THE WEDDING GUIDE

IT’S ABOUT YOU

EVERYTHING

OVER

Let’s prioritise your love-story and what feels most like you over everything. Let’s plan your dream wedding, together.

WHAT MAKES YOU

JUST SO YOU

WHAT MAKES YOU JUST SO YOU

"Let Me Share My Expertise!"

As a photographer, I've had the incredible privilege of being a part of countless weddings. From the first stroke of makeup to the final getaway car, I've immersed myself in each moment, learning and experiencing every detail. And as your friend, here's the most honest insight I can offer after all those experiences: the quality of a photograph boils down to two things:

(1) the photographer, and (2) the subject being photographed.

Let me break it down: Stunning lighting in photos? It takes a skilled photographer to capture it, but the actual stunning lighting likely existed in the moment. Breathtaking backgrounds? They're often found in equally breathtaking locations. Authentic, relaxed moments? They're typically captured during genuine, unscripted times. See what I mean? (And rest assured, this isn't about budget or fabrication—it's about capturing genuine beauty.)

Now, as your photographer, my job is to turn any moment into an amazing photo!

I'll make it work, no matter what! But as I would advise my best friend, I want to deliver my absolute best work—not just what I can "make work."

I want your jaw to drop when I send you those "Here are previews from yesterday!" texts.

That's why I'm sharing this with you. Drawing from my experience shooting weddings, I'm offering you everything I've learned, what works well, what doesn't, the challenges, the joys, and everything in between. I want to deliver the best version of my photography—one that's worth every penny and every moment of preparation. And to achieve that, I need your collaboration! :)

MAKE IT FEEL LIKE YOU

Consider your wedding day as a celebration of your unique love story. What defines you as a couple?

Think about your favorite Saturday night hangouts, cherished activities together, beloved outdoor adventures, go-to food and drinks, and most treasured memories. How can you infuse these elements into your special day?

Forget about the decor, flowers, and perfectly posed photos—your wedding should be about celebrating your journey with your nearest and dearest. It's the ultimate party with your best friends!

Remember, overloading your day with photos and videos can cause you to miss out on the magic unfolding around you. So, besides capturing memories through visuals, what three things do you want to remember most from your wedding day? What truly matters to you?

Absolutely!

When it comes to weddings, there are typically two types of couples: those who lean towards non-traditional and those who prefer a more traditional approach. Neither is better or worse—it's all about what resonates with you. After all, it's your special day, and it should reflect your desires and preferences. Let's work together to plan every detail meticulously, ensuring you get the most out of your wedding day surrounded by your nearest and dearest.

For the non-traditional couples:

Let's discuss how we can tailor your wedding day to perfectly suit you as a couple. If you're not keen on adhering to the traditional layout, we can customize the day to ensure you maximize your time with loved ones.
First off, let's talk about the first look. Here's why it's worth considering:
It eases nerves: Few things calm pre-wedding jitters like a first look and a few quiet moments together before the formalities begin.
It allows you to soak it all in: You can share your emotions, hug, and express how amazing your partner looks—things that might be challenging in front of everyone at the altar.
Many couples worry that a first look might diminish the magic of seeing each other down the aisle. Rest assured, it only adds to the anticipation and excitement.
By having a first look, you can streamline your day significantly. After this special moment, you can even capture family photos before the ceremony, leaving more time for you to enjoy each other's company and mingle with loved ones.
For those open to a more unconventional approach, consider having family members dressed and ready before the ceremony. This way, you can enjoy a brief moment alone together, share a drink or a prayer, and exchange love. Then, you can join your family for some pre-ceremony drinks and capture those precious family photos without keeping your guests waiting.
Let's make your wedding day uniquely yours!
For the traditional couples:

If you prefer to stick with tradition and aren't keen on a first look, that's absolutely fine! Your wedding day should reflect your preferences and desires. :)
However, it's essential to consider spacing out the different parts of your day to ensure you still have time to mingle with your guests.
One practical tip is to plan your ceremony earlier—much earlier. Since you've booked your venue for the entire day, why not take advantage of it? Ceremonies scheduled for 3pm or 4pm can feel a bit late, so moving them up by an hour or two can make a significant difference in allowing you to relax and chat with your loved ones. Let's make sure you have the time you need to enjoy every moment of your special day!

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

Let's dissect your wedding day into sections and give each part the attention it deserves. By breaking it down and examining each segment as a whole, we can refine and fine-tune every aspect, paying attention to even the smallest details. This approach ensures that every moment of your special day is meticulously planned and perfected. Let's work together to create a wedding day that exceeds your expectations in every way!

The Break Down

Of Your Wedding Day

The Break Down Of Your Wedding Day

The moments leading up to your wedding can be incredibly special, filled with genuine emotions and anticipation. However, the atmosphere of the room can greatly impact the energy and mood captured in your photos. A cluttered, dark, or messy environment can detract from these precious moments and emotions.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

GETTING Ready

Light:

Natural light is my go-to for capturing stunning getting-ready shots. Whenever possible, opt for a room with ample window light to create a warm and natural ambiance. I prefer to minimize the use of lamps or artificial lighting, relying instead on the soft glow of natural light.

Remember, the groom is equally important! Ensure he's also situated in a well-lit room to capture his moments in all their glory.

While hotel rooms may not always offer the best lighting conditions, consider exploring well-lit Airbnbs for your preparations to ensure the perfect setting for your pre-wedding moments.

Clutter:


I understand that there's a lot happening on the big day, but it's essential to minimize clutter and keep things tidy. Consider storing bags, suitcases, laundry, and any other items in a separate room or closet. Designating a bridesperson to handle on-the-day clutter can be incredibly helpful. Simply brief them on our arrival time and ask them to ensure the room is clean and neat beforehand. This simple step can make a big difference in ensuring your getting-ready photos turn out beautifully!

The Boys:

Ensure the gentlemen are dressed in their pants and shirts before our arrival, so they're showered, shaved, and halfway ready, minimizing any downtime waiting for them to be photo-ready.

We'll be ready to start shooting as soon as we arrive.

If the guys fancy a cool whisky shot after getting ready, designate a "reliable" groomsman to ensure there are enough whisky glasses for all the groomsmen and dads (if they're part of the photos). Keep in mind that some Airbnbs may have limited kitchenware, typically accommodating no more than a set of four glasses.

Hair&Makeup:

In my experience capturing weddings, the hair and makeup (H&MAU) teams play a crucial role in your wedding day schedule. It's essential to ensure they're completely finished before my scheduled arrival. Delays with H&MAU can cause delays for your entire day.

Consider scheduling in 30 to 40 minutes before you need to leave for the ceremony to capture some portrait photos with your bridesmaids and alone. This brief window allows for moments of anticipation and excitement before the formal proceedings begin, resulting in stunning shots that I love to capture.

Getting Dressed:

Strive to be dressed 40-60 minutes before you must depart for your ceremony, adjusting a bit less time for smaller groups. Consider scheduling 30-40 minutes before departure for some portrait photos with your bridesmaids and yourself. It's a brief period of anticipation and excitement before the formal proceedings, resulting in beautiful shots that I adore capturing.

THE Ceremony

Vows:

Having your vows written on paper, preferably in hand-selected notepads, can truly elevate your wedding photos. Attention to detail matters, especially for capturing such a heartfelt moment like your vows. Trust me, the effort is absolutely worth it for those timeless, beautiful shots.

Mic Stand:

Remove the mic stand for the vows and ring exchange. These stands can be a bit of a hassle, right? Ask your officiant if it's truly necessary to have one. If they insist, kindly request to move it FAR away during the exchange of vows, rings, and kiss. Let's keep those beautiful moments clear of any unnecessary obstructions!

The Arch:

Please consider dressing the back of the arch! When we capture shots from behind, it's a bit distracting to see cable ties and flower stems sticking out. Adding extra greenery to the back of your arch can really enhance the overall look and make sure every angle is picture-perfect!

Early Ceremony:


Consider scheduling your ceremony earlier in the day to maximize time with your guests. Since you've reserved the venue for the entire day, it's best to make the most of it. I've often wondered why some weddings are planned so late in the day.

Think about it: You've spent months, if not years, planning this celebration. Family and loved ones have traveled from near and far to be there. You've invested time and money into creating the ultimate celebration of your life! So why start it at 3 or 4 p.m., practically at the end of the day?

The Light

Outdoor ceremonies are a personal favorite of mine! The ambiance, the natural light, the freedom to capture moments from every angle—it's truly magical. However, when it comes to outdoor settings, lighting is key for stunning photos.

Avoid spotty sunlight and harsh, uneven lighting whenever possible. If your ceremony falls around midday, consider positioning yourselves with the sun behind your officiant, known as backlighting. Alternatively, you can plan for beautiful draping or arches to create evenly shaded light over you and your guests.

If you're uncertain about your ceremony's lighting, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help ensure your photos are as breathtaking as your special day.

Your Officiant:

Ask your officiant to kindly stand (a bit further) off to the side before you're announced to kiss. No one wants or needs a bobbing head in the background during that magical first kiss moment! :)

Unplugged:

Consider having an unplugged wedding ceremony, where guests are kindly asked to refrain from taking photos. This ensures they're fully present and engaged in the moment without distractions.

A helpful tip: Your officiant can announce after the aisle moment that guests have one timed minute to snap a photo from their seats before putting their phones away. This allows for a brief capture while still encouraging presence.

If an unplugged ceremony isn't your preference, ask guests to take photos from their seats and refrain from standing in the aisle. This helps ensure smooth photo opportunities, especially during key moments like your walk down the aisle.

Pre-Drinks:

Take a moment to savor the joy and excitement after your ceremony. Allow yourselves at least 30 minutes of relaxed time with loved ones to eat, drink, and share laughter.
Poor time management can lead to couples rushing into a photo/video session immediately after the ceremony, missing out on precious moments with guests.
It's essential to schedule ample time after your ceremony for genuine connection with your loved ones, whether it's 30 to 60 minutes or even longer. Consider setting your ceremony an hour earlier or adjusting photo shoot times to create this space. Let's discuss your options and tailor the schedule to suit your vision perfectly. I'm here to ensure every moment is enjoyed to the fullest.
Family & Group Shots:

Keep it simple! Stick to immediate family for the family photos—parents, siblings, grandparents—no need for more.
Skip the group shot! It's rarely used and not worth the time spent rounding everyone up.
Long lists are cumbersome and eat into precious time with guests.
To streamline the family photos, designate a bridesmaid or close family member to assist in gathering everyone.
If there are special or shy family members you want to ensure are captured, note them in the timeline I provide.
Couple Shoot

I usually recommend scheduling the couple shoot 45 minutes before sunset and continuing for 10 minutes after sunset, as this provides the best lighting.
While we may not always use the full hour, it's wise to build in buffers in case of delays—after all, the sunset waits for no one.
Sometimes, I suggest driving to a nearby location for the shoot, where I've already scouted the perfect spot. Typically, it's just a 10-minute drive at most, but some of the most stunning couple shots have been captured away from the venue.

RECEPTION & After party

Capturing the ambiance of your wedding is a top priority for me, which is why I aim to minimize the use of flash whenever possible. With the exception of the party and dance floor, I prefer to avoid flash photography altogether.

I'm particularly fond of the warm, romantic atmosphere created by candles and bulb lights during receptions. Here's how to achieve the perfect setup:

While candles add a charming touch, be cautious not to rely solely on them, as they can cast unflattering shadows. Balancing them with string lights from above helps mitigate this issue. Additionally, opt for larger bulb lights to provide adequate illumination, as small fairy lights may not offer sufficient light.

Lighting:

Limit the number of speeches to a few, preferably no more than three. For an extensive list of speeches, consider scheduling a couple of them during the pre-drinks outside. This keeps guests engaged and breaks up the sequence of speeches.

Speeches:

Think about skipping the formal sit-down dinner and opt for couches and sitting areas instead. This allows guests to choose where and with whom they want to sit. You can reserve one table for older guests if needed.

Sit-Down Dinner:

During your special dances, colorful or flashy lights from your DJ can be distracting and create unflattering colors on your faces that are hard to edit out. Ask to turn them off for these moments to maintain the romantic mood. Save the colorful lights for the party time when you can go wild with them!

DJ Lights

Positioning the bar near the dance floor is a strategic move to keep the party energy flowing. Guests naturally gather around the bar, so placing it close to the dance floor ensures a lively atmosphere throughout the celebration.

Bar:

A FEW MORE Things


I have a severe gluten intolerance, so I'll need a gluten-free meal. Also, my second shooters have dietary requirements, so please let me know about food arrangements if your package includes a second shooter.

To ensure we finish in time for toasts, speeches, or dancing, it's best for us to be served as soon as dinner begins. Being treated as a "guest" rather than a "vendor" helps with this. Please discuss this with the caterer to ensure I don't miss anything. If there's a buffet or harvest table, I'm happy to grab my own food. :)

Dinner:


I understand weddings can be stressful, with countless things to manage. But remember, focus on what truly matters. Keep, do, and invite what and who are special to you. It's okay to say no or yes to what brings you joy and is important. Your celebration is about your love and commitment, and that's what truly matters.

On your wedding day, appoint a bestie/MOH to handle all communication. Let them deal with any small issues that arise. I want you to enjoy your day without sweating the small stuff. Because in 1, 5, or 10 years, you won't remember missing name cards or spilled wine. You'll remember the feeling of an amazing, stress-free wedding day.

Relax & Have Fun

EVERY GREAT LOVE STORY IS A JOURNEY - I’M HERE TO CAPTURE THE PARTS THAT MATTER.

I am here to dig a little deeper for the RAW, REAL, and AUTHENTIC moments

Portfoilio

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