I am not a regular wedding photographer, I’m your wedding photographer.


I am not the one to force you into weird poses and make your wedding a photoshoot. Think about me as your wedding bestie. Capturing these real moments and all the wedding fun, and of course, effortlessly editorial timeless portraits for your albums and walls. And wedding fun again, so that your special day feels like you!


I am based in London but 90% of my weddings are outside London and I often travel all over the UK to make sure you look great in all your wedding photos. And btw, travel cost is included in my package!


My style is a perfect mix of documentary, candid, natural moments and editorial couples and group portraits, the ones you are saving on your Pinterest boards for an inspiration, but I am always happy to go with your flow - some couples prefer only editorial weddings, while others ask me to capture only candids. I am happy either way!

Meet Susan


You’ve probably read plenty of “I have been doing wedding photography since I was a child and I was born with the camera in my hands” - I am definitely not the one of them. I was working as software delivery manager and this is why I always keep everything planned and organised and have hundred of backup plans.

Photography was my passion for 10+ years (and as an editorial and fashion photographer, I still shoot every London Fashion Week!) but for weddings... it all started when my friends asked me to photograph a wedding. And then another one. And another one. And here we are - I absolutely love it!

2026 is the year when photography became my full time business, and I booked about 60 weddings (and we are still not in 2027!) - and I have even bookings for 2028!

I’m also a mum, have been with my husband for nearly 18 years, and own a very naughty dog who eats cushions, blankets and pretty much anything he can find.


Blonde woman with black glasses smiling, wearing white top, with Neewer softbox photography light in background.
Bride and groom walk down outdoor aisle as guests celebrate with confetti at a sunny garden wedding ceremony.

We love the natural yet polished look of the photographs. It feels like every moment of our day was captured realistically and also artistically. You should have absolutely no doubts about choosing her as your photographer, we’re delighted we did!


Caroline & Antonio

It is YOUR wedding day, do whatever you want and I will make it special.


Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life and it is very important to feel comfortable through and through. Hate posing? I will be as unobtrusive as I can and still manage to get those stunning portraits your mum and dad will love, the ones you will put on the walls and cherish for generations to come (just believe me, as a fashion photographer who photographs every London Fashion Week I know the trick :)

Groomsmen lifting groom in front of white wedding tent on sunny day.

If you want to throw someone in the air, get editorial or moody photos or a perfect combo of both, and actually have FUN during your wedding then look no further. 

A bride and groom share a romantic kiss in wedding attire, with the bride in a white gown and veil outdoors.

We honestly couldn't be happier with our photos, and the finished album exceeded all of our expectations. If you're looking for a wedding photographer who will perfectly tell the story of your day and deliver stunning images you'll treasure forever, we couldn't recommend her more highly.


Oran & Lauren

WANT TO SEE A FULL WEDDING DAY?

Sam & Ellie's Wedding

New Place Hotel. Southampton, 2026
A romantic wedding couple embraces under a flowing veil in a lush green garden setting.
Bride and groom walk through confetti shower outside church after wedding ceremony.

What can I say? Susan has done such a wonderful job.  Not only did she make us feel comfortable but it was also very natural and felt like she was just a part of our day rather than photographing us, she captured the most beautiful pictures and all the feelings in the room.  I will definitely be booking her up for other photography events in the future thank you so much Susan for all our beautiful pictures. I honestly couldn't recommend Susan enough! 🩷


Bethany & tyler

PRICING


The main reason you are here so .. here we are!


This is the full day package 95% of my couples go for - it covers everything you’d typically need for your wedding day. Half day and ceremony packages are available, too (starting from £300 depending on the coverage you need) and I am always happy to work around your budget.

Bridal prep to first dance - full day coverage

Full Day Package

Bride and groom with tattoos share a romantic moment, dressed in wedding gown and black tuxedo with bow tie.

This is the full day package 95% of my couples go for - it covers everything you’d typically need for your wedding day. Half day and ceremony packages are available, too and I am always happy to work around your budget.


Travel fees:

UK travel is included


Extra hours:

I'm always happy to talk if you need more hours - the rate is £100/hour





Includes:
  • Up to 9 hours of coverage
  • 500+ photos
  • Getting ready
  • First look
  • Arrivals
  • Ceremony
  • Family/group portraits
  • Stunning couple portraits
  • Cocktail hour
  • Speeches
  • Cake cutting
  • First dance
  • A bit of a dance floor

* contact me for early 2027-28 booking offers

£950




Shorter coverage is available for more limited parts of the day:

Bride and groom share a kiss on a white bench, bride holding a pink floral bouquet near elegant windows.
ceremony to first dance - half day coverage

Ceremony To First Dance

Candid and natural coverage from guest arrivals through to the first dance.


Designed for couples who prefer a shorter, more streamlined coverage, without getting ready or earlier moments of the day.


Includes:
  • Up to 6 hours of coverage
  • 400+ digital photos
  • Arrivals
  • Ceremony
  • Family/group portraits
  • Beautiful couple portraits
  • Cocktail hour
  • Speeches
  • Cake cutting
  • First dance

£850



elopements & ceremony coverage - ceremony only

Ceremony Coverage

Bride and groom share a romantic almost-kiss moment outdoors, she in a white lace gown with veil, he in a black suit.

A short coverage focused on the ceremony and a brief portrait session afterwards.


This option is designed for more intimate weddings or elopements, capturing the key moments without full-day coverage.

 

Includes:
  • Up to 2 hours of coverage
  • Arrivals
  • Ceremony
  • Family/group portraits
  • Couple portraits


£300


BOOKING process:

Smiling groom in white tuxedo with boutonniere poses with bride in white gown and veil in elegant wood-paneled room.

Step 1

Send me a message to check if your date is available

Step 2

Fill out your booking form and sign your contract

Step 3

Pay your £150 deposit to secure your wedding date

Step 4

Pay your remaining balance 30 days before your wedding date

Wedding photography collage showing a bride in white with a groom in red military dress uniform, a bouquet, and groomsmen in scarlet tunics.
Bride in a white robe smiles with hands pressed together during bridal preparation, shot by Susan Chaikina Photography.

FAQ

How far in advance should we book?

I’d always say the sooner the better, especially for weekends. I already have couples booking into 2028.


It’s just a £150 deposit to secure your date, and nothing else is due until 30 days before your wedding, so you can book early without any pressure.


You’re also very welcome to pay in instalments along the way - whatever feels easiest for you.

It means you can secure your date early without any pressure, and spread the cost in a way that works for you.


What Happens Next


If my approach feels like the right fit for you, the next step is very simple.


Just get in touch with your wedding date, location, and a short outline of your plans.


I’ll confirm my availability and we can take it from there — calmly, clearly, and with absolutely no pressure.


You don’t need to have everything planned yet. Just share what you know so far and we can talk through the rest together. I usually reply within 24 hours.


And just to answer something I often get asked - I travel across the UK all the time for weddings, so even if you’re getting married in Scotland, Wales or somewhere a little further away, I’d be more than happy to come. UK travel is included in my packages.

Just how you’d like me to address you

Where I can reach you with availability and next steps

If you’re still flexible, an approximate date is absolutely fine

Even a general area is perfect for now

Just a rough idea for now — I’ll help you choose the right coverage once we chat.

Tell me a little about your day Anything you’d love me to know - the vibe, the location, or what matters most to you.

A series of black and white photos showing people embracing and laughing together outdoors.

PS: When couples ask if I travel for weddings, I usually just show them this map.


This is what my 2026 is already looking like - and I’d love to keep adding more pins.

Scotland, Wales, countryside venues, seaside towns… I’m always happy to travel wherever your wedding day takes you (UK travel is already included in my packages).

If you’re planning something a little further away, just send me a message - I’d love to hear about it x

Wedding photography collage showing a bride and groom kissing in a garden, reception tables, guests, a toddler and a dog.
Bridal photo collage featuring a vintage floral book, lace wedding dress, bride's white heels, and a bride in a veil putting on earrings.
Bride in a lace gown and long veil holds an open book in an elegant room, a wedding photography portrait.
Wedding collage of a groom in a black tuxedo with boutonniere playing piano while his bride in a lace gown and veil watches.
Wedding photo collage of a bride in a lace gown with her groom, an order of service card, a church ceremony and playful garden moments.
Wedding photo collage of a bride in a flowing veil and groom in a dark suit, posed by tall windows, on a lawn, and in an elegant room.
Wedding collage of a bride getting ready with her bridesmaid, applying makeup, toasting with her groom and posing on a wooden staircase.
Wedding photography collage of a bride getting makeup, a red brick manor house, a veiled couple on the lawn, and the happy couple embracing.

Shall we talk about your day?


If these images resonate with you, I’d love to hear about your plans.


And just to answer something I often get asked - I travel across the UK all the time for weddings, so even if you’re getting married in Scotland, Wales or somewhere a little further away, I’d be more than happy to come!


FEATURED WEDDINGS

Harry & Addy's Wedding

Picture perfect wedding with an old world  Hollywood glamour glow
A romantic wedding photo sequence showing a couple sharing an intimate moment on an elegant wooden staircase.