Keeping it real
I know there’s a lot of pressure from social media these days to have a "perfect" wedding album, but I want to remind you that real moments are what matter most. There might be a few photos you don't like of yourself and that’s okay, in fact it's normal! I will remove blemishes and exit signs, but I can not manipulate a photos to the point that I am doing digital plastic surgery (yes I've been asked to remove body parts off people in the past)
Your wedding day is about the emotions, the connections, and the joy of being surrounded by the people you love. My goal is to capture those genuine moments, in a way that feels true to you. I love a vibe board, but don't worry about checking off every single shot from a Pinterest board, just enjoy your day, and I’ll take care of the rest.
Ingredients and setting expectations
We all love a good Pinterest scroll—but here’s the thing no one really mentions:
If you want your wedding photos to look like the ones you’re saving, you’ve got to plan for that kind of aesthetic from the start.
Those dreamy images you’re pinning? They’ve usually been captured in beautifully styled, light-filled spaces where everything from the florals to the furniture to the wall colour is working together. It’s all been thought through.
So if you have a particular vibe in mind—whether it’s classic and timeless, romantic, modern, boho, or something more editorial—it’s really important to shape your day around that vision. That includes picking a venue, colour palette, and décor that actually support the look you’re after.
Here are a few things that impact the look and feel of your photos just as much as the photography itself:
- Lighting: Natural light makes a huge difference—especially if you love that soft, bright and airy look with whites, creams, and pastel tones. If your venue is darker or mostly candlelit, the end result will have a totally different (but equally beautiful) feel. Just be mindful of the atmosphere you’re creating and how it will photograph.
- Styling: Those Pinterest-perfect tablescapes? They’re often styled with lush florals, layered textures, and cohesive design choices. Little details go a long way.
- Season & Weather: Summer weddings with golden hour light are going to feel totally different to a winter wedding lit by candlelight. Both can be stunning—just find inspiration that matches the time of year and venue you’ve chosen.
It’s a team effort.
As your photographer, I’ll do everything I can to bring your vision to life—but it also takes planning and intention from you too. When we’re aligned and prepared, that’s when the magic really happens.
Atmosphere & Image Quality
Sometimes what feels magical in person doesn’t translate the same way through the camera lens—and that’s okay.
Candlelit dinners, dim churches, or twinkling lights all create a beautiful, intimate atmosphere—but from a photography perspective, it’s important to understand how lighting affects image quality.
Here’s the reality:
Cameras need light to capture sharp, clean images. In darker settings, I’ll have to adjust the camera to compensate, often by increasing the ISO (cameras sensitivity to light). This can add a bit of grain or texture to the photos. It’s not a mistake—it’s just part of how photography works in low-light situations (especially if we’re avoiding flash to keep the mood intact).
What to expect in lower-light settings (If flash is not used):
Candlelit churches or receptions: Beautiful and romantic in real life, but the photos will likely be softer and grainier.
Moody or no-flash lighting: This can create a really atmospheric look, but don’t expect the same crisp, clean finish as in bright daylight.
Winter ceremonies or older venues: Natural light may be limited, especially indoors or in churches with small/stained-glass windows.
What you can do to help:
With my style of photography I used a lot of direct flash, but here are a few tips to get the best out of your lighting on the day.
Add ambient lighting—fairy lights, candles, or subtle overheads—to bring in more light without killing the vibe.
Think about timing—early ceremonies or golden hour receptions give us more to work with.
Embrace the grain—it can add a moody, cinematic feel that’s full of emotion and beauty.
GETTING READY
When it comes to getting ready, I always recommend keeping the room as calm and uncluttered as possible. Fewer people in the room, some soft music, and a relaxed atmosphere make a huge difference, not just to how you feel, but to how everything photographs.
A busy room full of bags, coats and extra guests can quickly become overwhelming (and a little chaotic in photos), so having just your closest people there helps create a peaceful, beautiful start to the day.
If you'd like me to take photos of those all important little details it’s a good idea to have everything to hand and ready to go in the morning.
I can create a beautiful edgy flat, please see list below of things you can include:
• Shoes
• Jewellery (earrings, bracelets, rings)
• Perfume
• Veil or hair accessories
• Invitation suite (envelope, RSVP card, etc.)
• Vow books or letters
• Sentimental keepsakes or heirlooms
• Loose florals from your florist (if available)
You’ll be amazed at just how quickly the morning of getting ready will fly by, if you’d like bridal party/ bride portraits before leaving it’s important to factor in the time, I recommend being ready at least 45 minutes before the ceremony starts.Please let me and your hair/MUA know so we can ensure the time’s available before having to leave for the ceremony.
Final Tips for a Smooth Morning
• Have a playlist you love, music can really bring the energy up and make a difference to how you feel!
• Matching robes or outfits are great for a
clean aesthetic
• have champagne glasses available for
group photos
ceremony
Take your sweet time walking down that aisle there is no rush and kiss like no one’s watching! When it comes to the kiss hold it for a little longer, this will ensure I have time to capture it perfectly.
Confetti; There are numerous options when it comes to confetti, and they’re some of my favourite images to capture! Good old fashioned paper confetti creates the best effect as it stays in the air the longest, however lots of venues have restrictions on what you can and can’t use so it’s important to check in advance.
Once you know what you can use, it’s a good idea to provide confetti for about half of your guests, be it in personalised packets or pretty cones. I'll ask your guests to throw it up and over you - this’ll ensure I get some amazing fun filled shots. You can never have enough confetti, my advice is buy a bit more than you'll think you need.
Winter weddings
During the winter months (particularly November–February), daylight in England is much shorter than people often realise ,with the sun setting as early as around 3:30pm.
For this reason, I strongly recommend planning your ceremony no later than 1pm. This allows enough natural light afterwards for relaxed group photos and beautiful couple portraits, without feeling rushed or compromised by fading light.
GROUP & COUPLE PORTRAITS
We will usually get group shots after the ceremony! If you are looking to get fun artistic shots, It is always best to do this before everyone's had too much to drink! I recommend a handful of group shots (up to 10) anymore and you’ll feel overwhelmed and just over it! (10 group shots usually take about 45 -60 mins) If you could get a trusted person who can help collect the people for group shots this always helpful too and also saves a lot of time! and highly recommend that grandparents and children start first.
I always recommend to tell you bridal/groomsman party to bring their coolest sunglasses, not only can they make for cool AF photos they can also help with any potential squinting if we have to capture in direct sunlight which I will try to avoid at all cost, with that said when it comes to group shots it really is about good lighting, and good lighting will always come before backdrop (in my opinion) Good lighting is indirect sunlight so clouded skies can actually be your best friend or shade! So on the day of your wedding I will be scouting possible locations for your group shots.
If you are thinking of having a sparkles shot get extra long ones!
The golden hour couple shot. The golden hour, oh the dreamy golden WE LOVE YOU! But lets keep it real depending on your location golden hour photos aren’t also achievable, however getting in the car quickly to drive to a different location can help this WEATHER DEPENDANT. So if you really want golden hour photos it might be a case of sneaking you off for 10-15 minutes. Trust me its worth it!
WEDDING BREAKFAST & PARTY
When it comes to those all important speeches, please tell whoever is doing a speech, to NOT read it from their phone!!! In photos it just looks like someone stood looking at their phone, a good old fashioned piece of paper in hand for this one! It just makes it look more authentic and wholesome rather than an everyday occurrence of someone looking at their phone.
I also highly recommend that speeches are done first, this can help release any nerves, stops people from getting to drunk before hand, and you can also relax more whilst eating.
MISSION: EVERYONE ON THE DANCE FLOOR.
If you want your guests to dance from the moment the music comes on research a good DJ/band who knows their music and can read the room. (I can't stress this enough) If you want those fun direct flash photos of you and guests going wild, it would be great if we can capture this before I have to say goodbye, so when you speak to your music supplier tell them you want them to bring the high vibe energy tunes asap, making them a playlist with all your favourite party tunes is always a good idea!
Another thing that makes a huge difference to your evening photos: stay on the dance floor while I’m there.
As soon as the newlyweds step off, everyone else tends to follow (it’s amazing how quickly it happens), which means fewer chances for those fun, energetic party shots.
No pressure to dance non-stop, just dipping back in now and then helps keep the atmosphere going and lets me capture the evening at its best.
Second Dress
Your wedding dress is often chosen for its beauty and how it makes you feel when you first step down the aisle, but it’s not always designed with all-day comfort in mind. By the time the evening celebrations arrive, you might find it harder to move freely, sit comfortably, or hit the dance floor with ease.
why many brides now choose to have a second dress for the evening. It gives you the freedom to dance, hug your guests, and fully relax without worrying about heavy fabrics or delicate details. It doesn’t have to be another “wedding dress” either – a simple, white party dress can be just perfect!
The best part? It doesn’t need to break the bank. You can find beautiful options online or from high street stores for under £100, making it an affordable way to feel your best right through to the last song of the night.
LASTLY
Relax into your day, forget the camera, show your emotions and enjoy the ride that is your wedding day.
Enjoy your day and stay present! The best documentary style photos are the ones where you're just in the moment with your guests. Smile, laugh or ugly cry, forget about your best side and how you may look on camera, immerse yourselves into this special day, that you have put so much time money, time, planning into!
If there is anything on the day that you want photographed that may not be obvious please just tell me, or write in at the bottom of the questionnaire when I send it to you in the lead up to the wedding.
And remember I'm your biggest fan, I will cheer you on, and help in anyway I can. You've got this!
I can wait to capture your day
Love,
Charlotte 🤍
P.S I have no dietary requirements
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