ON THE DAY (for larger weddings)

As important as your pictures are, I think that the most important thing is to enjoy your wedding day. To that end I'll do everything in my power to make sure that the photography portion is relaxed and enjoyable.

Sure, I'll need some time with both of you to create some beautiful portraits. As long as we can get a minimum of 20 minutes or so of uninterrupted time to do this, then the rest of your day is your own to be with the people closest to you. I like to keep the portrait sessions short enough so that you get a little break alone and have plenty of time to enjoy your friends and family.

If you wish to have some family group pictures then it's important to consider the time needed for that as well. I've had years of experience with this and I've managed to hone this important part of the day to make it as efficient as possible. I have a tick list that I can send on so we'll have it planned beforehand.

I've given an example timeline below to show you how I would usually suggest working.

TIMELINE

I usually start coverage of preparations around 90 minutes before the ceremony (venue and travel time dependant).  This allows plenty of time to get some great images and for you all to be used to the camera being around.

After the ceremony I'd usually photograph any requested bridal party and family portraits. We'll have this all arranged beforehand which takes the pressure off you and allows your guests to get back and enjoy the party.

I'd then recommend that you go straight to your reception and enjoy a glass of something with your guests.

The light quality on your wedding day may be the last thing that you are thinking about right now but light is the most important thing in photography. The best time for portraits is closer to sunset. In Scotland this usually falls around dinner time. It can be more than worth missing the last couple of bites of dessert to do a 15 minute portrait session at sunset. It also gives you a little break with each other.

Example of a 9 hour day for bigger weddings

12:00 Begin Coverage

1:30 Ceremony

2:30 Bridal Party & Family Photographs

3:00 Drinks Reception

5:00 Cake Cutting/Speeches/Dinner

7:30 Some quick extra portraits

7:45 Sunset (time of year dependant)

8.00 Evening Reception