the wedding
EXPERIENCE
All the details of
your wedding
photography journey
with me and
what to expect
Congratulations!
on your engagement, this is such an exciting time!
You’ll find everything you need to know about the stages of the wedding photography journey with me on this page.
It’s important to me that every bride and groom feel special and excited about their wedding photography. For this reason, I limit the number of weddings I shoot each year so that I can dedicate the time I need to each of my couples. The service I offer goes way beyond the hours that I will spend with you both before and after your wedding day. I will guide you through the process at each stage, but I’m always at the end of the phone or email if you need any help or advice with your wedding planning.
Let’s start with a question I get asked often.
When should I book?
To make sure that you get the photographer you want, it’s advisable to book as soon as possible, ideally one to two years before your wedding day. It’s particularly critical to book quickly if your wedding is during the high summer season. I do, however, occasionally have couples book nearer their date, so it’s always worth getting in touch as you never know, I may be available!
I’m delighted that you’ve found me. Take some time to look through my website, my wedding galleries and blogs, as these will give you an idea of how I work and will provide you with a feel for my style of images.
If you’d like details of my wedding collections and pricing, please get in touch, and I will send these over to you. I offer several wedding collections, which include digital files, albums and other extras. If these don’t quite meet your needs, I can tailor a collection for you, so please do give me an idea of your wish list.
In terms of how I work, you’ll find lots of details on this page and my Information Page and FAQ’s, but I would love to meet you in person or via a Skype or FaceTime call. Just drop me a line, and we can get something in the calendar. If you use the contact form, you’ll get access to my’ How to choose your wedding photographer’ blog.
As I limit the number of weddings that I shoot each year, key dates tend to get booked fast, so I strongly recommend you get in touch as soon as you are ready.
Your Engagement Shoot
Some couples opt to have an engagement shoot in advance of their wedding day. Engagement sessions usually occur 6-12 months before a wedding and often in a significant and important location to the couple.
It’s a great thing to do as we can get to know each other a little, and you can experience what it’s like to have some professional photos taken. You’ll have some beautiful images that you can use for your save the date cards, invites, your wedding website or just for you to cherish at home.
An engagement shoot is not essential, but it is a lovely thing to do. If you are unsure about having an engagement shoot, take a look at my blog post on ‘Do you need an engagement shoot’.
Almost there
Around four weeks before your wedding, I will send you an online questionnaire to complete. This form will gather all of the information I need to capture your wedding. It’ll ask you about your timings, your locations, anything special you have happening on the day and of course, a list for your family group shots, making sure I don’t miss a thing!
Ideally, we’ll arrange to visit the venue together in the lead up to your wedding so that we can chat through your day and I can give you some last-minute tips. If that’s not possible, then we’ll catch up on the phone or via Skype or FaceTime.
The Big Day
For a full day of wedding photography coverage, I’ll arrive with the bride around two hours before she leaves for the ceremony. If you opt for a second shooter, they will be with the groom an hour before the ceremony.
On the day, I’ll be with you for between eight and nine hours, from preparations until two or three dances after your first dance.
I’ll document your wedding day in a relaxed and unobtrusive way, making sure to capture all of those authentic moments while you’re having the time of your life.
Tunbridge Wells Wedding Photography
Kent Wedding Photographer
FAQ
WHAT'S YOUR APPROACH?
In advance of your wedding day, I will chat with you about your timeline to ensure you have the most beautiful light and adequate time for everything you want. I approach the wedding day with a full heart and open eyes. Capturing everything from the big moments to the quieter moments in-between in a relaxed way. I also love curated details as they tell a rich story of the day.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET SICK OR HAVE SOME SORT OF EMERGENCY BEOFRE THE WEDDING?
In a decade of shooting weddings thankfully that situation has never come up. I always arrive early and make sure I understand the plans before the day. In the event that I am unable to attend your wedding I would endeavour to put in place a replacement photographer of an equivalent style and quality. Alternatively if you choose to I would return your full investment and allow you to make your own arrangements.
I REALLY DON'T LIKE HAVING MY PHOTO TAKEN
Don’t worry; all couples say the same thing, and I don’t expect anyone to act like a professional model. With gentle guidance, I aim to put you in the best possible light and position so you look the very best for the camera. After that, I just ask that you be yourselves and to relax and enjoy your day. If you do need a little encouragement, I will, of course, give you a little prompt here and there. The important thing is to focus on each other, enjoy the quiet time away from your guests, and you’ll be fine. If you are particularly worried, you may also want to consider having an engagement shoot to experience what it’s like to be photographed by a professional before your wedding.
DO YOU THINK AN ALBUM IS IMPORTANT?
I’m passionate about print and want you to have an heirloom to cherish and to pass onto future generations. Being able to hold an album of the best day of your life in your hands is a beautiful experience. If you can stretch your budget to an album I would definitely recommend it.
SHOULD I MAKE A SHOT LIST OF MY DESIRED PHOTOS?
Other than for family and friend groupings, I’d prefer that you didn’t. You’ll have a chance to share ideas in the wedding questionnaire I’ll send you before your wedding. I do my best work capturing your unique day as it unfolds so you can relax there’s no need to supply a list.
WHAT FAMILY PHOTOS DO YOU CAPTURE?
I generally start with your parents and immediate family, then add in any partners and kids. A few weeks before your wedding day I send you a questionnaire where you can share all the details of your day and any additional family photos you’d love. I can shoot 8-10 family groups in approximately twenty minutes (if everyone’s there) and any additional group shots take a 3-5 minutes each. I would suggest keeping the groups after the service to a minimum so you have time for your couples portraits and to relax before dinner. In between dinner and dancing we’ll have time to get photos with anyone you missed earlier.
DO YOU WORK WITH A SECOND SHOOTER?
You can choose to have a second shooter for the day as an additional option. I have a couple of accomplished full time working photographers who second shoot for me. On the day they tend to start with the groom preparations and throughout the day they will take lots of candid images of guests enjoying themselves. They not only assist me, but they also get a second perspective on the day. If you are having a large wedding I may suggest you opt for a second shooter to make sure that everything is captured.
kind
WORDS
Take a look at some of the lovely things my past clients have said about working with me.