Expert tips to on how to plan the best wedding ever!

Make a plan

I was going to walk you through my experience of weddings, I’ve had one of my own and I’ve been to over 700 others in my capacity as a wedding photographer. I feel however looking at all the details of a wedding could take as long as writing the next volume of war and peace.  The internet is exploding with content from cool tips from The Unfiltered Bride to High End Planners who will help you spend a big budget and create a modern day fairytale experience for you. First off is deciding how to begin, where do you want to get married? In the UK, somewhere local to you, perhaps you’d like to make it more of a trip and find an area of the UK you love for its idyllic scenery like Scotland or the Cotswolds’.  Maybe you dreamed of a getting married in amongst the lemon groves in an Italian villa like Villa Catignano . There are endless options, from venues with dedicated coordinators to personal, bespoke spaces. Maybe you love the idea of a marquee wedding in a meaningful location. Or perhaps a chic London registry office like Old Marylebone Town Hall, followed by a luxury hotel or a stylish pub, is more your style.

The marriage ceremony is something I see getting more and more overlooked but I think even if you’re not keen on being the centre of attention it can be crafted to be really memorable and special. It is after all the reason you are there and as a photographer I say this with sincerity, it’s just about the two of you. The beating heart of the wedding day. Do it your way, without exception.

A Different View

I’ve always given this advice to my couples, when they’ve started to make a plan for their wedding and I stand by it wholeheartedly – weddings are about people, first and foremost. Yes, the two of you, but also the wider circle of loved ones who have shaped your lives. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? That’s because it is. And it’s true.

Next up – Good food, now I’m a foody, I get excited by a good meal and banqueting and feasting in celebration is such a truly human experience, it’s a real treat and one that whether you go for a feasting menu or fine dining, the wedding breakfast is an area of your wedding that should get lots of attention so you can really offer your guests a gastronomic experience. 

Skipping along side by side with this, are the drinks – Life is too short for bad wine, its true! – and good doesn’t always mean super expensive, it’s worth doing some homework once you’ve planned your menu. Personally I also love the idea of a cocktail hour before the dancing and evening entertainment begins.  Even if you’re not serving alcohol at your wedding getting creative and offering delicious drinks is must and shows attention to detail.

And then there’s music. I could quote Shakespeare, but I won’t. Music sets the tone, creates the vibe, and brings people together. Whether it’s a live band, a killer DJ, or an acoustic set for an intimate feel, it’s worth investing in. It’s the soundtrack to one of the biggest days of your life – make it count.

What haven’t I said? 

You may have noticed I haven’t said much about how your wedding should look. Everything I’ve mentioned so far leans towards the experience – you, your guests, the atmosphere, the moments.

Isn’t that odd for a wedding photographer?

Haha maybe yes, but your wedding is a life experience not a photoshoot, and I mean that with every fibre of my being. I love flowers – more is more always. I swoon over my favorite dress designers Jesus Perio being one of my loves.  The photography – surely I will have some pearls of wisdom when it comes to that! I really don’t, well I do of course, I want lots of pretty things and nice light please and a meal and and and … but this isn’t about me. I came here to say focus on what’s right for you not only in this moment but for the years to come.  

We’re living in a world drowning in content. Trends move fast, expectations weigh heavy. Authenticity is being sidelined for aesthetics. Branding is outpacing actual skill. It’s a minefield.

So my advice? Create the experience you want to have first, then add the aesthetics. Because when you think back or look back at your beautiful images, it won’t be the trending color palette or the Instagrammable tablescape that makes you smile—it’ll be the way the day felt. And that’s what really matters.

Make Your Wedding Unforgettable

How to plan a wedding – make it about you.

One thing I know from years in this industry—don’t miss your own wedding for hours of photos.  What you’ll cherish is the time with friends and family balance your priorities, a good photographer will be able to do it all, quick but killer portraits of you, strong documentary coverage.   

If you’re planning a wedding and like fresh beautiful photography my experience is unrivalled! Here’s what some of my couples have had to say… Kind words.