A BASINGSTOKE couple say they were 'completely shocked' after being crowned the best wedding photographers in the South East.
Emma and John Medcraft started Medcraft Photography in January of this year after gaining experience by snapping pictures of friends' and families' weddings.
"I was a bit frightened to photograph people that I didn't know, so I played it safe for a couple of years, and then took the leap this year," said Emma.
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The business, which specialises in curating 'the best experience possible' for couples on their big day, won the Wedding Photography Specialists of the Year award for 2024/25.
Handed out by the Prestige Awards, the ceremony aims to celebrate businesses and individuals that 'consistently offer excellent products and services'.
Emma explained that she never expected to win the awards, adding: "I entered and thought it would be a bit of a laugh, asked people to nominate us and they did.
"When the judges phoned us up and they decided out of all the entries that we were deserving, I couldn't believe it, I was completely shocked and I thought it was a joke."
The husband and wife duo said that to them, their clients are more like family then customers as they like to meet engaged couples and get to know them before the big day.
The mother-of-one said that she 'likes to get a bit more involved' to ensure that people 'have the best experience in front of the cameras' as possible.
Emma and John received the award at a ceremony held on Monday, August 25 at Gorse Hill Hotel in Woking, which saw the pair presented with a trophy.
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The pair then went home to celebrate with family and friends, who prepared an afternoon tea complete with sandwiches, cake and drinks.
"It was really, really lovely to know that people value our work. It was the best day ever," said Emma.
The 39-year-old, who previously worked at Tonic nightclub, lives in South Ham with her husband John, 38, and their 14-year-old son Alfie.
She concluded: "I can finally say we're award winning. We couldn't be more thrilled."
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