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.

Question 4

What are your top trend predictions for 2023?

Accepted Answer

"If we're honest, most of us hate having our photos taken unless it's selfies with friends, of course! But when it comes to paying someone professionally, most of us shudder at the idea and struggle to feel at our natural best. So, with more couples looking for less traditional photography, instead wanting their wedding story to be documented, how do you learn to be relaxed in front of the camera?While the idea of an engagement shoot isn't new, how they are structured is changing, causing even the most camera-shy to look again. When working with our couples, we typically set aside a three-hour time slot for a session, giving them plenty of time to relax without any time pressure. It enables us to walk, talk and take in different backdrops. It allows couples to find out what works for them and discover how they feel most comfortable being photographed. In the end, even the most camera-shy are surprised by how much fun they had. It's only natural to feel anxious in the run up to the wedding, but getting to know your suppliers, especially those you'll spend a lot of time with, can genuinely help. Understanding how they're going to work removes the fear of the unknown meaning you can relax and enjoy the day more.

Question 5

What are your top trend predictions for 2023?

Accepted Answer

As we all get back to normal, many couples appreciate the opportunity to have their wedding day exactly as they want it. Some are opting for an all-out approach with everything they've ever dreamed of, while for others a more intimate affair is appealing. A photographer who listens carefully to your plans and ideas is a great place to start. Chatting about yourselves, your hopes and maybe some concerns about being in front of the camera will help you to be more relaxed and enjoy all aspects of the day you've planned so carefully. Whether you've chosen to marry in a castle, at your local village hall or anywhere in between, your photographer will find the best aspects for your first photos as a married couple, creating something special just for you. As we all know, most of us are at our most relaxed when we're not posing, so your photographer's ability to get on with your guests and capture the unscripted moments you probably don't see yourself creates some of the very best memories immortalised forever.

Question 6

We're looking for a wedding photographer, but we're a bit worried about booking someone online we've never met. Do you have any suggestions?

Accepted Answer

In this day and age, it seems our entire lives can be run online, and indeed over the last two years much of our lives have been forced online. Whether it's ordering a pizza or shopping for a wedding photographer, it's often our first port of call in a busy life. When your life is hectic and you haven't managed to meet photographers at wedding fairs or other weddings, looking at their websites and chatting online can be fitted in any time. What catches your eye first will be the style of images they present. Do they appeal to your own sense of style? Take time to read any recommendations as well as any blogs they may have written as these will give you an idea of their personality. Clearly, you need to be able to communicate easily and comfortably. Ideally, they should respond to your initial enquiry within 24 hours, even if it's just a, "Thank you and welcome, we're working at a wedding today but will chat tomorrow." A helpful, fairly rapid response is always a good indicator. Over the last couple of years we've all become accustomed to Zoom calls. They're a useful tool when you can't meet in person. They give you a chance to see faces, hear voices, ask questions and look at possible products such as photo albums. They give you the opportunity to see if the photographer is a good match for you both – just don't judge them by their wallpaper or contents of their shelves! We've enjoyed many giggles with clients negotiating the vagaries of video calls. Never be afraid to ask questions. You might even want to know if they have any previous couples who'd be willing to chat with you. Planning your big day should be a pleasure not a chore, so most of all, enjoy yourselves!

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