This blog post walks you through what to expect from me as your wedding photographer. It covers everything from booking to the wedding day itself, and finally receiving your images. Every wedding is unique, but this will give you a clear picture of how I work.
Grab a cuppa. There’s lots to show you.
BOOKING ME AS YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
You love what you see. I’m free on your date. So what happens next?
Start by choosing the package that suits you best: PRICES AND PACKAGES
If you’re unsure what’s the best option, we can chat through this via a video call. During the call, we go through your plans so far and I’ll speak more about how I will collaborate with you and your day. Once you’ve confirmed you’d like me to be your wedding photographer, you’ll need to sign a contract, fill in a booking form, and pay a £500 non-refundable deposit.
Once that’s done, the date is secured and I’m officially your wedding photographer. Whoop!
ONE MONTH BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
A month before your wedding, I’ll email your final invoice and arrange another video call. This is when we talk through your final plans and ideas and timings of the day.
THE MORNING OF YOUR WEDDING DAY
I arrive about 90 minutes before the ceremony. Sometimes earlier, depending on travel between both partners.
During this time, I photograph the morning in a natural, documentary style. I capture whatever unfolds: makeup, hair, kids, breakfast, yoga, champagne, travel. Real life. Real moments.
I also take a portrait of you, plus one with the people you’re getting ready with.
YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY
During the ceremony, I move quietly and respectfully to photograph the moment from a range of angles. Some venues (especially churches) ask your wedding photographer to stay in one position. If that happens, I adapt.
Either way, you’ll receive a full set of warm, true-to-life ceremony images.
AFTER THE CEREMONY
This is when everyone wants to hug you. I love photographing this part.
If you’re having confetti, it usually happens now. Confetti needs a tiny bit of planning, so we talk through it beforehand. On the day, I guide your guests so you get a beautiful, joyful confetti moment.
More here; WEDDING CONFETTI IDEAS
FAMILY GROUP PHOTOS
I usually photograph group shots straight after the ceremony. Everyone is nearby, still tidy and not yet off to the bar or the loo.
I plan around five group combinations: parents, siblings, grandparents and any key people. I can add a couple more, but I don’t shoot long lists. I keep this part quick, relaxed and enjoyable.
These photos matter now. They’ll matter even more in ten, twenty or thirty years.
I’ve written a post about this here: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PLANNING – THE GROUP SHOTS
RECEPTION DRINKS
This part of the day often lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. I mingle with your guests and document the atmosphere while you celebrate.
Hugs. Chats. Games. Drinks. Laughter. All the good stuff.
PORTRAITS OF THE TWO OF YOU
Before dinner, I take the two of you away for a few minutes. It’s a chance to breathe, be together and say, “we’re married!”
You’ll feel relaxed, look fantastic, and the portraits will show it.
WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS
If you have a wedding party (best men, women, people, ushers bridesmaids etc etc) we take a group photo at some point in the day. This usually happens before or after dinner, depending on your timings.
THE WEDDING FEAST
If you’ve booked the 5-hour package, this is usually when I leave.
With longer packages, I stay to photograph the feast, the speeches and the atmosphere in the room.
Dinner is also when I take my break and eat in a suppliers’ area.
SPEECHES
Speeches can happen before dinner, after dinner or split between both. I photograph the lot. The laughter, the tears, the reactions and the surprises.
SECOND PORTRAIT SESSION
After speeches, I take you out for a quick second portrait session. By now you’re relaxed and happy. The light is often beautiful. It only takes ten minutes and the photos are always worth it.
FIRST DANCE
If you’re having a first dance, I’ll be there. I love the energy as everyone gathers around you with their phones and big smiles.
AFTER THE FIRST DANCE
If you’ve booked the 8-hour package, coverage ends after the first dance. Longer packages include dance-floor photos, party moments and everything that unfolds next.
AFTER YOUR WEDDING
You’ll receive your images 6–8 weeks after your wedding. I’ll send you a link to an online gallery that you can share with guests. You can download all your photos (usually 300) and order prints directly from the gallery.
Every wedding is different, but I hope this gives you a clear idea of what to expect from me as your wedding photographer.
If you’d love your wedding to be photographed like this get in touch and tell me about your day.