The Guide


Before we get to the good stuff I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for deciding to get me on board for one of the most exciting cerebrations you will plan. It means the world to me and I cant wait to hang out with you both and capture some truly beautful moments. 


My job is an important one - your photos will last a lifetime and I want you to look back on them and be reminded of your day and everything it meant to you.


I know there is a ton of information out there and it can feel overwhelming at times. I have shot well over 400 weddings as well as organised my own so I have picked up a lot of tips and tricks along the way. I hope the advice in here will not only allow for stunning wedding photographs, but it will also ensure that you get to enjoy a relaxed wedding day. 


That said, all tips in here are merely suggestions. Only you two know what feels right and I urge you to follow your intuition. This day is here to celebrate you, your unique personalities and your decision to spend your lives together. 


Please  get in touch at any stage if you would like to throw some ideas around together. We will meet up again 4-6 weeks before your wedding date and I will send you a Wedding Day timeline to fill out around that time too. 



wedding Day

styling & Vision

The Feeling

Firstly Imagine the feeling you want to have: This goes for the guests too! Nailing down the ambiance you want to create is the first step in determining your wedding style.


Beyond the formal vs. casual question, ask yourself how much time you want to spend with each guest, what kind of dining experience you envision, what kind of entertainment you’re drawn to, elevate what’s familiar (and what you love), rather than mimicking a day you’ve been told is the “right way” simply for the sake of having a wedding that people expect. Your day should be unique to you both and its always nice to add an element of surprise for your guests.


The Vibe

Starting with the vibe of your venue you can usually build a mood board that encompasses the feeling you want to capture. Grab a few words and build on the feelings such as Modern, Romantic, Italian, Long Lunch, Candle Lit, Casual, Classic, Glamorous, Boho, Eco, Natural, Tropical, Mediterian, etc



Colour Palette

Choosing the right colour palette for your wedding will determine the overall look and style of your wedding. Sometimes it’s easier to choose one colour you love, then pair it with complementary colours. When pairing colours, make sure you don’t go overboard. You might be thinking, “But I love pink, purple, orange, green and blue”. Great, but let’s try to narrow that down for your wedding. Try starting with one central colour and two to three complementary colours to pair with it.


The Pros

Get the professonals onboard. This will save you so much stress, there are some amazing talented people around who can literally transform your vision into something quite spectcular.



Ideas

A few ideas to add to your day......

Cocktail Bar

Oyster Bar 

Champinge Tower

Cigar Bar 

Beer pong

Candy Floss Machine

Ice Cream cart

Grazing Table

Lawn Games

Photo Booth

Drinks Caravan

Food Trucks 

Bouncy Castle  

Comfy spaces 

Live Music 

Dessert Table 

Softserve machine 

Fire Works 

Sparklers

Dance Floor Confetti 

Espresso Martini Bar

Limbo 



01.


Hair & Makeup


One of the most crucial tips I can offer is to focus on preparing your skin and hair well in advance of your wedding day. No matter how skillful the makeup artist or hair stylist, it's challenging to conceal dry or damaged skin and hair, and this can be especially evident in photographs. Have a chat with your stylists and plan a trial session a few months ahead so that you can address any hair or skincare concerns. It's essential to carefully choose a makeup and hair artist whose style aligns with yours, and it's crucial to show them the look you want. If you have an engagement shoot booked in it's great to get your hair and makeup done so you can see how you look in photos and make any adjustments as needed.


FLOWERS


For me flowers play a huge part of the asetehics and styling of your day. Find a florist who's style and work you adore. Send pictures on the vibe and exact size you would like your boquet etc 

The type of flowers avilable will depend on the season but your florist should communicate this to you in your consultation. Even if you dont have a huge budget going towards styling , having a beautiful fresh boquets can make all of the differerce. Avoid artificial flowers at all costs as these always look fake in photos. Once you've communicated your vision and budget, trust your florist's expertise. They have the experience to make recommendations that will suit your wedding style and theme.

 


02.


THE DRESS


The best time to shop for your dress is 9-12 months out from your wedding day. If you’re planning a long engagement (of over a year), don’t rush yourself to buy the dress now – you’ll be giving yourself way too much time to change your mind according to styles, trends and taste – or even your body – changing.


It’s best to have most of your big decisions made before you buy too – many influences such as season, venue, and the colour palette for the rest of the wedding may guide your decision as to the dress. Or the dress itself might help you evolve the style of your wedding.


Only bring a small group of people to your dress fittings. They should know your style, shield you from obtrusive shop owners, be kind and honest and also know when to shut up. This is exactly the squad a nervous bride-to-be needs by her side.


04.


THE RECEPTION DRESS


Reception dresses offer brides the opportunity to have fun, be comfortable, and express their unique style during their wedding reception. Most brides change just before their first dance to add an element of surprise for their guests.

This also is a nice time to do a wee flash session with a bottle of champagne or with some cocktails or to practice your dance before the big reveal.


 


03.


The dance




04.


second Photographer


I usually go solo, but sometimes having a second photographer can be a real game-changer. Here's when it really makes sense:

Getting Ready Spots: If the bride and groom are getting ready at places that are a good hike apart (like more than a 20-30 minute drive), having a second photographer just makes sense. They can kick things off with the groom and hang around for as long as you need. Usually, they stick around until the party starts at the reception.

Late Start for the Guys: You know how some guys aren't exactly morning people? If they're not up for getting ready too early, no worries. The second photographer can handle their prep. Making a much more relaxed timeline.

Candid Magic and Guest Love: While I'm hustling through family photos and the wedding party shots, the second photographer is out there catching all those spontaneous, heartfelt moments. They're the ones who can really focus on your guests and capture the fun and feels.


So, it's kind of like having your wedding day documented from every angle, without missing a beat. Just more photos, more memories, and more of the stuff that makes your day uniquely yours.


To First Look or not to First Look


THE PROS


There are a few major decision you need to make about your day before you can start formulating a timeline and get those invitations sent out.


Having a "first look" on your wedding day, where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony, can be a deeply personal and emotional choice. Like many aspects of wedding planning, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to have a first look:

Pros:

  1. Emotional Connection: Seeing each other before the ceremony can provide an intimate moment for the couple to connect emotionally and calm pre-wedding nerves. It can be a special, private moment that allows you to express your love and excitement.
  2. Time for Photos:  You save time by taking the bulk of your photos together before the ceremony. I would also highly recommend this if your wedding is in winter or autumn so you can make the most of the light. 
  3. Stress Reduction: A first look can help alleviate some of the anxiety that can come with the anticipation of the ceremony. Sharing this moment together can create a sense of calm and reassurance.
  4. Time with your Guests: By taking photos beforehand, you might have more time to enjoy your cocktail hour and reception with guests, rather than spending a lot of time on post-ceremony photos.
  5. Flexibility in Timeline: If your wedding day timeline is tight or has constraints, a first look can help ensure everything stays on schedule.
  6. Photo Locations: If you have a photo location that is 20min or more from your venue it would be best to do a first look and the majority of your photos beforehand. You dont want to waste 40min travelling when you could be enjoying time with your guests.

THE CONS


  1. Tradition: Some couples prefer to adhere to tradition and see each other for the first time at the ceremony. If you have a strong attachment to this tradition, a first look may not be the right choice for you.
  2. Lost Element of Surprise: Seeing each other before the ceremony means you won't have that classic "aisle moment" where the groom sees the bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle. Some couples find this moment incredibly special and wouldn't want to miss it.
  3. Pressure to Perform: Knowing that all eyes are on you during the first look can create pressure to react a certain way or to have an emotional moment. It might not feel as organic or genuine if you're conscious of being observed.
  4. Logistics: Scheduling can be a challenge, especially if you have a tight wedding-day timeline or if the couple and the bridal party are getting ready in different locations. You often have shortened prep time and you have to start getting ready much earlier in the morning.
  5. Light: If you are having a summer wedding your first look often falls between 12-2pm which isn't ideal for lighting as it can be bright with harsh shadows which is often not very flattering.
  6. Hot & Dirty: If you think you might be precious about your dress a first look might not be for you. Quite often the hem of your dress will get dirty as it's just the nature of shooting location. Your makeup will also sweat a little as we often shoot around the hottest part of the day and flowers may be limp by the time your ceremony comes around.


Ultimately, the decision to have a first look on your wedding day is a personal one. It's essential to discuss your preferences and priorities as a couple, and consider how it aligns with your wedding vision and logistical considerations. Whichever you choose, remember that both options can lead to beautiful and memorable wedding days.