Lighting

I always prefer to work with natural light and save my flash for the party and dance floor. That way I can work almost unnoticed and will not interfere with the event, or the work of the videographer (if present). Bright spots or disco lights in all kinds of colours don’t look good in photos and won’t make the food look very appetizing either. Instead, opt for candles, fairy lights and tons of warm, indirect light sources. The party lights can come on once it’s time to let loose on the dance floor! Of course sometime this isn't possible and flash will be used as discreetly as possible.

Food

I take photos while the guests are seated and have their first drinks, but will stop shooting once dinner is being served. Eating guests don’t like to be photographed and that gives me the opportunity to take a break, eat and safely store some equipment that I don’t need for the rest of the night. Please make sure that I am being served dinner at the same time as the other guests (not afterwards, as venues tend to do with vendors) since I need to be ready to go again as soon as speeches commence. 

I will take candid images during your reception and guests when people have finished eating again.

Speeches

Keep speeches short, humorous and or heartfelt. Personally, I quite enjoy capturing speeches and the emotional moments that unfold. If possible spilt your speeches between courses. Traditionally Father of the bride and groom go before dinner is served then the rest before dessert. Depending on your venue and timeline you might find that doing them all at once works better for you, but just make sure it doesn't go on for too long or your guests will get restless. 5-7min is best.

Please make sure your podium is in a nice spot and the speakers aren't right up next to it. (Its not attractive in photographs)

When to cut the Cake

After the meal: Once dinner is served and before the dancing begins, cutting the cake can act as a sweet transition. Guests are relaxed, and the energy is still building. It also gives everyone a chance to enjoy dessert before getting up to dance.

During a quiet moment: Some couples prefer to step aside for a private cake cutting, either before or after the meal, away from the crowd. This intimate approach allows you to share a special moment with each other without the pressure of an audience.

As a highlight event: If you want the cake cutting to be a focal point, do it after the first dance or as a part of a traditional series of events like toasts or speeches. This way, it feels like a highlight in the flow of the reception.

Before the party kicks off: If you want to get the formalities out of the way and dive into the celebration, consider cutting the cake earlier in the evening, right after the ceremony or before dinner is served. That way, you can focus on enjoying the rest of the night.