Your South Wales Wedding - Page number 56 - May/June 2021 (Issue 79)

MOMENTS THAT MATTER Q – We’re clueless when it comes to photography. Is there a list of shots we should ask our photographer to capture? Having a photo checklist depends on what type of photographer you’re looking for. A traditional photographer will take posed photographs, while a candid photojournalistic may not take any. Some will take a combination and may ask you for a list of essential shots. For example, you might want a group portrait with your family and another with your guests. The internet is loaded with sample lists to help give you some ideas. Talk to your supplier and they will be able to advise you whether or not they require a shot list from you. Most photographers will have lots of experience and will know what pictures to take. James Matthews Photographer www.eyes2me.photography THE ONE FOR ME Q – Our wedding planner has suggested we hire a celebrant for our big day, should we book one, and what are the benefits? A celebrant is someone who has the skills and experience to create a bespoke wedding ceremony, just for you and you alone. Unlike more traditional approaches, celebrants focus on what is special to you, with no restrictions on things such as location, content or timing. They are not a legal registrar, so couples tend to do the legal bit a day or two beforehand, freeing them up to have their ceremony whenever and wherever they wish. If you’re attracted by a once in a lifetime experience that reflects what is important to you, then you should book a celebrant. ❤ A celebrant will spend time with you beforehand, getting to know you, translating your style and preferences into a personalised ceremony. ❤ No rules, no must do or can’t dos, only endless choices and options. ❤ Budget-friendly or a complete extravaganza, both are fine or anything in between. ❤ Involvement of family, friends, children or pets is a definite yes. ❤ Additional symbolic ceremonies can be made bespoke to you. ❤ There’s no requirement for a licenced venue, it’s just a case of wherever you want. ❤ Traditional, formal, quirky, romantic, retro, vintage, themed – we can cater for whatever works for you. Carol Gunter Celebrant www.yourspecialcelebration.co.uk STYLED TO PERFECTION Q – Our wedding is fast approaching, and we need to book our venue stylist, but we’re a little worried about booking someone online that we’ve never met. What should we ask before making a decision? Stylists take the space, your ideas for theme, colours and mood and combine them into a vision that works for you. Some stylists, including ourselves, are prop based, meaning we combine physical props, handmade items, tableware and smaller details with your overall vision. Other suppliers don’t hold stock and are a decorative administration service, bringing in other elements from the outside. Both options can be very effective. You will know very quickly upon speaking to someone whether they understand what you want to achieve. When it comes to couples, they fall broadly into two categories. Those for whom the look and feel are very important and have a clear vision and those who rely on the stylists to make suggestions. Before you contact a supplier, know which couple you are and the route you’re taking. If you’re the former, then send over your moodboard and ask if they have any examples of similar things they’ve done. If the latter, give them the simple details of the interior at your venue and a vague idea of the colours you like. They are likely to ask you for a few keywords to describe you and your style. A good stylist will be able to talk about what you know already and then offer you ideas to what they envisage, stock, charge and how it all works. Chat with your supplier, and you will know very quickly if they are for you. As a stylist, there is nothing better than speaking to a bride or groom struggling with this element and leaving the call excited and knowing exactly what they need. Beth Stretton Venue stylist www.meganandclaude.co.uk www.owe nhowellsphotography.co.uk www.eye s2me.photography 56