I remember when I was planning my own wedding a few years ago, I didn’t really know where to start. Although you can find plenty of advice on the internet, in magazines and books I didn’t always find it that helpful – I sometimes felt that it was more suitable for brides living in some fantasy parallel universe!
Because of my own experiences it has always been important to me to offer as much guidance and help to my wedding clients as possible. I have both the perspective of being a bride and a professional who spends a lot of time immersed in weddings. Photographers are often the only wedding vendor who spends the whole day at a wedding – from the bride and groom getting ready through to the first dance and wedding reception. This gives us a wealth of experience that is helpful for brides and grooms.
However, I wanted to go further than that and share the thoughts of other brides and grooms too. So a big thank you to Colin and Carolyn for taking the time to share their experiences. Colin and Carolyn chose to celebrate their marriage with a Humanist Ceremony at Balbirnie House in Fife last year, and had a lovely intimate wedding with their closest family and friends.
What is your best advice for a bride?
“Get a wedding month by month planner book (M&S have them) and keep it up to date, that way you shouldn’t miss anything. Wear your wedding shoes around the house to make sure they are comfy on the day.”
What is your best advice for a groom?
“Do exactly as you are told! Have a list too. Get organised early, re suits, rings etc.”
What is the best advice for couples with children entering into a second marriage?
“It depends on the age of the children. Involve them as much as you can.”
What was the biggest surprise on your wedding day?
“How emotional we both were, we didn’t expect to be overwhelmed with emotion as I was.”
Did any wedding day emergencies crop up? If so, how did you handle them?”Colin forgot his cuff links and aftershave which required a trip into town and a bridesmaid had to hunt out cuff links to then have them transferred with another guest to the venue!”
What was your favourite photographic moment”
“Seeing the slideshow and then the completed album.” (I help my clients choose their wedding album images at projected viewings.)
What did you love most about working with Louise Beattie Photography?
“The personal service and having Louise be like a friend and not just a photographer.”
How did you tame those wedding day nerves?
“I didn’t, hence my reply about being emotional!”
Which one moment will last with you forever?
“Walking down the aisle and seeing Colin.”
What advice was given to you that helped you get through your special day?
“Enjoy every minute of it as it passes so quickly.?
What is your best advice for keeping things on schedule when your wedding day is so busy?
“Leave even more time than you think you need and be guided by your photographer, hairdresser etc as they know!”
Was there an extra special moment of your day that you would like to share?
” Saying our vows as we’d written them.”
Which is your favourite photograph from your wedding?
“The group photo when the confetti was thrown. Everyone we wanted to share our day is in this photo and it captures everyone’s happiness.”
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How and where you display your wedding images in your home?
“We have them in the lounge, bedroom and hall in lovely frames.”
I love the way that Colin & Carolyn’s personalities and humour come across in their answers. You can see images from their wedding day here their pre-wedding photography session here.
If you are planning a wedding let me know what questions you would like to ask a bride and groom in the comments section below.
If you have wedding experiences that are helpful, please share with a comment below.
