The First Wedding Back: An Interview With Marc Bates

With the announcement of restrictions being lifted for weddings, we were lucky enough to sit down with multi-award winning UK wedding photographer, Marc Bates, to discuss how excited he is to return to doing what he does best. Starting out as a hobby 10 years ago, Marc has been lucky enough to capture the joy and love of weddings across the world as a professional wedding photographer and has turned something he loves into his day job.

With two prestigious awards under his belt, including the 2018 Best UK Wedding Photographer and Best Wedding Photographer 2020, Marc is now delighted that couples can now have the wedding of their dreams surrounded by all their friends and family. Read on to find out more about Marc’s first wedding back and how he felt in that special moment.

How the Pandemic Affected His Work

“It was an incredibly difficult time. Out of 24 bookings across 2020, I only managed to photograph four weddings. With this came a financial impact, but the positive is that it allowed me to be of service to my clients in a way I never would have been before. Over the last year, I became more than just a wedding photographer. I made sure to touch base with my clients to check their wellbeing and how they were doing. I wanted them to know that I was there for them and we were in this together.

When the announcement was made about the lifting of restrictions for weddings, I had mixed feelings, but mostly of excitement – for both my clients and for the wedding industry as a whole. This was a huge step forward and finally we could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The First Lucky Couple

One of my first couples post-pandemic was Caroline & Ed, who were married in Stoke Park with a private reception in the garden of Caroline’s parents’ house. I know that they were so relieved to finally be getting married. This was their fourth postponement and it was just so great to finally photograph their special day! We had such a wonderful day together and created some beautiful images – there were some truly unique moments and I am so proud of the photos.

In the run up to the first wedding back, I was excited and a little nervous to be honest with you. However, I still went through my usual preparations as always and I made sure I was ready for the return to doing what I love most.

The Return of Weddings

Throughout the pandemic, I made sure that I stayed in touch with the people I know in the wedding industry. When it all started and we went into lockdown, no one really knew what was happening, but I reached out to everyone I knew to offer my help in any way I could. With the majority of us working by ourselves, self-employed and running the whole show, I wanted people to know that they weren’t alone and that they had someone to talk to.

Marc’s Summer of Firsts

For all of the weddings I’ve photographed since being back in action, I have stayed far later than I normally would. In most cases, I stayed right to the end! I’ve definitely missed being with clients, sharing these beautiful days surrounded by their friends and family. The love, the laughter and the tears. Those moments where you know you are witnessing something beautiful. I am so happy that I am back doing what I love and spending time with people on the happiest days of their lives.

During that period of time away from weddings, I invested heavily in myself and my craft. I really dug deep and asked myself what I wanted to create for my clients when I finally came back to it. My creativity has certainly improved in that time and I’m so grateful that I can now continue doing what I love.”

Share Your Summer of Firsts Story

Whatever you get up to this summer, celebrate every moment like it’s your first. Read more of our Summer of Firsts stories from other Boots Photo customers over on our summer inspiration page.

For more information about Marc Bates and his work, check out his website and be sure to follow him on Instagram @marcbatesphoto for all his latest news and stunning wedding photography.