BEHIND THE LENS There are so many photographers out there! How do we choose the right one for us? The first thing to do is to narrow down the suppliers you’re looking at based on the style of photography you like seeing the most, such as posed, formal, contemporary and documentary styles – their portfolio should speak to you. Photographers with a wide range of skills in many genres are often the most versatile and creative, as many genres hone specific transferable skills that can be used in wedding photography. For example, I spend a lot of time doing street photography and people-watching; this allows me to be on my A-game during wedding shoots. I see things before they happen and capture those moments that are gone in a split second. Once you know the style you like, the next step could be sending out an email or sending a message through social media. The promptness of a reply will indicate how reactive they are. The last thing you want is to wait days for a response to questions! Often, it’s also great to arrange a face-to-face meeting as you want to ensure you gel with your photographer, but this can also be done through a video call as not everyone can be free at the same time these days! Robbie Khan | Robbie Khan Photography | www.robbiekhan.co.uk EXCHANGING VOWS We’re thinking of hiring a celebrant for our upcoming wedding. What should we take into consideration before booking? Having already decided to book a celebrant for your special day, explore who will be the best fit because each celebrant has their own personality, style and ideas. The important thing to remember is that a supplier shouldn’t expect you to compromise ‒ you deserve to have your wedding your way. So, research and go to those wedding fayres to find the perfect company for you. When you decide on your ideal venue, be free to decide whom you can have to create your ceremony. Even if you have chosen a registered venue, you can still have your chosen celebrant to ensure the ceremony is exactly as you’ve dreamt. I love many aspects of being a celebrant, such as meeting couples at the start of their plans, sharing ideas and exploring not only venues but a variety of locations that will fulfil their dreams. Rules, scripts or time constraints do not bind us unlike a registrar. Whether you’re after traditional, simple, romantic, fun, themed, futuristic, vintage, retro or utterly out-there theme – anything goes! Befitting your personalities or beliefs, we can include rituals such as handfasting, ring warming and sand blending, to name just a few ‒ there are so many choices to personalise your ceremony. Mandi Murfitt | Mandi Murfitt Celebrant www.mandimurfittcelebrant.co.uk A PASSION FOR FASHION When should my mum start looking to buy her mother-of-thebride outfit? Start your search six months in advance for several reasons! Unlike the high street and bridal shops, the available stock is on display ‒ it’s unlikely the team can order in another size. Like many occasion wear companies, we place orders six months in advance as the designers cut to order before moving on to another season. We also order limited numbers, and not every size is available. As you would expect, the popular sizes go the quickest. We carry more than 1,000 dresses in store with one of the largest selections in Hampshire and Dorset. This also keeps the exclusivity so the market isn’t flooded with the same designs. Another thing to take into account is during peak season, seamstresses become very busy, and you may not get an appointment for any alterations needed if you purchase your outfit close to the event date. During peak times, the turnaround can be eight to 10 weeks or even more. Start your search early, and if you find an outfit you love, don’t leave the store without it! Too often, we have to deal with disappointed ladies who have gone away to think about it and return only to find the dress they loved is now sold. Debbie Hill | Charisma of Fawley https://charismaoffawley.co.uk www.robbiekhan.co.uk www.veni-infantino.com 78
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