PICTURE PERFECT Can you offer us some advice on how to look natural in front of the camera? There are several ways a couple can ease their camera shyness and anxiety, some are for the couple to do and others for the photographer. Most wedding photographers would call themselves ‘documentary’, which basically means you shouldn’t really notice them – it’s their job to fade into the background and capture the events as they unfold but using their experience and skill to get great photos rather than just snapshots. They’ll use different lenses and cameras and so on, none of which you need to worry about and probably will never even notice. Just enjoy the day and allow the photographer to do their job. For myself, I like to intrude on the day slightly and many other photographers will too. We’ll simply find a few perfect places for photos of you as a couple, somewhere with a light and colourful background, where the light will make you look a million dollars. We’ll just ask you to stand or sit and maybe say: ‘have a chat and catch up on the day’. We’ll then wait for a moment where you’re gazing into each other’s eyes and without you realising we’ll take a photo. These photos are often used as the centre-fold for the wedding album later. Do note though that some photographers make a big deal of the couple photos and will want to spend a long time with you both on multiple occasions, for many couples this is perfect, but if you’re camera shy or anxious, then it may be best not to select this type of photographer, so choose ‘documentary’ or ‘reportage’ instead. Allen Blasdell www.creativepixelphotos.com CHOICES, CHOICES We’ve narrowed down our venue choices but can’t seem to make up our minds. What questions should we ask to help us decide? A lot of people will give recommendations, which are helpful, but keep in your mind what you both want. Visit your narrowed-down venues multiple times. Every time you visit, you will notice more about the space. Are there enough plug sockets where you want them? You don’t want to be tripping over extension leads just so you can have the photo booth you’ve been dreaming of. Set a budget. It isn’t always easy, but you will be able to find a beautiful venue that fits in with how much you want to spend. Location. Do you have many friends and family coming from a distance? Is on-site or nearby accommodation important? Are the travel connections reasonable? Confirm the decorating and supplier options for the venue. Some have a list of recommended suppliers they allow on-site, which may not include the one you have your eye on. It may also not have the space for the four-piece band you have in mind, or their music cut-off time may be earlier than you had hoped. How much involvement do you hope to have in the setting up? Would you prefer to be the one to put the favours on each place setting for the wedding breakfast or would you like to minimise the stress with a wedding planner to do this for you? This may not be an option with barn-style venues, whereas typically with hotel weddings, an in-house wedding planner can reduce the workload and assist with the planning process, as well as the hands-on aspects of the day. The wedding team at The Orwell Hotel www.theorwellhotel.co.uk Greatbanks Photography www.creativepixelphotos.com DRESSED TO IMPRESS I’m nervous about my first bridal appointment. What can I expect, and what should I take with me? First off, it is completely normal to be nervous. It’s such a huge thing for a bride to find her dress, but your nerves should be mixed with excitement too! I make it my priority to chat with my brides about their wedding, to try and alleviate some of those nerves and get a feel of what style they might like. Most brides come in with no idea of what they like, and that is absolutely fine! Your stylist is with you, part of your bride tribe now, and they will use their judgement and experience to help guide you through dresses until you find the one. There are only two things that are essential to take with you for your bridal appointment. Firstly, whoever you need to be there to help you say yes to the dress. If you want your nan’s approval, make sure she’s there! Whoever it is, ensure you bring them along on the day. Secondly, keep an open mind – your stylist knows what they’re doing! If you wanted, there are some items which you might like to bring, but they’re not that important at this point: •Shoes similar to those that you’d like to wear on the day. •Any jewellery or accessories that you know you’ll be wearing with your dress. •Nude underwear, especially if you’re thinking of a fitted dress. •A hair clip is usually handy to pop your hair up and out the way whilst you’re trying on lots of dresses. Remember to just enjoy the experience, regardless of whether you find the dress or not. Ensure you take something away from every single appointment, whether that’s a particular shape or colour or neckline that you like. Then you begin to narrow your search down to find the one. Michelle Tinsley www.lilyfrancisbridal.co.uk www.carolineacasterphotography.co.uk 62
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