Lydia's Guide to Photography on Your Wedding Day

You may have lots or not much experience of what we photograph on a wedding day. I have a full guide I have developed (available on request) but here is a taster of the type of shots you could get or would want to think about

Getting Ready

I like to get at least an hour with you beforehand

Specific shots include:

Zipping up dress
Makeup
Reveal to Dad/ Bridesmaids

The Details

Jewellery, Flowers, invitations. Things your friends have made you or heirlooms passed on

Groom(s)

Often done with a second shooter or if I can organise to go before I visit the bride/ meet at the church
Usually a mix of artsy getting ready but also capturing the fun fit with your friends
Prompts such as running after them/ doing a fake groom reveal is always great

Bride(s)

Individual portraits taken before the ceremony or afterwards
I like getting photos playing with the light
Can find a place that is special to you or shows off your favourite features

Ceremony

Wherever you have a ceremony it may look like this:

Bride & bridesmaids walking up the isle
Vows
Exchangeof the rings
The first Kiss
Readings/ Poems
Signing of the register

Churches

Churches can be important for you to have your wedding in, whether you attend their/ your parents have. Let me know who is involved in helping make it work on the day so I make sure I don't miss any shots!

Prayers, worship
Please Note: Church’s often have rules that I have to abide to around where I can go and no flash so my photography kit is designed especially around this

Town Halls

Town Halls can vary their rules on photography so its always good to check before hand- they may also be able to recommend lovely spots for photos!

Confetti

Tips:

Getting good round biodegradable confetti (I have recommendations if you are interested) Personally I don't think you can ever have enough!
Having nominated friends to give out confetti
Walking slowly and enjoying yourselves! Even take a spin

Formals

I like having a bit of fun with the formals and groups. For standing and smiling ones, I would recommend maximum of 10 different group shots (with parents/ grandparents) as more than this usually causes your smile to fade!

Group Shots

For groom/ bridesmaids ones its always fun to do a bit of a creative throw/ pose/ a slow walk forward that people usually really like having.

Golden Hour

The hour before the sun sets when the light is at its most “Golden”.

I will research sunset times and locations if this is something you would like and we will do a quick sneak-off to catch the light (Weather always permitting though!)

Couple Shoot

These I will work with you to help make you the most comfortable and that the photos reflect YOU as a couple
Whether that’s a location that we/ you have scouted before, something that means something special to you
Geting you to have some light prompts to laugh and feel relaxed
Some for the “Wow” factor because you really do look great. Some a bit lovey-dovey (if that’s what you would like!)

Speeches

All the emotion, the laughs and the cheers
I will take pictures from different angles including:
- speech makers
- Peoples reactions

Candids

Candids are my jam! These little moments make the wedding day:

the laughing,
the reactions
the chatting
the little looks between each of you
I love doing these and make a lot of time to do them. If you have a second shooter then they will also be tasked to make sure we don’t miss any moments if we are off doing a couple shoot/ so we can be in more places at once!

Food

To some people (like my husband)- food is very important! Often skill of many great people involved. Pictures can include:
Special cake arrangements
Favourite desserts
Anything specific you would like

The Cake

Beautiful Cakes often deserve their own photo!
A traditional photo for the day usually involves cutting the cake