Blog Archives

Golden hour, candid shots and confetti: how to get the best photos on your wedding day

You’ve spent months (or even years) planning your wedding, from the dress to the playlist, the flowers to the seating plan. But when it’s all over, the one thing you’ll have left to relive the magic is your photographs. So how do you make sure your wedding photography really captures the magic of the day?

Here are a few tried-and-tested tips from a professional wedding photographer to help you make sure you end up with images you’ll want to frame, share, and look through for years to come.

Golden hour wedding photography

If you’ve ever heard a wedding photographer mention golden hour, they weren’t being poetic- it’s genuinely one of the best times of day for wedding photography. Around an hour before sunset, the light turns soft, warm, and flattering. It’s ideal for couple portraits and adds an effortless romantic glow to your images.

When planning your wedding day schedule, leave a pocket of time in the early evening to sneak away for a few photos as the light dips. Even ten minutes can make all the difference.

Candid moments

Of course, you’ll want a few beautifully composed, traditional shots and group shots, but the real heart of the day is often found in the in-between moments: a quick glance between you and your partner, your nan’s reaction to your vows, the flower girl dancing when no one’s watching.

Trust your wedding photographer to capture these authentic scenes. A professional wedding photographer (especially one who specialises in candid or documentary style photography) knows how to capture these priceless moments in a natural and unobtrusive way. The best wedding photography often happens when you’re completely in the moment.








The confetti shot

It’s a classic for a reason. Confetti shots are joyful, colourful, and filled with life and movement. They often make for some of the most memorable images of the day. Whether it’s biodegradable paper, dried petals, or something creative like bubbles, make sure you’ve got enough for your guests and that your venue is on board. It’s a good idea to chat to your wedding photographer about confetti shots, as a local wedding photographer often knows venues’ policies on what you can and can’t use, and will have helpful suggestions for alternatives that look great on photos.

Top tip: walk slowly, smile big, and hold hands- your wedding photographer will do the rest.



Trust your wedding photographer

Above all, remember that you’ve hired a professional for a reason. A good wedding photographer knows how to find the light, guide you through poses without awkwardness, and spot those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments.

Have an honest conversation about your vision, be clear on what matters most to you, and then let your wedding photographer do what they do best.


Wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales


I’m a professional wedding photographer in Cheshire, Chester, and North Wales. I would love to chat about your plans for your big day. I’ve worked at most wedding venues in the Cheshire and North Wales area and would be happy to advise on how we can make your wedding photography truly special. 

What to expect on your wedding day: a timeline of wedding photography

Your wedding day is a whirlwind of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments, and your wedding photographer is there to capture it all. But what does that actually look like in practice? Whether you’ve booked a half-day or full-day package, understanding the typical flow of wedding photography can help you feel relaxed and confident on the big day.

Here’s a guide to what you can expect, from the first click of the shutter to the final dance of the night…

1. Your wedding photographer’s arrival

If you’ve opted for full-day coverage, your wedding photographer will usually arrive a few hours before the ceremony to capture the all-important getting ready shots. This is when the magic begins: champagne toasts, final touches of hair and makeup, buttoning up dresses or suits, and all those candid moments that happen when nerves and excitement are running high.

For a half-day package, your coverage might begin closer to the ceremony start time, focusing on the key highlights rather than the full lead up.


2. The ceremony

This is, of course, the heart of the day. Your wedding photographer will be discreetly positioned to capture the entrance, vows, ring exchange, and of course, the first kiss. If permitted by the venue, multiple angles may be used to tell the full story, from your partner’s reaction as you walk in, to the joyful faces of your guests.

Wedding Photographer North Wales Chester

Chateau Rhianfa Wedding Photographer Chateau Rhianfa Wedding Photographer

3. Group and couple portraits

After the ceremony, it’s time for group shots with family and friends- ideally planned in advance so it runs smoothly. Your wedding photographer will guide these to be quick but polished, keeping energy high.

Then come the couple portraits, often the most romantic and creative images of the day. These might take place in a scenic outdoor spot or a quiet corner of your venue. Don’t worry if you’re camera-shy, this is a moment to pause, breathe, and enjoy being with each other.

 

North Wales Wedding Photographer


4. The reception

Your wedding photographer will be there to capture the speeches, laughs, candid table moments, and the atmosphere as the party gets into full swing.

Depending on your coverage, your wedding photographer may stay through to the first dance and cake cutting, two traditional highlights that always make beautiful images.

5. Wrapping up

For full-day coverage, your wedding photographer will often stay for a few songs after the first dance to capture the dance floor action. Half-day coverage typically ends earlier, perhaps after the meal or speeches.

 


Wedding photographer in Cheshire

 

Every wedding is unique, and your wedding photographer will tailor the timeline to suit your day. Whether you want coverage of every moment or just the key highlights, good planning and communication with your photographer will ensure nothing important is missed. After all, when the cake has been eaten and the dress packed away, it’s your wedding photography that will help you relive the magic for years to come.

If you’ve got any questions about how wedding photography works on the day, I am happy to help! I’ve been a professional wedding photographer for 20 years, working across Cheshire, North Wales and Chester. I would love to discuss your plans for your big day!

Would you say ‘Yes’ to a ‘First Look’ photo session?

If you’ve spent any time browsing wedding blogs or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably come across the idea of a First Look photo session. But what exactly is it, and is it right for your big day?

As a wedding photographer based in Cheshire and North Wales, I’ve seen a growing number of couples saying yes to this unique and emotional moment. In fact, one of my couples took the plunge and went for a ‘first look’ at their recent Cheshire woodland wedding! So let’s break it down…


What is a First Look?

Traditionally, couples wait until the ceremony to see each other for the first time on their wedding day. It’s romantic, yes- but also a little nerve-wracking!

A First Look turns that tradition on its head. It’s a private (or semi-private) moment before the ceremony, where the couple sees each other for the first time: just the two of you, away from the crowd. And yes, it makes for absolutely gorgeous photos- ideal for me as a wedding photographer!

 

Why are couples saying “Yes” to a First Look?

Here are a few reasons more couples are choosing a First Look:

  1. Calm the nerves
    Wedding mornings can be full of butterflies. It can also be strange to spend the most important morning of your life away from the person you want to see most, especially if you’re used to living together most of the time! Seeing each other before the ceremony can help ease anxiety and give you a few quiet minutes to connect and breathe.
  2. More time for photos
    Doing a First Look means you can get some of your romantic couple portraits done before the ceremony. That frees up more time to enjoy your reception and mingle with guests afterwards.
  3. A moment just for you two
    Let’s face it, weddings fly by! The First Look gives you a rare moment to pause, take it all in, and soak up the magic together before the whirlwind begins. You can chat about how you’re feeling, and give each other a big hug before the trip down the aisle!
  4. The reactions are still priceless
    Worried it might “ruin” the aisle moment? Trust me- it doesn’t. If anything, it adds another layer of emotion. I’ve seen grooms cry during the First Look and again during the ceremony! In fact, a First Look can heighten the emotion further as this moment is purely about the couple seeing each other: they’re not concentrating on also walking down the aisle, or focusing on the other members of the bridal party: it’s purely about the two of you.  

Is First Look wedding photography right for you?

If you’re traditional to your core and want that big aisle reveal, that’s absolutely fine: as a wedding photographer, I personally love doing both! But if you love the idea of a quiet, meaningful moment before the ceremony (and a little extra time for romantic photos), a First Look might just be your perfect match.

Get advice from a wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales

Want to chat about how a First Look could work for your wedding day in Cheshire or North Wales? I’d love to hear all about your plans- let’s make some magic together.