Wedding Photography Advice For Brides

1. Leave Enough Time!
   No matter how much time you’ve allowed for getting ready, the last half hour always seems to fly by! I recommend planning for a bit of extra time so you can relax, enjoy a glass of champagne, and have some pre-ceremony photos taken. Lacing up a dress can take longer than expected, especially with a group of excited bridesmaids. I usually spend about an hour and a half with you before the ceremony to capture all the little details without feeling rushed.

2. Group Photos
   Your wedding day is all about you, and I’m happy to work with any requests you have for formal group photos. However, I really love capturing the real moments—the energy, fun, and excitement of the day. The more time we spend on group shots, the less time we’ll have to capture candid moments and for you to enjoy your celebration. If you’re planning a big group shot, keeping it simple on the location will help save time. Moving everyone to another spot can take a while.

3. Weather
   The weather is one thing we can’t control, but we can plan around it. English summers, for example, are unpredictable, so it’s always good to have a backup plan. Having a cozy throw and some cute, weather-appropriate shoes will let us head outside for those beautiful shots no matter what. Umbrellas (preferably stylish ones without logos) can also make a big difference. Some of the best photos can happen when you embrace the weather and get a little adventurous!

4. Feeding Your Photographer
   I’ll be working hard throughout your big day, so a proper meal during dinner is much appreciated. No one wants photos of people eating, so while your guests enjoy their meal, I’ll take a break and recharge. Trust me, a hungry photographer is not ideal! If I have to leave to grab food, it means I’ll be away for an hour or so. Including me in your guest meal count ensures I’m ready to go when it’s time for speeches or any special moments.

   

5. Lighting
   I’ve worked in all sorts of venues with all types of lighting, and while I can adapt to any situation, natural light is always a dream. It creates beautiful, timeless photos. When thinking about where you’re getting ready or where the ceremony will be, consider how the light will play a role. Do you want soft, natural light or something more dynamic with flash? Spaces filled with natural light tend to produce the best, most flattering results, and I try to avoid flash whenever possible to keep things natural and unobtrusive.

   

6. Scheduling
   It’s always a great idea to discuss your schedule with me ahead of time, especially if you’re aiming for that perfect light in your portraits. The ideal time for couple portraits is an hour or two before sunset when the light is soft and flattering. If your schedule is packed, we can sneak in a quick portrait session earlier in the day and then grab some sunset shots after the meal. These moments are often the most magical, as you’ll both be relaxed and enjoying the evening.

If your wedding is in winter, bear in mind that daylight is limited. Portraits in the last light of the day will have a lovely, cozy feel.

7. Trust Me!
   You chose me because you love my work, so trust that I want to make your photos as special as possible! If I suggest something that seems a bit unusual or out of your comfort zone, know that it’s all to create something magical. I’ve had brides hesitate about certain shots but end up loving the results. It’s also best to allow me to capture moments as they unfold naturally, rather than working from a strict shot list. However, if there’s something sentimental or specific you’d like photographed, just let me know!

8. Venue Restrictions
   Churches can sometimes have restrictions on photography during ceremonies, but this varies depending on the officiant. It’s a good idea to check with them ahead of time to avoid any surprises on the day. Reassure them that I’m experienced, won’t use flash, and will be as discreet as possible. If they still have concerns, we can discuss how to best capture those important moments in a respectful way.

9. Preparation Locations
   When it comes to getting ready, having a spacious, well-lit area makes all the difference. The morning is often filled with lovely, candid moments with your closest friends, so being in one larger room helps me capture those natural interactions. A cluttered or cramped space can make it harder to move around and photograph, so try to opt for somewhere with plenty of room and good light.

   

   1. Your Dress
      Your wedding dress is, of course, a big decision! While it may look amazing in the shop or in magazines, it’s important to think about how it will feel after wearing it for a full day. Make sure you can move comfortably in it, especially if you’re thinking about how you’ll want to look in your photos. A dress that’s too heavy or difficult to walk in can limit our options for dynamic, natural shots. If you’re constantly readjusting or worried about the train, it might make things a bit tricky. A dress that lets you move freely will allow us to capture more relaxed, authentic moments.

10. Oh, and don’t forget the shoes! Break them in beforehand because being on your feet for over 12 hours can take a toll. And if we’re venturing into fields or grassy areas, consider having some cute wedding sneakers or wellies handy.