Real Love, Real Moments, Real Celebrations – My 2025 in Review
2025's Time Capsule
A year of epic authenticity, outrageous partying, rule-breakers and rebels, captured in documentary wedding photography by Phil Salisbury.
Another year done. Another epic collection of weddings that absolutely blew my mind. And honestly? I'm sitting here looking back through thousands of images, thinking – how did I get so lucky? I really found my people this year!
2025 has been the year of couples doing things THEIR way. Saying ‘no thanks’ to cookie-cutter traditions, being brave and not doing everything by the unwritten rules – because whoever wrote that rulebook has clearly never partied in their lives! Just pure, unfiltered celebrations full of personality.
“We wanted to be fully present and enjoy every single moment of our wedding day. And let me tell you, Phil understood the assignment.”
A proposal in Vienna and weddings from Manchester to France, I've photographed couples who broke the rules, made their own, and created epic, memorable, unique weddings. These are my people. The ones who understand that your wedding day is about celebrating with your favourite humans, not performing for the camera or ticking boxes because "that's what you're supposed to do."
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not forcing you to break the rules, but I will give you a gentle nudge to remind you that this is your wedding day, it’s up to you how it happens, who is there, and what you get up to. If you are following traditions, make sure they mean something to you – I will support you all the way if you decide "nah, not for us – let’s do this our way!"
Lauren and Jake’s wedding at The Savoy cinema in Stockport, “Now Showing – The One Where We Got Married” was full of colour (check out the blue veil), packed with fun, and their quiz with bucket hats and a conga through the streets was AWESOME.
Feeling nervous as your ceremony approaches? How about your Mum flipping you the bird out the window to give you a giggle? Rachel’s mum provided this excellent service, just a small moment of cheeky banter on the day that instantly brought a smile to everyone’s face. I document these unrepeatable moments as they happen.
"Phil's photos show moments we would never have known happened. Everyone's happy and we have amazing and hilarious memories to treasure!"
This year, couples have loved looking through their galleries and seeing moments they didn’t even realise were happening. Catching the look from your best man during the speeches that says ‘we’re ribbing you mate, but we really do love you’ or your Nana doing shots with the bridesmaids at the bar - those moments last seconds, sometimes you won’t even have seen them happening. But they're the memories you'll laugh and cry over in 20 years.
I've always said I'm here to party WITH you, not just photograph you partying. Couples have prioritised epic entertainment, let their hair down, and delivered some absolutely banging dance floor moments.
"We've received countless compliments from our guests about how unobtrusive Phil was while still managing to capture such natural, beautiful moments."
Beth and James’ wedding at The Outbarn in Clitheroe was a musical bonanza. Both of them love their music, so a live choir (with guest vocals from the bride) brought the vibes and set the tone. Guests might have been dressed up, but you could see on their faces that they all felt totally relaxed and ready to enjoy the day.
From choirs and brass bands to karaoke, celebrity guests, and surprise Mariachi bands, people have brought ENERGY to their celebrations. I've photographed grooms, grans, and great-uncles crowd-surfing, brides kicking off their shoes and absolutely losing it to 90s classics, and guests so lost in the moment they forget there's even a photographer there.
That's the sweet spot. When people stop performing and just BE.
If there's a gorgeous sunset during your wedding, let’s get outside for two minutes to capture it artistically in stunning images. You can have a wander together as newlyweds, get some fresh air and then head straight back to your guests. Quick, beautiful, authentic. The kind of thing you can put on the wall.
"The way he managed to document our special day was nothing short of amazing - every photo tells a story, and we are absolutely thrilled with the results."
Confetti was a big feature of this 2025, with stacks of the stuff swirling around couples and piling high on pavements and lawns. I guess confetti is a traditional part of a wedding, but I love how much fun it’s become. Getting totally covered in a cloud of brightly coloured confetti thrown by cheering guests is a great way to start married life (chances are there will still be some in your hair, turning up in your shoes, or behind the sofa on your next anniversary!).
It’s not just a slogan on my website; it's genuinely who I work with. Couples who want to enjoy their day, not perform for it. The ones who aren't afraid to do things differently.
If you're planning a wedding that breaks traditions, celebrates YOUR personality, and prioritises the party – I want to photograph it. Those are the weddings I live for. Where everyone's being themselves. My goal is for you to have an amazing day and look back at the images I capture and FEEL what it was like to be in the room.
2026 is already looking bonkers. If you want photography that captures your vibes – get in touch. Let's create something brilliant together.
And to everyone who invited me to be part of their day in 2025? Thank you for trusting me, for being yourselves, and for throwing celebrations that remind me why I love what I do.
Right then, let's make 2026 even more epic.
