What To Expect
A Guide To Your Wedding Photography
With the focus of building a clear picture of your wedding, this guide will demonstrate the essential elements of how I deconstruct and showcase each stage of your big day, from my arrival, to your first kiss, the first dance and beyond. All from my perspective, the eyes of your photographer. This is done with the intent of producing the best possible collection of photographic memories on one of the most important days of your life.
Pre-Wedding Shoot
For most couples, being in front of a professional camera is not something they have much practice with. An engagement shoot, or pre-wedding photo shoot, is the best opportunity for you to spend some time together in front of the lens before your wedding day, having a good laugh at the same time.
We will spend an hour or two together in a location of your choice such as a local park, urban city-scape, coastline or anywhere else you like. You’ll then receive a collection of photographs from the days casual shoot, the perfect accompaniment to your upcoming wedding day collection.
Your wedding Day
Your wedding will be a very exciting and emotional day, one which you’ll want to capture and relive forever. I will be there to join you in the early morning, staying with you throughout the day capturing each moment as they unfold. From the pre-ceremony, photographing the bride and family’s preparation, through to the ceremony and first dance. Not to mention the smaller details and refined choices you wouldn’t want people to forget about. The day unfolds in the blink of an eye, and although you might not get the chance to appreciate the amazing floral displays, I’ll be sure to take lovely pictures of them.
They say time flies, and this certainly applies to weddings. The day will flash (pun intended) before your eyes and It’s my job to ensure each moment is carried with you through your lives together. One thing for you to remember is that good photography takes time. The more time you can allow for the main events the higher quantity and quality of photography you’ll receive. I’ll always push our timing boundaries to there limits to ensure we get the best possible results.
My Arrival
I’m always with you no later than two hours before the ceremony, I’m usually at the venue much sooner than this giving myself plenty of time to assess my working environment. I check several things, the best locations for group shots, inside and outside so there’s always a backup incase of bad weather. I check the current weather and where the sun will be at certain times of the day to make the most of the natural light, ground checks in case of bad weather the night before and a few other details, all so I am not taking the newly weds and guests into situations I have not already cleared as suitable for all involved.
My next step is usually one of two options, depending on the time of day and the venue. If I still have plenty of time and notice that the venue is looking its best, I will begin photographing the details and capturing the atmosphere before the day begins. If I feel it’s not quite the right time to be doing this, I will leave it until later and move on to the important part of the morning, the bridal prep.
Bridal Preparations
At this point, usually two hours prior to the ceremony, I’ll make my way to the bridal suite to begin documenting the “getting ready process”. It’s all very informal and relaxed by nature. Everyone is focused on looking their best and having a good time. I like to look out for all the excitement, nerves, laughter, unexpected incidents and flowing conversations while progressively documenting each moment as they unfold around me.
I never interfere, become intrusive or set up any kind of unnatural shot causing someone to feel awkward. What I enjoy most is simply engaging in light conversation, enjoying the ambience and capturing the ups and downs, including the little moments everyone might otherwise forget through the hustle and bustle of their prep.
Groomsmen
A little later I’ll go and pay a visit to the young men of the day. Not much time is required with the guys at this point but if I see any photo opportunities I will always snap them up while enjoying their company. Sometimes I’ll stumble upon the groom and his groomsmen getting themselves ready or simply catching some downtime beforehand.
Once everyone is ready and looking smart I’ll take them all to a part of the venue I have scouted earlier for a few formal and informal shots while they’re all looking their finest. Again, this is all tastefully done, no unnecessary posing and in good humour.
Guest Arrival
Usually at this point all your guests will slowly begin to trickle in, I like to direct them past the groom and groomsmen to begin capturing warm welcomes and smiling faces without any forceful prompts from myself. I will occasionally take shots of each individual couple if they so wish.
Everyone is looking their best and most couples love the opportunity to have professional photographs taken on your big day, so I’ll always be happy to oblige. All these photos will also be uploaded to your online gallery as well as on your USB stick for you to look through.
Pre-Ceremony
As the ceremony creeps closer and closer I like to return to the bridal suite to focus on the last few moments of preparation before we’re ready and raring to go. The atmosphere usually intensifies at this point making for some wonderfully unique moments between family, bridesmaids and friends as all attention is focused on the bride. Just before I leave, I will capture some beautiful portraiture of the bride, bridesmaids and parents.
As well as extra details as the bridesmaids focus the remainder of the time rallying around the bride. There’s also the final hustle and bustle of the guests and the groomsmen as they wait with bated breath for the arrival of the bride.
Ceremony
It all begins here. You can always feel the nerves and energy surrounding the bride’s anticipated arrival, all your planning and eager waiting has brought you both to this brief moment. I aim to photograph it all for you to enjoy over and over again. depending on the venue, I like to begin capturing the bridal procession as they enter from the front of the room, allowing me to not only photograph the arrival but the faces and reactions of the groom and loved ones as they look on eagerly to see the bride in all her glory.
If I can’t get to the front, I will discreetly look for the optimal location for me to capture these moments. All my focus then turns towards the bride as she gracefully makes her way to the front. After taking a few photos of the bride and groom together, I quietly make my way to various locations around the ceremony room to shoot from as many different angles as I tactfully can with complete discretion.
Register & Exit Procession
Once the formal ceremony has concluded we move on to the signing of the register. The initial signing of the register can not be photographed for legal reasons so I usually spend this time setting up my camera and lighting if required, to ensure I get the best possible photos when I get my cue.
After taking a few snaps of the newlyweds alone, I usually like to invite members of your family, witnesses and bridal party members up to have their photographs taken with you, giving everyone involved a chance to be part of the ceremonial photography. The final parts of the ceremony are almost underway now with the exiting procession. We then move towards the post ceremony celebrations.
Post Ceremony
After the ceremony comes the Champagne, Pimm’s and well wishes from your guests. I now like to float around capturing interactions, emotions and events as they unfold resulting in genuine and un-staged reportage photography of this joyous time of day. I always like to leave at least 15 minutes for you to enjoy the company of your friends and family. Shortly afterwards we will continue with any group shots you’ve requested.
I ask as part of your booking to let me know of any special shots you might want at this point, whether you’ve got relatives you hardly ever see who you’d like a photo with, or perhaps a few photos with individual family members like grandparents or distant cousins. Once we’ve completed our list we can move on to your individual portraiture and allow your guests time to relax and enjoy themselves.
Personal Portraiture
This part is all about YOU. Using what time we have remaining, we will wonder through the venue grounds and take some stunning imagery of just the two of you. This will be a fun, relaxed and often romantic opportunity for us to take some creative photographs using a mixture of backgrounds and locations. I never do forced and unnatural posing or make things awkward at this point. Most couples are just happy to have a moment to themselves, to reflect on what’s happened and enjoy each others company. I simply place you somewhere, walk away from the scene and simply photograph what I see. If I’m quiet at this point It’s simply because I like what I see and there’s no need to interfere.
Brides, It’s often advisable to have a spare pair of footwear, especially if the venue has large grounds as you won’t want to be walking over grass in your expensive heels and sinking in the mud. Your feet will often be hidden under your dress so don’t worry about them showing in your photos. Consider having a warm jacket or throw if we’re shooting in the winter season.
Meals & Speeches
If I haven’t already done so by this point, I’ll photograph your table plan and wedding breakfast setup before you and your guests arrive making sure to capture all the little details you’ve added and might overlook during this busy day. It’s always advisable to have your speeches before you eat ensuring your photographs contain nice shots of your table plans before they become covered in empty bottles and dirty napkins. This also alleviates the pressure of the forthcoming event from the speech givers allowing them all to go on to enjoy their meals. I will be in the room with you while the speeches are delivered documenting them throughout.
With each speech I work my way from photographing the speech giver to your friends and family as they cheer on, giving great candid images of your guests. You’ll then move on to enjoy the amazing banquet you have ahead of you while I quietly work in another room backing up all the day’s photography and getting a start on the editing process.
Cake & First Dance
As the evening rolls on and the day slowly winds down, we come to the cutting of the cake and the first dance. The cutting of the cake rarely lasts more than a few minutes, but is still a fun and energising experience. I’ve usually set myself up in preparation and photograph you both together cutting the cake, followed with the few moments of whatever might follow before the cake is taken away and the floor readied for your first dance. All eyes have been firmly on you up until now, and that’s not about to change.
Take your place in the spotlight, close yourself off to all surroundings and bask in the ambience. I’ll be keeping my distance and photographing as you bust a few moves, do a few head-spins, backflips and robotics. As the rest of your family and friends join in, I continue to take photos capturing the atmosphere and energy as the dance floor fills with family and friends keen to join in the fun.
Happily Ever After
My time with you as your wedding photographer is almost done. At this point I always make sure to catch you before the first dance just to say my farewells. I usually fade away while the party is in full swing and continuing through the night so it’s best to say goodbye now rather than while you’re relaxing into the evening.
I also like to check if there’s any particular photos you still wish to take before my journey comes to an end. Unless we have fireworks, sparklers or any other events occurring after the dance, I will pack up my equipment and leave the happy revellers to enjoy the rest of your wedding.
A Few Final Notes
Leave it to me
More and more couples are inviting their guests to leave all their cameras and phones in their car throughout the day. This allows your guests to enjoy your wedding without distractions and ensures that no important moments are blocked or missed by your professional photographer due to aisles or views being blocked by selfie sticks or extended arms.
First Kiss
This is such a big moment for you both. Your first kiss as newly weds, every other kiss after this one is just a kiss. Your photographer will always be anticipating this moment so don’t be shy, give us something worth waiting for. If you simply peck each other for a split second it can easily be missed and honestly, is that all you can do? Be passionate, show each other the love you feel and make it last longer than a second giving your photographer enough time to catch it.
Don’t Stress The Dress
You spend months picking out the perfect dress for your big day, the last thing you want is to be walking around with dirt all over it, just because your photographer asked you to swan dive into bushes and brambles. This, I won’t ask of you :) however, walking around the venue grounds for your photography is likely to add a scuff or two to your dress. Whatever the case, none of it will make it to your final photos so embrace the moment, don’t stress the dress and enjoy your day to the fullest.
Confetti
The confetti shots are what you make of them. It’s a brief moment full of energy and laughter involving you and all your guests. So let’s have some fun! Don’t be shy, enjoy the moment while you’re showered with love from those closest to you. These photos will reflect your energy input, if you simply stand there, that’s all we’ll get. However, if you dance, laugh, kiss, encourage the guests and stir more laughter, it will all show in your final photos.
By North East Wedding Photographer Marco Damian
Available for weddings throughout Newcastle, the North East and across the UK. Photographing weddings with passion and verve for people in love. please get in touch If you would like me as your creative companion for your special day.