How to Have a Wedding Day That Actually Feels Like You

salmon

Ruby

For the couples who want a wedding that feels less like a performance and more like the beginning of their next adventure.

meadow wedding ceremony — Saying I do in the meadow

Tractor decorated as wedding car — Saying I do in the meadow

There’s something wonderfully free when you realise your wedding doesn’t have to look like everyone else.

It does not have to follow a perfectly timed Pinterest timeline. You don’t have to choose traditional or even spend hours in front of the camera smiling on cue.

Your wedding can be a little wild, a little imperfect and all yours. I’m thinking an intimate cermony with your favourite people along for the ride. A countryside affair in Cheshire finishing in a cosy country pub. An elopement on the North Wales coast taking in spectacular views. Or dinner under the stars, why not? Maybe your dog, or even your horse is included in the party.

The most beautiful weddings happen when they feel like the couple saying the “I do’s”.

Start with how you want the day to feel

Before you even think about colours, flowers, stationery or venue ask yourself how you want the day to feel. Some ideas to think about, do you want to feel, relaxed, wild, romantic, joyful or emotional. Once you have that idea in your mind let that guide your decisions.

If you want to spend most of your day outside choose a venue that suits that. And if the idea of spending your wedding day being shuffled from one photograph to another fills you with dread, choose a photographer whose approach allows you to actually experience your day.

Forget the wedding ‘shoulds’

There are a lot of things you’re told you should be doing when planning your wedding. You should have a certain number of bridesmaids, married in a church, a sit down meal, cut the cake, hundreds of guests, a first dance, the list is endless.

But here is the thing. You really don’t have to if you don’t want to. So ask yourselves if it’s something you really want. By all means if it makes your heart sing to have 8 bridesmaids then honestly do it. It’s your day and I’m a great believer in the mantra YOUR DAY YOUR WAY.

Choose a venue that feels like you

Your venue will not only be the place you say the all important ‘I do’ it will be the backdrop for your photos too. But think beyond what it will look like on Instagram, how does it make you feel? Can you imagine yourself having that long lunch in the garden? Is there beautiful, natural light? Can you relax? Does the space give you the freedom to create a wedding rather than simply follow a package?

From romantic countryside venues around Cheshire and the Wirral to intimate celebrations in Liverpool and wild windswept beaches in North Wales there’s literally a space to suit eveyone.

Build your timeline around the experience

One of the biggest mistakes I see couples making is creating a timeline that looks great on paper but leaves them rushing from one thing to the next. Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need to get ready, you can soak up the atmosphere and not feel rushed. Leave time to connect with the people around you, most importantly with each other too.

We’re actually married

And you need to celebrate that together. Yes, take time for some stunning couple portraits, but this doesn’t need to take hours out of your day. A little gentle direction, beautiful light, five to ten minutes here and there throughout your day can be just the ticket to create something gorgeous.

The rest of the time?

Enjoy your wedding and leave your photographer to simply document it as it happens.

Choose details because they mean something

Your wedding doesn’t need to be filled with details simply because weddings traditionally are. Choose the things that are part of your story.

Maybe a favourite flower, one that your grandparents used to always have on their table. A favourite childhood book as inspiration for your stationery. Your favourite all time meal on the menu. A vintage car that you’ve always admired. Your dog or horse beside you. The little details will make your photos more memorable in years to come.

Don’t be afraid of imperfect

I find that the very best photographs are the ones that weren’t exactly planned. Where you’re laughing so hard you can’t breathe. The little glimpses and the impromptu tears. That’s the kind of wedding photography I love. Romantic, yes. Beautiful, absolutely. But real.

Let yourself be photographed without the ‘knowing how’. One thing I hear most often from couples is ‘we’re really awkward in photographs’. My answer is that most people feel this way, you don’t need to know how to pose, you don’t need to be confident in front of the camera and you definitely don’t need to spend the day performing for me.

I’ll guide where needed, I’ll find the beautiful light, I’ll give you little prompts rather than stiff poses. And then I’ll simply step back. You’ll be amazed when you forget I’m there. You’ll talk to each other, laugh, move, touch and look at each other while being true to yourselves.

Choose a photographer who understands what matters to you

Your wedding photographer may be around for a surprisingly large part of your wedding day. So it goes without saying don’t just choose someone because you like their photos, choose someone who is going to be a great fit for your day. Could you imagine sitting down over a cup of tea with them for a natter? Do they know when to step forward and when to disappear into the background?

For me wedding photography is about finding that balance between beautiful editorial imagery and the completely unplanned moments. I create space for the photographs you dream of but I’ll also be looking for the photos you didn’t even know you needed.

If you’re planning a bespoke or intimate wedding

My approach to wedding photography is relaxed, romantic and a little bit wild. I’m here for each of my couples with individuality.

I’m drawn to natural connection, beautiful light, honest emotion and imperfect moments that make the day totally yours.

I’ll give enough direction to feel confident in front of the camera while leaving plenty of space for you two to enjoy the day.

Whether you’re planning in intimate wedding in Cheshire, a city celebration in Liverpool, a romantic countryside wedding on the Wirral or an adventurous elopement in North Wales, I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming of.