My guide on what not to do on your wedding day

YOUR’E GETTING MARRIED

First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude for selecting my services! I am genuinely thrilled to play a role in your significant day and eagerly look forward to capturing extraordinary moments through my photography.

Recognising that planning a wedding and facing the camera can be a source of anxiety for many,  I am here to offer support! Reach out, let me know whats on your mind, I would love to hear how I can make your experience better.

Drawing from my extensive experience in numerous weddings, I’ve gained valuable insights that can contribute to making your day both relaxed and seamlessly executed. My primary aim is to ensure your comfort during photo sessions and facilitate a smooth process, capturing the unique moments that define your special day. 

Through careful planning and some helpful suggestions, we can collaborate to achieve the best possible images. Often, it’s the attention to detail that significantly enhances the overall outcome. Here are my key recommendations for making your photography experience throughout each phase of your wedding day be absolutely amazing.

BRIDAL PREP

Anticipation and nerves are undoubtedly part of the mix of emotions you’ll experience on the morning of your significant day!

Commencing your day with a few hours of tranquility alongside your loved ones, indulging in a glass of bubbly and the glamour of getting ready, sets a delightful tone.

My primary focus during this time is to authentically capture your preparations, narrating the unfolding moments. Additionally, I ensure to capture the intricate details that make your wedding uniquely yours, accompanied by relaxed portraits of your bridal party.

Here are some helpful tips to enhance your morning:

• Choose a well-lit and tidy room for your preparations. Opt for makeup application in front of a bright window for flattering results and stunning pictures.
• Plan to don your dress at least 45 minutes before heading to the ceremony. This allows me to capture moments with you before turning attention to the groom.
• Vibrant clothing adds a vibrant touch to photographs, so consider wearing bright and cheerful pre-wedding dress attire for images that truly stand out.
• Keep your family and bridal party informed about the photography style. As primarily a documentary photographer, I’ll be discreetly capturing candid moments while also orchestrating a few formal shots in the background. 

THE CEREMONY

The moment you utter those cherished words, “I do!” holds a special place in my coverage. I typically spend about 20 minutes at the church or ceremony venue, capturing candid shots of your guests arriving and the groom anxiously awaiting. I’ll document your entrance and walk down the aisle, ensuring to discreetly capture both of you during the ceremony. Although movement may be restricted during this time, I strive to photograph these moments in the most unobtrusive way possible.

Afterward, as you sign the register, I can capture the scene in a documentary style, incorporating posed shots if that aligns with your preferences. The joyous stroll down the aisle as newlyweds follows, where you’ll be warmly greeted and congratulated by your loved ones.

Here are some considerations to bear in mind:

• Consult with your Celebrant/Priest/Vicar beforehand regarding their photography rules on your big day, as restrictions are common.
• The moments right after the ceremony, as friends and family congratulate you, provide a perfect opportunity for delightful guest shots. Allocating sufficient time for this process, around 20 minutes, allows us to capture these moments authentically and put you in the best light.
• In case of rain, having an umbrella readily available by the church entrance is a wise precaution. This ensures that guests can extend their congratulations without everyone getting drenched. Clear umbrellas, if possible, earn bonus points as they contribute to better photos.

COUPLE PORTRAITS

Upon your arrival at the venue, I’ll ensure you have ample time to socialize and chat with your guests, perhaps indulging in a couple of glasses of fizz! Then, we’ll embark on your bride and groom portrait session, adapting to the weather by choosing indoor or outdoor locations within the venue’s grounds. The primary goal is to make this experience enjoyable while capturing fantastic portraits of you as a newlywed couple.

Consider these helpful tips:

• If you’re concerned about preserving your beautiful shoes, bringing along a stylish pair of wellies or ballet pumps can be a practical and chic solution.
• Don’t fret if you’re not particularly fond of being photographed. This session is brief but delightful, and I’ll strive to create a relaxed atmosphere for both of you.
• Relax, share a laugh, and savor some quiet moments together as husband and wife.
• Ponder if there are any special nearby locations that hold significance. Whether it’s a seafront, hills, woodlands, or modern cityscapes, these unique settings can contribute to amazing and distinctive images. 

GROUP PHOTOS

I understand the allure of having numerous posed photographs capturing you and all your guests. However, from our experience, an abundance of group photos can become stressful. To ensure a smooth process, I recommend limiting these to around 10 combinations of the most significant people to you, which typically takes approximately 25 minutes. Rest assured, I’ll also capture plenty of informal, documentary-style images of your guests.

Here are some valuable tips for your group photos:

• A distinctive element of my photography style is the infusion of fun, which extends to the group photos. Kindly inform key members of your wedding party that a vibrant and energetic atmosphere is encouraged.
• While I emphasise capturing candid moments, I’ll also include more traditional group shots to provide a well-rounded collection.
• Green backdrops such as trees or hedges can enhance group shots, but don’t hesitate to consider walls and fields for unique and visually appealing backgrounds. 

SPEECHES + RECEPTION

During your reception and speeches, my approach is entirely documentary, focused on telling the story of your special day by capturing genuine moments of laughter, giggles, and even those ‘cringe’ moments as they unfold.

Consider these helpful tips for this part of the day:

• Request your wedding coordinator to stand at a distance from the top table to avoid appearing in every picture.
• Ensure that flower arrangements are not excessively high, preventing them from blocking faces in the photos.
• Recognizing that speeches can be nerve-racking for those involved, consider scheduling them before the meal or between courses. This allows speakers to relax, knowing their speech is delivered, and they’re not too tipsy.
• If you’re interested in a ‘cutting of the cake’ shot, post-meal can be an opportune time. Coordinate with your wedding coordinator to set up the cake near a bright window for optimal lighting or on the dance floor for ample space around you. 

EVENING PORTRAITS

Here’s your opportunity to capture some fantastic evening shots of just you two together. It’s a brief session, lasting no more than 30 minutes, ensuring you’re not away from your guests and the party for too long. However, it’s a wonderful chance to obtain creative and unique photos. During the summer evenings, we can benefit from the beautiful low light and sunsets, creating a super pretty and romantic atmosphere. For winter weddings or when darkness falls, I’m equipped to use flash and create artistic flash-lit images.

Key tips for this part of the day:

• Schedule this session right after your meal to complete it quickly, allowing you to return in time to greet your evening guests.
• Consider a quick makeup touch-up during this time to ensure you look fantastic in the photos and for the remainder of the evening.
• In case weather conditions aren’t favorable or it’s dark, I might use flash lighting for these photos. It could be helpful to ask one of your groomsmen or bridesmaids if they’d be willing to assist by holding my lighting. 

FIRST DANCE

Time to kick off your shoes and hit the dance floor! I’ll capture your first dance in a documentary style, enhanced by special lighting to infuse a super cool touch into the images. Anticipate a plethora of fun (and perhaps slightly embarrassing!) photos capturing your friends and family effortlessly ‘throwing shapes’ on the dance floor.

Consider these helpful tips for this lively part of the evening:

• Since many guests view the first dance as the kickoff to the evening celebrations, it’s advisable not to delay it too much.
• Incorporating evening entertainment like games, a club DJ, or even a quiz can provide excellent photo opportunities and enhance the overall atmosphere.
• Consider including a photo booth (I can recommend some reputable companies) with amusing props. It’s a fantastic way to capture relaxed and silly photographs of your guests, and it can also serve as a delightful talking point.

Bonus questions

When can we expect you on the day?

Depending on the length of coverage you have opted for, I normally arrives for bridal preparations approximately 2 hours before the ceremony. If you have chosen to go for shorter coverage, I will organise with you an appropriate time to arrive.

What time will you leave?

Dependent on the length of coverage you have chosen. I will stay for approximately 1 Hour after your first dance, up until around 9.30pm, unless you have opted for extended coverage, in which case I will be there all night to cover all the partying 🙂

What do we do if it rains?

Sometimes is does rain. It is very unlikely that it will rain for the entire day, and so there will be pockets of time where we can go outdoors to capture your bride and groom portraits or your group shots. If we’re unlucky enough that it does pour it down all day I have the equipment and experience to be able to capture all of your images indoors. It is advisable to have a couple of umbrellas on hand though, and possibly a spare pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting a little damp or muddy!

How will the group shots work?

I’ll work to a pre-arranged list and as quickly as possible. Give your list to all your groomsmen and bridesmaids before, let them take the reigns for you. I’ll aim to have all of these completed within a maximum of 25 minutes.

What do we do if we’d like any specific shots?

If you’d like any specific images please advise of me these in the run up to your day. I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to capture all images, but I’ll always give it our best shot.

Can our guests take their own photos?

Of course! All I ask is that for your bride and groom shoot is just you guys and me, as it makes it all much more relaxed 🙂

Do we need to feed you?

I will never say no, I’ll take whichever option is available. The car is always packed with a banana and an energy bar just in case!

How long will it take for us to be able to see our photos?

I will make sure your previews are sent over within 3 days of your wedding, and your full collection will be online in a password protected gallery within 6 weeks of your date.