Switch Off

Unplugged weddings have become such a popular topic, the general idea is that you ask guests not to use mobile phones or cameras or to ask them to only use them at certain times. It’s something that a lot of photographers and other suppliers, especially celebrants and registrars encourage them, or suggest that guests only take photographs during the signing of the register. I get asked all the time about my preference, recommendations for how to tell guests and the best way to make it work on the big day.

Time flies

Ask any newly married couple about their wedding day and one of the first things they’ll comment on is how quickly it went. That big day has exactly the same number of hours as any other but they seem to fly by in a moment. The advice a lot of people offer is to ‘enjoy every minute’ but for this weeks wedding guide I thought I’d try to put together a few tips to help you get the most out of your day.

Fahrenheit, fans and flip-flops

This week we are looking at another top tip shared by one of last year’s lovely brides.

This very organised bride realised that getting married in the middle of July was probably going to be rather warm (and it definitely didn’t disappoint!) so she decided to leave out a few things to help her guests feel more comfortable. She organised a box of slippers (just the kind you get in hotels) and paper fans, they were really appreciated.

I’m writing this weeks blog in March. It’s currently pouring with rain and apparently snow is forecast tomorrow, the thought of a heatwave sounds absolutely amazing right now but if you do find yourself getting married on a scorching hot day, it can make such a difference just to have a few plans in place

Your wedding, your day!

“Your wedding, your day! Do want makes you both happy and not what pleases your family. If the guests you invite want to share your special day with you they will come wherever it is”

This lovely advice was from a gorgeous bride who came all the way up to Scotland to get married in a place that was very important to her and her fiancé. They poured masses of love and energy into planning a day that was meaningful to them and it was a beautiful day.

Absent friends

I’ve deliberately chosen not to put this week’s blog on any of the main social media channels as it deals with grief and loss so it might not be something you want to stumble across. If the idea of including a loved one in your wedding is important to you but you don’t know how, check out this weeks guide for some lovely ideas.

Be prepared

Part of getting ready for a wedding includes organising what my daughter calls my ‘go-bag’! It’s just a small bag I take to every wedding with some essential items that take care of pretty much everything that might occur on the morning of a wedding and I know a lot of brides like to put something similar together. Most of these items you will probably have at home but if you are getting ready at a hotel or your venue then it might be worth popping them in your bag just in case.

Go with the vibe

Rustic chic and pared back glamour, Bridgeton inspired weddings and tropical glamour…..Apparently these are just some of the must have trends for the weddings this season! Wedding planning websites, Instagram and Pinterest are all full of advice on how to have an insta worthy wedding, but do you really need a theme, a style or a colour scheme and how on earth do you choose?

Wedding Wish Makers

After the incredible experience of photographing a wedding on behalf of Wedding wish makers, it was only right that I gave them a big shout out in this week’s wedding guide!

Getting ready

The morning of a wedding is usually the most chaotic part of the day (and the best bit in my opinion!) Depending on where you are getting ready, you might be fortunate enough to have a kind friend or relative who is happy to organise tea, snacks and most importantly, prosecco, but if not, it might fall to you as the bride to plan out some options.

Our wedding

Our Wedding!

This week I’ve been reminiscing about my own wedding, 9 years ago I married a wonderful man, he’s kind, a fabulous cook, brilliant dad to our daughter and even though he winds me up constantly, I wouldn’t change him.

While I think it might be a little bit early to dispense marriage advice (come back to us in 59 years!) I’d like to think that because of my job, I do know a few things about weddings.

so nine years on, what things were really important?

8 top tips for Fabulous Florals

After a break last week to try to get caught up, it’s nice to be back with another wedding guide! After the flurry of snow at the end of February, it’s been lovely to see the first signs of spring emerging, the riot of crocuses at the school gates, the trees tipped with green shoots and some early daffodils are all beautiful reminders that the good weather is just around the corner.

This week I really wanted to focus on flowers and florals for weddings and some fabulous options that don’t break the bank

Four Seasons

It’s no coincidence that, with the exception of December, the driest months are also the most popular for weddings. A warm, dry day is usually pretty high on most couples (and photographers!) wish lists for the big day but unlike a DJ or car hire, sadly the weather isn’t something you can book in advance!

(Self) Love


It’s only a few days since Valentine’s Day but I wanted to continue with the theme of love.
I talk to lots of couples about their wedding plans, but in amongst the discussion about the number of guests and the choice of venue, a common concern comes up time and again ‘I’m not very photogenic’ or ‘I hate the way I look in pictures’ and saddest of all ‘I’m just not very good-looking’. It’s so upsetting to hear this from brides (and grooms) and I hear it far too often.

Dating

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to devote this weeks wedding guide to dating!

Valentine’s is definitely one of those marmite events, but love it or loath it, dating is definitely a really important thing to still do while you plan your wedding.

Confetti

The tradition of throwing flower petals and rice paper over newly married couples has evolved a little since the ancient romans who threw rice to symbolise fertility, the custom evolved, and people showered newlyweds with corn, barley and wheat for good luck and prosperity ever since. In recent times this has evolved into glitter, dried flowers, artificial petals and even popcorn to not just wish the couple well, but also create a stunning image.

One of the reasons that confetti shots are so popular is because unlike a traditional group shot, you get some really natural, happy reactions, everyone is so busy throwing handfuls of petals, they stop posing and focus on who can throw the most!

Kilts

This week in the wedding guide I asked for a little bit of help from the quietest member of the team and my lovely husband Allan. The topic we are looking at this week is the groom and more specifically, kilts!

Celebrants

This week on the wedding guide I want to give a shout out to three incredible suppliers!

Having worked with various celebrants from each of these organisations, I initially looked at trying to narrow down my favourites but I quickly realised that they are all amazing at what they do.

Wedding Venue

Wedding venues are one of the few aspects of the wedding day I’m always hesitant to give a recommendation. it’s not because I don’t have a favorite wedding venue because I have quite a few. But what made a perfect venue for one couple does not guarantee it will be right for you.