CAPTURING MEMORIES So many photographers are out there – how do we choose the right one for us? Firstly, shortlist photographers whose style grabs your attention. Look at their website and social media pages to get an idea of their work before asking to see a couple of wedding galleries too. Typically, you only see a few highlights from each wedding on social media or their website. So, seeing the full range of what they can offer is ideal. Consider if you prefer a more natural style or lots of posed and dramatic images. Hiring someone you get along famously with is no good if their editing style doesn’t match what you’re after. A light and airy photographer will not want to edit your photos in a dark and moody style or vice versa. Ensure you’re happy with what they typically offer and you have a shared vision for the day. Always read reviews from couples who have used the company to give you an idea of how they work and might fit into your day. Try to meet the prospective photographer in person before booking them, as it could ruin your wedding if you don’t get along well with them. Sarah Whyte | Purple Kite Photography www.purplekitephotography.co.uk RUSTIC ROMANCE My hubby-to-be and I are having a rustic-themed wedding and would love to incorporate the style into our décor. Do you have any ideas? It’s essential to start with your colour scheme to help us bring rustic elements to your day. We can incorporate the shades into the ceremony through the styling and décor elements. A wooden statement piece like an arbour will be the perfect backdrop to the vows, and we can move this piece to the top table for the reception. Incorporate wooden log slices with cylinder vases, candles, bud vases, personal touches and chair sashes to the aisle to add those all-important details. Incorporate your colour palette to your top table during the reception, as this is a statement location where you’ll have many photos taken. Continue the rustic touches with log slices, wooden table numbers and a personalised wooden box filled with beautiful flowers to highlight your colour scheme. We can incorporate these rustic touches to the guest tables if you’d like a continuous style or combine the theme with something different on each table. A table plan and rustic signage made from reclaimed wood will create the perfect finishing touches. The key to a memorable wedding is attention to detail. Alongside your venue stylist, who should be friendly and supportive, you should be able to make your dreams a reality. Samantha Burke | Samsa May’s | www.samsamays.co.uk NOW THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT We’re looking for entertainment that will appeal to guests of all ages. Do you have any suggestions? A DJ is the perfect entertainment option for your big day. Playing the right music at the right time in a wedding environment is a skill that takes years of experience to perfect, as there’s time for eating, catching up with loved ones and dancing. Encouraging your guests to suggest songs in advance is lovely, but be prepared not to like their choices. Requests on the night require quick thinking from the DJ. Will the songs fit with the current vibe of the room or clear the dancefloor? A DJ has the whole room in mind as it’s their job to keep the atmosphere popping. They must be quick-witted, have a good knowledge of the couple’s musical tastes and only play requests that fit the specific criteria. Saying no to recommendations based on this knowledge can be tricky, especially when some guests might have had one too many drinks. A friendly and diplomatic personality is necessary for a wedding DJ in these circumstances! Around 20 songs or genres chosen by the nearlyweds in advance is the perfect number to allow the entertainer to work their magic. Mark each song or genre on your list with ‘must play’, ‘could play’, and perhaps ‘do not play’. You’ll then be able to relax knowing your DJ has your back and wants your night to succeed as much as you do. Chris Kent | CK DJ | https://ckdj.co.uk www.redpeacockphotography.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 71
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