We all have a dream about our wedding day, a dream that we all want to come true and believe me I will do everything to make sure your photos are what you dreamt they would be like. I like to get these moments but also to record everything else that will remind you what a special day you had.
There are a lot of things out of your control on your day, even after such a long time of meticulous planning, the prime things being the weather, and most importantly time.
On your wedding day 30 mins feels like 5 minutes. Ask most couples about their wedding day and they all say they wish they had longer, they didn’t realise time would go so quickly, we were planning to do this but we just didn’t have time. Instagram can give us so many good ideas about our perfect day but it sometimes creates a false impression of how that time can be spent. The venue will need to operate to a strict schedule for them to ensure everything gets done when it should do. This schedule determines when things have to happen on your day, how long we have for photos and the timing for any other plans you have.
Typically my coverage for a whole day goes as follows but its not always the same. I had a beautiful wedding on Saturday which gave us more freedom to do different things and even visit nearby gardens for photos.
A Typical Full Day Coverage
I arrive towards the start of prep normally 3-4 hours prior to your ceremony time. This allows me to get lots of natural photos of your prep and maybe also cover some prep for your partner if they are nearby. During this time I’ll also get photos of the dress, clothing, flowers, ceremony room, and any other details if you are already at the venue. Typically there is a reveal to a parent or whoever may be waking you down the aisle. Then I either leave for wherever the ceremony is, but I can leave this a lot later if the ceremony is at the venue and you are getting ready there. Then there is full coverage of the ceremony, vows, exchange of rings, your first kiss as a married couple and then the signing of the register. Your civil ceremony is typically 20-30 minutes, a church ceremony will go on a little longer.
Most weddings then have a break before you sit down and food is served, this is when I get the opportunity to get photos of confetti, full groups, smaller family groups and then some time with you as a couple. This is when we create your stand out wedding photos. After everything else this time is usually 15-20 minutes which is all we get to create some magic. This can be less and I’ve had as little as 5 minutes because it takes so long to organise people and we have so very little time. I work quickly with family groups but I still feel that we don’t get enough time to complete all of this when it is the memories you will look back on forever. Recently it took 20 minutes to get a full group of guests together for one photo. Any additional time I can get is always very much appreciated. Plans sometimes change due to the weather and it can affect where we can do photos so I always have to be adaptable and open to change.
I know lists are a great help to you as a couple, but I feel restricted by a list any creativity feels like it’s taken away. I know there are essential photos you want, but initially keep these to a minimum, and usually about 10. I always get the important photos, after the main group I always get the following and we can always get more during the day:
Wedding Party - Couple, with any bridesmaids and groomsmen, in different formations
Parents with the couple
Individual Bride/Groom portraits and with children if applicable (children definitely need to be photographed before food!)
Any additional groups can be given as a list to Best Man/Girl or groomsmen as they should know who to gather for the next groups. This all needs to work fast to make the most of the time we have.
Once we are called in by the venue for food, I will cover speeches and then catch a break and something to drink. It’s always a difficult thing to do to take on food and drink throughout the time we are with you but it’s good to have a chance to refuel.
After food I like to get lots of natural photos and try to get you out again as a couple when you are a little more relaxed, and the light should have also softened in the evening so we can get photos. Then we are into the evening entertainment, dancing, cake cutting and first dance if these are applicable.
A lot happens in a small space of time, a lot that needs to be photographed. If you need any help with organisation or to check things it’s always good to keep your photographer informed. I always meet up with you before your big day to discuss timings and when things will happen. It’s also so good to have time together ahead of your wedding as there could be nothing more difficult than meeting you both for the first time on your wedding day.
That sounds like a lot, and although it’s sometimes stressful I love it more than I can express. I love being part of your day, getting to know you and your families and hearing those happy and sad stories. I often cry with you, despite not knowing you that well, but the emotion of the day is usually overwhelming.
My work doesn’t stop there though once I’m home I back up your photos, edit and send you your preview and get to bed. Then it’s a further 3-5 days of editing your final gallery.
If someone says these wedding photographers are on a good thing, you know the truth. We are and we love it, but we do earn our money. Here’s a few photos from Annabel & Patricks wedding.
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