2024/25 Wedding Information + Tips Guide.
HELLO & THANK YOU
If you’re reading this, chances are you or your loved one has recently popped down on a knee and slid a ring onto your finger and you’re now planning your big day - Congratulations!
Over the years as a wedding photographer, I've come across a few tips and tricks that I've found to make things a bit easier for my couples.
This information guide by no means is not a rigid rule book but rather a friendly resource designed for couples who might not be photography minded and would like a few tips that may help the planning process for their big day.
WHAT TO EXPECT
I’d like to say I’m a pretty easy-going guy who doesn't take himself overly seriously. The last thing that I want is for my clients to see me as just another wedding vendor and nothing more. Rather, see me as a friendly face that they can look to for guidance during the day whilst capturing it.
I like to keep things simple, relaxed and easy-going. I understand a wedding day inevitably brings along alot of stress, so it's important that you get a great photographer that can convert not only emotion but all aspects of the celebration because it only lasts a day. Weddings are about friends & family, not being bossed around by a photographer, so let me help you create something special.
At the core of my shooting philosophy lies the timeless principle of "minimal." Embracing simplicity, I prioritise crafting photos that stand the test of time over trends. I steer clear of relying on props, exaggerated staging, or crazy artificial lighting that may take away from the genuine essence of the moment.
IDEAL TIMING & TIMELINE
Please find a sample Wedding Timeline. This is based on my 9-hour wedding coverage, with a 3:30pm ceremony time (Summer wedding). Winter weddings typically have a 2:00pm ceremony time.
For couples that book my 6-hour wedding coverage, I recommend your photography coverage 1.5 hours before the ceremony - giving us enough time to photograph the tail end of bride prep. Groom prep will need an additional hour.
COUPLE PORTRAITS
Couple portraits are my favourite part of the day. Your portraits will be the images framed on your walls, cherished by your grandchildren, and treasured as keepsakes by your parents. I like to keep my couple portraits to 45mins, I don't want to keep you from your guests for too long!
For me, couple portraits are all about relaxing and having a moment together with your now husband and or wife. Each couple is unique, and I want to capture your wedding authentically. I limit all the stiff poses or forced school picture smiles - rather, I like to photograph small moments that you two have together (with a just bit of direction from me).
Couple portraits can be split up. I like to photograph couple portraits after family photos, as well as at golden hour and potentially even at night (for a flash shoot). I like giving my couples multiple 'scenes' from each wedding. By shooting these 3 scenes for a short period, rather than one 2hour block of photos, we will get different lighting moods, and unique images that are totally different.
Just focus on enjoying yourselves, and we'll create some incredible images that reflect your true personality and your wedding day.
Please find some examples of different lighting, at different times of the day below.
LIGHTING EXAMPLES
Harsh (backlit) lighting after ceremony
Golden hour at sunset
Flash portrait at night
FAMILY PORTRAITS
Family photos typically get photographed straight after the ceremony whilst everyone is surrounded and present (before guests start socialising at cocktail hour). I suggest couples put together a shot list of the combinations of family images they would like to capture. Some couples find it overwhelming - looking for family members, trying to remember the combinations of family members, is the only part of my day where I shoot off a shot list. I recommend that couples brief their best man/maid of honour on the shot list and whom they would like in each image, as I'll be photographing, and I'm not sure who specific family members are.
Each family photo typically takes 3mins per photo to set up and capture. In relation to a run sheet; family photos typically take 15-30mins, depending on the number of images my couples request.
Also, keep in mind that NOT ALL extended family needs to be present. Its entirely up to you who you want in your formal family portraits but because it can be overwhelming, I recommend keeping the list small.
WEDDING TIPS
Wedding Coordinator
Rain
Having a wedding coordinator is a great investment, and I highly recommend them to all my couples. A coordinator will guide you through your day, taking any on-day stress and responsibility off your shoulders.
Having someone unrelated to the wedding (not a friend or guest) will allow you to enjoy the day with your loved ones, without having to worry about moving the flowers from the ceremony into the reception, during cocktail hour.
If you're having a wedding with more than 50 guests, I would recommend looking into a wedding planner. Some great wedding planners that I have worked with can be found on the final page "Recommended Vendors".
Some of my favourite photographs I took in the rain - so it's something you shouldn't worry too much about. Clear umbrellas are a great safety net for those worrying about rain - in my opinion, they look beautiful, timeless and will keep everyone dry.
Unplugged Ceremony
It's a great idea to consider having your celebrant request asking your guests to put their phones, cameras and electronics away during your ceremony. not only does it look better in my photographs, but it allows your guests to soak up your ceremony. Everyone can get access to your wedding photos!
Share Runsheet with all suppliers
Sharing your run sheet with all your vendors and suppliers is a great idea, just so that everyone is on the same page. Although things don't always run perfectly, having something that everyone can work timings off is a great idea. If you do opt for having a coordinator, they will take care of sharing all your timing details around.
Reception Set up
I love photographing couples' receptions empty before your guests enter. having wide, empty shots of your table setups and room setups, without blazers on chairs and handbags on tables is a great addition your gallery.
VENDOR RECCOMENDATIONS
After photographing weddings for years, I have come into contact with many vendors, some of whom I like to now call my friends.
I have personally worked with all vendors listed below and personally recommend them to all my couples - they are great!
Wedding planning + coordination
Videography
Florists
Celebrants
Musicians + DJ's
Hair & Make up
www.georgiahullmakeup.com
www.emilyfaussetmakeup.com
THANK YOU
Thank you for taking the time to read through this information guide! Hopefully, you found a few tips that might make the planning of your wedding day a little less intimidating. This information guide is by no means is not a rule book but rather a friendly resource designed for my couples who might not be photography minded.
I look forward to celebrating your big day with you soon!
