Struve Photography

I had this amazing couple who planned their wedding on a beach at the bottom of the garden. They had 80+ guests... and it was about three metres wide when I arrived - it looked like it was going to be a very tight squeeze! But they had a vision and lo and behold, the tide went out right on cue in time for their ceremony. They had all their friends come and help out and pitch in on the day. It was truly personal, and the fact people cared about them so much was just beautiful to see.

fun, relaxed, intimate, flexible, creative

I've built a business doing something that I love. When you do something you think about near constantly, that's a great job to have. When you've made it yourself from scratch, and people love what you do, that's a fantastic job to have.

Trust your gut instinct when you're planning. Don't compromise on the things that are important to you and settle for second best, because you'll always wonder "what if". Oh, and don't sweat the small stuff - it's not going to stop you getting married and having the time of your life.

A guess-who game with photos of all the guests!

Start off with a chat - even before you book. You tell me what you're after and all about your plans and I find out what you need from your photos. Then we go into the booking process and you can pick whatever package works best for you. In the run up to your wedding, I'll be in contact with you, giving you all the best advice that I've learnt from over 10 years of attending weddings, helping you get the timings so everything runs smoothly. On the day, I'm there from whenever you need me to start - and I'm going to be taking photos of everything as it unfolds. All the stuff you can't predict, all those mad wee moments that catch you off guard, the giggles. Afterwards - sneak peek time, and then a bit later on, your full gallery.

I don't think there's a single photo you must take at a wedding - it's entirely your call. What would warm the cockles of one person's heart might be cheesier than a packet of mini cheddars in a cheesemonger to someone else. Do it your way.

Probably the one of the very elegant bride, who had originally planned a very beautiful castle wedding, having postponed her date and then having a wry smile outside Ann Summers instead while drinking fizz.

Be flexible! I shoot weddings in Scotland, and the chances of rain even in the middle of July can be fairly common. It's how you manage it that counts. Make sure you've got time so that if you need to wait an extra fifteen minutes, you can. If you need a change of footwear or brollies, organise them. If you don't want to contend with being outside, make sure your venue has lots of space inside for you and your guests to be comfortable.

It was a hobby that got a bit carried away. I went to uni from school and did a degree in languages, got an office job and I was working away but taking photos as a hobby. I then left, went to college to study it. That's the abridged version.