What happens on a wedding day?
I find it quite funny now, during the course of planning my own wedding, that many spouses-to-be have very little idea of what a wedding day is like behind the scenes, especially from the very beginning to the very end of the day. I’ll note here, I say “bride and groom” in this blog for ease of distinguishing between the two parties, but trust me when I say anybody and everybody is welcome in front of my lens!
As a wedding photographer, I’m lucky to get an all access pass to the whole day! Of course, no two weddings are the same, but here is a run-down of a classic, gorgeous wedding day:
We start early in the morning with bridal prep. I like to have a chat with everyone, see how the night before went, and get to know everyone before I start snapping. This is where I often get to see precious bits of jewellery exchanged and admired, and a bit of fizz opened to get the celebrations going while everyone waits their turn for hair and make up.
Groomsmen tend to have their moment while brides are finalising their looks, and it’s always a green flag when you tell them the bride looks beautiful and the reply comes “She always does!”. It’s here I see loving hugs between old friends as groomsmen and guests gather.
First looks of the bride are often done just before the ceremony, so we get hankies ready to catch any misty eyes to make sure we’re still looking perfect for the aisle. I will always have a joke on hand in case things get too weepy! That said, every hair and make up artist I’ve ever worked alongside on a wedding day has done such a brilliant job of setting everything, we have to get DEEP into the dancing stage of the evening before anyone has to worry about their mascara..!
Then comes the big moment! Over all too soon, during the ceremony I make sure to snap loving glances and knowing smiles - and try my best not to cry along with the grandparents. That first kiss is always an absolute belter, and they never get old no matter how many I see.
Next up, group shots before whisking the bride and groom away for some special pictures of just the two of them, but I plan in advance so that they don’t have to be away from their friends and family for too long - unless of course they want to be!
Then we are away into the unposed, drinks in hands, laughter on faces, dinner and dancing section of the evening. I rush off for a bite to eat while the wedding party eats, and then we catch our second wind when the band strikes up. I put my camera flash on, and make everyone feel like a celebrity as I wiggle around the dance floor with you all, capturing the action as it happens.
After all that, I have to make my way home to either the hotel or my bed. You’d think after a 12-hour day I’d be tired but more often than not I feel too excited to go to sleep! Usually I have to convince myself NOT to immediately go through all my pictures from the day and put my head on the pillow.
It’s a long day, but it goes by in a heartbeat, and it’s an honour beyond words that my couples trust me to record it all for them.
If you’re looking for a photographer for your own wedding day, get in touch! My 2025-26 diary is open.