Plan the best day of ‘your’ lives, Not the one your parents or anyone else think you should have, Or the wedding you think will look good on Pinterest or Instagram. Plan the day you want. If you think a certain wedding tradition seems odd, outdated or naff – then don’t do it! Want to do something unconventional – fill your boots! You’ll only be getting one shot at it so make it your day and make it awesome!

Then, regardless of all the time planning be prepared to let go of everything on the day and just enjoy each and every moment as it comes!

Around a month or so before your wedding day I’ll send you an online form with more detailed questions about your wedding. Not only will it include schedules and locations, it will also give you the opportunity to tell me whats important to you and allow you to highlight anything specific I might need to know. No need to send over Pinterest boards or anything like that, but if you have specific examples of types of shots you love from my website then please feel free to let me know. Other than that I totally appreciate that you trust me to approach your day with an open mind, that way we will create photographs that are truly and uniquely yours!

Getting ready is a huge part of any wedding day and can be full of many great moments. It’s when everything comes together and is full of excitement and anticipation, and is one of my favourite parts of the day to capture.  When getting ready, plan for as much space  and natural light as possible. The best lighting conditions would be a room with large windows that can fit everyone.

I usually arrive for the last 2 hours of prep. For a lot of weddings i work on my own, and if you are both getting ready at the same location of very close by i will visit the groom first before heading over to the girls and then staying with them for the rest of the morning. If covering both sides of getting ready is a priority and for For larger weddings then a second photographer is a great addition to your wedding to cover both sides of things. If you didn’t book a second photographer and think you would like one, no problem just let me know.

As a photographer i want to capture all the moments as they happen and the things that matter to you. I want to capture your wedding as it was so that you remember it that way, so you guys just do you and let me document it. If things are chaotic with 100 things happening don’t try to hide it just for me. but if you do want things to look neat and minimal then just be mindful of that and keep things tidy.

* It’s good to have a rough plan for the preparations so you know you’re on time. It doesn’t need to be regimental but always allow a little more time than you think you will need. If you do want things minimal and neat, keep an area/room clear just for getting ready, and somewhere separate for bags and bits.

If there are certain detail shots or items you want photographs of, then try to make sure these items are on display. (I don’t want to miss real moments, awesome moments because I’m unboxing shoes, or putting things on their hangers)!

Your details should include anything you are using or wearing on the day This could include things like rings, shoes, jewellery, perfume & flowers. If you can hang up your dress in a good position – great or I can help when I arrive. If you are not too bothered about the dress shot, then no worries. personally, I think the dress will always look better on you than a hanger.

Tip – The sense of smell is closely related to memory. For this reason it’s a great excuse for a new perfume or aftershave and not use what you wear everyday. Keeping it then only for special occasions to trigger memories of your special day.

If you are having a church wedding it’s important to ask your Priest/Vicar in advance if there are any restrictions on photography during the ceremony. Most are pretty relaxed and are happy for a photographer to do their job as discreetly as possible. But there can sometimes be limitations and restrictions to where I can/can’t go, where i have to stand and what I can/can’t shoot. Some churches only allow the photographers to be at the back, so If possible ask if i can at least stand at the front to photograph your entrance and first look. The important thing is for you to find this out in advance to avoid any surprises on the day. Almost all other venues are very relaxed usually without any restrictions but its always worth checking.

Getting married outside can be awesome with your perfect venue as the beautiful backdrop, It’s picture perfect. But, You must consider the weather and time of year. Obviously, rain is always a factor but the sun is often overlooked. We have had some scorching temperatures the last few years and there is nothing more uncomfortable than being in direct sun on one of the hottest days of the year, and it’s not very flattering for photos either. If your ceremony will not be under any shade or cover then an easy option would be a slightly later ceremony, or when the sun is not directly on where you will be getting married.

I’m totally happy for your guests to take as many photos during the day as they like, but I like to encourage your parents & Bridal party to put down the camera for the important bits. They need to see you as you really are, and be in the moment and live it with you – I’m there to capture the memories. You don’t want pictures of you saying your I’dos’ with them holding their phones in front of their faces.

Confetti is awesome and makes for some of the best pictures of the day. All your guests are in the background wishing you well while getting great photos. When it comes to confetti, the more confetti the better. You don’t want to get to the end of the line and the guests have run out. Large confetti shows up the best in photos, natural petals or biodegradable is a must, but always check with your venue first.

I find most couples want to enjoy as much of this time as possible with their guests and not just doing photos – And I totally agree. That’s why I recommend at least 2 hours where possible. This leaves enough time from the end of the ceremony, to do a confetti shot, get your group photos done and then spend time with all your guests without feeling rushed. Towards the end of the drinks reception, I will then whisk you off for 15mins for some couples photos while your guests are taking their seats for your wedding breakfast.

TopTip – Don’t overlook the importance of music for each part of the day and setting the vibe you want.

Not everybody loves group photos,  However, I firmly believe it’s important to get some nice photos with those closest to you. In years to come, they will probably be your most valuable photos and I always encourage doing them. Depending on your schedule the best time is usually after the ceremony and before you sit down to eat.  Allow more time than you think you will need on average a large group photo can take 2-3 minutes or more to arrange. So 10 different groups you’ll need to factor in at least 30minutes.

TopTip – the less standing around the better!

I ask that you designate someone to help gather people for your group photos while I take the pictures, this is to help keep things running smoothly. I advise as few group photos as possible (Just your VIPs) otherwise you could be stood around wondering where Auntie Pam or Uncle Bob when you could be celebrating with the other guests. I’ll be around the whole day so there will be plenty of time to grab me for some more informal group photos with your other guests, just tap me on the shoulder and ask for a piccie, these are always more relaxed and having fun.

A perfect time for the two of you to take in the day and spend some time together. I prefer to sneak a couple of quick sessions in through the day rather than one long shoot where you are away from your guests for too long. I like to play this by ear on the day – especially as weather and timings can change, but, Typically this would be towards the end of the drinks reception (15-20mins) and then later in the day after the meal or around sunset.

We’re not natural at having our photo taken or won’t know what to do!
I hear this all the time, but don’t worry I will give you all the guidance and direction you want or I feel you need. Usually, after a few tips everyone relaxes and the best thing is just to try and be yourself. I like to keep things moving so we will probably go for a short walk around your venue and won’t stop anywhere too long. If you are really nervous then a pre-shoot would be for you to get a. bit of practice in and help you relax. Get in touch to book one.

Crucially the light around sunset is the best of the day and makes for amazing pictures so I always recommend making time for it. Most couples love this part of the day, as it’s also time away just for them. Taking time out as a married couple to take it all in is often overlooked but is so important. During this time we will go for a short walk wherever the light is best.

Make a note of what time sunset is on your wedding day and try to incorporate 20 mins during the golden hour (the last hour before sunset) to go for photos.

As I mentioned, working around your day is the most important thing to me. However, if taking more time out for photos, or leaving the venue and travelling a short distance to a great location, is important to you and something you are interested in then let me know.

When the days are shorter or you want me to stay later this is when we can get creative. I highly recommend taking 5-10 mins to step away from the craziness of the party for a quick night photo together and reflect on the day. It’s a great way to get some very creative and dramatic portraits.

This is usually after all the formalities of the reception once everyone has started dancing. I’ll get set up first and then let you know that I’m ready if & when you are, but my feelings are never hurt if you’d prefer to just keep on partying!

Sparklers are a great addition to your wedding and can yield some great pictures. They are more commonly for autumn/winter weddings due to the shorter days.
There are, however, good and Bad sparklers. I recommend the longest sparklers you can get, 18″gold from Amazon. These burn for a really long time meaning they won’t go out too quickly while everyone gets lit and we get pictures. Please check with your venue about what restrictions there may be. I usually recommend doing sparklers just as it gets dark during blue hour and before your guests get a little worse for wear.

Unfortunately, the weather is the one thing you can’t control so my only advice is to embrace it – It’s one of the things that will make your day unique. Having a nice white umbrella for the day may just come in handy with the unpredictable British weather anyway. I’ll be honest if we get a little rain I get quite excited at the prospect of doing a rain photo! I have no problem getting out and shooting in the rain if you don’t – You’re only going to do it once right! 🙂