Back to Dawlish to see my all friends after many years was an amazing experience. I lived in Dawlish for 3 years only but it was a very important time in my life. Dawlish is a place where I fall in love with England and decided that this going to be my home. I get pregnant and give a birth to my son. I met here some amazing people, friends for life. When everybody seems in a hurry in Manchester, in Dawlish, they’re much more relaxed, and in coffee shops, people definitely take their time to enjoy afternoon tea. Plus the scones are amazing. Thank you Joanna for having us.

Everyone knew this was no ordinary wedding. Leslie and Poom married at Manchester Town Hall, surrounded by family and friends, They promised each other to continue their love not by way of mere words, but actions, promise to remain at each others’ sides. Forever. Reception was held at Slug and Lettuce on Albert Square, they hosted a stunning wedding filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Poom and Leslie, I hope you’ve enjoyed your big day. You deserve the best and I’m beyond thrilled to call you my clients. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Much Love and Appreciation…M. I wanted to share a handful of images from their big day and tell a bit more about their special day. In Leslie & Poom own words, here's their story,so take a look below, and enjoy. How did you meet? We were actually both studying in Manchester in 2011. Our first date was at the bar 'Via' on Canal Street in Manchester. It's my favourite bar and it has brilliant Gothic furniture inside, I wanted to impress on our first date, and thought that would do the trick! How long did you plan your wedding? We actually started planning everything in January this year (2017). Although we intended to get married in 2018, when we contacted Manchester Town Hall they informed us they were closing for renovations from January 2018 so it would be impossible. We then had to decide to either get married this year or probably change plans for the venue. Since our hearts we set on the Town Hall we sped things up. It meant some initial stress but we had a lot of help in England from family. What made you choose Manchester Town Hall your wedding venue? We wanted to get married in a beautiful old building in the heart of Manchester. I'm from Manchester, Poom studied at Manchester University for 2 years. We met in Manchester. We got engaged in Manchester. So it only made sense we'd get married in the city. The Town Hall really represents the history of the city, and again, Gothic architecture is something I personally love and we knew the photographs would turn out well there :) What was your favourite part of your wedding day? LESLIE- I liked signing the contract, we could really notice everyone who was there then, and it made everything official. Doing that in front of the most important people in our world was so special. Also the incredible cheesecake and cupcakes, they were ace! POOM- exchanging the rings. At that moment it felt real for me, and now looking at them reminds me of that day, every day. Would you like to say special thank you to somebody who helps you make your wedding day perfect? A lot of people! My (Leslie's) Mum and Dad for the Wedding Cheesecake, the flowers, the hotel we stayed in, for arranging things we weren't able to; my Gran, who couldn't be there but also paid for the cake;my sister Carla, she got the cake topper of two guys; my Auntie Jen and Uncle Mark for the Mr and Mr Cupcakes; my cousins Francis and Richard and Poom's brother Pee for being awesome best men; my cousin Kayleigh for helping with decorations and the Slug and Lettuce; my Uncle Andy for doing the music and the Town Hall, and everyone else for just being there and for their gifts. A special thanks too to Poom's friend Alex, who flew in all the way from Shanghai, China for ONE DAY just to be there for his friend. Of course, I'd also like to thank Ellen from Manchester Town Hall, Scarlet from the Slug and Lettuce, and yourself for the photos. Honestly, everyone contributed! #weddingphotographyatManchesterTownhall #weddingphotosManchester #samesexwedding #samesexmarriage #Gothicwedding

Becki and Phil promised to stay true and hold hands as they age, memorizing the grooves and crevices on each finger. As husband and wife, they promised eternity and a day in their vows and sealed their commitment with a kiss at St. Marys Church in Hollingworth. The rest of the evening was spent popping, clinking, and cheering to what may have been the happiest couple in the world at that exact moment. The earth paused on its axis, with just enough time to Becki and Phil to realize that, yes, their day was nothing short of perfection. Reception was held at Stamford Golf Club, they hosted a stunning wedding filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Becki and Phil, I hope you’ve enjoyed your big day. You deserve the best and I’m beyond thrilled to call you my clients. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Much Love and Appreciation…M. In Becki and Phil's own words, here's their story. How did you meet? We met in the hair dressers becki worked at in broadbottom called the hair gallery. I went in with my friend as his girlfriend worked there as well and Becki was mopping up and she dropped the mop and ran into the other room and my mate and his girlfriend at the time arranged for all to go out later that evening and the rest is history. How long did you plan your wedding? We planned the wedding for 11 months but we had built up ideas for a couple of years. What made you choose Stamford Golf Club your wedding venue? We chose Stamford because of the great scenery the friendly and really helpful staff and we had researched it online. What was your favourite part of your wedding day? It's really difficult to choose a favourite part of the day but we are both in agreement that the church service was probably it. What was your first dance song? Our dance song was James Morrisons- Won't let you go. Would you like to say special thank you to somebody who helps you make your wedding day perfect? We would love to thank everyone involved including yourself, our parents, Stamford golf club, St Mary's church Hollingworth, the bridal party, best men, our two wonderful children, Tim Nudds, Gail Oats, Broadoak Cars, Steve Kenny(dj). Enchanted florists Glossop and the Hayloft Angels for make up. Becki and Phil's wedding day was one of the most special days for them and I am so lucky to have witnessed and documented the good vibe there. Also, please check out the photographs from their engagement session at Deansgate - Castlefield About Author Monika Szmidt Award winning photographer that is obsessed with taking portrait photographs. Mom of one crazy boy. Always starts day with very strong cup of coffee. In their spare time, she enjoys camping, reading, cooking, and traveling to destinations old and new. She continually look for adventures in front, behind, and away from the camera although it’s difficult to put it down when there is so much beauty in the world to capture. #WeddingphotographyinManchester #weddingphotographerManchester #WeddingPhotosatStamfordGolfClub #WeddingatStMarysChurchinHollingworth

On a perfect Summer day, Monika and Pawel surrounded by their friends and family at Town Hall in Rochdale promised to love, honour, and cherish for the rest of their lives and sealed their devotion with a kiss, which was heralded as the beginning of something new. Together. They hosted a stunning wedding filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Monika & Pawel thank you for inviting me to document your first day as husband and wife. Much Appreciation and Love… M. I wanted to share a handful of images from their big day, so take a look below, and enjoy. #weddingphotographyTownHallRochdale #weddingphotographerrochdale #weddingatTownHallRochdale #weddingphotosRochdale #weddingpicturesRochdale

Stefania and Jesus said their vows and celebrated the moment when their hearts grew to encompass the merging of two cultures Italian and Spanish , families, lives, and hopes at Heron House in Manchester. Reception was at The Bem Brasil with fantastic food and drinks.After that everybody walked to La Tasca where evening party started. They hosted a stunning wedding filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Stefania & Jesus thank you for inviting me to document your first day as husband and wife. Much Appreciation and Love… M. I wanted to share a handful of images from their big day and tell a bit more about their special day. In Stefania & Jesus own words, here's their story, so take a look below, and enjoy. How did you meet? We found love in Trafford Centre! We used to work in 2 restaurants in front of each other and Jesus was always flirting and looking at me. I went to eat at his and he gave me free churros, that' why I fell in love lol. How long did you plan your wedding? We have been planning the wedding for about 7 months, we decided to get married watching a tv series and just said ok let's do it! What was your favourite part of your wedding day? Our favourite part of the wedding day was looking at each other's eyes while I was entering the aisle, a moment full of emotion and love. But also before the reception we had the time to be alone just the2 of us having pictures and relaxing. What was your first dance song? Our first dance song was Mi Verdad - Maná feat. Shakira. "You are my love, my joy, the truth of my life, you are my refuge and my truth" We would like to thank you all our family and friends who came even from abroad and joined us in this special day. But also thanks to you Monika!! #WeddingatHeronhouse #Manchesterwedding #ManchesterweddingPhotography #ManchesterWeddingPhotographer #Weddingphotos

Elaine and Ricardo said their vows and celebrated the moment when their hearts grew to encompass the merging of two different cultures , families, lives, and hopes at Beeston Manor in Preston. They hosted a stunning wedding filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Elaine and Ricardo thank you for inviting me to document your first day as husband and wife. Much Appreciation and Love… M. I wanted to share a handful of images from their big day, so take a look below, and enjoy. #WeddingatBeestonManor #WeddingPreston #weddingphotography #weddingphotosManchester #weddingphotographerManchester #weddingpictures

Laura and Adam said their vows at St. Aidan's Church in Rochdale and hosted a stunning wedding filled with love, laughter, and happiness at The Stables Country Club in Bury. Thank you for the honour of being your wedding photographer. Much Appreciation and Love...M :) I would like to share some of their wedding photos and tell a bit more about their special day. In Laura & Adam's own words, here's their story. How did you meet? Me and Adam met in a local pub called The Junction, in Rochdale. How long did you plan your wedding? We got engaged in January 2015 and had the wedding booked for 16 months. What made you choose The Stables your wedding venue? We chose the Stables because of the lowly grounds outside, you can see all the sheep and cows from the affair. Also the room size was amazing and we loved the wood beams. What was your favourite part of your wedding day? Our favourite part of the wedding day was doing the first dance and then watching and having a fun time. What was your first dance song? Our first dance song was Sam Smith - Latch (acoustic version). Would you like to say special thank you to somebody who helps you make your wedding day perfect? We would like to say special thanks to our parents for helping us over the last few months. Also a massive thank you to my sister Courtney who I couldn't of planned such an amazing wedding without. - our Harpist was called Anna - she was amazing. Our entrance song was The Beauty And The Beast - Tale as old as time. - our cake was from Browns cake shop in Rochdale. #CheshireWeddingPhotographer #WeddingphotographyinManchester #weddingphotosManchester #weddingphotographermanchester #WeddingatTheStablesCountryClub #weddingphotographerinBury

On a perfect Summer day, Julie and Amanda surrounded by their friends and family at Hyde Bank Farm promised to love, honour, and cherish for the rest of their lives and sealed their devotion with a kiss, which was heralded as the beginning of something new. Together. They hosted a stunning wedding filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Julie and Amanda thank you for inviting me to document your first day as wife and wife. Much Appreciation and Love… M. I would like to share some of their wedding photos and tell a bit more about their special day. In Amanda & Julie's own words, here's their story. How did you meet? We met through a mutual friends hen do which was completely unexpected. We had both really given up on love and as cheesy as it sounds when we met there was a connection that neither of us could ignore. How long did you plan your wedding? We were planning the wedding for around 18months. What made you choose Hyde Bank your wedding venue? We choose Hyde Bank as the venue as it was just so different and felt so much like us. The staff were amazing and Mandy the venue organiser was fantastic. She worked with us over the 12 months to help us make the day exactly what we wanted it to be and nothing was too much trouble. We also met Carla from Classy Blooms who is based at Hyde Bank and again she worked with us and our theme to produce some amazing flowers displays and dress the room exactly how we wanted it with a loose Alice in Wonderland/Steampunk theme. All of the guests that attended the wedding were really impressed with everything from service to the table layout and that is a credit to Mandy and Carla. What was your favourite part of your wedding day? The whole thing from start to finish was absolutely amazing and we could not have asked for anything better. The wedding ceremony was particularly special and getting a massive cheer when we were married was so much fun and we truly felt blessed and loved by all of our friends and family in that moment. What was your first dance song? Our first dance song was “The one you love” by Passenger. The words just meant the world to us and seemed the perfect fit for the day. Would you like to say special thank you to somebody who helps you make your wedding day perfect? There were so many people from start to finish that supported us throughout it all but we couldn’t have done it without our wedding party especially Julie's brother Martin and his husband Daniel, also our two best friends Rachel and Vicki. Amina who is a close friend that made our cake which was absolutely beautiful with so much love and time put into it. Amina had said she would like to do the cake and we told her about the theme but let her do whatever she wanted so we didn’t know until the day what it be. Tony and Reeta from One BC who made our wedding outfits. They took images from our imagination and made them real. We had the most amazing experience working with them and being part of their incredible fashion community. Good times we will never forget!! Monika who was sooooooooo patient, organised and professional and also put us both at ease from the start. She did everything she could to ensure we got everything captured and there were lots of laughs and tears that we shared with her throughout the day. Mandy and Carla for their imagination, creative abilities and attention to detail that ensured the day went smoothly and turned out to be even more than we expected it to be. Richard Keen who was our guitarist and DJ and is a really talented guy. Everyone commented on his talent and acoustic set throughout the day and he managed to keep everyone on the dancefloor in the evening right up to the last second. #WeddingatHydeBankFarm #WeddingphotographyinStockport #WeddingphotographyinCheshire #WeddingphotographyinManchester #CheshireWeddingPhotographer #ManchesterWeddingPhotographer #weddingphotos #weddingphotosManchester #farmwedding

Ewa and Tony said their vows and celebrated the moment when their hearts grew to encompass the merging of two cultures Polish and English , families, lives, and hopes at Doncaster Register Office. They hosted a stunning wedding filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Ewa & Tony thank you for inviting me to document your first day as husband and wife. Much Appreciation and Love… M. I wanted to share a handful of images from their big day, so take a look below, and enjoy. I started at bride and groom home. Ceremony was held at Doncaster Register Office. After ceremony bride and groom together with all guests went to restaurant for a meal. Time for some family photos... and speeches... and time for first dance... After the first dance we had a time to take a few portraits with Mr. and Mrs. at a Elmfield Park. We started in the sunshine... and we ended up in the rain but Ewa and Tony still had a smile on their faces! #wedding #weddingphotographyDoncaster #ManchesterWeddingPhotographer #Manchesterphotographer #weddingdayDoncaster

When clients come into my home studio the majority of the time they have no idea what is involved in a newborn photography session. And I just love seeing their expressions while I'm posing and taking photos of their baby. Every session takes about 2-3 hours even baby is so good as Amelia was - she slept for the whole session and let me do my work! Please, take a look below at a handful of images from our newborn photo session, I hope you will enjoy. #babyphotosession #familyphotographerManchester #babyphotographerManchester #Manchesterbabyphotograper #newbornphotographerManchester #naturalnewbornphotography #newbornphotoshoot #Manchesternewbornphotographer #newbornphotography #Manchesternewbornphotography #babies #Newborns

Stefania and Jesus's wedding day is just a few months away, which means it was time to meet up for their pre-wedding shoot. We met to discuss their day and practice in front of my camera at Chorlton Water Park. Stefania is from Italy and Jesus from Spain and they find a love in Manchester. Chorlton Water Park was a first park they went out together! Stefania and Jesus excitement about their upcoming wedding day shone through in their photos, and from the information their shared with me, it sounds like it's going to be an amazing day. I wanted to share a handful of images from their shoot, so take a look below, and enjoy.

In a half of June I met up with Donna and Darren at Dunham Massey, one of my favourite places, for their pre-wedding shoot. One of the main aspects of a pre-wedding shoot is helping couples understand that there aren't any set rules when it comes to how they are and interact when having their photo taken. You can't really get it wrong! The key is learning to be comfortable enough to be yourselves whilst being photographed, then the unique and genuine nature of your relationship will shine through. It was a pleasure to spend time with such a lovely couple. We had great fun, and ended up with some lovely photos. I'll leave you with a selection of moments from their shoot. #preweddingshoot #bestengagementphotos #preweddingphotography #Manchesterpreweddingphotoshoot #preweddingphotoshootatDunhamMassey #romanticengagement #engagementphotography #engagementphotos #engagementphotosessionatDunhamMassey #engagementphotographerManchester