Getting it just right

A professional photographer's guide

A wedding photographer has a really privileged role on what is a monumental day for so many couples; spending anything up to twelve hours with the couple and family, we get to share in many wonderful and an occasional few, not so great moments…

To create a good working relationship, the relaxed, location pre-wedding shoot is a must!

Not only is it a “practice run” to familiarise ourselves and become camera happy,  it’s to see how they interact, who is the joker or most nervous, observe their body shapes to enhance their wedding photographs and learn a little more about their relationship… it’s all good fun and really does boost the couples confidence and that of the immediate bridal party too.

Preparation is key so considering the hints below, based on my twenty years’ experience, can make your day run super-smooth and stress free; treat everything as a dress rehearsal and you will have the best day of your lives!

MUA – A good MUA will suggest you wear a similar tone top and shape to your wedding dress, take along your jewellery so you see the finished overall look. Make sure your MUA and hairdressers know the time you need to be finished. Last year we had two weddings which were both over thirty minutes late starting, as the MUA was running late!

Labels – Taking all the tags out of the dresses the night before saves time and extra flapping when the final dressing time comes…. It should be an exciting moment not a hunt for the scissors (although I do keep a pair in my camera kit)!

Shoes –We all love a stunning pair of shoes, so make sure the labels are off and heel protectors on. To keep those shoes gorgeous, why not have a cheap pair to walk round the grounds in, on gravel, cobblestones, and grass…. You can slip into your bridal shoes for specific photos.

Veils – I LOVE a cathedral veil and they make great photograph, but can really pull on a windy day, or even when receiving  all those celebratory hugs, so make sure it is securely fastened yet remove with ease; by the time you eat you’ll want it off (I promise you)

Bridesmaids – Fabulous besties that make the day fun, so put them into a dress style that flatters them. Choose a gorgeous colour that suits all skin types then alter the style to suit broad shoulders, flat chests, curvy girls; this makes them happy, comfortable, and relaxed.

Wedding Cars – Don’t go looking in a pair of jeans; go along with your dress shape in mind (even wear a pencil skirt if that helps) as no one wants to hear the rip of a seam on their wedding day.

Button-holes – Top heavy are nightmare to keep on, too big and they get crushed in the hugs, so opt for something stylish, not too delicate and order extra pins! (P.S. don’t forget cufflinks too although I do keep a couple of spare pairs in my kit!)

Suits – Guys never seem to check they have the right shirt and waistcoat – always ask them to try everything on the day they collect the suits, whilst the shop is still open. This saves a mad dash at 9am to get a larger collar size or another tie!

Umbrellas – Clear or semi opaque brollies are great for filtering the light but keeping you dry (cut the tags off to avoid it hanging down and spoiling your photographs) Hopefully if you buy them, you won’t need them!

Bouquets – Oh where do you start… I have seen the most amazing bouquets from florists such as  Red floral,  Ian Lloyd, Flower style by Laurie and Wild of Chester… but a good florist will not only consider your colour scheme and time of year, they should consider your body shape & height PLUS the dress shape. I wonder how many consider your hand size and even strength, yes you heard me… strength! I’ve seen the beautiful hand-tied bouquets with a stem wider than a mug of tea, and the longest arrangement on a tiny plastic handle, both causing the brides agony in her wrists within an hour! Cameras are heavy as I know too well, but could you carry a bag of sugar in one hand for long?

The Dress –  What a fabulous opportunity to wear an amazing, pale toned designer dress for twelve hours; hang on, you have to elegantly get in & out of a vintage car, possibly kneel at an alter (and get up again), carry a  drink, bouquet and veil whilst walking round gardens before sitting for three hours and eating an amazing banquet … and then dance in front of 100 people!

Strapless looks amazing on a lean or athletic body but really does not work if you have boobs, unless there is an inner bodice to support the weight  (I have seen a dress come down revealing all at the alter!).

Tight lacing looks great from the front, giving an amazing hourglass… not so from the back  (yes photoshop can remove bulges, but a  well-fitted dress will prevent it)  so make sure your dressers are with you at your final fitting.

Lace shoulders or even bolero jackets are great to disguise arms with a little weight at the top (a lighter weight bouquet will prevent muscular arms)

Hundreds of elastic hoops on buttons takes longer than you think, especially with nerves and false nails, so allow plenty of time and use a crochet hook (yes one of those in my bag too!)

Fishtail dresses are gorgeous and ideal for a slim build or even some curves although some can limit walking ability! Avoid if you have a larger bottom as it will accentuate your shape.

The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable in your dress so you can feel confident during every moment of your wedding.

I hope this helps as your wedding day approaches, whether this year, next or even 2022…. Planning for everything makes the day calmer, more fun and stress free….

Enjoy

Jaine B-P

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