Let’s get you prepared for your wedding. Let’s think about it, your bought this stunning wedding gown which you have spend at least more than you would ever dream of on. You choose may inadvertently choose to squish it down after keeping it lovely and preserved in its bag since you had it fitted. Then choose an awkward space to get into it and not the most photogenic space due to cramps conditions.

Depending on the style of the dress you may have a staircase to contend with in your chosen prep house which may prove to be a trip hazard. In your sparkling princess shoes which you have chosen to compliment your gown this may be difficult. I  have witnessed one bride fall down the stairs having not planned how big the dress would be in comparison to the width of the staircase.

By forward planning where you are the location of where you are planning to get dressed you can arrange everything in that room. This will help all suppliers a space for them to create the space you require for the dress going on. Nothing can be worse than a videographer and photographer scrambling for space to make sure they get what is required! But remember… Choose somewhere with good light, people choose a living room or kitchen diner as a bay window or patio doors can not be beaten!

Schedule a chilled 25 mins before leaving prep.

Before leaving prep make sure to allow your preparation time to be at least 20 minutes before you have to leave the building. This will allow for a few portraits of you, your dad and your bridesmaids. Most importantly it will allow you to process your day without rushing and missing anything.

The day will go fast enough anyway so be sure not to rush your way though it. This 20 minute window will also allow time for hair and make up suppliers who will want to capture videos for their socials. An early day portrait with fresh make up will inevitably slip nicely into your wedding collection. 

Walk slowly and take it all in. 

Make sure you do this. When you are ready to enter the ceremony room to the wedding of your dreams do not forget to look around the room as you make your way down the aisle towards your partner. They are all there for you and you are wanting them to see you sanctify your love with your life partner. As a lot of people walking down the aisle they do tend to rush in anticipation. But you will remember more if you walk slower and look around at who’s there. LET YOUR GUESTS SEE HOW HAPPY AND EXCITED YOU ARE! Also, make sure you pass this onto your bridesmaids… Many bridesmaids only get asked once or twice and they should enjoy the moment. Allow a perfect time frame so as I can capture the preceding bridesmaid without trying to dodge them.

KISS YOUR DAD (Don’t forget, It will break his heart)

The moment I want more than any from both of my children’s weddings is the kiss with me as I hand them over to their new partner. That’s what I want most. The amount of brides who forget to kiss their dad at the top of the alter is staggering. Not only that, it most often ends up in the bride/groom, with dad in an awkward exchange where they don’t know when to kiss or handshake! Normally dad is so emotional it would make for an incredible image if people want it. Please guys, just give dad a kiss!

Have an extended kiss with your partner and hold them tightly.  

When you are announced to your wedding party and a married couple and you are asked to kiss, make sure you do share a proper kiss. There is nothing
worse for a photograph that a kiss that is half hearted. Have yourself a great kiss and hold each other tightly. Don’t let each other go and embrace it. A full heart warming kiss does wonders for the vibe of the room too. 

Figure out what makes your partner laugh

Maintain eye contact 

Throughout the ceremony especially you will be mainly facing your partner so be sure to keep eye contact. Emphasise what you are doing with the joy in your face and when you’re not concentrating on exchanging your rings keep strong happy eye contact. It will make the world of difference to magical moments for your gallery. This way as well you will be able to zone out from all of the distractions around you such as photographers and videographers. 

Set a playlist of 3 songs for your couple portraits

Music is a great way to set an atmosphere/generate a feeling. This is the best thing you can do to help be relaxed during your portraits of just you two. Select your 3 favourite songs, have them playing whist we photograph your mini session to break the silence and get you distracted. Simple as that. Make sure you choose ones that have meaning and get you emotional! 

Hold your Bouquet, Not your phone!!

As much as the world is now a so social place right now, EVERYONE else will have their phone with them to forward photos to you. You do not need your phone. How would you feel if when I sent your images through to you that you were on your mobile phone for a lot of the images? This is why we ask for a contact number for someone else other than you so that you can concentrate on what you’re doing that day.

When you receive your bouquet be sure to use a towel to dry off the stems as to not get water on your dress.  Then do not put your flowers down until you sit for dinner. This will then remove the temptation to find and hold your phone. By all means grab selfies, but do it on everyone else’s phone and make sure they send you them! 

Kiss like you mean it all day long

Having booked me for a documentary approach you will not know where I am or who I’m photographing at any given moment. I could be capturing you and your partner sharing a moment together. Make sure these moments are plentiful and fully committed. There is nothing like trying to photograph a couple whose lips only just touch for an intimate moment throughout the day. This goes for portraits especially. Kiss like you’re really kissing rather than being photographed. You will really appreciate it when you get the images back. 

Organise a napkin wave on entrance to your reception

Many couples still are announced into the wedding breakfast room and this is a great opportunity to get the party atmosphere started early. Choose a great song with meaning to you  and have the best man/person announce you in and ask everyone to be upstanding waving their napkins. If you have a few friends who are bigger party people ask them to stand on their chairs for the welcome. This will bring the vibe of the room instantly up and ready for the dance floor to be filled as soon as the band/DJ plays their first banger.   

Search around the Prep room for unwanted things

Many times when I look back at photographs I notice things that are in the room as standard which look awful in photographs. When you get to the preparation location take the time to have a quick look around at what the hotel/accommodation has which is ‘ugly’. Bins and kettles for example are usually in every room of hotels. In air BnB’s, there may be folders for what’s in the local area. Just take 2 minutes to think what is aesthetically pleasing. 

Brides Reminders – 

Make sure you when ever possible ‘Hold your Dress’ – 

This will allow texture to form and your dress will be different from the last shot especially if you have a layered or big dress. By holding it I mean just grab a handful as if you are trying to prevent it from dragging on the floor. 

Swish your dress when you walk – 

‘Strike a pose’ –