Meet the Team Behind Emerald Photo UK

Eszter & George

We’re a real couple who work on weddings together.

We’ve been together for 8 years. We’re from the same small village in Hungary, went to the same primary school, and somehow found each other again in Bristol. The world feels big until it suddenly doesn’t.

What does that mean for your wedding? It means we read each other without thinking. We know when to step in and when to give space. We don’t need to talk across the room to figure out what’s happening next. It just works.

And honestly? Weddings are so much fun. Being trusted with someone’s biggest day is the biggest privilege I can imagine. We never take that for granted.

Eszter Szalai, documentary wedding photographer and founder of Emerald Photo UK.

Your photographer

Eszter

  • Photographer and founder
  • creative director

I have a Master of Arts in Photography, a background in photojournalism (agencies and newspapers in Hungary), and 13 years behind the camera.

I’m a documentary wedding photographer drawn to colour, good light, and the moments people don’t realise matter until later. The in-between stuff. The details you spent months choosing that nobody else notices. The look that lasts half a second and says everything.

I stay steady when things get emotional and don’t rush moments. I don’t interrupt real life just to get a photo, and I guide you gently when it helps and disappear when it doesn’t.

George, lighting assistant at Emerald Photo UK

Your lighting assistant

George

  • Ice-Breaker
  • Lighting & Technical support

Accountant by day. Lighting assistant on wedding days. And much funnier than you’d expect.

George takes the lighting I picture in my head and turns it into something that actually works. Dark venues, candlelit rooms, December evenings. He shapes the light quietly so everything looks atmospheric rather than harsh.

He knows when a joke will help and when silence is the better move. You won’t see him taking centre stage. That’s not his thing. He’s there to support the energy in the room and make everything feel a bit easier.

Having him there honestly just helps everyone feel at ease. Don’t let the accountant thing fool you.

As Seen On

“Working with Eszter and George felt easy from the very start. They made us feel comfortable straight away, gave just the right amount of guidance, and kept everything relaxed and fun. The photos reflect exactly how it felt, and we were so happy with the whole experience.”

Eleanor C.

My story

How I got here

2011–2016

Learning everything

I studied photography and worked as a photojournalist in Hungary, learning how to work fast, pay attention, and get things right without interfering. You don’t get to control life in photojournalism. You learn to watch, wait, and respond. That instinct is the same one I use at every wedding.

Eszter photographer is photographing at an event in Budapest.
Eszter from Emerald Photo UK is photographing food at Ritz Hotel in Budapest.

2016

Leaving home

I spent half a year in Bristol as an exchange student. New places, new people, new ways of seeing. It was challenging, exciting, and exactly what I needed.

2016

Met the love of my life

In Bristol, I met George, who is now my fiancé. As you most likely know by now, we’re from the same small village back in Hungary and even went to the same primary school, but somehow life brought us together here. Some things are meant to happen.

Eszter and George is celebrating a milestone as Eszter received her Master of Arts in photography.
Eszter from Emerald Photo UK is gettting her Master of Arts on her graduation ceremony.

2017–2019

Building from scratch

After graduating with my Master of Arts in Photography, I knew I wanted to build my life in the UK. A place where I could settle, keep learning, and do this work in a way that felt honest.

2019–Now

Emerald Photo UK

I started Emerald Photo UK because I wanted to photograph people in a way that actually felt good. Weddings quickly became the heart of it, with all their emotion, energy, and beautiful chaos. Alongside that, I photograph families, couples, events, and commercial work. Always with the same approach: stay close, notice what matters, and make sure nothing important gets lost.

Eszter from Emerald Photo UK behind the scene at a wedding.

And the story keeps going.

“She made me feel comfortable in front of the camera every time. Her patience, always good mood, smile, and ability to bring out the best in people are a rare gift.”

Nelli.

A few things about me

Need to know

Artistic black and white portrait from Eszter, the founder of Emerald Photo UK.
Eszter Szalai, the owner of Emerald Photo UK is wearing leather jacket and patterned scarf.

FAVORITE DRINK

Coffee

(But I can’t say no to a good Hendricks & lemonade either.) Mornings always start with a latte, two sugars or sugar-free vanilla syrup.

FAVORITE SEASON

Spring

When the light softens, colour returns, and everything feels a bit lighter.

MAIN INSPIRATION

Romanticism paintings

The drama, the emotion, the movement. Feeling over perfection. That’s where my visual approach comes from.

PERFECT LOCATION

Greece

Sun-washed textures, deep blues, and the kind of unhurried warmth that makes you want to stay forever.

Model Portrait of Eszter, Emerald Photo UK owner.

What are you looking for?

Weddings & Couples

Bride celebrating with raised arms on dance floor surrounded by cheering guests.

Portfolio

Packages

Silhouetted couple facing each other against deep blue evening sky and moonlight.

Engagement

Bride playfully covers partner’s face with bouquet while smiling by the sea in Rovinj.

Ready?

Let’s tell your story

Whatever you’re planning, I’d love to hear about it. A wedding, a family session, a brand shoot, a portrait. Tell me what you’re thinking, and I’ll be in touch within 2 working days.

Or just email me: emeraldphotouk@gmail.com