When it comes to capturing the events of your wedding day, ideally, your photographer would have the winning combination of world-class credentials and a down-to-earth personality. Philip Thomas Photography fits the bill.

The 15-year career of Thomas has taken him around the world twice, mostly as a photographer working aboard some of the most luxurious cruise lines. His online portfolio boasts snapshots of a wedding couple playfully interacting on the Vatican plaza as well as another couple kissing during their Bahaman beach ceremony.

Though his experiences are impressive, Thomas has an unpretentious, client-centered attitude. His work for the Disney Cruise Line taught him the valuable art of keeping clients happy, from listening to what they want to paying attention to a photo’s details to responding promptly to concerns and questions.

Most recently, this photographer from south of London, has made San Antonio his home and the base of his engagement, bridal and wedding photography business. His wife, who he met on a cruise line where they were both employed, introduced him to the city.

From his international travels, he acquired a photojournalistic approach that focuses on the natural actions, emotions and atmosphere of the moment. “By reacting to the events that take place in a wedding, rather than creating staged shots, I tell the story that is meant to be told,” Thomas says.

Taking candid photos comes easily for Thomas who has a laid-back demeanor. His likeable personality and charming British accent put his clients, their families and guests at ease so that he can unobtrusively document events. His “fly-on-the-wall” style might have him snapping shots of the bride laughing with her bridesmaids as they button up her gown or catching newlyweds in a tender embrace as they ride to the reception.

“One of the best compliments I can receive is that my presence went unnoticed during a wedding when, all along, I took about 500 photos,” he says.

Seeing some of the most marvelous landmarks around the world has cultivated a unique point of view in Thomas.

“When I shoot on-location at sites such as the San Antonio Missions or River Walk, I bring a set of fresh eyes that capture creative photos,” he says.

His wedding photo packages include either a complimentary engagement or bridal portrait session. He says pre-wedding sessions give him the opportunity to become acquainted with the bride and groom and what kind of shots will be important to them on their big day.

Thomas encourages couples to have their pre-wedding photos taken on locations that are meaningful to them. One of his engagement couples had him snapping shots of them kayaking along the Guadalupe River, where they met.

Whether he takes photos indoors or outdoors, Thomas seeks to bring out the most flattering aspects of people, a skill he also practices as a portrait photographer for professional and aspiring models.

Telling a wedding story takes more than great photography. It takes innovative presentation. Thomas can artistically display photos in heirloom-quality Zookbinder and GraphiStudio albums. He creates stunning and customized layouts on each page so that, for instance, one large image could function as the background and a collage of smaller images can take the foreground.

Digital photography enables Thomas to tell wedding stories using the latest modes of technology. In addition to making a DVD slide show, he can place images and accompanying music on a video iPod.  Upon request, Thomas does shoot posed photos, but he believes the wedding couple are the true story makers.

“A bride and groom can relax and pretty much ignore me,” he says. “I capture the moments when I seem invisible to the day.”