Photo of a Bird Landing on Bride’s Head Wins International Wedding Photographer of the Year

Photo of a Bird Landing on Bride’s Head Wins International Wedding Photographer of the Year
Courtesy of Tara Lilly via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023
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An incredibly well-timed photo of a cheeky bird landing on a startled bride’s head has won the 7th International Wedding Photographer of the Year award.

Photographer Tara Lilly of Whistler, Canada, won first place among 1,700 photos that were submitted across 11 categories by over 300 wedding photographers from around the world.

Ms. Lilly’s shot was entered into the contest’s “Single Capture” category, the rules of which required that no entry can be manipulated or photoshopped beyond standard adjustments to color and exposure.

The grand winner was presented to Tara Lilly for her entry in the "Single Capture" category. (Courtesy of Tara Lilly via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
The grand winner was presented to Tara Lilly for her entry in the "Single Capture" category. Courtesy of Tara Lilly via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023

In Ms. Lilly’s image, a Canada jay, or whiskey jack, landed squarely on the beautiful bride’s head. Mikaela stands opposite her groom, Mitch, with her hands clasped and mouth wide open in shock and delight at their unexpected guest. The jovial moment is in contrast to the vast, moody landscape of Canadian mountains in the background.

As Mikaela was overwhelmed with emotion, she exclaimed, “I’m Snow White!” according to International Wedding Photographer of the Year (IWPOTY) in a news release.

“I was drawn to the winning entry for its perfection in capturing this chance encounter,” said Dee Kampe, 2022 Grand Winner and one of six judges of the 2023 IWPOTY awards, in a press release. “It’s joyous, uplifting, and makes me grin from ear to ear just looking at it. There’s pure unfiltered emotion, there’s surprise, there’s the unexpected. It encapsulates the emotions and narrative that runs through an entire wedding day in a single frame.”

Mikaela and Mitch’s intimate wedding ceremony was held in an alpine meadow on Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh & L̓il̓wat7úl First Nations territory in Whistler⁣⁣⁣. They had to reach their chosen spot using four-wheel drive jeeps. Whiskey jacks are known to the area, and are even famous for “entertain[ing] skiers waiting in the lift line by landing on their ski poles held in the air.”

As the winner of The 2023 International Wedding Photographer of the Year, Ms. Lilly won a share of a $3,000 prize fund, in addition to an array of products from contest sponsors.

Meanwhile, second place went to Italian wedding photographer Carmelo Ucchino for a photo submitted to the “Dance-Floor” category. In his shot, newlyweds in Sicily hold each other close for their first dance while delicate water droplets rain around them, forming a decorative feature.

“I remember with amusement the slippery floor after prom,” Mr. Ucchino said. “A few slips and lots of laughter to liven up the story of this wedding even more!”

The runner-up was presented to Carmelo Ucchino for his entry to the "Dance Floor" category. (Courtesy of Carmelo Ucchino via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
The runner-up was presented to Carmelo Ucchino for his entry to the "Dance Floor" category. Courtesy of Carmelo Ucchino via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023

According to contest curator, Luke Simon, this year saw an increase of an extra 200 entries over last year.

“It’s exciting to see the industry bouncing back after some tough years,” he said.

The Bridal Party Attendees To Wedding Couple On Wedding Day by Jeff Tisman for the category, "The 'I-do' crew / group shot." (Courtesy of Jeff Tisman via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
The Bridal Party Attendees To Wedding Couple On Wedding Day by Jeff Tisman for the category, "The 'I-do' crew / group shot." Courtesy of Jeff Tisman via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023

Now in its 7th year, The International Photography Awards celebrates exceptional wedding photography worldwide.

All category winners, plus the top 15 images within each category, are being shared in the 2023 Winners Gallery.
Aimee Schaefer's shot for the "Epic Location" category. (Courtesy of Aimee Schaefer via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
Aimee Schaefer's shot for the "Epic Location" category. Courtesy of Aimee Schaefer via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023

Below are some of the most impressive entries:

Ben Lane's shot for the category "From Above/Aerial." (Courtesy of Ben Lane via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
Ben Lane's shot for the category "From Above/Aerial." Courtesy of Ben Lane via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023
Fabio Mirulla's shot for "Black and White." (Courtesy of Fabio Mirulla via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
Fabio Mirulla's shot for "Black and White." Courtesy of Fabio Mirulla via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023
Shankhesh Jariwala's shot for the"Solo Portrait" category. (Courtesy of Shankhesh Jariwala via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
Shankhesh Jariwala's shot for the"Solo Portrait" category. Courtesy of Shankhesh Jariwala via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023
The winner of the "Engagement Session / Non-Wedding" category by Julian Zeman. (Courtesy of Julian Zeman via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
The winner of the "Engagement Session / Non-Wedding" category by Julian Zeman. Courtesy of Julian Zeman via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023
Aimee Schaefer's shot for the "Couple Portrait" category. (Courtesy of Aimee Schaefer via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
Aimee Schaefer's shot for the "Couple Portrait" category. Courtesy of Aimee Schaefer via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023
"Break the Rules" by Traci Edwards. (Courtesy of Traci Edwards via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
"Break the Rules" by Traci Edwards. Courtesy of Traci Edwards via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023
Kenny Chick's shot for the "Couple Portrait" category. (Courtesy of Kenny Chick via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
Kenny Chick's shot for the "Couple Portrait" category. Courtesy of Kenny Chick via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023
Lene Fossdal's shot for the "Epic Location" category. (Courtesy of Lene Fossdal via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
Lene Fossdal's shot for the "Epic Location" category. Courtesy of Lene Fossdal via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023
Megan Kelly's shot for "Break The Rules." (Courtesy of Megan Kelly via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
Megan Kelly's shot for "Break The Rules." Courtesy of Megan Kelly via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023
Steven Stemmler's shot for the "From Above" category. (Courtesy of Steven Stemmler via <a href="https://iwpoty.com/">International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023</a>)
Steven Stemmler's shot for the "From Above" category. Courtesy of Steven Stemmler via International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023
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