Margate’s AG Studio finalists in The English Wedding Awards 2023

January 31, 2023 Kathy Bailes Business 2

A Margate photography studio has been shortlisted in The English Wedding Awards 2023.

AG Studio is run by husband and wife team, Mark and Mandy Websper, who started the business in 1995.

Now in its 28th year of trading, the busy studio in New Street has captured images from hundreds of weddings and the couple keep in contact with many of their customers, including from the first wedding they shot in 1995.

Talking of changes over the years, the pair said: “Much has changed over the years, not just technology but also techniques and styles.

“When we started out we were using 35mm and 120 roll film but in all honesty honing your skills with film and handheld meters gives you a real understanding of photography.

“Every time we pressed the shutter button it cost us money with regards to film and developing and processing fees so on many occasions you had one chance to get the shot like it or not. That mindset carries with us today and every photo is thought about before the shutter release is pressed.”

Mark and Mandy also carry out numerous other photography services from portraits and commercial to photo restoration and work with many local charities including the Pilgrims Hospice in Margate, MacMillan Trust and schools where they have donated vouchers for fundraising events.

AG Studio is among the wedding specialists and businesses across the South of England to be shortlisted as 2023 finalists in the awards.

A black-tie ceremony will take place on Monday, February 20 at The Thistle London Heathrow, where top specialists and establishments that have gone above and beyond in the sector will gather to celebrate their achievements.

The English Wedding Awards 2023 aim to recognise and reward wedding vendors that work towards making the big day as perfect as possible.

Mark and Mandy said: “We are humbled to be a finalist in the South region of The English Wedding Awards and fingers crossed the years we have given to our profession rewards us in what is a very competitive market.

“We have shied away from awards for most of our time in business but have managed to scoop two Bridebook Gold Awards and Silver for 2023, Guides for brides 5* rated and now The English Wedding Awards finalist.

“We owe it to all our wonderful couples and we have been super fortunate that in all of our years all of our couples have been truly fabulous.”

A spokesperson for The English Wedding Awards 2023 said: “These awards are now recognised as the leading celebration for showcasing those that have demonstrated excellence in the wedding industry.

“This year marks the sixth anniversary of The English Wedding Awards and we are delighted to be celebrating not only the finalists but how far the industry has come in the past decade.

“With more entries than ever before, we would like to wish the finalists the best of luck and we can’t wait to welcome our guests at the ceremony and celebrate the winners with them.”