Philip Gilman LBIPP Professional Wedding Photographer

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Testimonials:

'We wanted to write and thank you very much for taking the photographs at our wedding.

From the first moment that Martyn and I met you, we knew that we wanted you to be our photographer for our special day. When you came to meet us at our home and showed us your albums, we knew that you took great pride in your work and were very passionate about what you did. You were very clear about your ideas, and listened carefully to what thoughts we had and how you could work with us to produce a beautiful album. By the end of the first meeting we knew that we would get on with you fantastically and that you would become a special part of our wedding day.

In the run up to the wedding, when nerves were running high, and best laid plans were failing we always knew that we could depend on you. Your expertise and advice helped us to feel relaxed and you always took the time to listen to questions and put our minds at rest.

On the wedding day it made such a difference that you had taken the time to find out who our family and friends were. Everyone that you came into contact with on the day was made to feel special and your relaxed and fun attitude added to the ambience of the day. This relaxed and jovial atmosphere was certainly reflected in the photographs. In the past I have had friends comment on their bossy and demanding wedding photographers, this was never the case with you. Your fun relationship with our family, and us helped to get everyone organised and caused more than a few giggles in the process.

Our wedding album surpassed all of our expectations. The quality of the pictures and the album were superb, and your creative and artistic layout of the photographs took our breath away. My father is not usually some one who likes to be photographed, and he was somewhat apprehensive about seeing his pictures in the album. There is a certain picture of my father looking at me for the first time in my wedding dress, which captures him perfectly. He has actually stated that it is the only photograph that he has ever seen of himself that he likes! Our wedding album is our only lasting memory of our day, and we could not have wished for a better memory. Every time we open our album the memories come flooding back, I don't believe that we will ever tire of looking at it. It encapsulates everything that we remember about the day.

All that is left to say is a very very big thank you, we have more than a few green eyed friends and I will actively be recommending you to anyone and everyone I meet who is getting married!'

Caroline and Martyn Stimson - Cheshire.

Peckforton Castle

We don't think we have told you this before, but on the day we came to see you, we had appointments booked to visit some other photographers. Having spent an hour with you looking through some of your work we cancelled the other appointments! We knew that the style of your photography was exactly what we were looking for, and just as importantly, we knew you would be a pleasure to have around on the day. We were blown away by the albums you were able to show us and were keen to have something just as beautiful. We were not disappointed!

We met with you once more before the day where we discussed the style of photographs we were looking for. You made an effort to find out who all the key people were on first name terms, which meant that finding them on the day seemed very straightforward for you. From the very beginning we were keen to avoid photographs that were too staged and felt false. You were happy to work with our very small list of formal photos, but I was amazed to see how well these photos came out - you made everyone so relaxed that they don't look too formal at all. The majority of the photos in our album are relaxed and informal. You have captured expressions on people's faces that sum them and the moment up completely, whether jovial or sentimental.

It was important to us to choose a photographer that had previously worked at our venue, Arley Hall, so you knew all the best spots. However, I don't think we need have worried as you had not photographed our church before, yet the pictures from both inside and outside the church are amongst our favourites

When we came to look at the photos to choose the ones to go into the album it was so exciting to see what you had captured. You blended into the day so well that there were only a few times when we were aware you had taken any photos! But what a choice... it was so hard deciding which pictures to leave out of the album as so many of them were fantastic. We could have filled an album twice the size! Whilst leaving the choice up to us, you offered us great advice on a few pictures where we struggled to choose, or where they helped the album to tell the story of the day.

It is only left for me to say that I would gladly recommend you to any of my friends getting married in the future.

With many many thanks from Ruth & Jonty Rodgers, London

Arley Hall

We wanted to thank you for doing such an amazing job with our wedding photos. We knew after meeting you and seeing some of your previous albums last year that your work would be fantastic, but I didn’t think it would be possible to take photos that would be so moving that I had to get the tissues out!

You really captured the emotion of the day and we’ll have so much pleasure looking back through the album in the years to come. You made everything so easy for us, both in the run–up to the wedding and on the day. (The only difficulty was having to discard the photos that wouldn’t fit in the album!) Thank you once again, and we really can’t wait to see the finished product.

Best wishes Chloe and Justin

Marquee reception, Shropshire

We are writing to say a formal thank you for the fantastic photographs and beautifully compiled and presented album of our wonderful wedding day at St Margaret’s, and later at Arley Hall. We couldn’t be more delighted with the work you did for us. When we showed the album to our families and friends over the Christmas holidays they were really bowled over at the quality of the finished album. It’s such a fabulous record of a day we will always remember, and it’s so nice that our friends and relatives remember your part in making it a wonderful, happy occasion for everyone. We will look at the album time and again over the years and will remember the thoughts and feelings of the day each time we do so.

When we were first considering which photographer to use there is no doubt that your work stood head and shoulders above that of the others we met. More than that though, it was clear from our first meeting that you really know how to make photographs of people that do much more than just capture the way they look – it’s a rare talent. Also, we felt that we could trust you from the outset, and right up to the day you helped us choose the photographs for inclusion in the album we had faith in your abilities to deliver something extra. Both of us felt that you were more like a guest at the wedding than someone busy working and being so discreet whilst making excellent photographs was exactly what we had hoped for.

We both feel that we received excellent value for money from you, and the excellence of your work means that we will have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone seeking a top quality photographer. It came as no surprise to see that you scooped yet another award.

Once again Philip, thank you for everything you did to help make our wedding day very, very special for us and for everyone who was involved.

Very Best Wishes, Sue & Mark Elves

Arley Hall, Cheshire

This will come as a huge surpise to you. I am actually stuck for words to say, to thank you for all that you've done for James and I.

The first time we met you our feelings went from relaxation to reassurance to sheer excitement at the thought of you being apart of our special day, your albums were stunning and we couldn't wait for ours.

When I first saw you on the morning of the 19th it hit me it was real, the fairytale was about to begin. The nerves disappeared as the laughter and happiness took over. Your presence was gracful and unobtrusive, your professionalism shone through as you captured the emotions of everyone. I'd like to thank you particularly for the way you worked with the boys, Sam and wills were totally relaxed they loved being around you and had a fabulous time.

Your pictures have told an unforgettable story, we had a truly fabulous day and we're extremely grateful for everything.

Thank you Philip

Lots of love and best wishes, Shelley & James Keeble

Crewe Hall

Since getting our wedding album back from you the other week, Hannah and I have both looked through the album many, many times and we wanted to say thank you for what is a fantastic collection of photos, expertly arranged. Seeing the photos this way is absolutely brilliant and we both appreciate the efforts you’ve gone to, to create a special album for us.

Thank you also for being part of our day. We felt in expert hands both building up to the day and on the day itself, which played a big part in us being able to relax and totally enjoy our wedding day.

Many of our guests also commented on how relaxed and friendly, yet unobtrusive you were which was fantastic and just what we wanted. One of our guests even commented that she’d like to get married, just so she could use you as her photographer!

Thank you again for producing such an amazing album of photos.

Oliver and Hannah

Arley Hall

Just looking through our photos brings back all the emotions of our special day. We can't thank you enough for capturing all the wonderful moments of our perfect day. Certain photos bring a tear to both our eyes as memories are recalled and other shots show the true personality of our family and friends. Even my husband is absolutely thrilled with the photos and I should know how hard it is to achieve that!!! We would not hesitate to recommend you. You were Perfect! We look forward to seeing you in action next September!

Love Jen+Rich

Belle Epoque

Just a quick note to say thank you so very much for doing such a wonderful job of taking photographs at our wedding. If you remember when you first met us last year we were a little unsure as to whether to pay that bit extra for a quality photographer – but we can honestly say it was well worth it.

The time you spent with us prior to the big day was greatly appreciated. We felt that you knew exactly what we wanted and that helped a great deal, as we had plenty of other things to worry about. On the day we hardly knew that you were there, Maeve even said at one point ‘are you sure Phil is still here?’

The pictures truly are perfect. Every one could be hung on the wall – and even the ‘leftovers’ are fantastic.

You had a great rapport with our guests and family and this was important to us too. We are so very happy that we chose you to be the photographer on the happiest and most important day of our lives. We thank you so much for producing a most amazing album that we will cherish forever.

Steven and Maeve Whittaker - Didsbury.

Shrigley Hall

Just a few lines to express how delighted we both are with the wedding album you created for us. From the moment of our initial meeting to go through your portfolio, we knew we had found the right person to photograph our wedding day and we were pleased with every aspect of your service.

Your relaxed approach on the day helped us to also feel relaxed and many of our family and friends commented on how you blended in like you were one of our guests.

The photos speak for themselves – a great mix of posed and not so posed shots. Its wonderful to flick through the album and re-live the entire day – both the solemn and hilarious moments. Long after our own memories (and waistlines!) have failed us, the album will be a reminder of the fabulous time we all had.

It goes without saying that we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for a wedding photographer.

Thank you! with best wishes.

Julie and Olaf Hesse – Paris, France.

Leighton Hall

Thank you for helping to make our wedding day at Thornton Manor back in September such a wonderful occasion. We really appreciated your help and advice leading up to the day – especially as we were trying to organise everything from London. On the day itself your friendly and unobtrusive approach put everyone at ease. We love the mixture of formal and informal shots – the resulting album is stunning and is something we will treasure. We would not hesitate to recommend Philip Gilman Photography to our friends and family. With very best wishes.

Nikki and John - London

Thornton Manor

I’d like to say a huge thank you for the work you’ve done on the album. I can’t tell you how pleased we are with everything about it, from the way the composition of the shots capture the feel of the day, then the clarity and colours in the prints, through to the great care with which the album has so clearly been put together. The whole thing just oozes quality, and is a truly superb memento of our day.

Nicola and Christopher - Knutsford

Marquee reception, Lower Peover

We would just like to say a massive heartfelt thank you for doing such a fabulous job with our wedding photos. Our album is absolutely stunning, everyone has commented so. Your relaxed approach on the day was fantastic, just what we needed to calm our nerves. You made us (and our guests) feel completely at ease and every thing ran so smoothly on the day. The shots are simply stunning and really tell a story of the day, a wonderful book of memories-we can't stop looking at it!! Thank you so much for providing us with a fabulous set of photos to remember our day with.

Sarah and Richard

Soughton Hall

On behalf of my husband and I! I would sincerely love to thank you so much for all your hard work and advice on our wedding day. We had such a wonderful day – a day that has been captured perfectly in all of your photos.

Your relaxed approach has been remarked upon by all our family and friends – all who were extremely impressed by your unobtrusive style and humour – you became one of the wedding party instantly! Thank you for making us and all our guests feel at ease.

I would also like to thank you on behalf of my father who would like to ‘shake your hand’ on such a stunning finished album! The final photos we picked for our album are something to be treasured – the captured shots are especially some of our favourites and our wedding is now recorded exactly as it is remembered.

Shona and Martin Amies - Cheshire

Old Hall

We would just like to say a big thank you to you for doing such a wonderful job with our wedding photos. We are so pleased with the album – it’s absolutely perfect!

We thought the service you provided on the wedding day was exceptional. Your relaxed and informal approach was just what we wanted. You made us and the guests feel at ease throughout and your manner and personality made our day that bit more special.

Many people have commented how good you were on the day and how impressed they are with the quality of the photos and the presentation of the album.

Because many of the pictures you took were natural and informal shots, it made seeing the photos for the first time a lovely surprise. You managed to capture so many different angles to the day – we feel the album tells a complete story.

We would certainly recommend your services to others and hopefully we will bump into you again at future weddings.

Jamie and Michelle Anderson - Manchester

Adlington Hall

Apologies for the delay in writing to you but the honeymoon baby is really making an impact! At twenty weeks I am just beginning to feel human again.

A huge thank you for the magnificent album and fabulous photos. It was really hard to choose as we love them all Your relaxed & friendly manner on the day was noticed by all and the end results will be enjoyed for ever.

Gemma and Andy – Cheshire

Sandhole Oak Barn

I am writing to say a big thank you for your contribution to my wedding celebrations. The wedding album you have produced is absolutely beautiful and so many of our friends and family have said that it is the best album they have ever seen!! The black and white photos look stunning and the colours are positively gleaming on the coloured shots. We especially love the wing page at the front with the small photos either side, and the double fold out of the table group photos.

You really helped to make our day flow smoothly and all of the bridal party appreciated that you knew all of their names! Thanks also for listening so carefully to the types of photos we would like when we met up prior to the wedding.

My husband and I would certainly recommend you to our friends – indeed our bestman has already booked you for his wedding!

One of the best things about your photo packages is that you take photos of the entire day – from getting ready at home to the wedding speeches. This is really good as a lot of photographers only are available for a limited time. So thank you very much!!

Annette and Mark Cumbo - Didsbury.

Wrenbury Hall

We both just wanted to thank you for being exactly what we wanted, unobtrusive ( a lot of people thought you were actually a guest ) and great fun. Oh and did we mention very talented, we love the photos.

Kate and Jon Dutton - Cheshire

Mere Court

Just a short note to say a huge thank you for doing our wedding photography last year. We couldn’t have wished for a better album, it’s absolutely amazing, every page is different and interesting and we love the way it tells a story from getting ready in the morning to our first dance at night. It truly captures the whole day and will give us much pleasure for years to come. On the day itself. You were fantastic at organising everyone and you’re friendly manner really made us both feel at ease. You took that many good pictures it was hard work picking out the ones we didn’t want in the album!

The canvas you have had done for us is beautiful, we’re really pleased with it. Its so clear, it makes you feel as though you’re actually in the picture, we can’t stop looking at it! Our parents are really pleased with their enlargements too.

We are also very happy to see that some of our photographs have been used in the Adlington Hall & Hunting Lodge brochure.

We really can’t thank you enough for giving us such fantastic memories of our special day. We’ll definitely be recommending you to all our friends and family.

Best wishes from Andrew & Louise Tunnicliffe - Derbyshire

Adlington Hall

I cannot put into words how delighted Simon and I are with our wedding album. The photographs are a fantastic balance of amusing, serious, natural and group shots. What has really stuck in my mind is how difficult it was to choose the photos for the album as there was not one photo we were not pleased with.

You put so much time and effort into the planning of the photographs and the album. From our initial meeting with you to when you delivered the album you were friendly, helpful and a pleasure to have around. Many friends and family have commented on how unobtrusive you were and how friendly you were. 

We couldn’t have had a better, more patient, more helpful photographer and could not be more pleased with the beautiful album. We will not hesitate to recommend you to anybody wanting stunning wedding photography.

Annabel and Simon Lees – Cheshire

Arley Hall