connections, they mean more than I can say.

The Venues I Visited Most

While I travelled all over, there were a few familiar favourites that kept popping up, and I was more than happy about that.

My most photographed venues this year were:

  • Folly Farm Centre

Naomi and Nick dancing in a golden field at Folly Farm Centre during sunset, with Naomi’s dress flowing as they twirl hand in hand. A warm, romantic moment captured by Just James Weddings against soft evening light and countryside scenery.
  • Glastonbury Wedding & Events

Lottie and Sam walking hand in hand along a country lane at Glastonbury Wedding & Events, with Lottie lifting her bouquet in celebration. Captured by Just James Weddings, the moment shows bright afternoon light, open skies, and relaxed newlywed joy.
  • Eastwood Park

Lucy and Jay walking hand in hand along the path at Eastwood Park, with the grand manor and vibrant autumn ivy behind them. Captured by Just James Weddings, the moment shows soft afternoon light, enjoying a relaxed newlywed walk.
  • Kingscote Barn

Izzy and Andy walking hand in hand across a grassy hill at Kingscote Barn, with a lone autumn tree standing beside them. Captured by Just James Weddings, the scene feels peaceful and minimal, framed by soft grey skies.

Each one has its own charm, and I’ve loved getting to know the spaces, the teams, and the energy that makes each venue feel special.

What Couples Booked in 2025

A donut chart illustrating the Just James Weddings package breakdown across 33 weddings, featuring labelled segments for Platinum, Gold, 2-day weddings, Vibes, and Dynamic Duo.

Out of the 33 weddings I shot, here's how the bookings broke down:

  • 60.6% chose the Platinum package (12 hours)

  • 24.2% went for the Gold package (8 hours)

  • 9.1% booked 2-day wedding coverage

  • 3% chose the Vibes package (photo + content creator)

  • 3% booked the Dynamic Duo (photo + video)

It’s been incredible seeing couples gravitate towards full-day coverage and creative combinations, it means I get to be part of the whole experience, start to finish.

The Banter, the Energy, the Realness

A big part of what I love about this job is how relaxed and fun it can be, especially when I get comments like:

“Paint me like one of your French girls!”
“Get my good side!... wait, do I have one?”
“Can you make me look thinner?”
“If I pass out, please photograph me from a flattering angle!”

The running joke of the year?

"How many photos do you think you’ll take today?"

(Hint: it’s always more than you’d guess.)

The Growth I’m Most Proud Of

Here’s something that feels big to share: next year I’ve already got 42 weddings booked.

That’s the fullest my calendar has ever been, and it’s still growing. Even more exciting? 37% of my 2026 bookings have come directly through recommendations. That includes couples referring me to friends, past clients sharing the love, and venues who’ve added me to their recommended supplier list.

I used to rely on adverts and listings to stay visible… now, word of mouth is doing the talking. And that honestly means everything.

2026, Here I Come!

Next year, I’ve got 42 amazing weddings lined up, including my first destination wedding in Mauritius.

The mix of venues, couples, and moments waiting to unfold makes me so excited for what’s to come. From backyard parties to barn venues and everything in between, 2026 is shaping up to be something really special.

Thank You for an Unforgettable 2025

To every couple who trusted me with their day, to every supplier who shared a dancefloor or helped wrangle group photos, and to every venue that welcomed me in, thank you.

Four years ago, I was just getting started. Now I’m nearly at 100 weddings photographed, with new experiences every single week. It’s been wild, wonderful, and a little emotional, if I’m honest.

Here’s to all the love stories I’ve seen, and all the ones still to come.

Can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us.

- James
Just James Weddings

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