Meet James: The Story Behind Cherished Images
Hey, I’m James. I’m the lead photographer and founder of Cherished Images, and I’m proud to say we were named a Winner in the Hitched 2026 Wedding Awards. For over two decades, I’ve been documenting weddings across Manchester, Trafford, Wigan, and the wider North West. But if you’re looking for a photographer who will treat your day like a rigid fashion shoot or a theatrical production, I am honestly not the guy for you. My approach is strictly documentary. I don’t force fake smiles, I don't shout at your guests, and I won't pull you away from your party for hours on end. I use silent, professional gear to fade into the background, capturing the real energy, true atmosphere, and honest emotions exactly as they happen.
Hey, I’m James. I’m the lead photographer and founder of Cherished Images, and I’m proud to say we were named a Winner in the Hitched 2026 Wedding Awards. For over two decades, I’ve been documenting weddings across Manchester, Trafford, Wigan, and the wider North West. But if you’re looking for a photographer who will treat your day like a rigid fashion shoot or a theatrical production, I am honestly not the guy for you. My approach is strictly documentary. I don’t force fake smiles, I don't shout at your guests, and I won't pull you away from your party for hours on end. I use silent, professional gear to fade into the background, capturing the real energy, true atmosphere, and honest emotions exactly as they happen.
Why I Do This: The Photographers I Wish We Had
My obsession with unposed, stress-free photography comes from a deeply personal place. When my wife and I got married, our own wedding photography experience was completely ruined by a stressed-out photographer with inadequate equipment who forced us into rigid, artificial configurations. The resulting images felt hollow—they didn’t reflect who we were or how the day actually felt.
Coming from an ex-military background, I look at responsibility differently. I decided right then that no couple on my watch would ever have to go through that.
I photograph weddings to be the calm, reassuring, and completely unobtrusive presence that I wish we had on our day. I don’t care about curated perfection or stylised matching chair sashes; I care about the real, fleeting human moments that usually go completely unnoticed. The quiet catch of breath before walking down the aisle, a genuine belly laugh shared over a drink, or the absolute chaos of the evening dancefloor. That is the real history of your family, and I am there to protect it.
Local North West Authority & Logistics
Proudly based right here in Urmston, Greater Manchester, I’ve spent 20 years navigating the nuances of North West weddings. Being local means I don't just know the layouts of iconic venues—I know how to work dynamically with the famous local climate.
Whether it’s maximizing the gorgeous natural light inside the "Secret Gardens" at Flixton House, managing low-light ceremony spaces inside central city landmarks like The Monastery, or dodging a sudden rain shower during a country estate wedding in Wigan, I adapt on the fly without using obtrusive, heavy lighting rigs that disrupt your guests.
Because I love shooting in my home region, all travel across the North West is completely included in my standard pricing structure. I travel using a low-impact electric vehicle, ensuring my logistics are entirely seamless with no hidden mileage fees for you.