Your Wedding Day

What to Expect from Me on

A complete guide on how I will work with you leading up to your wedding day, on the BIG day itself, and what happens after, you know, that quiet period where you think, “Oooo I wonder when I’ll get my photos…”

Denise is not only professional and super TALENTED, but an absolute JOY to have around too. She was an air of calm during prep and when we had our couples photos she made us RELAXED and we laughed a lot – she’s got a great sense of HUMOUR! We were so pleased with the photos and loved having a sneak peak of over 40 photos sent to us, which was AMAZING to look back on. If you need a photographer, BOOK DENISE! You won’t regret it!

NATASHA & MICHAEL, ROYAL BERKSHIRE HOTEL

01. Pre Wedding Day

I am available for you as often or as little as you like leading up to your wedding day. I recognise that for you this might be the first wedding you’ve planned, for me its +600.

Take advantage of my wealth of experience. I am always happy to answer as many questions on timelines, such as when to give out gifts for the wedding party, or speeches pre or post wedding breakfast. I’ve seen what works brilliantly and what should have been left on the “50 must have wedding ideas” magazine feature.

6 weeks before your wedding day I’ll e-mail a Wedding Day questionnaire. This re-confirms all address details and timings for your wedding day, key contacts, a guide family group photo list to help with your selection, your wedding day suppliers and any other information you feel I should know.

02. Engagement Session

Engagement sessions are a great opportunity for couples who maybe feeling a little anxious about photography. The most common statement I hear from engaged couples who enquire with me is, “We hate having our photograph taken, I never know what to do” if this is you, I can assure you, you are not alone.

I’ve had sessions in woods and parks, city centres and lot’s of beaches, each location very different but all offering lot’s of opportunity for natural photography and a chance to have some fun and get to know each other before your wedding day. Some couples use their engagement images for Save The Date cards or a wedding website.

Engagement sessions are an optional add on. Due to my weekend wedding commitments, sessions are Monday – Thursday, can last up to 90 minutes and include a selection of high resolution edited images.

03. Bridal Prep

On your wedding day I will arrive for your bridal preparations a few hours before your ceremony time. If you have booked two photographers, one will be with the other partner for prep.

II am unobtrusive and document what is happening in the room. From the quiet calm and the nervous excitement, to seeing your parent for the first time in your full wedding attire. These are all unposed moments, they are unique to your relationship with your loved ones.

I usually leave the preparations 30 minutes before the ceremony, this may vary depending your ceremony location.

04. Wedding Ceremony

During your ceremony I am discreet – your first look moment should be about the TWO of YOU, no distractions.

Some churches prohibit photography, others are happy for a limited number of photographs to be taken. It is advisable to clarify your church’s preference prior to your wedding. I shoot on Sony cameras that have a silent shutter function, there will be no distracting sounds. I won’t use flash either (unless you get married in the crypt at mid-night). I wear soft sled shoes, sounds silly mentioning this, but it means you wont hear me if I do move to shoot a different angle.

I don’t rush into any formal photography after your wedding ceremony, focusing instead on documenting the natural interactions (mainly hugging and happy tears) between you and your guests as they come to congratulate you both. This is also a great time for confetti or bubbles (please check beforehand if this is allowed at your wedding venue).

05. Wedding Reception

This is the time for you to relax on your wedding day and enjoy the love. Those first congratulatory hugs and kisses and everyone caught up in the moment is a great time for natural photos.

I am happy to help arrange confetti or bubbles, and there is no such thing as too much confetti! After you’ve had a glass of fizz and said your “hello’s”, we can head off together for a moment of calm and your couples pictures. These natural and relaxed, reflecting your personalities and the connection between you. I promise NO awkward poses and provide gentle guidance to help you relax. Don’t worry, I’ll have you back with your family and friends celebrating your wedding day within 15 minutes..

This is also the time for any family photos with people from the details provided on your wedding questionnaire. These are usually no longer than 10-15 minutes (based on no one running off to check in to their room).

06. Wedding Breakfast

Contrary to popular belief, this is not a breakfast (I am asked this on a regular basis). The wedding breakfast is the time when most speeches happen, some pre dinner – for the nervous grooms, or post dinner – once everyone as been fed and watered. There is no right or wrong way, just whatever works best for you.

During this time I eat too and back up your wedding images to an external hard drive. By the time I leave your wedding I will have 3 copies of your pictures stored away safely. I also use this time to create a selection sneak peek images which you will receive within 24 hours.

07. Let’s Groove!

The pull of the dancefloor, I love it! You may have a fully choreographed first dance, or you may prefer the traditional high school disco shuffle, whatever your vibe, have a few spins and know that this moment will only last on average 3 minutes.

Band, DJ, Ceilidh, as longs as there’s a beat, I’m on it! I’m up high, down low, I’m in the mix for the good, the bad and the ugly. Dance like no ones watching, and if you sneak in a few shots at the bar, all the better.

08. The Magic

As you sit on your honeymoon reminiscing about your EPIC wedding day and enjoying your sneak peek photographs, I’ll be at home grafting away on your wedding day pictures. Each one individually edited, removing any where you’ve blinked that bit too long, or look like you’ve entered a gurning competition.

I will remove any obvious blemishes and distracting fire exit signs from your key frames. I then create copy of your images in B&W before uploading to your password protected on line gallery. From here you will be able to view, share, download your photos, AND it has an incredible range of stunning albums and printed products you can securely purchase. Albums are hugely popular, nothing beats the feeling of turning the pages of a fine art album, reliving each moment of your day.