Rishi Rai Photography

So many to choose from - every wedding is different and I treat them as such. If I had to pick, I would probably go for my first official wedding i.e. when I got paid rather than just 'friend with camera!' It was trial by fire, nerves were on edge and I was so worried about ruining someone's big day but it turned out to be the most fun day - there was a beautiful rural venue, we had a laugh with the photography, I shot documentary style for most of the day but had a creative shoot with the bridal party (which is something I've done ever since) and enjoyed myself so much I stayed until the end! Even I was amazed by the photos I managed to capture that day. It was the day I decided that this was the career for me and I can't thank the couple in question enough for starting me down this road I love so much!

Innovative, Glamorous, Adventurous, Creative & Fun

Putting a smile on people's faces. The truth is, you won't remember a lot of your wedding day, it'll go by in a blur. Your photographs are how you remember the day, especially in years to come. That's why it's of the utmost importance to me to provide clients with the highest quality memories possible.

Nothing makes me prouder than the emotions on a couple's faces when they see their album for the first time and knowing that in decades to come they'll show these same photos to their grandchildren and they'll dream of a wedding day as magical...

Enjoy yourselves - not really a planning tip but make sure you don't get carried away with the minutea of the day and just relax and enjoy it.

In terms of planning tips - book the venue and date first. Then the photographer then everything else. Do it in that order to ensure you get the photographer you want - a caterer can manage several weddings in one day, a photographer can't (and if they say they can, I'd question it!!)

Photography-wise - I always advise clients to be organised. Weddings generally run long but if we can stick to schedule on things like family & friends shots (I'm always available to help with this) you can minimise this and get on with enjoying your day.

Normally when a couple get in touch, I'll have an initial conversation via phone (or email if they prefer). I meet (or Skype if distance is an issue) a month or two before the wedding/pre-wedding shoot to discuss the couple's interest and hobbies (I like to incorporate these into the shoots where possible) and any themes for the wedding. This is when we also plan through the logistics of the day. I also set up a Pinterest board so we can share ideas between us.

I like to be as flexible and helpful as possible so I'm available at anytime for a chat or if it's a simple question, pop me an email or text. The way I see it, I usually have more experience of weddings than the couple, so why not use that to help them out where I can?

I arrange a viewing of their photographs for 6 weeks after the wedding. At the viewing we can also discuss which photographs to use for their albums, layouts and designs of albums and any prints they might want too.

One that captures the love between them.

Weddings are diverse, there are different cultures and beliefs to consider. The one constant at any wedding is love - that's the most important thing to capture.

Umbrellas and go with the flow (pardon the pun).

My dad had had a love of photography since before I was born - ever since I can remember I had a camera.

When I moved to London I started taking photos at gigs and I'd trek around town shooting street photography too.

I took some photos at a friend's birthday party and he asked me to shoot his wedding. That's when I found my passion.