Peterborough photographer who has helped make hundreds of couples' special day as memorable as possible has snapped up a prestigious national award.
Nick Grove won the accolade of The Wedding Retailer's best wedding photographer of the year for his artistic style.
To claim the prize, the Huntly Grove resident had to be nominated by a number of happy brides, and then impress photography experts who judged the competition.
A "delighted" Mr Grove said: "I had a clear vision in mind when I set up the business to approach weddings in a completely new way.
"I like to capture the whole day as it unfolds, in an unobtrusive and relaxed way and in an artistic style of my own.
"To win this award means so much to me. I've achieved so much in such a short space of time and to win the acclaim of my fellow professionals as well as the comments I've received from my customers is amazing".
An example of Nick Grove's photographic work.
The 34-year old, who worked freelance previously, has been a self-employed wedding photographer at Grove Wedding Photography for the last three years.
The former pupil of Prince William School, in Oundle, who studied fine art at Southampton University, set up his business after receiving a loan of £3,000 in 2005 from The Prince's Trust Business programme, for which he had to write a business plan and present it to a panel.
Since then his business has gone from strength to strength, and he said: "It has been tough starting the business from scratch.
"I have certainly learnt a lot over the past three years, about both photography and running a business – but it has been really enjoyable."
However, being at the top of his profession has had its own problems.
Because when it came to trying to find a snapper for his own special day, Mr Grove found that other photographers were reluctant to help.
He said: "We had real trouble finding someone to come and take the photographs.
"When people saw some of the work I had done, I think they were a bit cautious about me comparing my work with theirs."
However, he has also seen the benefits of the job.
An example of Nick Grove's photographic work.
He said:" I recently did a wedding at Burghley House, where a groundsman was getting married.
"And, as it was a member of staff, I was able to see some of the rooms and areas that would otherwise not have been accessible to the public, which was very nice.
"I am also working on a wedding with an Indian couple, who are having services here and in India, and we are currently working to see if I can go and do both services, which would be an experience of a lifetime."
For more information about Grove Wedding Photography, visit
www.groveweddingphotography.com.
