This guide will give you an idea of how I operate on the day, and give you some tips too — let’s deep dive into the day to get the most out of your photos. It might be long, but trust me: everything in here comes from experience and past disasters, so it’s worth the read.
I meet so many couples with lots of visions, ideas and plans for their photos — but when the big day comes, none of that really matters to them. Instead, they just want to soak up every single moment, and honestly, that’s exactly how it should be.
My goal is always to capture the maximum number of photos in the minimum amount of time — so you can spend less time posing and more time living your wedding day.
I just want to quickly mention a few things that are often overlooked — or that can sometimes cause a bit of chaos on the day. These come up at weddings all the time, so here’s my no-fuss guide to avoiding them:
1
In the morning, round up all your details — shoes, jewellery, perfume, stationery, garter, lucky socks (yep, seen it all!) — and pop them in one spot. Having them ready makes life easier and saves time for more fun photos.
2
The morning flies — faster than you’d believe. Most hair and makeup artists are brilliant at planning, but make sure they leave you a full hour spare to get into your dress and have some photos. Videographers usually need to sneak off 20–30 minutes before the ceremony too, so if you’re in your dress about 45 minutes before you leave, we’re golden.
This is often the most mis-planned element of a morning! → Read an extended blog on hair and make-up timings
Take it from experience…every minute your late is a minute lost of your drinks reception! and that’s the time you want the most! its your mingling time.
3
If you’re at a hotel, watch out for the “disappearing act.” Bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents… someone will always nip to their room “just for a sec,” and poof — they’re gone when we need them. Add in the unpredictable British weather and suddenly we’ve missed our window. The trick is to try get the family photos done first.
4
Your bridal squad isn’t just there to look good in photos (though they smash that too). Make sure they know to help out — fluffing your dress at the aisle, keeping it looking amazing during photos, and bringing you a drink while we wander off for shots. One bridesmaid on “dress & drinks duty” makes all the difference. 🍹👗
5
This one’s big: don’t sprint down the aisle. Walk slow, breathe, and enjoy the moment. And bridesmaids — don’t dart off like you’re racing for your seat. Think elegant stroll: slow and steady = epic photos.
in A couple of weeks you will get a questionaire to fill out
The questionaire is my bible on day
It covers your family dynamics, key people, timings, and any “must-have” photos or details you want me to capture. On the day itself, this questionnaire is my bible.
Take your time filling it in, and you can keep going back to update it too! Its my “PDF” from you to me of everything that’s important and i will probably look at it 20 times during your wedding to ensure im on top of things!
Any chats/discussions we’ve had on whatsApp/Email – now is the time to put it all together.
I usually arrive around 2–3 hours before you need to leave for the ceremony. To keep things relaxed, I dip in and out of the room — giving you and your bridesmaids some space while still capturing natural moments. During those breaks, I’ll grab detail shots of your dress, shoes, jewellery, or even your other half getting ready (if they’re nearby).
For the best photos, here are my top tips:
Most importantly — breathe, relax, and enjoy your morning. With a little planning, it’s one of the most fun and emotional parts of the day.
The registrar will need to see you before the ceremony to check details and run through the plan — factor it into your timings. Then it’s time for the aisle walk: do a quick practice at your music pace, aiming for a nice, slow stroll so you can soak in the moment, smile at guests, and give me time to capture those emotional reaction shots. The slower you walk, the more magic I can capture.
💡 Pro tips for the ceremony:
When it’s time to sign the register, I’m not legally allowed to photograph the actual document — but we can do a fun posed version with a pen and a dummy book. Get your witnesses (or kids!) involved for a nice keepsake — I’d avoid inviting everyone up here though, it eats into time better spent on group shots outside.
⚡ Time-saving tip: some registrars offer guests a chance to queue up and photograph you at the signing table. Honestly? Skip it — you’ll lose 15 minutes while 100 guests take the exact same shot I’ve already got for you. They’ll be asking for selfies all day anyway!
And finally, your grand exit — wave those flowers, smile big, and yes, go in for another kiss at the end of the aisle. It’s the perfect second chance at that “first kiss” shot if we missed it the first time.
The best time for confetti is right after the ceremony — before everyone disappears to the bar. You can do it down the aisle (if the venue allows) or outside. If you’re not fussed, I’ll work with the venue to find the perfect spot and rally your guests for an epic, fun shot!
Whilst I have everyone together for the confetti shot, that’s normally a great time to get a photo of your full guest list too, if you’d like one.
Let’s be honest — family photos are the least fun but also some of the most important pictures you’ll cherish. My goal is to get them done quickly (usually 15–20 minutes) so you can get back to your wedding and a well-earned drink! 🍾
The biggest time-killer? Finding people. That’s why I always suggest that after the confetti shot, all key family members stay put — once people wander off, it turns into a game of hide and seek, and nobody wants that.
💡 Tips to make family shots smooth:
Once we’ve ticked off the list, if we’re on schedule, I’ll leave you to enjoy your drinks reception — with luck, you’ll still have a good 30–45 minutes to mingle before I whisk you away for your couple portraits.
I love sneaking in some fun shots with the bridesmaids and groomsmen once all the important photos are out of the way. This is where we can get creative and a bit silly — whether it’s launching the groom 50ft in the air, striking a Vogue-style pose, puffing cigars, or whatever else floats your boat. These photos are all about personality, laughter, and showing off the squad vibes.
Smoke cannons are becoming more popular — they add real drama and colour to a photo, but it’s worth knowing the risks and doing them properly.
Please be advised of the risks — they can burn or stain a dress if not used correctly. I always run through how to use them beforehand, and typically avoid the bride holding one for this reason, though I’ve never personally had an issue.
I like to keep couple portraits fun, relaxed, and natural. Usually 15–20 minutes is perfect for a nice variety — anything under 10 minutes can feel rushed, but it’s your day, so you set the pace. If you’ve had enough, just say — I’ll happily follow your lead. That said, I’m always mindful of the venue’s schedule (especially food timings), so if I seem a bit pushy, it’s only to make sure you get the shots you want before time runs out.
If you have any insecurities — jawlines, arms, teeth, anything — please tell me! I’ll pose you in ways that flatter and make sure you love your photos. Top tip: bring along a bridesmaid or groomsman as a helper to keep you hydrated, fluff the dress, and keep the vibes fun.
It all comes down to you as a couple. I’ll do my best to keep things fun and light-hearted — because those natural smiles and bursts of laughter between you are what make the best photos. The more relaxed and playful you are, the better the results (and don’t worry, I’m not expecting you to jump into a lake… unless that’s your vibe! 😅).
If you have any insecurities — or even a “good side” — let me know, so I can work with it on the day. And if the weather’s kind (and the drinks have been flowing 🍷), I’ll often ask later in the day if you’d like to sneak off for a few extra photos — those candid, joy-filled moments when you’re truly yourselves are always some of the best.
Now that all the important photos are done, the rest of my day is spent capturing candid moments of your guests and the speeches — so you can simply relax and enjoy. If bad weather disrupted photos earlier, I may suggest sneaking you both out between courses for a few quick shots — a lovely 5–10 minute breather, but entirely your call.
I’ll capture as many candid moments as possible, but there may be times I’ve covered everything for the moment and step back for 10 minutes — I just don’t want to hover while your guests relax. Please don’t hesitate to grab me if you’d like anything!
Once the food hits the table, that’s my cue for a short ~45 minute break to back up your photos and grab a bite. I’ll always stay nearby and on alert for speeches. If no meal is provided, just mark it on the questionnaire so I know to nip out.
I’ll usually move formal family shots indoors during the drinks reception. For couple shots, we can brave it (umbrellas provided!) or wait for a dry gap — and if the rain never lets up, the venue interiors are often just as stunning.
Those dreamy sunset photos are a favourite for many couples — but the window can be as short as 15–20 minutes, and cloud cover can make or break it. If golden hour shots are on your wish list, know that when I come to grab you, it’s usually a “now or never” moment — worth it for the magic light! ✨
To get the most out of the first dance, I recommend you spend a little time sticking to the middle, rotating around — then if you’re feeling it, milk it and go for a few twirls and spins! Shortly after, everyone will join you on the dancefloor, which can make for some incredible evening photos.
I don’t set a strict end time — I definitely won’t dash off after the first dance! Usually, I stay 30 minutes after your first dance, and before I leave I’ll always find you to say goodbye and check if there are any last photos you’d like.
Your full gallery is normally ready in 2–4 weeks. If you’d like previews, just ask the morning after — I’ll send some if I’m free and not shooting another wedding!
And that’s a wrap! Hopefully this guide helps you feel prepared and excited for the big day. Let’s make it unforgettable! 🎉
