Wedding Planning Guide

Well done… you did it. You booked a photographer who actually cares about you and your day. I’ll be here every step of the way so if you’re ever struggling with your planning or just need a third party opinion away from your family then give me a shout.

One of my couples years ago described a wedding as “just a big party for all of their friends and family where they just happened to be getting married”. Having got married myself in October 2021 I can now confirm that they hit the nail on the head. I often wish that I could go back in time and first off not relive the day as myself but relive it as one of my guests to see how fun it was from their point of view.

Seen as you’ve booked me your thinking is probably along similar lines where yeah ok you know you’re the spotlight figure but you really don’t want any segregation between you and your friends and family. Everyone is equal at your wedding and worthy of having the best day ever. Am I right?

To try and help you deliver on this “best day ever” feel I’ve put together loads of information set around each part of the day and how you can get the most out of it. I don’t expect you to read it all straight away but I promise you if you even adopt just 1 or 2 of my tips then your day will be oh so much better.

Much love and thank you once again for enabling me to live this dream life.

Adam.

The Morning

The Warm Up

Although it may not seem it, the morning of your wedding is as important as any other part of the day. It’s the first moment of your day where you’ll have your photograph taken and it gives you a chance to get used to this feeling.

I’ll turn up a minimum of 2 hours pre-service but my morning timings are super flexible and I’m prepared to do whatever to get both sides of the story. If one partner isn’t interested in photographs then they can always meet me at the venue an hour before the ceremony is about to start. Otherwise, we’ll try and plan out a way for me to get both sides of the action.

My Name’s Adam

I love walking into rooms in the morning where the energy is high and I’m greeted as Adam rather than “the photographer”. It enables me to get off to a great start with your friends and family and our relationship just builds from there.

Lights Off, Camera, Action

With me being a predominantly natural light photographer I’ll often turn any big ceiling lights off when I start taking photographs. It may seem a little strange at first but I promise you when you see the photographs you will be amazed at how incredible you look. Don’t worry too much about doing this for me I’ll just sort it when I arrive.

Some Tips

Invite as many people as possible. They don’t have to have an official title to be involved in the morning. Friends who didn’t quite make the official title cut are great to have around in the morning to bulk numbers up and raise the party atmosphere.

It’s a fact that wherever you are in the morning will end up a mess. If you’re lucky enough to still have your parents and their home then I’d recommend you consider getting ready there. Parents’ homes are usually bigger and carry lots of beauty in the background of the photographs.

Ceremony

Wherever you’re choosing to do the legal bit of your day, embrace it and make it special. It doesn’t just have to be the bit you want to get over and done. It can be so much more.

Walking Down the Aisle

Whatever sort of precession you’re having be sure to think about spacing. I’ll be at the front slightly to one side trying to capture each person making their entrance. This can be incredibly hard when people are too close to each other and almost impossible when there are small children involved.

Sending your friends down the aisle in height order (small to tall) is always great as if people do linger too close together then there is more chance of me grabbing a shot of them if the person in front is shorter. It’s also best when one person makes the whole aisle walk before the one behind starts.

If you’re choosing to carry a bouquet then just remember it would be a shame for the flowers to block your outfit. Whilst you’re keeping those flowers out of your face take a look around and go slow taking in each and every one of your friends and families’ beautiful faces.

Readings

If you’re having a civil ceremony then you’ve probably not even thought of readings as they remind you of a religious service. I advise my couples to consider them.

Remember the one friend who didn’t quite make it to having an official role? Here’s their time to shine. Give them the job of organising a reading for themselves to present. It’s amazing how much the faces of my couples light up when they’re looking at their friends rather than a registrar.

Religious Service

If you’re getting married in a place of worship you must speak with the celebrant beforehand about photography and if they have any restrictions. I’m happy for you to pass on my contact details for them to speak with me directly if this makes it easier for you both.

My preferred position is to be facing the two of you. This usually means I’m just behind the celebrant to one side facing you and all your guests. If the restrictions which the celebrant imposes stop me from going here then there’s nothing to fear. You’ll still have great photographs and it’ll cause me to be a little more inventive with my approach.

If your church is a little unique then feel free to take a video when you next visit. You can then send this over to me and it will help me get a feel for the venue before I turn up on your day.

Unplug Your Wedding

For me, the service is the part of the day where I just want everyone’s eyes to be on you. I’ll usually be photographing from behind the registrar or celebrant so your family and friends will make up the backdrop to every photograph.

No one in my experience can remain fully engrossed in this amazing moment whilst also trying to take a photograph. You’d be surprised how one person on their phone/camera in the background can draw your eye away from the action.

All of the final photographs you get will be accessible to everyone so let your guests know they don’t need to help me, I’ve got this and I am more than capable as you know.

Confetti

What should we buy?

You should be using natural confetti. Dried petals are the best for the environment. Paper confetti is biodegradable but the environmental impact is so much more for it.

Ok hold up; you know you don’t need to buy it right? Do you know that keen mother-in-law or best friend who keeps badgering you for jobs…? Yeah them. Well now is the time to put them to work. Get them to start drying flower petals on mass. It’s super easy. Just take the petals off of the flower head and lay them flat in a bright window. Depending on the time of year and weather the petals can dry in 1-3 days. I did this for my wedding and we had so much confetti! It was incredible and to be honest, had we brought it then you’d have been looking at the best part £300+.

If you don’t want the hassle then one of my favourite suppliers is Shropshire Petals. Their pick-and-mix service allows you to really embrace your colour scheme.

Don’t bother with cones or bags. It’s a waste of time and money in my opinion as it looks so much better without it. A large basket where people can grab handfuls is all you need.

How much should we buy/make?

The more the better so just go ruddy nuts especially if you’re making it yourself. Recruit neighbours to save their petals and put the word out. You’ll soon amass a small confetti fortune. If you want a place to start for a great result then I’d base it upon each guest having a chunky handful each.

When do our guests throw it?

Some venues allow guests to throw it as the couple walks down the aisle. I do love this especially if tight for time as it combines two things with one. Be aware though not all of your guests will be able to target you from the seats not directly next to the aisle.

The usual time to throw confetti normally occurs following the service. As you come out I’ll let you have a little moment with your guests to celebrate the awesomeness of what just happened. After this calms, I’ll then construct a quick line or half circle and confetti away!

Just like with everything in your day, do not worry, I’ve got it all in hand.

Family Portraits

Yes, those photographs.

Often judged as the most stressful time of a wedding day, the group/family portraits should be anything but that.

I don’t want you to feel any amount of stress on your wedding day and this is why I handle these photographs completely. I often get through them with speed whilst also making sure they look fantastic. In the past, I’ve rattled off 50 individual family photographs in just 20 minutes.

Do we need to write a list?

The short answer is No. Back in the day, I used to have my couples compile a list and then have a bridal party member handle the fetching of each person. Although on a rare occasion it worked well it was more so of a fiasco and the situation just needed someone to take charge which is why I came up with my way of doing things.

Following the service when the atmosphere is at its peak, I like to keep the photographs natural and candid. Once this all settles down I’ll sense the change in the air and start to arrange the group/family photographs.

I used to take a big group shot of everyone but I hardly ever do this now. It never looks great and it disrupts the tempo of your day.

When the time comes I’ll take one side of your family and start their photographs. Working from the full amount and then detracting people from the group enables me to keep everyone there. I’ll work back to just you and your parents before moving on to the next side and completing the same thing for them.

Done and Dusted. No fuss, just beautiful photographs of you and your family.

Your Portraits

Probably the most negatively anticipated part of the day where people wonder how I’m going to make them look some sort of normal when they feel anything but. Don’t worry these nerves are normal and the awkwardness you’ll feel only adds to the final photographs.

Do we have to pose?

HELL NO! It’s really simplistic and you’ll be surprised about the magic we create. I usually give simplistic instructions like stand over there, walk over here, etc. Then from there I want your personality to come out so I will work tirelessly talking to you from behind the camera to ease you into the process and bring your awesome personality to the forefront of the photograph.

It won’t only be the portraits where I talk from behind the camera. It’s actually a method i use all day. It’s a coping mechanism part of my personality which allows me to feel comfortable. It also makes my couples feel more comfortable, laugh more, smile more and just be their genuine selves.

Stunning Portraits in Minutes, Not Hours

In an effort not to remove you from your own wedding I will never take you away for hours leaving your guests to wonder where the heck you are. I prefer 5-15 minutes here there through out the day.

Usually I’ll take the first set whilst everyone is preoccupied sitting for their food. Then the next after the speeches and if it’s Summer I’ll squeeze in another in the evening. Because I’m led by the available light wherever I am I may get spontaneously excited about the way a shadow deepens or the light glows on your face. Embrace my spontaneous madness and you’ll get the best photographs.

Just for absolute transparency the surrounding photographs of Hannah & Sam were taken in just 15 minutes just before we went in for their wedding breakfast. They got married in February so didn’t have a lot of daylight so this was their only portrait session.

Wedding Breakfast

The Food

If you’re like me and most other people on this planet then you’d rather not have a photograph of yourself chomping down on a piece of broccoli as let’s face it, it’s not very attractive is it?

For this reason I take no photographs during the consumption of the wedding breakfast. I may take some either side of the meal when people are comfortable. Rather than photograph the gorging of food I instead use part of this time to take a break. I often put my feet up and look back at what an awesome day it’s been so far. I’ll then establish a plan for the post meal moments so that things are super streamline post wedding breakfast.

Can you feed me a hot meal? You don’t have to but it’s an absolute game changer for me. I get to sit and enjoy a lovely meal usually nearby to you and your guests so if I’m needed in a moments notice I can be up and at it asap. It doesn’t need to be the 15 course £££ a head option you may be feeding to the rest of your guests but something substantial you feel someone who’s been on their feet all day may enjoy. Just incase you wanted to know I am actually one of those awkward vegetarians also if it wasn’t hard enough already. You will actually get better photographs if you feed me. Not because I’m spiteful of those who don’t feed me. It’s because a proper meal really refuels me and gives me the push to go that much further.

The Speeches

Being a massive extravert and having spoken in front of 100s of people I do struggle to understand the trials and tribulations of public speaking.

For me though it’s entirely your decision and just because tradition says so I don’t believe you should be made to do anything which is going to make you feel most uncomfortable.

What I would suggest though is to get creative with the layout of your speeches. Add some in, take some out and make it a bit exciting and not the usual wedding lark. Some of the best speeches I’ve seen have been from the Maid of Honour or the Mother of the Bride. Don’t just stick with tradition because you feel you have to.

I’d recommend a minimum of 3-5 minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes per speech. Anything more or less than this will either not give you a good coverage of photographs or be to drawn out for your guests causing the tempo to drop right off.

The Evening

By the time the evening comes you will be so embedded in the atmosphere. People often feel they need to pile more activities into this time and it’s just unneeded. Instead; just invest your money into one thing.

If you plan to have an influx of evening guests then I would aim for at least 20. You want their arrival to only boost the atmosphere of the day. If it’s any less I always wonder why the couple don’t just invite them to the whole day. Timing of the influx of these evening guests is really important. So many venues recommend their arrival at around 19:30/20:00 and more than often it’s just far too late. I would recommend you leave it 30 minutes to 1 hour at the absolute most from your prior activity to getting your evening guests in. For example; if your speeches end at 18:00 then you should invite your evening guests from 18:30-19:00. The earlier you get your evening guests in, the more atmosphere-filled it will become. Also if you invite them too late and they may only have one and head home but invite them at earlier and they may book a room or a taxi.

Dance Floor

When it comes to the first dance there is nothing better than having your song played live. Whether this is by a friend who does you a favour or a live band it will bring the night alive and kick off the evening with a bang.

I would strongly recommend a great band. They’re not cheap but can bring an evening to life. If you do spend a lot of money on a band then don’t invest in anything else which will drag attention away from the band. So many times I’ll see a great band playing but hardly anyone is on the dance floor because they’ve also got a photo booth or a casino in the other room.

There is one main contribution to a great dance floor. That is to have you two in the middle of it. You see your guests are so much more likely to dance if you dance. If the dance floor gets going you’ll very often find me in the middle of it having an absolute rave. Make sure the timings for your band’s setlist don’t collide with when you want to talk to people or the evening food.

Photo Booth Not Essential

In the evening I’ll do the rounds capturing informal portraits of you and your friends looking at the camera. I love doing this as it means almost all of your guests have a great photograph of them to take home.

This is the perfect time to have a photograph of you and those folks from work or those few from the sports club.

Don’t forget all your guests will get access to the photographs in the end so urge them to leave their cameras at home or in their bags and have me do the hard work.

Visual Effects

“Do we need them?”

They make great photographs yes of course but do you need them? No. I would always much rather be photographing moments or creating portraits

Any visual effect especially those of the pyro-technic variety carry a risk with them.

Smoke Bombs

The End

Unfortunately, I’m no longer offering any support or guidance with smoke bombs. The risk of something going wrong is too great. Smoke bombs can stain outfits, blow up unexpectedly and burn incredibly hot putting risk to people and nature.

They also take up far too much time when I can be creative with your incredible venue. If you want to use smoke bombs then I am probably not the right photographer for you.

Sparklers

Sparkly Tunnels of Fun

I love to capture these photographs but once again you must be aware of the dangers to yourself and your clothes following the sparks flying off of them. It’s not uncommon to see little burn holes in delicate dresses or jackets.

I’ll do the arranging with your events team if you have one. I recommend not leaving this too late. Intoxication plus sparkling sticks isn’t a great mix.

Which sparklers should we buy?

Be sure to pick up the same amount as guests you have making sure they are the extra long-lasting versions. Picking up a couple of lighters also wouldn’t go a miss else we’ll be a bit stuck.

Fireworks

The older effect in this game but still able to put on a spectacular show. Now I’ve never been to a wedding where guests set off fireworks but in case you were thinking about it, please don’t. It’s a surefire way for someone to get hurt. There are loads of reputable events teams who will design you a spectacular show.

Should you be considering fireworks then I suggest you contemplate the viewing area of where you and your guests will stand. This can be a great time for photographs and it can look awesome if you have a great landscape as well as the night sky lit up.

Videography

Sorry I Don’t Offer It

Just behind the most popular confetti question is “Should we have a video of our day?”. This is one area of your day which I would in the past often not pass comment. This all changed when I got married in 2021. Myself and Cera had so many discussions about this and in the end decided to have our day filmed. We decided that because we could afford then we should most definitely have it. So if your financials allow I’d consider it.

This being said it’s important to bring someone on board who, like me, is a seasoned professional and knows what they’re doing. A budget option may seem an attractive feature for you especially after having spent all of this money but it could actually hinder my ability to create my usual high level of work.

I can recount several horror stories of weddings I’ve been at where the videographer actually has no clue and is just getting in the way. Saying this though I can also count many more where the videographers were awesome and knew exactly what they were doing. For these reasons, you need to take this decision as important as your photography decision.

People I Love To Work With

The better the fit the videographer to the photographer the greater the work I can produce. Often if myself and the videographer are on the same track I’ll give them the reins and sit back and capture something completely different from them being in control for a moment.

Below is a list of videographers of varying price ranges who I get on with really well. We’ve worked together on many a wedding so be sure to reach out to any of them and mention my name.

You must understand I’m recommending these people on their workability factor and not their final product. The final product should be something you connect with personally and my opinion should be irrelevant.

No Ordinary Films | Kennedy Films | Marvellous Videography | Vision Wave Weddings

Other Suppliers

Below is a list of suppliers I trust exponentially. They’ll do an incredible job for you and you should most definitely give them a call if you’re in need of any of their services.

Dress

Bridal Lounge | A Bridal Boutique in Newcastle Under Lyme
Myself and Louise the owner have been acquainted since the start of my journey and every time I see one of their dresses it always blows me away.

Wedding Belles Love | A Bridal Boutique in Stoke-on-Trent
The team at Wedding Belles Love are so incredibly lovely and have always supported my work. Their brides always look insnae too.

Joan Brown Bespoke | A Solo Seamstress Making Unique One Offs
Mel who is the lovely lady behind Joan Brown actually made Cera’s wedding dress.

Cake

TSP | Modern Wedding Cakes from Stoke-on-Trent
Heather and her husband used to run my favourite cafe in the city and now continue to wow my tastebuds with their delicious cakes

Music

Ukebox | 4 Piece Ukulele Band from Merseyside
A band so good I saw them at another wedding and had to have them at my own day.

Lazy Marmalade | 2 Piece Acoustic Duo
The “Lazy Marms” are just righteous dudes and I love seeing them do their thing.

Make Up Artist

Rachael Cahalin Make Up Artist | Calming & Friendly Stoke Based MUA
Rachael is so great. Her make-up application is light, and natural and looks fantastic on camera.

Make Up By Harper | Vegan Friendly Make Up Artist
Harper is someone whom I’ve become aware of by just magically coming together at weddings. Her work is exceptional and really suits her brides she works with.

Hair Artist

Michelle Jewes | Staffordshire Based Wedding Hair Specialist
Michelle stepped in last minute to do Cera’s hair at our wedding and she actually asked me to shoot her wedding but I was already booked!

Trim Hair | Stoke-on-Trent Based Wedding Hair Specialist
I’ve known Zoe for a long time now and she always does a great job. She’s also lovely to have around during an often very stressful time of your day.

Venue Decorator

Country Foxes | Bespoke Wedding Floristry & Styling Tailored To You
Kelly and myself are both referred at The Bridal Barn so we’ve become great friends over time.

Stationary

Yellowstone Paper Works | Totally Bespoke Wedding Stationary
I first heard of Hannah when she had her shop in Trentham and we’ve become good friends since.

Confetti

Shropshire Petals | Naturally Grown Confetti Petals
One of the great joys about working in Shropshire is 90% of the venues I visit consist of me driving past the gorgeous fields of flowers at Shropshire Petals.

Your Confetti | Huge Coverage Confetti
If you’re looking for confetti which gets the best coverage then look no further. It’s not natural petals but is biodegradable. Get 15% off with YCADAMLOWNDES

Photo Booth

That Prop Guy | Magic Mirror Photo Booth
I love people who take stuff seriously and That Prop Guy definitely takes stuff seriously. As a photographer I obviously have a collision with photo booths as we crossover a little bit and I often think the cost is something that can be saved as they don’t really add anything to the day. The Prop Guy gives a great evening activity along with the photographs captured.

Pet Chaperone

That’s Pawfect | Dog Chaperone
I couldn’t have even imagined our own wedding without Juno (our mini dachshund) but I also couldn’t have imagined it without a pet chaperone to look after her. Just someone to take care of her and bring her up for “pawtraits” when needed.

Live Portrait Artist

Chloe Breeze Illustrations | Live Wedding & Events Portraits
Based locally Chloe is such a lovely portrait artist who will add a bit of something different for your day. I love the idea of having her instead of bothering with favours.