If you're here, it likely means you've just booked me to work with you as your photographer. I'm so excited to have you here, and to collaborate with you on what will be some of your most treasured images. These tips will be photography based, a little more generally. To help with not only the image creating process, but for you to have a day you truly love and represents you both. The wedding industry's best kept secret, is that the best weddings aren't the ones with huge budgets, or 3 outfit changes, or on trend florals, or anything material... the best weddings are when the couple has a celebration that is truly *them*. From the guestlist, to style choices, to the music and food, if you go with things you genuinely love, that's when you'll have the best time. The best photography is of couples living in the moment, being present and enjoying their day... Grab a brew and strap in, this guide is a pretty extensive read, covering your day, broken down into sections... So let's start the beginning. Before the day.

Pre Wedding Planning

1.

If you've found yourself on this page, then you've probably booked your venue, maybe a handful of suppliers, chosen your date and decided on your initial numbers. My first tip is to not get too caught up. There is SO MUCH inspiration out there when it comes to weddings, from Pinterest to Tik Tok, Instagram, blogs, friends weddings... you could create mood boards all day long and still never have exhausted all the types of inspiration there is out there. Stay true to you. There's nothing wrong with following trends if that's what you really like! But if you love colour and the current trend is monochrome, go with the colour filled wedding that speaks to your heart. That's how you create memories to come, by looking back and thinking, I still love what we chose to do for our wedding, it still really speaks to us. There is of course nothing wrong with looking for inspiration, and it will help, but don't get too bogged down by things that don't really speak to you.

2.

Stick to your budget. I think when wedding planning, most people have a very early on initial budget, before realising the standard costs of some things. I'm in the wedding industry, and genuinely have no idea how much for eg, cakes cost, and I think I'd probably underestimate how much they really cost - everyone has that moment before realising the work and time that goes into being a bespoke supplier. But, after that moment, don't blow everything just because it's for a wedding. Prioritise, think about what's really important to you - whether that's food, or entertainment, or florals, or outfits... Think about what matters the most, and spend a little more there, and save on things that don't matter so much to you. Touching on the first point, there is so much inspiration, and so many ways people can 'inspire' you to spend money on things you don't really need, so think about what really matters! Most of my couples have suppliers for florals, styling, outfits, cake, entertainment, catering, hair and makeup, and video. That being said, one or more of those elements could easily become DIY or something personal or significant. I have had couples who've created their own stationery, or had family members bake their cake, or again family members who have done their florals, or done all their own styling. There are wedding suppliers for just about ANYTHING, transport, celebrants, personalised anything and everything from candlesticks to napkins, accessories and jewellery, singing waiters, dog walkers, dog suits, linens, pizza vans, prosecco vans, saxophonists... It's all relative, just think about what matters to you most, and go from there.

3.

Consider your guest list. The biggest 'regret' I have from past couples, is simply inviting too many people. I'm not suggesting cut down if that's not for you, but don't feel like you HAVE to invite people that you may not particularly want there. Having a guest list full of people who truly love and appreciate you, makes for a better atmosphere on the day, and a gallery full of people present, in the moment, and enjoying themselves in the images. You are allowed to be selfish with your guest list, if there's anyone that you think may negatively impact your day, in even the tiniest form, or simply someone you don't know well enough to want to pay for their dinner, there's no shame in not extending an invite. It's your day, and you want to spend it with people who are hopefully, going to be a lasting part of your life together. As well as your guest list, consider your wedding party. Imagine these people in your party are going to be key parts of your day and in a LOT of your photographs, choose people that are most important. You don't have to have a matching number of people in your party per partner, and you don't have to have a huge wedding party either, in fact I've had some couples that have had none at all! Again, do what feels best and natural to you, but don't force any relationships for the sake of a wedding party, as these people will be in your images forever.

4.

Book in your pre wedding shoot. These can be done really, at any time after you've booked me for your photography, but I suggest anywhere between 3-6 months before your wedding is a good timeline. I know it may seem a little overkill, but a pre shoot really does make a difference to your images on the day. The more I know you, the easier it is for me photograph you in a way that feels natural and comfortable to you, and pick up on the quirks that make you you. The more you know me, the more at ease you'll feel with someone following you all day and taking your photograph, if you know me, know what I do, and make peace with that, you'll forget I'm there, and that's much easier for couples to do if you've met me! It makes taking photos one less thing to worry about, makes your portrait session really natural and even collaborative, and gives you the opportunity to have a set of images in a more relaxed setting, aside from your wedding photographs. I'd also encourage all of my couples to chat with me as much as feels right for you - please don't be a stranger. Photographers LOVE to photograph people they know, so if I can know you, it adds another dimension to your images. Ask for any help at all from me when it comes to photography or wedding planning, I want to be there for you, help you through the process and make sure you feel valued by and comfortable with me.

5.

Choose your suppliers wisely. Whether you have a huge team of people you'll be working with, or just a choice select handpicked few, make sure you love the work of everyone you choose. You want to be able to talk freely with them, design and collaborate with them, and have them understand your vision. These people will dictate certain elements of your day, so you should be able to trust them and the work they do.

Wedding Morning/Prep Tips

1.

Before we even get into the actual process, think about the space you have for getting ready. If where you're getting ready isn't at your venue, when searching for accommodation, think of light and space. Consider how many people you'll have with you, the logistics of how much room there is for them, and how much natural light there is. Especially if you have a large party of people with you and want any sort of group shots during prep, there will need to be enough well lit space! Likewise, if you want any shots with any type of dramatic natural light, you'll need big windows. This isn't a deal breaker of course, beautiful photos can be achieved with the willing anywhere, but if you have any specific visions, consider the space you have!

2.

Keep it clean! Whenever I arrive to any space, I tend to do a sweep round and re-arrange, but for photography purposes, rooms are best when generally tidy. You don't want random underwear or boxes or wrappers or rubbish in the back of your prep portraits. Encourage whoever is with you to have their bags sorted and packed and out of the way, way before anyone needs to leave the space.

3.

Stay on track of time. Whenever it comes to prep, you'll need more time than you think. It takes people longer to get dressed than you think, in fact, prep just becomes a time wormhole where it feels like you've been getting ready for 17 hours but suddenly you have 17 minutes to go. Always just schedule a little more time than you think you'll need. Especially if you want any images of for eg, all the bridesmaids in their robes/pjs. Your party probably won't all want to get undressed and dressed in one space at the same time, so consider they'll need staggered dressing times to be ready! If you have hair and makeup, best practice is to ensure they'll be having you done at least 1 hour before your ceremony. This means you'll have plenty of time to get dressed, have any photos taken you want, any reveal moments, and have some stress free moments to yourself, where you're not rushing. The main constraint to photography if not light, is time. As artists, we need ample time to be able to get creative for you, and you don't want to be rushed through the process either.

4.

This goes for the entire wedding day, but, there's no rules to your wedding morning. If you'd prefer to get ready together, and spend the morning together, that IS allowed, and is a beautifully intimate way to start your day. Some couples just find it too nerve wracking without each other, or just prefer to help get each other ready - I think it's amazing. If not getting ready together, consider who'll be with you, who you want in your prep pictures, if you want any reveal moments, and who you want to help you get dressed. There's no shame in whoever you feel best and most comfortable with, and having people who only make you feel your best, will make for the most relaxed morning.

5.

Plan. Any details you want photographing, make sure you have them with you. This could be things like jewellery, shoes, perfume, vows, invitations, socks, bowties, cufflinks, pocket watches... or anything sentimental too, like family jewellery or anything people have given you for the day. Have these in one place, and I will arrange them for photos and put them back, ready for you to put on. Also let me know ahead of time of any specific images you want during prep, whether this is prosecco pops, girly group shots, vow writing, present giving, or first look moments with anyone, let me know and I can work them into my morning plan for your day.

The Ceremony

1.

Registrar, or something more personal? Admittedly this will have had to have been thought about in the pre wedding planning staged, and obviously chosen way before the day! But, not everyone is aware that a registrar isn't your only option. Celebrants are an amazing option for couples wanting something more personal, or even having a friend or family member conduct your ceremony. The only downside to this, and why elopements aren't as common in England, is that they're not legally binding. So if you're getting married in England, and wanted to opt for something more non traditional, you would have to make a separate trip to your registry office to officially seal the deal. However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with registrars, and I've had some registrars who have even cried at the ceremonies - you can still choose your vows, readings, and if you want to read your own personal vows. Choose what feels right for you - I love personal vows, but can understand that you may not want to be that vulnerable in front of a crowd! So do what suits you both best.

2.

Walking down the aisle, again, really there's a myriad of options, and you don't have to stick to tradition if it doesn't suit. Traditionally, the 'groom' would already be at the end of the aisle waiting, whilst the 'bride' is accompanied by her father. It's not the 1900s anymore though, and not every wedding has a groom, or a bride, or dads, and even if you do have all of those things, you still don't have to do what doesn't feel natural. I've had grooms walk down the aisle with their mums, brides walk down with both parents, or with their siblings instead, couples do a first look before the ceremony and walk down together, brides walk down solo... whatever feels most natural and brings you the most joy is what's right for you. Really take in walking down the aisle, be present, soak it up, and enjoy it! Choose your favourite music, it doesn't have to be the Canon in D or the wedding march, it can be anything that represents you both and evokes feeling and memories in you.

3.

Have seats reserved for your wedding party/family members. People really will just sit anywhere, and you don't want somebody a little bit random on your front row. Whichever wedding party members walk down the aisle before you, will need seats reserving, so they know where to sit and they're not bunched together at the top of the aisle wondering what to do. Likewise, reserve spaces for your significant family members that you want in the front rows. Typically, in the aisle seats would be both sets of parents, with the wedding party beside them, but have whoever you want most photographed in those front rows!

4.

Take it all in. The ceremony is one of the parts of the day that goes the quickest, and something that people generally feel most nervous about. Try to enjoy it, it's when you officially, and most probably, legally, get to marry your partner. Focus on each other, and let your feelings show.

5.

The exit! Have how you want to exit planned - the music, confetti/no confetti, drinks... Again, choose some music that really represents you, it doesn't have to be traditional, but something that reflects the joy that you feel in marrying your partner. Check your venues rules about confetti if you want it, some do it inside back down the aisle, some need to do it outside... typically, you will walk down the aisle, get handed a drink, and then the venue and I will organise the confetti shot (More is MORE when it comes to confetti!). Then it's straight into your drinks reception!

The Drinks Reception

1.

Finally, you get a bit of relief and get to see your guests, and mingle with them. Schedule this for as long as your venue will allow, sometimes I'll get timelines back, with around just an hour for this, and it's just not enough time. I'd say 2 hours is the best time frame for your drinks reception, if your venue/caterers can work to that. Remember, this is the first time you get to really speak to people, it can be a bit of a whirlwind, as well as getting any group shots, and your couple portraits done. A lot of action happens in this time, and that's without even grabbing a drink or a few canapes! You want this time to be as relaxed as possible, and to take it all in, so the more time the better.

2.

Group shots, the much dreaded, must anticipated, group shots. When it comes to these, try and reframe your thinking a little... yes, traditionally they're horribly boring, people moan, and you have to stand around for ages. BUT, it's when you get all those mantlepiece and coffee table photos, of the people that mean the most. Make the most of having a little bit of time with your favourite people, I promise I won't drag them out. Before the wedding, I'll ask you for a list of 8-10 group shots, so I'm armed with exactly who we need. Distribute this list to your favourite and most assertive wedding party member, to help guide people to the photography spot. The part that takes the most time with group shots is rounding the right people up! I usually say each shot takes around 2-3 minutes, so with 8-10 shots, you should be having your photos taken for around 20-30 minutes max, depending on how cooperative your guests are feeling! With your wedding party photos, we can have a little bit more fun instead of the usual stand in a line, and let me know if you had any ideas for any of your group shots too, I'm always open to trying anything new and getting creative.

3.

Your couple portraits. When it comes to the format of your drinks reception, generally speaking, I'll give you 15-20 minutes after the ceremony to relax and chat with your guests. Then we'll do your group shots first, and then your couple portraits. Again, couple portraits are something that people can feel quite nervous about, but if you've had your pre shoot I promise they'll be a breeze. We'll just go for a walk around your venue, look for the best spots and best light, have a chat and take some photos. The couples session gives you a little breather away for a short while, and to just enjoy each others company, whilst we also take some beautiful images of you both. This tends to be for about 15-20 minutes, which might seem a short time, but it honestly is all we need. I may ask you for a second session of couple portraits if we get a golden hour later on, but it all depends on the light and timings of your day.

4.

After your photos, this is a great time to get some time alone, and I'd really recommend you do this, even if its just for 5 minutes. I'll get back to your guests and get to work on people watching for candids, and both of you just take a breather. Talk about the day so far, how you're feeling, just take a step back, savour it and take it in. Wedding days go by so quickly and it's so easy to get caught up, stepping away for a minute with your person really gives you some perspective.

5.

The rest of the time in your drinks reception, I'm fading into the background, and watching to capture moments. This is when I'll start to work on those emotional moments between your guests, the hugs, the laughs, the kisses, editorial moments of you walking around greeting your guests. Having more time for this gives you more of those moments.

Speeches

1.

My biggest tip when it comes to speeches, is choose wisely. Speeches can really set the tone of the day, and it's important that you choose people who you know will will add to the atmosphere and ambience. I've had plenty of dads who don't love speaking, so have opted out, and there's no shame in this at all! You can choose whoever you want to do your speeches, you don't have to stick to tradition. I've experienced mum speeches, joint best man speeches, joint sibling speeches, solo bride speeches, joint bride speeches, bride and groom each doing a speech, father of the groom speeches... I could really go on! Choose who you think will really want to speak about you both earnestly, without talking for 45 minutes. The sweet spot in my opinion, is 10-15 minutes max per speech. I've even had weddings where there have been no speeches at all, as they wanted a super relaxed and laid back wedding.

2.

Do them all at the same time. Whether this is before the meal or after, it is best to keep them all together. Between courses is a little disjointed for the flow of the meal, and can really throw out timings for the venue and caterers if any run over, it also means that as photographers and videographers, we don't really get a break through the day if speeches are between.

3.

On from that, really do stress to whoever is doing your speeches that they should be short and sweet. Aside from your guests getting bored, long speeches can really impact your timeline. If they run over, it can stop the band setting up in time, which then pushes back the first dance, general evening dancing and your evening food. It can really mess with the flow of your evening, and impact your photography coverage if they go on for too long!

4.

In with speeches, I'll write about your seating plan... consider who you want on your top table. It doesn't have to be the traditional format of parents, maid of honour and best man, it really can be whoever you feel best with, and want to share your meal with. Sweetheart tables are even becoming increasingly popular, for couples who can't choose between bigger families, or just would prefer some time with each other. With whoever is doing your speeches, if they're not on your top table, I always think it's nice if they stand at the top table to speak, so I can get you all in shot whilst they're speaking,

5.

The speeches are also where I get the majority of your candid images of your guests, as generally, they're such emotional or funny moments, that's when I can get some beautiful and natural portraits of your guests enjoying themselves and living in the moment. If we do get a golden hour, after the speeches is most likely when I'll take you away for a few more images, it does all depend on the time of year, but generally, that is when it seems to hit!

Evening

1.

To cake or not to cake... seems to be an increasing question. I probably have about half of my couples ditch the cake cut now, saying they don't want the attention on something that seems a little bit random, which I can understand, but I do also quite like the cake cut photos! If you don't fancy the extra attention, you can just have your cake on display earlier in the day, and have your caterer cut it and distribute, or we can sneak away during your couples photos and get a cutting photo away from the crowds!

2.

To dance or not to dance... another increasing question! For the same reason as the cake cut, I've had a few couples not want to do a first dance at all. Didn't want the attention, or they're just not that way inclined to do a romantic style dance, so instead I've just got general dancing shots. Most people don't go for the choreographed waltz anymore, but I have had some fun choreographed routines to upbeat songs, making it more of a laugh than a stand and sway! But if you want to stand and sway, that's totally fine too - I always think it looks romantic on images. Whatever you want to do when it comes to first dancing is absolutely fine, don't be forced into something you don't want to do, or will make you feel nerves or full of dread. There are ways to make it more you, from song choices, dance choices, but just do what feels right essentially, it's not going to impact your photography as long as there are people on the dancefloor at some point!

3.

My coverage ends at around half an hour after your first dance, or when the dancing starts if you're not specifically doing one! So if you have any outfits you wanted to change into, and wanted photos of, I'd encourage changing into them before your dancing starts, to make sure you get enough images in that outfit!

4.

Please let me know if you have anything planned like sparklers or fireworks, as these will take a little organisation to get the shots! Sparklers are best done before it's pitch black, and before people get too drunk, and I tend to do them like a confetti shot, without the throwing, obviously. Fireworks require a little bit more organisation, and getting you in a spot where both you and the fireworks will be on a similar angle, so please do let me know about these way ahead of the day, if you have them!

5.

Let loose on the dancefloor, first dance or not. at some point, just enjoy yourselves with your friends and family on the dance floor. Be present and have those images of you really dancing the night away with your favourite people. These will be the last shots of the night, and the last shots in your gallery, so make the most of it!

Fin.

If you made your way through all of that information, then you'll be a very well prepared couple. Thank you for reading and absorbing all of that, some of those tips really do make a difference to how your day unfolds, and will ultimately prepare you to be yourselves, and relax as much as you can. My parting words here, if I've not emphasised this enough, is to really do things your way. I think couples don't realise just how much tradition can be changed to suit them, and often end up doing things on their day that don't represent them. Go for what makes you happy, what speaks to your heart and soul and whatever will help you to be present and relaxed on your wedding day. Feel free to talk to me throughout any part of the planning process, and let me in on all your secrets! Having the best photography means having the best relationship with your photographer, and I want to collaborate with you both, and photograph you in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful to you both. Most of all, enjoy this planning process, I promise that as soon as it's over, you'll want to plan it all again. Take in every second!