CAN you remember the last wedding you went to?

Chances are the day involved the happy couple being showered with confetti and posing for pictures with family and friends after exchanging vows.

But what about that other person you saw, the one with the boot full of camera equipment who was there when the bride was getting ready, was at the ceremony and came to the reception?

That person, of course, is the photographer.

Jane Simmons, director of Camera A, in Darlington, knows all about such days.

The business, founded 35 years ago by her mum, Ann, has chronicled countless weddings, complementing such occasions with family and baby portraits and commercial work, including pictures of goods for companies’ websites, out of its County Durham base.

For Ms Simmons, the job is enjoyable and exciting, but it is also reflective of something else.

After beginning at the company, which her mum started from home, she learned the trade by shadowing to get necessary experience.

It was, she says, time very well spent.

She said: “I joined the business to help the sales part but after a while I thought I’d like to learn how to become a photographer.

“I would help out and go to weddings; I learned on the job, it was a brilliant experience.

“You could read every single book about photography but it’s not until you actually do a wedding (that you understand).

“About fifty per cent is photography and 50 per cent is making sure people are where you want them to be.

“It’s all about the people, they are all looking at you and there is no shying away into the background or hiding behind your computer.

“You have to keep it all going and we actually pick up a lot of wedding work from weddings we have done.”

Ms Simmons is joined at Camera A by fellow photographer Sarah, Zoe, who helps on weddings, and apprentice Tamsin.

Ann is also still playing a part in the company’s growth with her photography and editing skills.

Ms Simmons says her workforce is experienced and diverse, giving the business greater scope to satisfy customers’ requirements.

However, there are some other, less obvious areas, where it can come in handy too, such as helping avoid any last-minute dramas when people are changing into their wedding outfits.

She added: “We are an all-female team, and as a lot of brides like photographs at home as they are getting ready, I think that helps.

“Also, some people have got their acrylic nails on, so they cannot do the brides’ buttons and we can also help with dressing the little ones!”

Five minutes with… Jane Simmons

Favourite North-East building and why? It would have to be the Baltic. The view from the top is amazing and I really enjoy going to see the art gallery.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? Working at a fruit and veg stall. I think I got £5 an hour and at the end of each day, I was also given a carrier bag and allowed to pile up as much fruit and veg as I wanted. I loved it, especially shouting out how much my bananas cost.

What is the worst job you’ve had? I've been very fortunate. I’ve never had a job I didn't like.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? Chicken fajitas with homemade guacamole. It’s my favourite.

What would your super power be? I would love to be able to fly, so I can be like Supergirl.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: They would have to be Leonardo DiCaprio, because he is hot, Sarah Millican, as I went to see her live and she was so funny, Gordon Ramsay, who would cook for us of course, and Idris Elba, well why not?

Most expensive thing you’ve bought - other than your car or house - and how much? My camera. We use Nikon D800s, the body was about £1,000 and the lens costs about the same. The quality is second-to-none on the camera and we can also shoot video on it, which occasionally we get asked to do.

Who the best person to follow on Twitter and why? Michelle Obama. She is such a strong, inspirational woman and a good role model, especially for young girls.

Favourite book? Fifty Shades of Grey. I love the films too.

When did you last cry? When my fiancé, Ben, proposed to me at the top of Roseberry Topping.

What is your greatest achievement? My beautiful, happy, amazing daughter Penny.

What’s the best piece of advice in business you’ve ever been given? My granddad, who was a very knowledgeable man, once said to me 'you need to sew your seeds, watch them grow, but don’t reap too early'.

Favourite animal and why? My horse, Percy.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? I'd have to say my partner, Ben, as he starred in that hit TV show, Rent a Cop.

What was the best band you saw live? I saw Agent Smith at a friend’s wedding and I loved them that much I've just booked them for mine.

Describe your perfect night in: Eating Domino's takeaway and then a box of Ferrero Rocher while watching a film.

In another life I would be… A vet. I love animals and when I've retired I want to rescue as many animals as possible.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Claire Danes, who is in Homeland.

What irritates you? Poor time keeping, I'm early for everything.

What’s your secret talent? If I told you, I would have to kill you!