Andy Wade Photography has been named Best Photographer in the North West at The Wedding Industry Awards 2026 regional finals, securing a coveted position at the national competition in January. The award, presented at Heaton House Farm, recognises Andy Wade's documentary-style approach to wedding photography and exceptional client service throughout the region.
The Wedding Industry Awards represents one of the UK wedding industry's most respected recognition programmes, distinguished by its focus on authentic client feedback and rigorous professional evaluation. Judges assess photographers based on consistency, creativity, client care, and overall contribution to the wedding industry. Regional winners advance to compete for national titles, with the North West region notably claiming the national Best Photographer award for the past two consecutive years.
"The moment they read out my name was a blur. Pure adrenaline," said Andy Wade, founder of Andy Wade Photography. "For me, this award isn't just something shiny to put on a shelf. It represents every early morning and late night, every story I've had the privilege of documenting, and every couple who has trusted me with one of the most important days of their life."
Andy attended the ceremony alongside his daughter Ava, sharing the achievement with family whilst connecting with fellow wedding industry professionals. The event featured prominent regional suppliers including venue teams from Crow Wood and James Places, highlighting the collaborative nature of the North West wedding community.
The Todmorden-based photographer specialises in authentic documentary wedding photography, capturing genuine emotions and candid moments throughout couples' celebrations. With over 30 years of photography experience and a first-class honours degree in photography, Andy has accumulated more than 40 awards over the past two seasons. His work spans venues across Lancashire, Yorkshire, and the Lake District, where he documents wedding stories with minimal intrusion and maximum authenticity.
Andy's recognition comes from real couples who voted for his services and shared detailed testimonials with TWIA judges. This client-driven approach to assessment ensures award recipients have demonstrated genuine excellence in both photographic skill and customer experience. The photographer's relaxed, documentary style allows couples to remain immersed in their celebrations whilst he captures emotional moments, laughter, and intimate details that define each unique wedding day.
"Couples past, present, and future have shaped my career in ways I'll never be able to properly describe," Wade noted. "Their support genuinely means the world to me. They're the reason I get to do what I love every single day."
The photographer maintains memberships in five prestigious international photographic societies, including Fearless Photographers, This Is Reportage, Masters of Wedding Photography, Photographers Keeping it Real, and ISPWP. His 2024 achievements include ranking second in the UK and Ireland by Masters of Wedding Photography and receiving Highly Commended recognition at the previous TWIA ceremony.
Andy regularly photographs weddings at distinguished venues throughout the North West, including Crow Wood in Burnley, Wennington Hall in Lancaster, and numerous Lake District locations. His approach emphasises storytelling through natural portraits and genuine emotional captures, avoiding posed photography unless specifically requested by couples.
The National Finals will take place in Liverpool this January, where Wade will represent the North West region against fellow regional winners from across the United Kingdom. The photographer expressed excitement about competing at the national level whilst acknowledging the achievement already represents a career highlight.
Industry professionals and past clients have congratulated Andy through social media channels and direct messages, reinforcing the strong community connections that characterise the North West wedding industry. The photographer credited wedding coordinators, venue teams, and fellow suppliers for their ongoing support and collaborative approach to creating exceptional wedding experiences.
For couples seeking documentary-style wedding photography throughout the North West, Yorkshire, and beyond, Andy Wade Photography continues to accept bookings for 2026 and 2027 wedding seasons.
About Andy Wade Photography:
Andy Wade Photography is an award-winning wedding photography service based in Todmorden, Lancashire, specialising in documentary-style wedding photography throughout the North West of England. With over 30 years of photography experience and a first-class honours degree in photography, Andy Wade captures authentic emotions and genuine moments at weddings across Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, and the Lake District. The photographer maintains memberships in five prestigious international photographic societies and has accumulated more than 40 awards over recent seasons. Andy Wade Photography serves couples seeking natural, unobtrusive wedding documentation that preserves the true essence of their celebration through candid captures and emotional storytelling.
