Bridal tips Getting ready
Bridal tips Getting ready
Many brides wish to have their getting ready photographed. This can be a very nerve wracking time for the bride as she anticipates any last minute problems and the special day at last becomes real to her. Until the morning of her wedding, no bride will actually know how she will feel and it is important for the photographer to be adaptable to any changes and respect last minute bridal requirements. This is also a very important time, as any photographs taken here set the tone for the day ahead. There is always something going on at the preparations: The bridesmaids/best friend/mum/dad arrive, make-up is applied, champagne opened, a proud dad sees his daughter in her dress for the first time and so on.
Hair: Often the bride’s hair will be done early in the morning or out at a hairdresser. This may make it impractical for the photographer to document this part of the preparations. If this is the case, don’t worry. A good photographer will ensure that there are plenty of shots of other things to more than compensate.
Make-up: Positioning is very important here. Ensure your make-up table is positioned in front of a window and leave space around it to let the photographer move around if possible. Delicate and directional window light is extremely flattering and can be used to good effect. Your wedding photographer should be discrete and not get in the way of the make-up artist. Often it is the MUA who is apologetic but she has no need to be.
Details: There will be plenty of wedding details available to photograph at the preparations. The flowers and buttonholes are often delivered here. There will also be the something old, new, borrowed and blue items if this tradition is upheld. Then there are the dress and shoes, good luck cards and maybe even the rings. The photographer should look for these things, but let him know if there is anything important or less obvious that you’d like photographed.
Time: Sometimes the bride may not be ready for the photographer when he arrives. Don’t worry about this at all – he can wait. I need about an hour at the preparations, but prefer an hour and a half just to be safe. Other photographers will vary. Sometimes the bride and her party will be ready ahead of schedule. In this case, the extra time is useful to take portraits of the bride on her own, with her bridesmaids and possibly with her parents too.
On the day - getting ready capture
Are you searching for your wedding photographer for your big day? Let us know, so we can meet for coffee and discuss together your wedding plans and ideas.
How to choose wedding photographer
How to choose wedding photographer
Your wedding photographer will probably be the one person who will be around you most during your day. From the preparations through until the first dance and often beyond, they will be there to capture all those special moments that you may or may not have been aware were happening. For this reason, it is most important that you feel comfortable and relaxed to have your chosen photographer around. There are several things to consider when choosing your wedding photographer:
1. Style: Do you require natural shots of the day as it unfolds or a more traditional approach with an emphasis on posed shots? Black & white images, colour or a mixture? Bright colours or moody tones? Dreamy soft focus or a more high contrast, gritty look? Personally, we don’t go in for soft focus. But if you like it, there are plenty of photographers that do it and do it well.
2. Pricing: Budgeting is key when planning a wedding. But what happens if you find your perfect photographer and discover they’re quite a lot over the fee that you’ve set aside for photography? You don’t have to choose the most expensive photographer but remember that good photography isn’t cheap. Photos are the one thing from your day that you’ll take with you to look back on. They’re an investment in memories and should be well worth the extra money that in the future you won’t even remember spending.
3. Do your research, do it well: So you’ll likely spend a fair whack on your photography – be sure to get it right. Spend time on the website and use keywords that reflect the style that you’re looking for. The work that you see on websites should be similar to what you’ll end up with to look back on for years to come. Shortlist a few that resonate well with you and arrange to meet them. Personality and photographic flair are equally important so ultimately choose who you both like the work of and feel you can work with.
4. Use your photographer: Once you’ve chosen them, use them. They’ll be experienced in many aspects of the wedding day, so ask questions, listen to their suggestions and value their opinion. Remember, they are the professional.
5. Know what you are paying for: Will you get the edited images files? High-res or low-res? Will you own the license to use your images? How many images will be provided? Write down any questions and ask when you meet your photographers.
6. Communicate with your photographer: Know what you want and ensure that your photographer is on the same page. Make sure they know where to be and when. Provide them with an itinerary and list of required shots. I give my clients a questionnaire to fill in to make things easier. If there is anything else you believe they need to know, tell them.
Surrey wedding photographers point of view
So was the question answered? Do you really know now what to consider when choosing photographer for YOUR VERY OWN wedding? For us, when choosing people we gonna spend whole day and we want to entrust our MOST IMPORTANT DAY capture, we need people we connect with, we gonna have laugh with and we stay friends with for the rest of our life.
And Hey, are you looking for wedding photographer for your BIG DAY? Get in touch with us now.
How to choose your wedding photographer
Valentines Mansion Wedding Photographer
Valentines Mansion Wedding Photographer
Weather in UK is getting better. Snow is gone and on the horizon we can see a bit of spring season. We decided to share the short story of wonderful civil wedding full of tears, emotions and love.
How wonderful day it was. Anusha and Ash chosen to meet in front of registrar and their guests, to have their first look there. And actually Ash was very impatient to see his bride.
We always love to come back to Valentines Mansion. It is fantastic venue for an intimate wedding ceremony. Once there you feel you are away from busy city. But actually Valentines Mansion is located right next to the busy city of London.
Enjoy the romance story of Anusha and Ash below:
Valentines Mansion wedding
Valentines Mansion Wedding Photographer
We are now taking bookings for weddings, elopements and engagements for 2020/2021 wedding season. If you are still looking for your valentines mansion wedding photographer get in touch as soon as possible with us. If you like this post please share it. It might help someone. Many thanks.
Elopement Wedding Photographer London
Elopement Wedding Photographer London
Hey guys! We hope everyone has had a super start to the brand new year! Outside looks like winter wonderland is back to the UK and it's not going to finish anytime soon. But we LOVE it!
Where to go when you have -10C outside? There is only one direction! Mountains! Woo hoo... This time we were kidnapped and drugged to cold polish mountains. And guess what? We loved it! The weather was gorgeous! White snow everywhere around you, when looked down, blue sky with sun beams once looked up! Imagine having hot coffee or mulled wine sitting on the balcony with this beautiful view over the mountains. Ahh... so relaxing and romantic.
Magda and Maciek were so excited. Both well prepared for the freezing weather . I was so proud of Magda, once she decided to take her jumper off. Ohh dear, how cold I felt once looked at her, lol. But seriously, she looked stunning in her wedding dress on white fields overlooking mountains. There is always such a magic in this sort of the scenery.
M&M choose Szklarska Poreba resort, as it’s well known for them. Every year they come here for skiing. Us, very first time skiing wedding photographers, took a challenge and went there with them, lol. We rather used to a warmer temperature and needed to organise proper clothes for that adventure. Immediately we got to the place and felt in love with this place.
We love elopements
The location was absolutely perfect for engagement shoot as well as a elopement wedding photography. There is such a enormous choice of fantastic locations with beautiful views. We took a chance and got couple of shots at 'The Death Man's Curve' - very sharp and dangerous part of the road together with breathtaking views. I think these are the best shots of that session. Our couple wanted to have an intimate elopement shoot, so we stayed there and capture the real stuff!
Take a minute a have a look on this lovely couple, we can't stop staring on them!
Love M&M
Mountains elopement
Are you looking for elopement photographer London? We are now booking weddings, engagements and elopements for 2018/2019 wedding season. If you are still looking for your wedding photographer, get in touch now!
House of Commons Wedding Photographer
House of Commons Wedding Photographer
To photograph a wedding near Big Ben, in the heart of London is a dream for every London Wedding Photographer. We are supper happy to share it here on out wedding photography blog!
Meeting Hajira at the Conrad Hotel room was absolute pleasure. Instead being nervous (like most of the brides in that very moment), she was calm. So calm that I forgot I was at the getting ready of the bride. The atmosphere was rather than at the beauty salon or at the spa. But I love it! Once choosing your suppliers for the big day consider few important factors which include the final result, the price but the most important is the knowledge, support on the day and confidence. And that can give you guarantee for smooth and FUN process of getting ready.
Getting ready: Conrad Hotel St. James
Wedding ceremony: House of Commons
Bridal hair & make up: Lubna Rafiq
Jewellery: Zoya Jewels
Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Wedding dress: Vera Wang
Wedding at Houses of Parliament
If you are searching for House of Commons wedding or a wedding at any other venue, please get in touch with us. We are now taking bookings for 2019/2020 wedding season. Most popular dates goes fast. If you wish please feel free to share this blog post. It may help us. Many thanks for stopping by and taking time. Hope you like our House of commons wedding photography.
Addington Palace Wedding Photographer
Addington Palace Wedding Photographer
Have you ever witnessed Buddhist and Hindu wedding? Well, I can tell you it was an unforgettable experience. And we absolutely LOVED that Buddhist dancers!
Kavita is kind of a person who warm you up from the very first minute knowing her. When I enter hotel room she wasn't stressed or nervous. She was very excited for the day to come. Kavita was very keen as well for us to take pictures in our documentary manner. Our Asian Bride was getting ready at the Croydon Park Hotel just a minute away from East Croydon Station. It is quite nice place, but this was not the venue of their choice.
The venue we were heading to experience tears and joy was Addington Palace. As a Surrey wedding photographers we were extremely happy that we could shoot all day wedding just a mile away from our house. Woohoo! For the first time in out entire photography career we could walk to the wedding venue and back. That was very tempting.
Buddhist wedding at Addington Palace was very different experience than any other wedding ceremony we have seen before. The prayers were very grand and beautiful and you could feel blessings were coming straight from the heart. Generally speaking very emotional ceremony. As a Addington Palace wedding photographer I was truly moved.
Finally we had traditional Hindu wedding ceremony, which was even more emotional - bride part of the family is Hindu. As we all know that it is always very hard for the father of the bride to walk thru wedding ceremony. It is very emotional for me as well - our two daughters - as I always imagining myself holding their hands while walking down the aisle. Oh dear. . .
Please enjoy full Asian Wedding Addington Palace gallery below:
Wedding Photography Addington Palace
Are you thinking of getting married in Addington Palace? Since you still looking for a Addington Palace wedding photographer for your big day please get in touch with us now. We are taking bookings for wedding season 2018/2019 and most popular dates goes fast so get in touch quick. If you wish to share that story please do so. It can help us alot.
Agata and Roch's Mayfield Lavender Field Engagement Shoot
Mayfield Lavender Field Engagement Photography
OMG, OMG, OMG!
What a couple!! You can only dream about! As a London wedding photographers we could only dream to have such a people in front of the camera! One second and you know these people are BEAUTIFUL inside out! Such a connection between them, so much chemistry! Engagement pre wedding shoot was a piece of a cake! Any clothes they choose, any place and any moment, they just look prefect!
It is unbelievable! In the same time hard working parents. It was sooooooo hard to settle the perfect date to meet both of them and spare some time for an engagement shoot! It could only be the weekend days they said! No other option and not too far from home, so no time wasted for traveling.
We decided for open space, as they both feel the nature. We have contacted Mayfield Lavender Field, as it was only 30 min drive from couple's house, to book a slot for professional shoot. Manager kindly advised, that in peak season on weekends is madness there. Well, there was no other choice rather than take the risk. When we arrived, straight away we knew what he was talking about. Sooo crowded!! But there was no option to change the date or location.
Our couple, Agata and Roch are the nicest and kindest people on earth, so easy to work with. They are naturally beautiful and no need to pose them in front of the camera. When we look back on the pictures from the day it was hard to believe the temperature raised up to 30C . Such a high temperature is absolutelly impossible for England. Gaining every second from beautiful sun and smell of lavender we managed to go through the fields taking beautiful shoots. On Mayfield Lavender fields you do not have to look for the perfect space. Every inch is absolutelly breathtaking! The colours were just melting in our lenses. Agata looked amazing between these lavender bunches. We were so happy that both of them thought about the outfits. They looked like they owned the fields. We had so much fun especially trying to avoid all the Asian tourists walking along the fields. It wasn’t easy, considering that Agata and Roch were even more interesting for them than the actual place. LOL.
Please have a look on our little gallery from that day. It will definitely warm your hearts. The magic between these two is amazing. As a Surrey wedding photographers we are so greatfull for the moments we could spent with them.
Mayfield Lavender please do not change! We'll be back next season.
Mayfield Lavender Field Engagement Shoot
And a few of 'behind the scenes' images from that great day below. Many thanks to Hair Elegance Mr Bartek Kaczmarek for a great help.
If you are still looking for documentary wedding photographer London, we are still taking booking for remaining dates for 2018/2019 wedding season. So get in touch.
Stowe Park Engagement Shoot
Stowe Park Engagement Shoot
When it comes to engagement photography, it is always a massive brainstorm. Every couple is different. Before we decide about location for particular pre wedding shoot, it is very important to have a proper discussion with bride and groom. We speak to them about colours, about a light as well as time of the day, which is very important. As a Surrey wedding photographers it is up to us to explain all that potential issues which couple can have on the day. Because engagement shoots are only beginning of great relationship with a couple, photographer have to remember to go through all these details before. Some of the people prefer industrial places, some loves nature and some basically don't know what would be the best place.
The easiest way is to ask and give the ideas. Maybe the spot when they had a first date, maybe favorite restaurant, maybe great coffee shop or favorite place for a romantic walk. There is plenty of possibilities to choose from, but everyone makes it differently. We always care alot about the details of the engagement shoot, because that’s the pictures which most likely you hang it on the wall . They are very honest, natural and intimate.
Depending on location we suggest what to wear, sometimes it's great to change the outfits during the session, but most important is to be yourselves. Imagine, when you usually wear jeans and t-shirt and suddenly someone tells you to dress up and wear a suit and have a walk in the park. Instantly on the pictures you will see, that you were not comfortable and distracted. With us you always will remain yourself. Once we choose location and outfits, we cannot forget about a make up and a hair. Even if the shoot is very relaxed, bride and groom wants to look ABSOLUTELY perfect. As a wedding photographers we always remember to tell you about that before we settle the date. The last, but not the least thing is timing. As a experienced wedding photographers we exactly know when is the best light during the day. Sometimes the weather is playing games with us, but there is no bad weather for engagement shoot!
Same was with Bella and Vinit. Such a great couple and a pleasure to work with. Bella arrived with stunning hairstyle and beautiful delicate make up. That helps A LOT! Both chose smart casual outfits for that engagement shoot.
The location of their choice was Stowe Park and we couldn't pick better. We absolutely love this place. So many great little corners gave us plenty possibilities. This park is a part of Natural Trust so every inch of the property is well presented and perfectly groomed. We were offered to use a golf cart to drive around the park and it was soooooo much fun! Thank you so much Simon. That gave us an extra time as well as saved from a couple of showers.
We absolutely felt in love with Stowe Park's gardens and a beautiful pond. Water always gives this extra cheery on the top. We were lucky as well with weather, even though there were few showers in the meantime the sky, the clouds and the nature in Stowe Park looked amazing. This place has lots to offer, amazing temple, arches, fountain, bridges and much more! We can easily say it is one of our favorite places for engagement shoot.
Thank you Bella and Vinit for choosing us for your engagement photographers in Stowe Park. We had brilliant time.
We do hope to have a chance to work as a wedding photographers in Stowe Park again.
Stowe Park Engagement Shoot
And a little behind the scenes story of that Engagement Shoot:
We are now taking bookings for 2018/2019 wedding photography season so if you like our blog get in touch with us.
Indian Wedding Ariana Gardens
Indian Wedding Ariana Gardens
All and uncut wedding of Naheeda and Muneef in monochromatic imagery at Ariana Gardens. Set of fast moving images showing all event, from bride and groom getting ready with all great fun captured when both families were at their home - groom - and bridal suite - bride.
This photofilm is not about an art - it's about keeping great memories captured in a documentary way, which we both enjoy doing. Low resolution fast moving film, shoot with two Canon cameras by London based wedding photographers.
We felt in love with a gentle music by London Harpist Melissa Adriana Parmar.
Bridal makeup by Safiyah Tasneem.
Naheeda's hair by @hairbyhazera.
Sit back, press play and do not forget put volume up, enjoy:
Wedding Photography Ariana Gardens
https://youtu.be/EGC4d-Rmy2U
If you are still looking for Ariana Gardens wedding photographer for your big day, we are still taking bookings for 2018/2019 season. Give us a call or drop us an email.
Berlin Engagement Shoot
Berlin Engagement Shoot
City shoot always sounds exciting. Especially when location is abroad. We have been to Berlin many times before and we never get bored with this beautiful city. So many different and great places, each time discovering something new. The architecture is stunning and the city have so much history and variety that wedding photographer could ask for. Monica and Eddie have chosen this place for their engagement shoot and it was wonderful choice. We wished the day was longer and we could spent way more time at this Berlin engagement shoot.
We had a great idea of dream date in Berlin! Both of us were not sure if weather would be helpful or rather opposite. Happily we were lucky and the weather turn out to be just perfect. Just Monica showed us a bit sour face when swapping her dress.
We started with a nice stroll thru busy Berlin streets, creating few casual shots. Monica looked absolutely stunning in her dress. On the beginning Edward was a bit camera shy, but after showing him few of our images taken, he managed to relax and just let it go. He said even he was a bit of a handsome guy.
Next to The Berlin National Museum, where we spent some time, was a great traditional pub, so there was no other option but take a break and have a pint of German lager. That was so refreshing. We have tried not so traditional Berliner’s kebap as well. So after the break we moved on to the Alexander Platz and train station, where we managed to create a bit of "goodbye look". These are actually our favorite shots. Full of love and nostalgic and like all images taken that day absolutely natural.
Pre wedding shoot in Berlin
Berlin is definitely one of the best places for city engagement shoot! We definitely will be coming here again! It was such a pleasure to photograph this photogenic couple. They were pleasure to work with. We are super excited to show you this set below. Sit back and enjoy!
We are now taking bookings for 2018/2019 wedding season, so if you are still looking for photographer for your wedding get in touch.
If you did enjoy this Berlin engagement shoot, let us know, comment below and share. It might help us a lot. If you are looking for destination wedding photographer get in contact with us. We would love to hear your story.
How to prepare for an engagement shoot
How to prepare for an engagement shoot
(UPDATED FOR 2020)
Many couples choose to have an engagement shoot prior to their wedding day. This in brilliant idea, particularly if the wedding photographer is the same one, that will be shooting their wedding. It gives everyone a chance to get to know each other better and will help the couple to relax on their big day. Normally we all have a holiday selfies and we do not really know how it is in front of a professional lens. So engagement shoot is great way to become more comfortable before your big day. We treat every engagement shoot as an adventure, where us London wedding photographers and our clients will have LOT'S OF FUN. Doesn't matter where we go - somewhere really close or really far. After all we love to travel.
So, how to prepare for an engagement shoot?
Clothing: For an pre wedding shoot dress smart casual, especially if there are particular clothes that are trademark or you are known for wearing. Light, bright colours work very well. Try to avoid blacks and bright whites, as these can be more difficult to expose for. Red, blue are always brilliant choice.
Posing: Your wedding photographer should be able to come up with some poses that you feel most comfortable with. We think it is important that you look like you. It might sounds silly, but how many times have you seen couples posing, smiling to the camera and doing what photographer will say to do. Playing, having fun, kissing, dancing or whatever should naturally encourage appropriate poses.
Location: It is very important to consider location of your engagement shoot. Based in London, where many of my shoots are naturally located, there is plenty of locations to choose from: parks (Hampstead Park, Regents Park, Hyde Park, Holland Park, Green Park, St James Park, any park :)), hotels, wedding venues, South Bank (absolutelly LOVE that side of the River Thames), London landmarks, fantastic bridges, and many, many more. But you may consider, and it would be more suitable, to base your shoot out of the town in Wrest Park, Stowe Park, etc. Many couples like to revisit a spot, that has special value in their relationship: where they first met or propose. For more ideas of London Engagement Shoots Locations see our blog post here.
Children: If you have children, bring them along with you and encourage them to get involved too. They are an important part of your life so let's celebrate them! Don't worry if they aren't acting as you want them to. In ten years, you will be glad to capture them as they were. The same goes for you too! Let's have fun!!
Ideas: Photos from the shoot may be incorporated into your wedding day. You can use them when designing your wedding invitations. You could use them as part of a slideshow. We can design for you a book with images from your engagement shoot. This may includes many of the best shots from your engagement shoot with space for guests to write messages and fun notes for you to read and keep.
Most important at every Engagement Shoot is to have fun, engage with your wedding photographer and create romantic and memorable set of shots. As a Surrey engagement photographer I have experienced that many times and that's the key to make the most of that shoot.
Now taking bookings for 2020/2021.
If you still looking for your wedding photographer, check our portfolio and if you see anything interesting let us know.
Below few shots from pre wedding engagement shoot:
How to prepare for an engagement shoot
How to prepare for an engagement shoot