Chapter One

Getting ready

  • I take a really laid back approach here – nobody needs to be ‘ready’ for me, and definitely don’t tidy up for my benefit – I love a bit of wedding clutter. Even if there’s not much happening I’ll find a story to tell.
  • I don’t usually set up the dress/shoes/rings in arty arrangements, but if they’re out I’ll get photos where I find them
  • I usually arrive at the ceremony 30 minutes before it starts, so working backwards including my travel time, brides should aim to start putting the dress on at least 30 minutes before I need to leave
  • That way even if you’re running a bit late there’s time to capture finishing touches, and your family & friends seeing you all dressed up for the first time
Chapter Two

The ceremony

  • All candid again so you can forget about me and focus on each other
  • I try to arrive at least 30 minutes before it starts, to capture arrivals and all that nervous excitement
  • If I’m allowed I’ll spend most of it near the front so I can see your faces, but sometimes I can only shoot from the back
  • If I can I’ll move discretely to different spots during a reading or a hymn
  • Some registrars ask if you’d like a posed photo with your witnesses after signing, it’s fine by me, won’t take a moment
bride and groom coming down the steps while the guests throw confetti, at Chelsea Old Town Hall
Chapter Three

Confetti & congratulations

  • If you’re having confetti it can be a good idea to hide away somewhere after the ceremony while guests file out. That way all the congratulations happen afterwards, and you get a few private moments to relax together
  • Ask your groomsmen and/or bridesmaids to organise everyone into two lines for you to walk between – we’ll see where the venue recommends doing it
  • At least one of you’ll get a mouthful of confetti 🙂
  • At some venues we’ll need to go into group shots fairly quickly, but I’ll work out timings in the schedule I’ll send you.
  • Say it with me – it’s all candid so take your time and enjoy it!
Chapter Four

Group shots

  • This part is very much not candid – fairly obviously 😀
  • Group shots are the only part we’ll plan out in detail, because if we don’t it can eat up almost all your reception time. Seriously, I want you back at that party ASAP so I’ve got a whole page of group shot tips you can check out
  • I recommend keeping the list fairly tight – up to 8 groups seems to work best. I’ll help you work the list out in advance so you can let everyone know
  • From when we start gathering people until the last group is done it can take around 3-4 minutes per group on average. It’s usually the gathering that takes the most time, so…
  • Enlist your best man or maid of honour (or anyone who’s good at being bossy) to take charge of gathering everyone and calling out the people we need. Make ’em work for their dinner!
gaynes park wedding photographer Owen Billcliffe captured this wedding portrait of the bride and groom
Chapter Five

Couple portraits

  • If you’re having confetti it can be a good idea to hide away somewhere after the ceremony while guests file out. That way all the congratulations happen afterwards, and you get a few private moments to relax together
  • Ask your groomsmen and/or bridesmaids to organise everyone into two lines for you to walk between – we’ll see where the venue recommends doing it
  • At least one of you’ll get a mouthful of confetti 🙂
  • At some venues we’ll need to go into group shots fairly quickly, but I’ll work out timings in the schedule I’ll send you.
  • Say it with me – it’s all candid so take your time and enjoy it!
Chapter Six

Reception drinks

  • All candid again so you can forget about me and focus on each other
  • I try to arrive at least 30 minutes before it starts, to capture arrivals and all that nervous excitement
  • I spend most of it at the front looking back so I can see your faces, if I’m allowed
  • If possible I’ll move discretely to different spots during a reading or a hymn
  • Would you like posed photos with your witnesses after signing? It’s the only time we’ll do anything posed, and entirely up to you (but the registrars usually get us to do them anyway!)
wedding breakfast speeches at gaynes park, captured by gaynes park wedding photographer owen billcliffe
Chapter Seven

Wedding breakfast & speeches

  • If you’re having confetti it can be a good idea to hide away somewhere after the ceremony while guests file out. That way all the congratulations happen afterwards, and you get a few private moments to relax together
  • Ask your groomsmen and/or bridesmaids to organise everyone into two lines for you to walk between – we’ll see where the venue recommends doing it
  • At least one of you’ll get a mouthful of confetti 🙂
  • At some venues we’ll need to go into group shots fairly quickly, but I’ll work out timings in the schedule I’ll send you.
  • Say it with me – it’s all candid so take your time and enjoy it!
Chapter Eight

A sunset portrait

  • All candid again so you can forget about me and focus on each other
  • I try to arrive at least 30 minutes before it starts, to capture arrivals and all that nervous excitement
  • I spend most of it at the front looking back so I can see your faces, if I’m allowed
  • If possible I’ll move discretely to different spots during a reading or a hymn
  • Would you like posed photos with your witnesses after signing? It’s the only time we’ll do anything posed, and entirely up to you (but the registrars usually get us to do them anyway!)
silhouette of bride and groom holding hands against a sunset sky, by London wedding photographer Owen Billcliffe
Chapter Nine

The first dance

  • If you’re having confetti it can be a good idea to hide away somewhere after the ceremony while guests file out. That way all the congratulations happen afterwards, and you get a few private moments to relax together
  • Ask your groomsmen and/or bridesmaids to organise everyone into two lines for you to walk between – we’ll see where the venue recommends doing it
  • At least one of you’ll get a mouthful of confetti 🙂
  • At some venues we’ll need to go into group shots fairly quickly, but I’ll work out timings in the schedule I’ll send you.
  • Say it with me – it’s all candid so take your time and enjoy it!
Chapter Ten

The party

  • All candid again so you can forget about me and focus on each other
  • I try to arrive at least 30 minutes before it starts, to capture arrivals and all that nervous excitement
  • I spend most of it at the front looking back so I can see your faces, if I’m allowed
  • If possible I’ll move discretely to different spots during a reading or a hymn
  • Would you like posed photos with your witnesses after signing? It’s the only time we’ll do anything posed, and entirely up to you (but the registrars usually get us to do them anyway!)