What is your most memorable wedding?
Ross & Chloe. They made the whole day so memorable by having their personalities shine through their wedding. There were endless personal touches, her dress was handmade by her family, they literally tied the knot during the ceremony and they even had the most well behaved (furry) ring bearer. Ross chose to take his new wife's name instead and I think that was the ultimate declaration of love as not many men do that now. To this day I still reminisce about the wedding with them both.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Bright. Natural. Happy. Authentic. Fun.
What about your business are you most proud of?
That I've had couples base their day around when I'm available. They wanted to make sure that they could have me as their photographer over where they would have their wedding! That was a true highlight for me since starting my business.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
It's your day, so have it your way. I completely understand that the B&G's families want to get involved and pitch their own ideas. But I've heard some horror stories over how couples ended up doing the day how others wanted and they've regretted it since. At the end of the day, it's the two of you getting married, no one else, just you two. Do it exactly how you want.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
During the speeches, the bride's Dad gave her a gift. He had managed to restore an old photo of them both from when she was younger. The photo had been beautifully framed and he presented it to her during his speech. I'm not ashamed to say it, but I was in tears to when that happened. There wasn't a dry eye in the house and it was just the most amazing moment I've seen between the Bride and her Dad.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I always like to get to know my couples, even just a little bit before they book me. I think it's really important that the couple and photographer can get along great. After all, the photographer is the one wedding vendor that you'll spend most of your wedding day with!
After booking, I like to visit the venue with my couple. See where everything will take place, see the best spots for taking photos on the day, see if they have any inspiration for what photos they might like too!
I keep in contact with all of my couples on the run up to their big day! I like to let them know that I'm always there for any kind of help if they need me. A little bit of reassurance can go a long way!
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
Grandparents. Not to get too personal, but I no longer have my grandparents in my life. It kills me to think that they'll never get to witness me walk down the aisle on my big day. I always tell my couples that if they have their grandparents there at their wedding, get as many photos as you can with them. They have no idea how much those photos will be treasured once it's all they have left. And I always aim to get shots of the grandparents having fun on the day as well.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
Enjoy it! At the end of the day, the one thing you can't control is the weather. As long as you have some umbrellas on hand (which I always do!), you can get some amazing shots in the rain! Just because it's raining, it doesn't mean it has to put a damper on the day.
Describe how you got into photography.
Pure luck! I will admit, I was never into photography when I was younger. I always had an artistic streak, but it was more to do with drawing and painting. I got told to take photos instead, and I loved it! I managed to snag a job as a second shooter for a wedding photographer a few years later and once I plucked up the courage to go out on my own, I couldn't imagine do any other job but this!