What is your most memorable wedding?
The three weddings I covered in Italy were all spectacular and a real adventure for me! Such beautiful landscapes and to shoot a wedding somewhere like Lake Garda was a dream. The wedding in Port Rush, Northern Ireland in July 2018 was pretty amazing too (apart from the downpour on the wedding day - eek!).
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Fun, natural, romantic, adventurous, artistic.
What about your business are you most proud of?
The very kind reviews from happy clients and the beautiful images I've created.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don't take it too seriously and get worked up over all the planning. It's supposed to be a fun day. Not everything will go to plan but 95% of it will. Breathe and relax. Oh, and invest in the things that will help you remember the day i.e a decent photographer and videographer. Is that more than one tip?
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Someone did save it until their speech to announce they were having a baby which was a lovely moment. Another groom was a film fanatic and hired a cinema to get married in, a Delorean to travel to the reception in, and a rehearsed medley of famous movie dances for their first dance.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
Answer an enquiry with any info they require and suggest a meet up to look at some albums, get to know each other and see their venue. Upon booking then keep in touch up to the wedding date to see how they are getting on and swap any ideas. On the day itself arrive with a list of group shots, a timeline of the day and names of the wedding party (all provided by the couple) to ensure things go smoothly.
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
Hard to say as how do you put a value on photos with a bride or grooms parents or children. They are all important. Main ones to get - group shot of everyone, parents, bridesmaids, best man, close family & friends, and not forgetting some nice couple shots.
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
I was asked to photograph a bride and groom having a 'first touch' whereby they were separated by a door but wanted to say a few reassuring words to each other before the ceremeony without seeing each other. It was nice to see both their expressions from where I was standing then they could not see each other.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
Embrace the rain and be flexible. When it stops raining and you want outdoor shots be ready to pop outside whilst there is a break in the weather. Have some umbrellas on standby and be brave enough to go out in the rain and have some shots - they look stunning with a remote flash back lighting the rain so it stands out and becomes a feature of the photo.
Describe how you got into photography.
I studied art at college and was put onto a photography course to learn about composition. I'd always liked taking photos and keeping a document of my life but learning the techniques involved got me hooked.