An early start
We start with some ‘establishing’ shots of the venue inside and out and the lovely detail shots from the flowers to the table decorations.
Richard then goes in search of the bride and Christina the groom.
Bridal Prep
This is a very special time where transformations begin and ‘that dress’ is reverentially placed ready! There’s lots of laughter, nerves and concentration as hair is arranged and make-up is meticulously applied. Mothers and aunts persuading children into outfits, bouquets being delivered, corks popping, the bride elated to be wearing her dress and the gasps of those closest to her. All through this happy chaos, Richard works hard to be unobtrusive, rarely ‘directing’ a shot and always totally respectful that he is in a privileged position, after all he gets to see the bride in all her splendour before her father and before her future husband! Whilst always on hand and being with you the longest of any other supplier, Richard likes to think you will mostly forget that he is there.
It’s fair to say that groom prep is altogether very different from bridal prep and usually ranges from military precision to ‘organised chaos’!
‘The boys’ usually need a bit of ‘directing’ in a scene that is often characterised by noisy excitement, a fairly untidy room and with socks, shoes, clothes, drink and deodorant everywhere! Christina gets to work quietly in the background capturing ties being tied and cuff links being linked. She works out how the groom and his groomsmen interact so they can have a little fun with some group images .
After the ‘tension’ of donning often unfamiliar clothes and new shoes, the mood changes. An air of anticipation descends as the groom makes his way to where he is to marry his future wife.
This is a crucial time in photographic terms – light has to be perfectly managed in-camera, focus points constantly changing as the bride moves up the aisle and as the groom sees his bride, as if for the first time. Mindful of ceremony officials dos and don’ts Richard wants to be close to the couple, yet discrete… and in no way distract from the sequence of moments within the ceremony, so as silent as possible.
Christina meanwhile, is capturing family and friends taking their seats, their reactions throughout the ceremony and of course the bridal party walking up the aisle, the bride and groom interacting and the newly weds walking back down the aisle, all from the angle of the guests!
Of all the thousands of images taken throughout your day, the confetti (or bubbles or rice) shot is probably the one that captures most, the joy, the relief, the love and the style not only of the couple, but also of the guests.
The drinks reception gives us the chance to properly mingle amongst your guests catching those great images of happiness and celebration. As before, with two photographers we can capture more of these lovely guest moments.
The newly wed formals (often requested but never compulsory) are taken during the reception and Richard keeps you from your guests for as little time as possible – these images still have great relevance and Richard enjoys taking them.
Next comes the family formals (again often requested but never compulsory) and Christina takes these shots. Forward planning is crucial here and she will have her pre-prepared shoot list ready for the designated ‘helper’ to organise the relevant groups of family.
You may have noticed that we haven’t mentioned the breakfast itself – because who likes to be photographed eating! There is one exception to that rule; the wedding cake… Cutting the cake is a bit of a ritual and can have its moments, but the anticipation of a mouthful of cake being offered to your newly-wed is most tempting to a photographer…!
Once the cake cutting is over we might want to whisk you off again for a sunset shot (sunsets permitting). Again these are not compulsory, will feel very natural plus they are fun and it gives Richard a chance to capture you both looking super-stunning in the setting of your venue.
The day moves into the night and all too soon into treasured memories. We try to tell your story just as you imagined it and perhaps to add a little extra magic too, so that when you look back on the images on screen and in an album you don’t so much see it as it was, but feel it as it was.
You were magnificent…
We have the proof!
