How wedding photography works…from my point of view!

One of the most common questions I get asked by couples when I am doing a wedding photography consultation over Zoom is “so, how do you work? What actually happens?” (yeah, I know that’s two. It’s poetic licence…apparently).

This got me thinking. The methods that different wedding photographers use isn’t a “standard” thing across the board. Every wedding photographer has their own style. And each will find their couples based on a lot on how they work on the day.

Now, I am not going to go over how other wedding photographers work….I don’t know. I am not them and I haven’t been to their weddings! But, I can tell you how I work, to clarify and help anyone who doesn’t know.

What it also does is that it shows that MY wedding photography will be probably specific to certain couples who have certain ideas of what they want. It might not fit with some couples and that’s absolutely fine. It also might be that wedding photography for some couples is just a necessity and they want someone that isn’t going to to turn their wedding into a magazine photoshoot!

I am basing this “overview” of how I work on how the majority of wedding schedules tend to go by the way. Not all do and that’s fab! You do you! I will adapt! I love a challenge and weddings with a difference are my cherry on the top! But as most weddings will gave a similar schedule plan (not timings, that’s different), then I will go with that to make things easier.

So how DO I work? Before we set the scene, we have already had our Zoom call, we have all laughed, giggled, got excited about your big day and it’s a perfect match. We are on!

Then the day comes…..

BRIDE/GROOM PREP

Most full day’s start with bridal / groom prep. Whatever is taking priority, I like to turn up at the prep 2-2.5 hours before the ceremony. That’s plenty of time to get everything that is going on and get to know people and have a giggle. I am there to blend in, be part of it all, have a laugh with family, bridesmaids/groomsmen and just hang out….while taking it all in and capturing those little moments.

Yes, that IS me in the window of Suffolk Barn during bridal prep….anything for the shot!

FINAL PREPARATIONS BEFORE THE WEDDING CERermony

Then, the dress/suit goes on. Depending on time, light, situation, I might try and get a couple of quick portraits of the centre of attention, which takes seconds and is nothing overly dramatic or posed, then I am gone to leave those last few minutes to them, so they can compose, prepare and do whatever it is they need to.

Maisie’s final preparations before the gorgeous outdoor ceremony at the beautiful South Farm

Pre ceremony and meeting the celebrant/registrar/vicar etc

Then I am off to the ceremony where I see the other one waiting, the guests arriving, etc and introduce myself to whoever is officiating and get the lowdown on what it is I am allowed to do or not then pass expectations on to the couple if needed.

Kelly Hawes is a fantastic celebrant. She leaves me to pretty much do what I want and delivers pitch perfect ceremonies for couples

Wedding ceremony

Then, let the ceremony begin! Just go with it! You know everyone there! You’re not in front of 1000 strangers, so just have fun and enjoy :-)

Sarah and Jack’s ceremony at Newton Park Barn was like this all the way through. They just didn’t stop laughing!

Down the aisle after the wedding ceremony

Next is the walk back down the aisle. Just go with it. I have the shot!

Jay and Sam went for it on their exit from Alpheton Hall Barn. Why not get the picture?! This wasn’t my idea haha!

Group Shots

Now what? Well, in the time between ceremony and wedding breakfast (if this is what you are planning), we can get the herding cats….I mean the group shots….out of the way! I usually get a list from the couple a few weeks/days before the big day so we have something to hand to a couple of people who can help round up the crowd and then can get the shots done and out of the way so everyone can get back to what they are there for….PARTAY!!!

To be fair, Liz and Tim’s group shots were never serious at Crondon Park. Way too much fun!

Bridal Party / Groom Party fun

Now, depending on the time of year, schedule of the day and how much light we have, we might be able to go off and get a few couples shots. And sometimes, not always, I might get the bride/grooms party to come with us and get their group shots out of the way but we mix it up and have a giggle, play some games, do some stupid stuff so we have a bit of fun with it all. Once we have had a laugh, they can all bugger off and then the couple can have a bit of downtime and take some photos with me.

Kat and Alex’s gang needed absolutely zero encouragement to act up at the stunning Lakeside at Wildberry Farm. If you want a stunning empty canvas outdoor wedding venue, this is the place!

Wedding speeches

Then it’s off to get some dinner! Nothing really to this, other than a couples entrance and speeches….hopefully you’re doing them before dinner. You’re doing that, right? Before dinner? I mean, you really should. Not for me to tell you what to do, but IT’S REALLY GOOD TO GET THEM DONE BEFORE DINNER…..but you know, up to you of course….. ;-)

Seriously, don’t ask……the groom had a previous life…. :-)

First dance

Once dinner, speeches etc has happened, it’s almost time for letting a bit of hair down and getting it on the dancefloor! I will have set up anything I need to and be ready in case you’re doing a first dance, a cake cut or whatever you have planned. After and before this is done, I am still scouting for candid shots, people wanting photos, that kind of thing and generally just mingling.

Shannon and Hayden giving it the full works at the beautiful Chippenham Park

Couples Shots

Now, again, depending on schedule and light and time of year, we might be able to get out and get some more couples shots….preferably at sunset. This might be before or after a first dance and it’s always worth doing as the light is, on a good day, pretty much perfect. Just check the photo!

It did help that Emma and Callum were both dancers to get this stunning sunset shot at South Farm

Wedding dance floor

And then it’s on to the dancefloor and let the party begin! I will have a boogie, make some moves, shake some grooves (is that right?), capture people doing the silly things and just having the best time!

I love this shot of the bride’s Mum properly letting her hair down at Willow Grange Farm

Me! Done!

I know when I am done. I know when I have got what I need and when to gauge when it is time for me to leave. I will pack up, go find the couple, say my goodbyes and leave them hassle free to carry on the evening and make their own memories.

Me knowing a job is well done at the lovely Lanwades Hall

And that’s it! Job done! I go home, pour a glass of red, watch whatever football has been on that day and get some well earned sleep.

I will be in touch in a couple of days with some previews, then I will get on to editing the rest while you have your post wedding come down and wait in excitement to see what I have captured!

Basically, what I am trying to say is that I do things the friendly way. I am not intrusive, I am not trying to direct the day, I am not trying to make you (or you guests) look like something they are not. I am trying to be authentic to your day, show you the fun, laughs, giggles, silliness, love, happiness, smiles, tears…..you name it. And to get that, I just become one of them. And if you and your guests and your plans brings something a little different to the table, even better!

So, there you go. Does this fit with how you want your wedding photographer to be? A bit of a ninja, a bit of a cheerleader, a bit of an artist, a bit of fun and someone who sees things a little different? I hope so!