Question 1

What is your advice on planning an intimate wedding?

Accepted Answer

One thing's for certain with fewer guests comes less stress when it comes to family photo time. But even so there are some common pitfalls you can avoid allowing you to spend quality time with your few and treasured guests, making sure you're all back to enjoying each other's company in no time! Prepare a magic list of family photos. These are the must-have photos that you can't wake up the next day and regret omitting. Try to keep it as concise as possible. There's only so much standing and smiling one can do before it starts to drive you nuts. Designate a photo wrangler. Ask your loudest, bossiest friend or family member, ideally even one from both sides, to be your photo wrangler, and this can't be either of you. Impose a 'no phone' rule. More often than not there'll be someone, if not several people either behind me or over my shoulder with a phone or camera snapping away! This is a problem because everyone in the photo looks at different cameras in different directions and the people in the photo with you won't be happy with how they look. Be precise and in control! It's very helpful to your photo wrangler if you have the names of people written next to who they are, for example, "Us with the bridesmaids (Chelsea, Leanne, Charlotte and Amy)". This ensures they can call out names or ask other guests if they know who or where they are. What's more, you're always going to get one person that will harmlessly pop in and ask for a 'quick' photo with you or another guest, which really does disrupt the flow of the portrait session. Just be mindful not to let your guests, parents or whomever take over the situation, because you'll run out of steam, fast, and it will show in the photos. Pace yourself and stick to your magic list. Remember, the longer we take to get into their photo, or the more demands guests make of you wanting infinite combinations, the less time you two will have for your couple's shots, cocktails and the rest of your day afterwards.

Question 2

My fiancé and I are considering an engagement shoot. What should we look for when booking a photographer?

Accepted Answer

My advice would be look for someone that understands your style. Speak to different photographers (even ones that have a portfolio you're not necessarily too keen on) and get to know them, seeing what ideas come out of those conversations. Personally, when I'm working with clients I talk with them, invite them to my studio space for a look around and try to understand what they would like to reflect in their images. Also, don't ever be frightened to say no! Sometimes photographers just are not the right fit, and a good one won't be offended and will understand.

Question 3

We want lovely photographs, but we're limited by our budget. Do you have any suggestions?

Accepted Answer

I'd say, look at what you really want photographs of? Is it the ceremony itself? Is it friends and family having fun on the dancefloor? Maybe, even having photographs taken of just the couple away from the hustle and bustle of the day? If couples can pin down the most important photographs for them, they may be able to reduce the amount of time, they pay for a photographer. I also suggest that if couples were in the early stages of planning, maybe look at getting married outside of the peak season. Money can be saved on the venue itself and can be used for a photographer they really want. Do your research. I know it sounds simple, but it can really make a difference. Photographers can vary a lot on price but also the quality of their work. Ask to see full galleries if they're not provided on their websites. Shortlist the ones you like, then compare the prices. That might help you narrow down your choice to just a couple. You can then reach out and check if they have availability.

Question 4

How can we capture amazing outdoor pictures at our December wedding if the weather turns bad?

Accepted Answer

I love photographing December weddings - lots of festive cheer, twinkly fairylights and beautiful deep colours! You can't predict the weather at any time of the year in the UK, but one thing we know for sure is that December has the shortest daylight hours. My number one piece of advice would be to book an earlier ceremony if you can, 1pm is ideal! This will give you more time options for outdoor photos in case of bad weather. Other things to bear in mind are that it'll undoubtedly be cold outside, so consider wearing a wrap or a stole over your dress or you could wear a dress with long sleeves. Also, talk to your photographer to get a plan in the event of bad weather. My go to wet weather options are: 1) I always carry a pair of clear umbrellas in my car to weddings in case of a downpour. 2) I sometimes position the couple and/or bridal party in the doorway of the venue so they are sheltered (I'll be outside but under a golf umbrella!). 3) I make sure I've scouted the venue for suitable indoor options too in case it really is just too bad for outdoor photos. The main thing is that whatever the weather decides to do, you have a wonderful day and you get some beautiful memories captured.

Question 5

I want lovely photos of my first dance. What tips can you suggest?

Accepted Answer

First things first, those disco lights your DJ is providing might bring a vibe to the party but you don't want to be shades of green, red and blue in your photos therefore I recommend asking the DJ to hold fire on any coloured lights till after the first dance. Secondly, don't feel like you need to pick a song that's 'traditional' pick something that has meaning to the both of you. Songs have such an amazing nostalgia, pick something that takes you both back to a moment. Thirdly, confetti cannons during the first dance are epic! My next tip would be to make the next couple of songs after the first dance bangers! People tend to save their best songs till later on in the night but put on the songs that are guaranteed to get everyone up and dancing and start the party like you mean to go on. Lastly, embrace your moment, no elaborate dance routines required (unless you want to!) don't overthink it, enjoy your moment and soak up all the feelings of the day.

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