Lucy Onions Photography

Oh gosh, it's really hard to choose. On a personal level, it was shooting the wedding of my very, very good friends, Leigh and Nick at the Hundred House Hotel. It was just a spectacular day with two sets from local legend, Yam Yam Elvis. Then, the most unique one was a shoot I did in a windmill in Rayleigh which went on to Southend-on-Sea Pier for afters. All my weddings are memorable to me though in one way or another. I just feel incredibly privileged to be part of something so important.

Quirky. Natural. Fun. Unique. Fabulous.

That's easy! The rapor I strike up with all of my couples and their families and friends. I come away from each shoot with brand new friends. I often meet up, socially, with my couples and/or their families on more than a few occasions after the event. It's just fantastic to have that connection with them.

I would say, don't let others dictate. You're only going to do this once and your wedding day should be exactly how you want it to be. Don't try to please anyone else other than yourselves. You want to look back and say, "wow, that was awesome!" not, "If we had to do it all over again, I would..."

The list is endless, seriously. From the "cheese" cake to the shopping trolley. From the gelato to the surprise, Stoke City themed wedding cake. From the limo to the horse racing. And then, of course, there was Yam Yam Elvis.

Once first contact has been made, I arrange with the couple to meet up either at their home, mine or somewhere mutually convenient and a time that is convenient for them. It hasn't got to be straight away, whenever they are ready. At first meeting I allow the couple to tell me what they want. We discuss themes/styles, type of ceremony, venue - everything. I will listen but I will also give my own opinion if it is necessary. I believe that's why I've stayed friends with my couples; we tend to hit it off at that very first meeting. The couple will be asked to pay a £100, non refundable deposit, to secure their date.

I then meet up with them again, and again at a time and place that is convenient for them. And I will meet them as many times as they feel necessary before the big day. Generally though, couples seem more than happy on the two meetings.

The outstanding balance can be paid in instalments leading up to the day (there really is no set time for instalments. We can arrange to suit) or it can be paid in one go. As long as it is paid, in full, at least one week before the big day, then we're all happy.

I can't say what their #1 photo should be. It differs for every couple. All I would say is to keep traditional, forced poses to an absolute minimum. Let's show everyone how much of a good time you had on your wedding day. I'll let you look at my photos and you can make your mind up on that.

You know, I've never been "asked" to take a particular photo. I'm very lucky to say that my couples trust and believe in me to document the whole day. Of course, I ask couples to let me know if there is anything specific they want me to get, but other than that, I have free reign.

Don't let it get you down! Mother Nature is a fickle woman and there's nothing you can do about bad weather. Take it on the chin. If it's teaming down with rain, we stay inside in the warm but I do love wedding dresses and wellies and its amazing what you can get up to with an umbrella!

I actually started off in gig/live music photography and did a few weddings on the side, just for experience. I've always had a passion for creating striking images. Incidentally, 90% of my wedding couples have checked out my music photography as well as, and in a few cases, instead of, my wedding photos. I love to add a bit of rock n' roll to my images. Give them some edge.