ingredients

When it comes to "Perfect" (not a fan of that word) wedding photos its about having ALL the ingredients to the cake! This includes the following: Lighting, venue backdrop, decor, flowers, (real flowers you can't bet them) stationary (menus, signage etc) and most importantly a happy chilled bride (s) and groom (s). Sometimes you get all these ingredients and magic happens however one thing you can't control out of all these key ingredients is you've guessed it LIGHTING especially if you are going for a UK wedding - one day it can be dull, grey, wet with hail and the next 26 degrees with clear blue skies! But fear not magic can still be made in the rain and your wedding will still be bloody amazing, but if you can nail the ingredients you do have control over, then this means dreamy photos can still be achieved and of course having a decent photographer with a good eye * ME cough* certainly helps!

GETTING READY

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 lay using everything from your shoes to your perfume. A ring box that compliments your wedding colours is always a lovely addition too. A little tip; always order an extra of your invitation so that can also be included, and it's also the perfect excuse to buy a fresh bottle of perfume.

When it comes to the bridal party getting ready shots, pretty robes or pyjamas always make the images that extra bit special. It’s also a good idea to try and keep the room as tidy as possible ( I know easier said than done) to get those really aesthetically pleasing photos. Then just add bubbles!

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. Please let me and your hair/MUA know so we can ensure the time’s available before having to leave for the ceremony.

THE CEREMONY

During your ceremony you’ll want your guests to all be in the moment with you. My top recommendation is to ask guests to ‘unplug’ and just enjoy every second with you both.

You don’t want the backgrounds of your precious images to be full of phones in the air, or big old iPads hiding the emotion and reactions on your loved ones faces (yes, it happens!)

Your stationery supplier could make an ‘unplugged ceremony’ sign that explains your wishes and can be displayed as guests arrive. Your officiant will always be happy to reiterate it to them before proceedings begin too, explaining there’ll be time for taking photos at the end of the ceremony.

THE KISS

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.

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!

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!

THE PARTY

I will keep this bit short. If you want your guests to dance from the moment the music comes on GET A GOOD DJ WHO KNOWS THIER MUSIC, AND CAN READ THE ROOM. (I can't stress this enough!!!!) 

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 🤍