Getting Ready
Hair, make-up, the dress, the shoes and you and your bridesmaids trying to get ready. You get used to having a photographer around which is really important and I watch, listen and photograph what's going on. I can learn a lot about the whole day from this bit!
The Boys
In the pub next to the church? In the hotel bar? Beer, banter and buttonholes as you pretend not to be just a little bit nervous. I sneak around and photograph everything to show you and the boys that you are not going to be bossed about by the photographer.
Guests Arriving
Guests arriving, hats, that new outfit, handshakes, "Good luck!", "Haven't seen you in ages", the church, the venue, dad walking you down the church path, down the stairs, down the aisle; the final important moments before you get married.
Getting Married
It's easy to forget, but this is the reason everyone is there. I tend to stand still at the back of the aisle and I don’t use the flash. I can then get a wide shot of the church and then zoom in to capture you two at the front exchanging vows and rings. No disturbances, no distractions. The result? Photos of you actually getting married.
The Happy Couple
For most couples, these are the most important photos. In your eyes, these shots will define who you are as a couple in that instant. You go for a little wander to have a quiet moment together amid the celebrations (a rare opportunity!). I keep my distance and photograph you laughing, talking and generally being The Happy Couple....and it only takes about 15 minutes.
Drinks Reception
This is your wedding reception and it is not my job to make you miss it. So, what I WON’T do is drag you away for endless photos. Instead, for the vast majority of it you will be standing around with your favourite people in the whole world, glass of champagne in hand as everyone tells you how lovely you are! I sneak around and photograph it - simple as that.
Family & Group Photos
Group photos, team photos, "formal" photos (I hate the "F" word!) - call them what you will. No doubt you will probably want some photos of family groups and friends. These are important photos, not only for you, but also for your family. I do them professionally but quickly. These photos tend to take about 20 minutes and usually towards the end of the drinks reception so everyone is ‘relaxed’.
Wedding Breakfast
First of all, I photograph the room/marquee before everyone comes in and trashes all your hard work (all part of the process!). During the wedding breakfast, when other photographers sit down and have a break, I continue to take photographs. Who says you can't get great photos of people during the meal? There is SO much to photograph, especially when no one really knows I’m doing it.
Speeches
Everyone loves the speeches - except perhaps the people giving them! As throughout the day, I get into the right position to photograph everything that happens without getting in anyone's way - the speaker, you two and everyone's reactions. I'll be there to catch it all!
Party
I always stick around for a bit in the evening. You may well have a first dance and then all sorts of mucking around follows. People dancing like idiots (you know who I mean!), groups of friends at the bar. The photos are spontaneous, and often hilarious!
Asian Weddings
I have photographed many Asian weddings over the years. With their incredible traditions, ceremonies, sights, sounds, outfits, colours, Asian weddings are always great to photograph. At the end of the day, just screw in the light bulb and pat the dog. If you know, you know ;0)