The awards were judged by two fantastic and UK leading photographers -  Bella West and Simon Johns.  They both provided feedback on why Mark was awarded this prestigious award as follows:

“Mark Archibald’s collection of images defined him as one of Scotland’s most skillful and creative photographers. Within the ten images from one wedding, Mark demonstrated his eye for light, colour, composition, graphic and emotion – all the areas which today’s bride want to see within their wedding photographs. Alongside this, Mark has used the wonderful environment of this wedding and incorporated it within the story. Mark has managed to demonstrate all the elements of a wedding within just ten images.” – Bella West (In 2008 Bella was awarded the most prestigious and respected accolade, that of Fellowship in not one, but two of the leading professional bodies – the British Institute of Professional Photography and the Master Photographers Association – one of only a handful of females to be recognised at this level.)

“A stunning set of images, full of drama and story telling.  I liked the informality Mark captured. Observed with a keen eye and great sense of humility.” – Simon John (Simon John is one of the most celebrated photographers in the UK and was awarded his Fellowship of the British Institute of Professional Photography at a prestigious ceremony held at the House of Commons Westminster in 1996.)

Read more and view the winning panel here.

Mark and I were stunned and honoured to be announced on Monday night as the 2009 winner of the Photography Category of the VOWS Awards which recognises outstanding service in the wedding industry. We would like to wholeheartedly thank our clients for voting for us and for making this happen. We are lucky to book such lovely people as customers!

Monday night’s VOWS gala dinner was a glittering affair with superb entertainment by way of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Singing Waiters and comedienne Craig Hill. We literally nearly fell off our chairs when our names were announced as the winners.

The VOWS Awards are independently run and are funded by sponsorship from a range of prestigious companies (www.vowsawards.co.uk).  The aim of the VOWS Awards is to inform couples planning their wedding of the companies offering the best in service in the industry. One lucky couple who voted for their favourite suppliers also won a second honeymoon courtesy of Sandals. Unfortunately, it wasn’t one of our clients whose name was drawn this time.

2009 Winner of VOWS Photography Award

We have been receiving lovely messages of congratulations from our clients since our win was announced.  Here are but a few:

“Congratulations to you both, It really couldn’t have happened to two nicer people. It is well deserved and shows the amount of hard work and dedication to what you do is paying of in dividends.  Well done and keep up the good work.  Speak to you both soon.”
Ian & Maria

“Congratulations on your VOWS Awards win. Of course I was rooting for you all the way so am delighted to hear you got the recognition you deserve! I am really looking forward to working with you both in the run up to our wedding, and allowing both of you to do what you do best – produce stunning work. Once again, congratulations – roll on the 2010 awards and see if you can make it 2 years running!.”
Lindsay

“Wow what fab news and very well deserved. I often delve into your site and your wedding photos are fab. Well deserved accolade for all your hard work.  Bring on 2010!!“
Mary

“I couldn’t imagine you guys not winning it!“
Sue

“So chuffed for you both! Heard the news on Twitter on Monday. Totally brilliant and well deserved! No doubt you will now be even busier than ever!!!  Roll on next year for a repeat performance!“
Jenny

“Just wanted to congratulate you on your success at the VOWS awards. You both thoroughly deserve the award and we both wish you every success in the future. We would certainly recommend you to anyone looking for stunning photography and excellent service.  Well done again.”
Nicola & Ian

“That is fantastic news Donna, very well done and very well deserved. I still have people complimenting me on our wedding photos and how natural they are.  Great news – I’m delighted for you both.“
Carol

“Congratulations, I must say I am not surprised though.  We looked at over 25 photographers before going with Mark. He was by far the best.“
Nadeem

Mark’s image has been awarded a Gold in the Fashion category and is from a recent shoot on behalf of Lindsay Fleming.  The images were commissioned as promotional images for their new range of 20s inspired dresses.

A Gold Award is deemed to be an “image of the highest standard” and will be published in Professional Imagemaker magazine.

Photography by Archibald Photography Ltd

Dress by Lindsay Fleming from their All That Jazz collection

Modelled by Lauren Tempany @ The Look

Headdress by Baba-C

Make-up by Ainsley M

Hair by Volume Hair

Location – House for an Art Lover

The thing I like about the VOWS Awards is that it is the only one to recognise the behind-the-scenes work involved in creating a smooth, fun and well organised photography experience.  I really believe that great images are only half of what a photographer should strive to offer their couples.  We really want all our couples to look back on their wedding and remember the photography as being the best fun part…(yes, that is possible!!!).  I’m especially pleased for Donna who deserves this award on her own.  Her organisation and tireless enthusiasm has to be experienced to be believed!  Luckily all I have to do is lose myself in my photography and the fun of a wedding day.  We get so many nice people booking us that it is a doddle. I think we must have a Cool Couples Magnet hidden somewhere in our studio!

Did I mention the VOWS Awards ceremony also offers the chance to share a few guilt free shandies with some very good friends?  Here’s to the VOWS 2009 ceremony in November! ….. hic ….

This first image was taken on a family holiday to Morocco at the gorgeous white sands of Essaouira – even more impressive is the fact that Mark took this shot while on the back of a camel!

The second image to be awarded was this shot taken on the Isle of Arran, a little closer to home!

Judging of The International Aperture Awards 2008 was finalised at the end of 2008 by a panel of 15 judges from around the world.  Mark was really pleased to be awarded two Bronze Awards for two of his images.  Always nice to get recognition for the quality of your work!  Here’s the winning images:

Anyway, to explain the cause of the celebrations, Mark was the winner of the 2008 Fujifilm Licentiate Competition.  Even better, he won a trip to Las Vegas! We go in February to attend the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International Convention where an exhibition of the competition winners will be touring to.

Thanks to Pamela for looking so gorgeous on her wedding day that the judges awarded her image this top prize!!

Here’s the winning image:

Here is a slideshow of our favourite images from Pamela and Steven’s wedding (turn down the volume if you are at work!):

You can view the full list of nominees here:http://www.vowsawards.co.uk/industry/nominees08.html

P.S. Congratulations to Lindsay Fleming Wedding Dresses for also being shortlisted – Mark has provided all the photography of their stunning wedding dresses this year including a fantastic on location shoot at Caerlaverock Castle