My Wedding Photography Approach & Style
I have created this post which will hopefully give a good idea as to what I photograph on a typical wedding day, my style and my approach to documenting the big day! I will start the day by joining the bride who's having her hair and make up done; this is a really lovely time to get to know the girls and the connection really helps throughout the day.
A part of the morning which I really love is when the father of the bride sees his daughter all done up for the first time. Its a very emotional moment and one I love to capture!
As the bride is getting ready to walk down the aisle, I will get into position (already arranged with the vicar or registrar) and be ready as the bride enters the room. Its this moment that the grooms face is a great shot! Also lovely for the special bride & father shots.
Some registrars and vicars can be very particular on who photographs what, and how they go about it. I am very discreet during the ceremony and will stay in one spot and use natural light;
Signing of the register;
Outside for drinks, canapés and group shots! The group shots will last around 20 - 30 minutes (maximum!) Before the day i will discuss a list with you and write down names - this helps me to organise quickly on the day and the short time doing formal photographs will mean the bride & groom can get back to enjoying their day!
Confetti photo; some people like this straight after the ceremony and some prefer it to be after the group shots so they know they aren't covered for their photos. It also depends on what rules the venue has etc. Either way this is a lovely photograph which is always one of my favourites to shoot!
When everyone is happy with a drink then its the time for the romantic couple photographs which last around 10-20 minutes. Usually these take place at the venue, but some couples opt to drive off to another location, if time allows. The few minutes away from guests gives the couple time to escape from the busy day, relax and enjoy a few minutes alone. I always enjoy shooting these images, its a real special part of the day!
Then its back into the reportage images of everyone chatting, smiling and laughing before the wedding breakfast.
Before everyone enters the room for the breakfast, I will pop in for a few minutes to capture all the little details which a lot of thought and effort has gone into. Everything from whole room shots to the close up details of place names, table numbers and of course the beautiful cake.. it is all documented;
Once the guests are happily seated, the speeches usually take place. Either at this stage or just after the meal. Quite usually this is also the time to do the cutting of the cake shot!
Once the meal is over, more shots are captured of the guests enjoying their day! Evening guests arrive and the evening party is under way! I will always photograph the first dance, and its a real great one to finish the day. They also make great last pages for an album :)
and of course, not forgetting those cheeky little guests;
and the throwing of the bouquet!!
I hope this has given you a good insight into how i photograph the wedding day. From a full day coverage like described above, my clients will receive around 250 / 300 images. All are retouched and delivered to the happy couple within two weeks of their wedding day on a beautiful wooden USB.
If you would like to enquire about my Gloucestershire wedding photography services, please email me (info@courtneylouisephotography.co.uk) for a quote and have a chat about your day- I would love to hear from you.
I also cover South Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Swindon, Bristol, Bath, Somerset and always happy to travel to other areas!