DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM

Telling the story of your day, as it unfolds.

I’m Simon Fazackarley.

I document weddings across Sussex and beyond.

My approach is documentary. It’s calm, considered and focused on people – rather than performance.

I’ve covered over 500 weddings and what matters to me isn’t how the day looks – but how it feels while it’s happening. The energy in the room, the relationships, the moments that would otherwise pass unnoticed.

The couples I work with want to be present. To spend time with the people they love and let the day unfold naturally.

I work unobtrusively, anticipating moments and stepping in only when it’s genuinely helpful. Nothing is staged. Nothing is recreated.

Some choose photography. Some choose film. Some choose both. Captured from a single perspective so the atmosphere remains undisturbed.

Whichever format you choose, the aim is the same: to preserve the feeling of it.

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Recommended by the best wedding venues

Pelham House | Firle Place | Balcombe Place | Nymans | Chiddingstone Castle | Goodwood House | Montague Farm | The George at Rye | Cowdray Park | Fitzleroi Barn | The Party Field | Rumbolds Farm | Brookfield Barn | The Roman Baths | Grittenham Barn

FEATURED Weddings

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Awards and Features

The Wedding Industry Awards | the Wedding Photojournalists Association | The International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers | Fearless Photographers | Rock my Wedding | Rock & Roll Bride | Ruffled | Before the Big Day | One Fab Day | Style Me Pretty | Vogue

“Having Simon there on our wedding day was lovely… his calm and kind energy helped keep us calm too! We had great fun with him throughout the day, and there was never a moment that felt too imposing or staged.”

CHLOE & JAVI

Frequently asked questions

I work in a documentary way, which means most of what I photograph happens naturally rather than being directed. I’m paying attention to what’s unfolding and responding to it, rather than setting things up.

That said, I’m not hands-off to the point of being absent. I’ll give light, confident direction where it genuinely helps (usually around couple and group portraits) but the aim is always to keep things relaxed and unforced. Nothing stiff, nothing overly choreographed.

Most couples I work with tell me they don’t feel comfortable being photographed, and that’s exactly who this approach works best for. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Sussex who prioritises real moments over performance, you’ll likely feel at ease with how I work.

I tend to sit somewhere in the middle – present, aware, and helpful when needed, but never intrusive.

Most of the day I’m quietly observing and anticipating moments as they happen. If something needs a gentle nudge – family group photos, portraits, timing – I’ll step in calmly and keep things moving without turning it into a production.

The goal is that you’re able to stay present with your friends and family, rather than feeling managed or pulled away. Couples often describe my role as a steady, reassuring presence rather than “the photographer”, which is exactly how I like it to feel.

Yes. While I’m based in Sussex, I photograph weddings across the UK and travel regularly for the right kind of day.

Location isn’t the deciding factor for me – the way the day is planned and the people involved matter far more. Whether it’s close to home or further afield, my approach stays the same: working calmly, blending in, and documenting the day as it unfolds.

If you’re planning something that feels personal, relaxed, and people-focused, I’m always happy to travel.

Most couples I work with want their day covered from getting ready through to the early part of the evening, essentially from when things start to feel real, to when the celebrations are properly underway.

I don’t work to rigid, minute-by-minute schedules. Instead, I think in terms of the natural shape of the day: preparations, ceremony, time with guests, portraits, and the evening atmosphere.

When you get in touch, we’ll talk through what your day looks like and what matters most to you, and I’ll advise on what level of coverage makes sense. The aim is always to give you space to enjoy the day, without feeling rushed or watched.

Occasionally, yes – when it genuinely suits the day.

Some couples like the idea of having the atmosphere and movement of the day captured alongside the photographs, and in those cases I can work in both photo and video. I document weddings in film in the same way I do in photography. Calmly and unobtrusively, with a focus on people, their relationships and the moments that matter.

Some couples choose film on its own. Others pair it with photography for a more complete record of the day. Either way, the intention is the same: to preserve what it felt like to be there.

Simon – thank you so much again. We love everything you’ve shared but most importantly we had the best two days with you. For two people who don’t feel comfortable in front of a camera, you made us feel so at ease from the moment we met you, we had so much fun and loved getting to know you. You’re a really special guy and we are annoyed that we won’t be having another wedding so we can spend more time with you!

Katie & Alex

If this feels like the right fit, you’re welcome to get in touch.

I photograph and film weddings across Sussex and further afield, and take on a limited number each year. I’m drawn to days that are relaxed, people-centred, and focused on connection rather than performance.

If you’d like to talk through your plans and see whether it feels like a good match, you can reach out below.

Get in touch