Helen Jane Smiddy Photography

03/06/2026

✨WEDDING VENUE SPOTLIGHT✨

Oddfellows, Chester - boutique hotel and bar

I've decided to start sharing my favourite venues to work at; that are absolutely brilliant for both me, as a photographer, and for the couples that book them. Wedding planning is hard, and unless you're dead set already on the 'where' of getting married then it can feel a very daunting process in the beginning.

This series of blog posts will hopefully give some thorough insight into options and chat through what's great about them, and what really works; giving wedding-planning couples a clear view of both information and a view of how it could look!

I've got LOADS of venues on my To-Share list but if there's any that you want to see specifically, the just let me know ♡

For now though, enjoy Oddfellows:

Oddfellows, Chester A Whimsical City Centre Wedding Dream If you’re looking for a wedding venue that’s packed with personality, full of quirky charm, and right in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in the North West, then let me introduce you to one of my all-time favourites: Oddfell

01/06/2026

A precious family shoot with your toddler and your newborn baby, in the comfort of your own home makes capturing those beautiful and exhausting first few weeks much easier 🫶🏻

Not only am I a professional photographer but, being a twin mama, I’m a (self proclaimed) professional baby whisperer and have the patience of a saint 😇🤣

Family shoots from £150 📸

01/06/2026

Blogged this pink sensation of a wedding 😍🎀🩷

Kate + Ben Hobbit Hill, Clitheroe Ben and Kate’s beautiful wedding at Hobbit Hill was everything a relaxed countryside wedding should be - colourful, joyful, family-focused and full of personality from start to finish. This wedding was especially meaningful for me to photograph because I’ve k

19/05/2026

PSA: I absolutely, most definitely, certainly DO indeed do family shoots!

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve neglected social media somewhat of late - which in turn has meant I’ve got enquiries asking “is it just weddings that you do?”

So in case you forgot - or if you’re just new around here - I do it all! Family shoots, just your children, newborn shoots, couple shoots, grandparent shoots… even the pets are welcome 🫶🏻

This gorgeous trio had their shoot at Castle Park in Frodsham which is a great location with loads of different areas to explore 🌳

18/05/2026

A rust colour theme, pampas grass and dried flowers, the Bride and Groom’s two children being the Stars of the Show, a sh*t ton of sparklers, the party starting prematurely during the Wedding Breakfast and Still The One being their First Dance Song = my kinda wedding 🫶🏻

14/05/2026

I’ve booked another wedding in Bonnie Scotland and am flipping buzzing about it so thought I’d share one of my favourite ever Scottish weddings I’ve shot..
Mainly because I still can’t get over the beautiful ruins of Melrose Abbey and that this lucky and lovely couple were allowed to get married there due to “holding the key” to it… now as I actually never asked, and never SAW a key, I can only assume they are Scottish royalty and that they’re involved in some sort of Braveheart/Game Of Thrones type situation and I’m INVESTED!

Anyway, that’s by-the-by, I can’t wait to go back to Scotland next year 🤣🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

05/05/2026

When the enquiry says “We are an alternative/rocky type couple, and hope our vibes can be channelled in the photos!” you know the couple are gonna be cool AF and the wedding will be done their way entirely 🤘🏻🎸🖤

22/03/2026

Self-employment will humble you daily.
The long hours, the quiet months, the self-doubt…
But building something that’s yours? Worth every second 🫶🏻

17/03/2026

Moments pass. Photographs linger 🫶🏻

Planner -
Venue -
Boat -
Flowers -

20/02/2026

The real MVP of golden hour: the husband who said yes 🙌🏼
Because after hours of photos, speeches and dancing, that quick trip outside might not sound appealing. But Golden Hour never disappoints. Five minutes, the dreamiest light of the day and some of the most beautiful, relaxed moments from the whole wedding. Trust me - future you will be glad you did ✨