Part Photographer, part Wedding planner, part extra Bridesmaid…
As your photographer, I’m there with you every step of the way, from the moment you book all the way through to the memories that last a lifetime. But what does that actually mean? Here’s a complete run through!
Before the Wedding
I’ve filled in the Contact form? What next?
Once I receive your contact form I’ll get back to you within two days. I’ll send you over my packages list and answer any questions you might have. When you’ve had a chance to think we’ll have an online video chat to discuss your plans and answer any question you might have. From there I’ll send you your personal contract and retainer invoice. Sorted!
I’m booked! What happens now?
As soon as you’ve signed your contract you’ll be given access to the private Client Lounge. There, you’ll find information about everything from what to wear on your Engagement session to how your Online gallery will work after the wedding day. It’s your One Stop Shop for everything Wedding Photography!
You’ll also find three short questionnaires to help us plan your day perfectly.
“ She was amazing! Put us at ease and captured the most beautiful moments. We are so pleased with all of our photos, not a single bad photo! Would highly recommend her.”
Engagement Session
I include the option to have an Engagement Session in every single Wedding package for a reason - they are amazing. I’ve written a whole blog post on this if you’re not sure, but here are my top reasons!
We get a chance to really get to know each other before the big day.
You get a taste of what it feels like to be in front of the camera.
You get photos to use for invites, wedding websites and to display on your Big Day.
You get a selection of relaxed, intimate photos in clothing you feel comfortable in and at a location you love.
Still not sure? Check out my full blog on the topic here!
Once you’re booked we plan an Engagement shoot date that suits you. The date we choose could be based on the season (Spring flowers? Summer haze? Autumn colour?), your schedule, or anything else that’s important to you.
What about Our actual Wedding day?
Prep
Groom prep
Details
Bridal prep
It all starts bright and early. Big coffees, un-eaten pastries, surprise gifts and a whole pile of anticipation.
Depending on the package you choose, you may have Bridal prep included. This is a great opportunity for me to get to know your bridal team, capture all the details you’ve spent so long planning, and make sure you never forget the look on your loved ones’ faces when they first see you in your dress.
If you’ve opted for a Second Shooter (highly recommended!) you’ll also have Groom Prep cover. This may be your only chance to find out what really goes on in those final hours for your soon-to-be Other Half!
The Ceremony
Outdoor Ceremonies
Civil Ceremonies
Religious Services
Don’t be afraid to make it your own! If I’m working solo I’ll aim to be right at the front with you where possible to capture every little moment (even those you didn’t plan!) If you’ve opted for a Second Shooter they’ll hang out at the back getting a different view, making sure we don’t miss a thing.
Confetti
Old Thorns, Liphook
Wasing Park
Church Ceremony
Petals? Paper? Rice? Fake snow? Whatever you choose for your celebration, we can make it perfect for you!
There are no rules when it comes to how you celebrate (well, there are a few… but let’s go with none!) Want your confetti straight after your ceremony? No problem. Rather to be showered on the way into your meal? Fine! Don’t fancy walking at all? Make your guests do the work! I’ll help you to organise everyone and choose the perfect spot for photos to share for a lifetime.
Group Shots
De Vere Beaumont Estate
Lains Barn
St Anne’s Manor, Wokingham
Okay, let’s be real. Very few people want to stand in a line all day long having their photo taken. For most people, group shots are necessary for the simple reason that everyone they love is in the same place for one day only! The name of the game is making them fun, quick, well organised and painless. Come on, we can do this!
Before your Wedding Day we work together to build a comprehensive list of every single combo you want. I then do some magic behind the scenes to organise them into a super-efficient plan ready to blast through on the day as smoothly as possible. If you’ve opted for a Second Shooter, this is their time to really earn their pennies by gathering everyone at the perfect time. If not, we usually prep a member of your bridal party to be Master of Group shots!
All the candids
De Vere Wokefield Estate
Ufton Court
Wasing Park
All your favourite people have gathered in one place, dressed up all fancy and actually done their hair and make-up - we’ve got to make sure we capture this! Throughout the day, any time we’re not taking specific photos I’ll be running around like a ninja capturing shots of all the fun. Honestly, these are the photos your guests hunt for after your big day - we all suffer from a little vanity every now and again!
Bride and Groom Portraits
Not going to pretend otherwise, this is my favourite part of the day! This is when we sneak away for a little private time together to get some really frame-worthy shots. You get to play at being Royalty, I get to take some real time to make some magic for you. Depending on the time of year and the weather, we might pop out once earlier in the day and again at Sunset. It’s so worth it, I promise!
Speeches
You may be dreading what the Best man is going to dredge up or what the Father of the Bride is going to embarrass you with - I’m just hoping it’s juicy enough for some really big laughs! Weddings are such a wonderful opportunity to share just how much we really love and appreciate those closest to us, I’ll be there and ready to capture every grin, blush and tear.
Cake cutting
Just like confetti, this is a perfect opportunity to inject some of your personality into the day. Everything from the style of your cake (if you even opt for a cake!), the way you cut it and where you set up are all easy things to change. If you have a vision, don’t be afraid to share it. If you’d like some inspiration I’m happy to share some of the crazy things I’ve seen!
First Dance
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. There are no *real* rules around how you celebrate your big day. Whatever you have in mind, you can make it amazing. This is a part of your day that I generally act as a documenter rather than an orchestrator, just making sure I’m in a good position to capture whatever you’ve planned. If you have something super specific in mind, do let me know! That way I can make sure I’m set up and ready to document it perfectly.
Party time!
If you opt for my Heirloom or Premium packages (both of which include coverage up to First Dance) I’ll make sure to hang around for a little while to document some of the evening magic. I’m no dancer (believe me!), but you’ll probably catch me singing along as I slide around the dance floor grabbing some of the best moments for your gallery. After a little while, I’ll sneak away for you to enjoy the rest of your party without the paparazzi!
Everything else…
Okay, so you’ve seen all the main Highlights of a ‘standard’ wedding day. We all know it’s the little details and surprises that make your event super special, though! I’m always on the look out for little moments of joy and unique features throughout the day. These are the things that make you, you! If you have any unusual plans, do let me know so I can be on high alert!
After the day
Sneak Peek
Within a week of your Wedding day you’ll receive a link to your private, sneak peek gallery. This is just a little selection of photos from your day to share with everyone while there’s still lots of excitement! These are social size images as they’re not quite ready for printing yet (but if there’s one you’d like to print for Thank you cards or anything else urgent you can always let me know!)
Your gallery!
Within 12 weeks I’ll send you a link to your own, private page on my website. This is the landing page for anyone you want to share your gallery with, friends or family alike! From your gallery you can select your favourite images for a Photo book, download all your high res files and purchase any prints or products you might want in addition to what’s included in your package. It’s basically your one-stop wedding photos shop!
You may also have some prints or a USB winging their way to you at the same time! These are optional extras for anyone who’d like something more tangible to hold and share. If your package includes a Photo book we’ll work together to create the perfect layout before it’s ordered, too.
(Your online gallery is live for viewing for a full year, giving you plenty of time to download it and back it up a few times!)
That’s it!
From enquiry to gallery delivery, everything you could possibly want to know. If you’ve made it this far you probably feel like you’ve experienced your wedding once already! If you still have questions, I applaud you. I’m here and ready to answer them!
