Question 1

What is your advice on overcoming the most common planning concerns?

Accepted Answer

I totally understand this, there is a reason I'm usually found on the other side of the camera after all! Generally though, the reason behind this is the worry that I'll be asking you to look at the camera and hold a forced smile while holding your arms in impossible angles. Fear not, this is definitely not what I do! I found the best way to combat this worry and remove any anxiety over having your photo taken on the actual day is to have a pre-shoot. This normally entails heading to a lovely location like a park, the beach, a wood, somewhere that means something to you and spending an hour or so walking around, finding pretty spots for photos. It's mostly an opportunity for the three of you to get to know each other, for your photographer to see how you are as a couple and for you to see how your photographer works. With me, it's rarely a big serious pose, although this can be fun, but more just asking you to walk over to a particular place and talk, mess around, kiss, make each other laugh; and I capture that. Come the day, there are no surprises, you've seen how wonderful the photos of you look and not a forced smile in sight!

Question 2

What is your advice on planning the perfect intimate wedding?

Accepted Answer

The most important thing is to please yourself! Don't add any elements you think you ought to in order to please others or follow the traditional, larger wedding route. Here are a few more tips to help you along the way. •Why not hire a country house for the whole weekend and really spend time together? This is becoming so popular. •Determine the feel of the day. Will it be a relaxed, outdoor summer celebration with a garden party vibe; woodland boho; or perhaps an elegant late afternoon dinner party? •Have a clothing theme. Guys in shorts on the beach or black-tie elegance... Guests prefer to fit in and honour your style preferences. •Choose a celebrant to make the ceremony as personal as your wedding or vow renewal. Let them convey your authentic selves with carefully scripted words and beautiful readings. Including your guests in the ceremony too; there are so many ways to personalise it and include everyone with smaller guest numbers. •Have one large table for your meal. Perhaps ask the gents to swap places each course so that your valued friends and family can mingle and chat easily. •Have a couple's quiz, see who knows you best. •Bring in a challenge. You could all draw something in 15 minutes such as a bowl of fruit or the happy couple with the best winning a prize. •Choose your music with care to suit the feel of your nuptials.

Question 3

What's your advice on planning an outdoor wedding?

Accepted Answer

Summer is here bringing with it the chance to have your wedding ceremony outdoors. Beautiful gardens or natural woodland, fresh air, sunshine and the birds serenading you as you take your vows. Perfect! From springtime until autumn, many venues offer the option of celebrating outdoors. But, this is Britain, so always have a plan B, as no one wants a wet wedding dress and soggy guests. Most venues keep a keen eye on the skies right up until the last moment in case you have to opt for indoors. Don't be disappointed if plan B has to come into action though, as your photographer will get you outdoors at some point for some amazing, creative shots – rain is an artistic feature. For woodland weddings, with no indoor option your guests will be grateful for clear brollies, and maybe a rug for their legs. These make great photos as we see them behind you while you make your promises to each other. Although you and your guests will be wishing for the brightest sunshine for your wedding day, believe it or not, it poses quite a challenge for your photographer as it creates harsh light and shadows, which we have to work hard to minimise. The other thing we really can't control is the wind, it has a wonderful habit of blowing your veil and your fabulous hairstyle across your face at just the wrong moment! Photoshop is not a miracle worker, and to be honest these natural moments are the true reflection of your day, just like the laughter and the tears. Enough of the negatives (photographic pun intended), the atmosphere for your outdoor ceremony is magical. Everyone feels more relaxed and that makes brilliant photos; shots of you both surrounded by nature and beautiful light are just wonderful. Your outdoor feeling doesn't have to be confined to the daylight either, with lighting carefully placed outdoors the most amazing effects can be created as day turns to night.

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