Choosing your wedding photographer is an important decision to make when planning your wedding. They will capture fun moments from your pre-ceremony preparations, tender moments as you exchange vows, emotional moments throughout your speeches and not forgetting the fun that was had during your evening reception. But, booking your dream photographer is just the first step in ensuring you have photos which capture the emotion and fun as well as each tiny detail of your big day.

Once you have chosen your photographer you should discuss your wedding day with them so they fully understand the wedding you are planning. How many guests are you inviting, are you planning on including lots of entertainment, do you have large families and therefore require extra group shots and how much of your day would you like them to capture?  Discussing these details with your photographer will help them advice which photography package is best for you and whether or not you require a second shooter to ensure each precious moment is captured.

Wedding day’s are packed full of amazing photo opportunities, so your photographer will ask you to provide a list of your must have shots as well as recommend any that you may not have considered, or that they think will work well with the style of wedding you are planning.

Whilst there are a number of popular images that couples are aware of, there is also an abundance of wonderful images that some couples may not of considered . So, to help you put together a must have list for your photographer, I’ve shared below a number of suggestions to inspire you:

Pre ceremony prep

As every couple knows their wedding day begins with pre ceremony prep. So, consider having your photographer with you as the fun begins. Your photographer will capture the hair stylist and make up artist in action, the bride sharing a glass of bubbles with her bridesmaids, as well as emotional moments such as the bride getting into her dress, reading a card from her fiancé and the proud moment the father (or mother) of the bride sees their daughter ready in her dress for the first time. They will also take photos of the bride with her parents and bridesmaids as well as the exciting moment that everyone is all set and ready to leave for the ceremony.

Let’s not forget that groom’s have fun getting ready too, so make sure their prep is included on your short list. Your photographer can capture touching moments of the groom with his parents and fun lighthearted moments of the groom with his groomsmen.

If you are getting ready in the same venue then this will be easy for your photographer to arrange. However, if  your pre ceremony preparations are taking place in separate locations this is a perfect example of how a second shooter will help ensure each precious moment is captured.

Details

After spending months and quite possibly years planning each tiny details of  your wedding you should consider including lots of detail shots on your final list. Close up photo’s of the bouquets and button holes, the brides dress, shoes and accessories are great ways to capture each tiny detail. You may also like to ask your photographer to take a photo of your invitation suite (you will need to give this to them in advance), any wedding day signage, close up images of your table settings including your table numbers, menus, wedding cake and any additional styling that you may have incorporated into you day. It’s also worth remembering that you may not see the interior of your venue before your guests take their seats for dinner, so asking your photographer to take a photo of the venue set for wedding breakfast prior to guests arrival will allow you to see the beautiful set up without guests mingling in the background.

Ceremony

Your ceremony will provide an abundance of precious moments for your photographer to capture from the bride arriving at the church, the groom waiting at the altar, the bridesmaids tending to the bride just before she walks up the aisle, the utter cuteness of the flower girls and page boys and of course the groom’s reaction when he catches the first glimpse of his bride and that’s before you exchange vows, the first kiss, sign the register and the all important just married shot.

Guests

Guests play a huge part in your wedding day, so it’s only right that they should feature in your wedding album. Speak to your photographer about the group shots that you would like, remembering to include your bridal party, close family members, special friends your confetti shot and a large group shot including each of your guests. You may also wish to speak to your photographer to discuss candid shots of your guests relaxing and having fun, as well as their reactions throughout your ceremony, speeches, cake cutting and first dance which would normally be the job of  a second shooter whilst your main photographer is capturing key moments of the happy couple.

The newly weds

If your photographer has worked at your venue before they will be able to suggest the perfect locations for your couple shots. There could be a meadow which is perfect for your sunset photos, or maybe a secluded secret garden where you can take some time out, walking and chatting whilst your photographer discreetly snaps away. As well as your photographer’s suggestions you will probably have seen images of other couples who have married at your venue, so discuss any that you particularly love with your photographer and ask that they use this as inspiration when planning your couples shots. There could be a statement wall or a favourite feature such as a staircase or fireplace that you would like to use as a backdrop for a selection of your images together. Or you may want in incorporate a smoke bomb into some of your outside shots to get those extra fun images. There are also individual photos of each other to consider such as the finishing touches to bridal prep, (putting shoes, jewellery or perfume on), and the groom positioning his buttonhole, as well as selection of images once you are both ready to leave for the ceremony.

Wedding breakfast & evening reception

The wedding breakfast & evening reception will makes up a large part of your big day and includes lots of key moments such as your speeches, cutting the wedding cake and first dance. There are also many other moments which you may want captured such as being announced in to your wedding breakfast, images of your entertainment , the bouquet toss, you and your guests partying and finally the sparkler shot once the sun has set.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my short guide on the must have photos for your wedding day, and if you are planning your wedding and think that I could help you further I would love to hear from you. I am a wedding planner based in Brentwood Essex. I plan and co-ordinate weddings and special occasions throughout Essex, Suffolk, Kent, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, although I am able to travel a further afield if required.

Image Credit: Terri & Lori Fine Art Photography & Film

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Your wedding day was a huge success and you have just returned from your amazing honeymoon. Now you can look forward to receiving your wedding day photos.

Your photographer will capture key moments of your big day, from exchanging wedding vows, your speeches, cake cutting and first dance. But many couples often forget that their photographer will also discreetly take pictures from parts of their day that they were unable to witness. Fun and touching moments from each other’s bridal & groom preparations, your guests mingling throughout your drinks reception and your guests reactions to your speeches and first dance.

With such a vital role, it’s therefore important that you invest time finding the wedding photographer that is perfect for your wedding day.

Budget

As with every other element of your wedding day, special care should be given to ensure you are researching photographers that are within budget.  Many photographers will offer a range of packages with varying prices, so it’s important that you are comparing like for like services in order to correctly compare photographers pricing and packages. Look at whether or not they are bringing along a second shooter, (which helps to ensure each element of your day is captured). How many hours they will be with you on your wedding day, for example will they be covering bridal/groom preparations and how long into the evening reception will they be staying. If they intend to leave earlier than you would like ask if you are able to add additional hours, and if so ask that they confirm their hourly rate. You may also like to check how they will deliver the images to you after your wedding day and whether or not you have permission to print your images.

Wedding albums are a wonderful keepsake, (I still adore mine almost 12 years on), so if an album is not included within your photographers pricing consider asking them to supply their pricing structure for the albums they can create for you.

Their style & portfolio

Each photographers style will vary considerably, it is therefore important to carefully research a number of photographers to ensure you choose a photographer whose style matches your vision & expectations. Some photographers will favour a candid and spontaneous style known as reportage, where they will discreetly mingle with your guests capturing the reactions and emotions of your special day. If you select this style of photography you can still request group shots, (which should always be discussed with your photographer prior to your wedding day). However, these will probably be kept to a minimum to allow your photographer to capture the real story of your day. Whilst other photographers may focus on a more traditional style of photography which involves lots of group shots as well as direction from your photographer to stage each shot.

Requesting to view a photographers portfolio will also provide you with a good idea of the style they favour as well as the images they are able to capture.

Are they familiar with your venue

Not essential, but it is beneficial if your photographer is familiar with your chosen venue. It means that they will know the best locations to capture your images, any secluded hidden gems for your couple shots as well as the lighting conditions within your venue. If however you favour a photographer that has not previously worked at your venue check that they are willing to spare an hour or so to carry out a site visit prior to your wedding day so they can familiarise themselves with your venue.

Engagement shoot

Again, not essential but definitely beneficial. Your photographer will be with you throughout your wedding day, so spending a few hours with them prior to the big day will not only allow you to get to know each other but it will also give you a taster of the amazing images you can expect them to capture on the big day itself as well as being a wonderful way to mark your engagement.

I hope that this post has given you a helpful insight on how to choose which wedding photographer to work with. If you require further help with choosing your wedding day suppliers or any other element of planning your wedding day then please do get in touch to discuss the planning assistance I offer.

Image Credits: Terri & Lori Fine Art Photography & Film

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Whether you choose fresh, dried, faux or a combination of each, it’s highly likely that flowers will play a big part in your wedding day styling.

From the bridal bouquet to the perfect blooms to style your wedding reception, that statement installation for your ceremony and the all important buttonholes for the groom and groomsmen. There is definitely plenty to consider when choosing your wedding day florals.

With so many elements to remember when planning a wedding, it’s easy for couples to forget how many parts of their big day require flowers. So today I am delighted to be sharing with you details of florals that you may wish to incorporate into your wedding day and a helping of top tips to ensure you get the most from your wedding day blooms and maybe save a little money along the way.

Bouquets

Your bridal bouquet is the ultimate wedding accessory and should perfectly compliment your wedding gown. It will also feature in the majority of your wedding day photos, so special care should be taken when confirming the final design of your bouquet with your florist.

It is also worth considering asking your florist to create a smaller version of your bridal bouquet if you are planning to follow the wedding tradition of throwing your bouquet. This is especially important if you have plans for your bouquet following your big day, as there is no guarantee what condition it will be in once the single ladies have finished their scramble to catch the lucky bridal bouquet.

Your bridesmaid’s bouquets would normally be a simpler scaled down version of the bridal bouquet. However, this doesn’t need to be to case with many brides choosing for their bridesmaids to hold a single stem decorated with lengths of trailing silk ribbon, or a beautiful flower cuff/wrist corsage incorporating florals to compliment their own bouquet.

Of course when it comes to your flower girls you can experiment further and really inject the cute factor. Floral wands, pomander bouquets and flower baskets being the perfect accessories for flower girls to hold as they make that all important walk down the aisle.

Buttonholes

Using worn on the left lapel of their suits by male members of the bridal party, (groom, best man, ushers, father of the bride and father of the groom, with a smaller version sometimes created for the page boys). As with bouquets you can be creative with the style of buttonholes that you ask your florist to create, with many couples opting to choose buttonholes that are in keeping with the style of their wedding and reflecting the blooms used within the bridal bouquet.

The mother of the bride and mother of the groom may also choose to wear a buttonhole, or they may prefer a similar floral decoration called a corsage which can be pinned to their right side or worn as a wrist corsage, (similar to wrist corsages worn by some bridesmaids).

Ceremony flowers

Whether your saying ‘I do” in a church, stately home or outdoors, be sure to style your ceremony area in a way that truly reflects you as a couple. This could be with a show stopping floral arch, moon gate or a beautiful floral meadow perfectly lining your wedding aisle.

Or, if you prefer to keep your ceremony styling a little more low key, consider asking your florist to decorate your aisle with pew ends and a long and low arrangement for your ceremony table, (which can be re-used on your top table following your ceremony).

Flowers for your reception

The table arrangements that you choose for your wedding breakfast will hugely depend on the style of furniture you are using. If your guests are dining on traditional round tables you may wish to decorate these with tall arrangements which are a perfect way to add a touch of elegance whilst allowing your guests to talk easily across the tables without the flowers obscuring their view. If you opt for a tall centrepiece consider adding extra detail at the base of the vase such as small bud vases, tapered candles or tea lights which add an extra layer of detail for your guests to enjoy.

As beautiful as tall arrangements are, their dramatic presence can prove a little over powering for some couples who may prefer to incorporate groupings of bud vases bursting with  blooms, or a single centrepiece displayed in an urn or similar vessel which can be further complimented with a scattering of candlelight.

If however you have chosen banqueting style dining tables you are probably already considering asking your florist to work with an array of vessels varying in colour, height and shape, which can be arranged in groupings or running the length of the tables. Both of which work perfectly when complimented with candles, tea lights and table runners.

For couples looking to create a visual impact discuss suspended flower installations with your florist. These can be installed above each table, above or around your dance floor as well as your bar area and will definitely keep your guests talking for years to come.

Additional florals

Sometimes it’s the smallest detail that makes the biggest impact, so be sure not to neglect the smaller elements of your day when allocating your floral budget. Asking your florist to enhance your seating plan or wedding day signage with an arrangement of florals and foliage, or positioning flower arrangements at each end of your bar area to match those on your dining tables and supplying your guests with fresh or dried flower petals to use as confetti will ensure that your guests will see that you have carefully considered each small element of planning your big day.

I do hope his blog post has provided you with a little guidance when making decisions regarding your wedding day flowers. If however you require further assistance with any element of planning your wedding and you are hosting your big day within Essex, Suffolk, Kent, Hertfordshire or Cambridgeshire please do get in touch to discuss the planning services I offer.

Image credits: Terri & Lori Fine Art Photography & Film

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Photo Credit: Terri & Lori Fine Art Photography & Film

For anyone new to the world of wedding planning it can be a daunting place.  With so many wonderful wedding suppliers available, couples are often left overwhelmed and at a loss at where to begin.

To help you along the way I have put together a guide, listing a variety of wedding suppliers that you may consider working with, as well as sharing tips on how to put together your shortlist and finally a selection of questions you should ask any potential supplier when making your initial enquiry.

What suppliers will I need

It goes without saying that the number of wedding suppliers you work with will vary depending on the style and size of the wedding you are planning.  However, the list below provides you with an example of suppliers that you may wish to consider working with:

• Photographer
• Videographer
• Caterer (if catering is not provided by your venue)
• Florist
• Entertainment for drink reception
• Cake designer
• Make up artist
• Hair stylist
• Additional styling / prop hire company
• Transport
• DJ/Band
• Evening food
• Evening entertainment
• Stationery designer

How to shortlist potential suppliers

In short, the key to booking the perfect wedding suppliers is to carry out research.  Speak to friends and family who have recently tied the knot, visit websites, stalk social media platforms and fall in love with wedding blogs.  Whilst this is time consuming, carrying out careful research will help you indentify the suppliers who are passionate about their work.  Investing time to source such suppliers will ensure that you absolutely get the wedding of your dreams and before long you will realise that you are naturally drawn to the wedding suppliers whose style matches that of your wedding day, which is a great place to start.

Photo Credit: Terri & Lori Fine Art Photography & Film

Initial enquiry

Once you have created a shortlist for each supplier type you can begin making your initial enquiries. When contacting potential suppliers the following questions will help you identify which ones you would like to meet to discuss your wedding day in greater detail.

• Their availability
• Their prices/packages
• Their deposit terms
• Their terms and conditions
• Have they worked at your venue before

And finally go with what feels right.  Each wedding professional that you choose to work with has their own important role to play throughout the planning stage and on the day itself.  Select the perfect team and they will each work in tandem to deliver to you your dream wedding.

Photo Credit: Terri & Lori Fine Art Photography & Film

I hope that the above has provided a little guidance for you when building your dream team of suppliers. But, if you are struggling with any part of planning your wedding then working with a wedding planner may be the assistance you need.

If you are planning your wedding within Essex, Suffolk, Kent, Hertfordshire or Cambridgeshire and feel that I could assist you, please do get in touch, it would be great to hear the plans you have made so far.

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