After photographing weddings for over 13 years, I’ve learnt that weddings are never really about perfect timelines, perfect weather, or perfect details.
They’re about people.
The people who cry during speeches even though they swore they wouldn’t.
The nan who downs a few too many sherries.
The bridesmaid fixing your dress with one hand whilst holding prosecco in the other.
And honestly? The longer I do this job, the more I realise that the “perfect” moments are usually the ones nobody planned.
Your Wedding Day Goes Fast!
Every couple gets told this.
But truly… it disappears in a blink.
One minute you’re getting ready in the morning, and the next someone is handing you a cocktail whilst singing Mr Brightside on the dance floor.
And that’s why I always encourage couples to build little pauses into the day.
Take 30 seconds together after the ceremony.
Step outside during golden hour.
Actually look around the room during your speeches.
Because the day moves incredibly quickly.
Nobody Cares About Perfection
I have photographed:
- rainstorms
- veils flying into bushes
- missing buttonholes
- cakes leaning slightly sideways
- toddlers refusing every single group photo
- confetti that didn’t work
- timelines running wildly late
And do you know what?
The weddings were still amazing.
Because guests remember how a wedding felt far more than whether every tiny detail went exactly to plan.
The Best Photos Are Normally The “in-between” Ones
Of course I love the big moments:
- the ceremony
- confetti
- speeches
- first dances
But some of my favourite images happen quietly in-between everything else.
Your mum fixing your necklace.
Your mates laughing at the bar.
A grandparent sitting watching everything unfold.
Those are the moments that often become the most meaningful later.
Family Dynamics Are Real
This is something people don’t always talk about enough.
Weddings bring lots of people together, and sometimes that comes with emotion, tension, awkwardness, or complicated family situations.
One of the biggest things I’ve learnt is that kindness, calmness, and reading a room matter just as much as camera settings.
A huge part of my job is making people feel comfortable and safe.
You don’t need to spend hours taking photos!
I promise.
You absolutely do not need to disappear for half your wedding day to get beautiful couple photos.
Some of the best galleries come from short, relaxed portrait sessions where couples can simply breathe for a few minutes together.
I work quickly, keep things natural, and never want you missing your entire wedding reception for photos.
Because at the end of the day…
your wedding is for living first and photographing second.
The Weather Rarely Ruins Anything
Some of the most beautiful weddings I’ve photographed have happened in:
- pouring rain
- freezing cold
- ridiculous wind
- gloomy skies
Good energy beats perfect weather every single time.
Couples who embrace the day no matter what always end up having the best time.
Guests Remember How You Made Them Feel
This one applies to suppliers too.
People won’t remember whether the napkins were folded perfectly.
But they will remember:
- feeling welcomed
- laughing all day
- feeling relaxed
- being looked after
- dancing with people they love
That’s the stuff that lasts.
And Finally, The Little Things Become The Big Things
After 13 years, this is probably the biggest thing I’ve learnt.
The tiny moments become the treasured ones.
The way someone looked at you during the ceremony.
Your best friend crying during speeches.
Your dad squeezing your hand.
Your grandparents dancing together.
Those are the memories that grow in value over time.
And honestly?
That’s why I still love this job so much.
