Sunderland snapper in line for wedding industry '˜Oscar'

Helen Russell, from High Barnes, is in line for an Oscar of the wedding industry after reaching the final of the UK Wedding Awards.

She’s the only North East photographer to make the Best Wedding Photographer shortlist, which was selected by magazine editors from hitched, Perfect Wedding and You & Your Wedding.

Since setting up Helen Russell Photography in 2007, the 34-year-old has been capturing big days across the UK and Europe.

Helen, who is mum to Henry, two, said: “It’s amazing just to be shortlisted, especially as I’m the only photographer from the North East in the awards. I feel like a winner already.

“It’s an honour to be able to capture people’s wedding days. Each one is so different and tells a personal story.

“You end up becoming really close to the people you photograph, they end up becoming friends. I like to capture the essence of the day and have a very natural, romantic, dream-like style.”

The awards feature 23 categories focused around five key areas – fashion, venues, suppliers, travel and gift lists – and were shortlisted by a panel of industry experts from hundreds of entries.  

Zoe Jobson, from Immediate Weddings Publisher, said: “We are delighted with the level of entries that we have received for the UK Wedding Awards 2016.

“The range, quality and diversity of the entries is a real reflection on the talent and service levels we have in the UK wedding market.”

The public have the final say on who wins the awards, with each person who votes being entered into a prize draw for an all-inclusive seven-night break for two to Cancun, Mexico.

l To vote for Helen, visit www.theukweddingawards.com/vote. Voting closes on February 11.