A wedding day is one of the most memorable days in a person's life, which is why people search far and wide for a photographer which will capture their special day perfectly.

But what many might not know is that 30 minutes away in Rainford there is an award winning photographer who has just been named in the Top 100 photographers in the world and the Top 10 in the UK for 2019.

Knutsford Guardian:

Andy in action

Dad-of-one Andy Griffiths used to work for the charity Shelter, and saved his love of photography as a hobby, taking pictures in his spare time.

It was only after friends asked him to use his skills by taking pictures at their wedding that he decided to take the leap five years ago and make wedding photography his full time career.

Knutsford Guardian:

After lots of hard work honing his skills and travelling to photograph weddings across the world, Andy, 35, was named one of 100 top photographers in the World and in the Top 10 in the UK in January.

The awards are his second and third from the Wedding Photojournalist Association, who named him in the Top 150 Wedding Photographers in the World in 2018.

Knutsford Guardian:

Andy said: "I was always carrying a cameras around with me, I used to live in Australia and America and I'd go out in the mornings and take photographs of scenery and people.

"I came back home because my dad, who is no longer here, was ill so I came back to care for him and friends asked me to photograph their wedding and it's just gone from there."

Knutsford Guardian:

Andy specialises in 'documentary photography' meaning other than a couple of staged photographs of the happy couple, his photographs capture real moment from throughout the nuptial celebrations.

He said: "It's hard work and I have to put a lot into it and work everywhere across Lancashire, Merseyside and Cheshire, London, Edinburgh and even South Africa, but I love what I do.

Knutsford Guardian:

"So I'm really proud that my work has got me recognised to be named as one of the Top 100 Wedding Photographers in the World.

"You have to submit pictures over a period of time and they are judged, and I guess they must have liked them.

Knutsford Guardian:

"What was a hobby is now a full time flexible job which allows me more time with my son and I get to capture the happiest day of people's lives.

"I capture special moments, from a terminally ill dad getting to walk his daughter down the aisle, to people enjoying the day."

Knutsford Guardian:

So what advice does he offer to others looking to get into photography?

"Work hard, don't take on a job without an idea of what you are doing", says Andy, "In hindsight, I wish I had done that, but I attended workshops and learned from others. So I'd say work hard and never stop learning new skills."

Knutsford Guardian:

To see more of Andy's work go to andygriffithsphotography.co.uk.

Knutsford Guardian:

All above pictures have been taken by Andy Griffiths