Oh, let’s dive into the wonder that was 2023! It was a year that unfolded into the most amazing, beautiful, and downright vibrant chapter of my photography journey. Each day brought a kaleidoscope of colours, stunning moments, and the buzz of love in the air. It turned out to be my busiest year yet, and goodness, it was a whirlwind of joy!
Meeting incredible people, being a part of so many special days, and witnessing the magic as couples united across the UK – it’s hard to put into words just how bloomin’ amazing it all was. As I type this, I’m still riding the high of the fantastic memories. But, can we just pause for a moment? Seriously, where on earth did the year vanish to? Time has a way of slipping through our fingers, leaving us in awe of the journey we’ve been on. Here’s to the year that was – a tapestry of love, laughter, and memories that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Cheers to the magic of 2023, and bring on the adventures that lie ahead!
Absolutely! Reflecting on the whirlwind of 2023 makes me pause and realize the immense privilege that comes with this job. It’s more than capturing moments; it’s about being entrusted with preserving the memories of couples for a lifetime. It’s a role that I cherish, and I thrive on being a keeper of these precious moments.
As I take a stroll down memory lane through the photos of the year, it’s a poignant reminder of just how valuable these images are. They’re not just pixels on a screen; they’re windows into moments that become cherished treasures for couples, their friends, and their families. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to weave these stories into the tapestry of people’s lives. Here’s to the power of memories and the magic they hold!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made 2023 a spectacular journey! To the incredible couples, the joyful guests, the amazing vendors, and everyone in my personal life – your support and collaboration have made this year nothing short of magical. It’s true, this isn’t always an easy job, but hey, they say nothing worthwhile ever is. And every beautiful moment, every shared smile, and every captured memory make it all worth it. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you all for being a part of this incredible adventure. Here’s to the shared laughter, the heartfelt moments, and the memories that will last a lifetime!
The wedding speeches, the pinnacle point of your wedding day, are truly a momentous occasion. It’s an opportunity to showcase not only your life and love, but also the cherished bonds you share with your loved ones. Personally, I’ve been lucky enough to witness countless heart-warming toasts throughout the years. However, I’ve also had the privilege of delivering my own wedding speech! That being said, allow me to impart some valuable tips and tricks based on my first-hand experience from both perspectives.
When it comes to capturing the magic of your special day, wedding photography plays a crucial role. It is a testament to the beauty and essence of the bonds you vow to cherish forever. While posed shots have their charm, I must admit that my heart belongs to natural photography. There’s something enchanting about candid photography that effortlessly captures the genuine emotions and precious moments shared during a nature-themed wedding.
So, as you prepare for your big day, consider incorporating the beauty of nature into your wedding aesthetic. It serves as a perfect backdrop for breath-taking shots that reflect the love and commitment between you and your partner. Remember, wedding photography is more than just capturing images; it’s about encapsulating the purest and most authentic essence of your love story.
May your wedding day be a celebration of love, immortalised through the art of photography!
WHAT TIME IS BEST FOR YOUR WEDDING SPEECHS
When organising your special day, it’s important to think about when you want to do your speeches. These days, anything goes when it comes to natural photography wedding photography! But, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be organized! Whether you choose to have them before your wedding breakfast, after the wedding breakfast, or in between courses, make sure you communicate this plan with your whole wedding team. That doesn’t just mean your wedding coordinator. That means; your catering team, your toastmaster, your vendors, and of course your photographer, who specializes in natural photography wedding photography! We want to ensure we capture the moments of your speeches, so if you don’t communicate this plan with us, it might mean we miss out on this moment. This is the last thing we want! Take time to figure out what works best for you, and then ensure you talk to each of your wedding team about your plan. Easy!
PRINT YOUR SPEECH
Please, please, PLEASE print your speech!!! Honestly, it makes a huge difference! Not only will it make reading the speech easier and flow better, but it also makes for far superior candid photos! So, ditch the phone, and get it printed instead. Extra bonus, the gift for your 1st anniversary is paper, so why not get your speeches framed? It’s the perfect sentimental gift, plus half your job is already done! Winner!
GET THE LADIES INVOLVED
It’s 2023, speeches are no longer just for the blokes! This is open to all the ladies too! Whether it’s the mother of the bride/groom, maid of honour, bridesmaid, best friend, sister, and most importantly… the bride!!! It’s time to get up and talk about the most important people in your life, and of course, your one and only. I love to see the ladies involved in this part of the day and breaking down traditions. You go gurls!
THINK ABOUT YOUR POSITION
Consider the available options for your wedding venue and wedding photography, as they may offer various locations for delivering your speech and capturing memorable candid photos. It is recommended to choose a position that allows the majority of your guests to have a clear view of you. Additionally, prioritize focusing on your new spouse during this significant moment.
ALCOHOL ISN’T YOUR FRIEND
Doing a speech can be very nervous-wrecking, I completely get it! I’ve been there and experienced it for myself. The temptation to neck a few prosecco’s to ease the nerves is strong, but don’t fall for it! The last thing you want is to have one too many, start to slur your words, or even say something you shouldn’t! I’ve witnessed this a couple of times… So, by all means, enjoy a glass or two of your favourite tipple, but until you finish your speech try to keep it to a minimum! After that, go wild!
DON’T WORRY ABOUT MESSING UP
No matter how nervous you are, or whether you mess up your words, or croak up on the emotional bit, remember, everyone in the room is there because they love you! Everyone there is willing you on! And everyone knows how much this means to you! So even if you slip up, as the photographer for weddings, please don’t worry. People will love it no matter what! Just remember to breathe and take in the wedding photography experience as much as you can.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
After numerous weddings, I’ve come to the conclusion that the best wedding speeches are around 10 minutes long. 10 minutes is a perfect amount of time. It’s enough time to get in the meaningful, sentimental and funny moments without it “going on a bit”. The likelihood is, you could probably go on about your loved one for hours, but for the sake of your guests, please try and keep it short and sweet. Only include the most important stuff.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Don’t underestimate the power of practice! Take the time to rehearse your speech beforehand, whether it’s in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable on the big day. Remember, the more you practice, the smoother your delivery will be!
ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH
Make your speech truly memorable by adding a personal touch. Share a heartfelt story, a funny anecdote, or a special moment that showcases your unique relationship with your spouse. This will not only captivate your audience but also make your speech more meaningful and authentic. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through!
Speeches are such a wonderful point of your wedding day, so I hope that these tips help you to have the best wedding speeches EVER… Isabelle xx
Looking to enhance your wedding photography experience? You’ve landed in the perfect spot! Discover 10 of my ultimate wedding tips that will guide you to ensure the most stunning wedding photos ever!!!
1. SAVE GIFT-GIVING UNTIL YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES
It’s a lovely idea to give your bridal party a little something to say thank you for being there on your special day. It’s a wonderful keepsake of the day but also makes for wonderful photos. You get all the reactions. The smiles and the tears, and this is exactly what we want to capture for you! So, don’t let us miss it! Simply keep your gifts hidden and bring them out once your photographer has arrived. It’s a fab moment and you’ll be thankful you waited for us to capture it.
2. UN-PLUG YOUR CEREMONY
As a passionate supporter of candid wedding photography, I wholeheartedly encourage guests to snap their own pictures and capture the special moments throughout the day. However, when it comes to the wedding ceremony, I firmly believe that cameras and phones should be tucked away. Imagine the bride, radiant in her stunning wedding dress, approaching her partner, only to be greeted by a sea of phones instead of engaged faces. Leave the natural wedding photography to the professionals, the candid wedding photographers who specialize in capturing the true essence of your special day. Let us, the experts in wedding photography, capture the authentic reactions of your guests, including those precious wedding guest pictures, so you can relive the natural and candid moments time and time again.
3. THE MORE CONFETTI, THE BETTER!
The confetti shot is an iconic wedding photo shot that brings joy to any style of wedding. To avoid running out of confetti, purchase extra based on the supplier’s guidelines. Encourage your guests to wait on the drinks and grab a generous handful of confetti instead, ensuring a vibrant and memorable moment. If there’s any leftover, we can sprinkle some magic into your couple’s session with adorable confetti-themed pictures.
4. GIVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER A GROUP LIST – BUT KEEP IT SHORT!
Prior to the wedding, I provide my couples with a template for a list of group photos, which is an essential part of wedding photography. It’s crucial to capture these memories with your nearest and dearest, but remember to keep the list concise. By focusing on your most important people, you’ll spend less time posing and more time enjoying the celebration with your loved ones.
5. PRINT YOUR WEDDING SPEECH
It may seem simple, but printing your speech can significantly enhance your wedding photography. Ditch the phone and opt for a printed speech that’s not only easier to read but also looks much better in photos. With printing options readily available, there’s no reason not to have a hard copy for your big moment.
6. YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING!
Searching for ‘Wedding Ideas’ online can lead to an overwhelming array of choices, from rustic wedding themes to bohemian wedding styles. However, the most memorable weddings I’ve photographed are those that reflect the couple’s unique spirit, rather than trying to incorporate every trend. Embrace the beauty of a natural wedding or an alternative wedding that truly represents you, because when it comes to weddings, less is indeed more.
7. SHE’S YOUR WIFE, NOT YOUR MUM! GIVE HER A PROPER KISS!
Let’s talk about the first kiss. It’s the major photo opportunity of the whole wedding ceremony, and everyone is on tenterhooks waiting for that moment… so don’t just give a quick peck on the lips! Come on! You’ve been planning this day for god knows how long, so give each other a PROPER kiss! A good long kiss is what everyone there wants to see, plus it means there’s no way any photographer can miss it!
8. GIVE YOUR GUESTS SOMETHING TO DO
During your wedding reception, keep your guests entertained beyond just drinking at the bar. Introduce garden games, which have become increasingly popular, as a delightful way to encourage guest interaction. If you’re not keen on outdoor activities, consider setting up wedding bingo. A quick search online will reveal numerous creative ideas to energize your celebration and, crucially, capture those spontaneous, fun moments in candid shots that you’ll cherish.
9. TAKE TIME FOR EACH OTHER
Amid the whirlwind of emotions and activities on your wedding day, it’s essential to find a moment of serenity with your partner. A strategic way to enjoy this pause without neglecting your guests is to have your wedding photography session whisk you away. This not only provides an opportunity for stunning candid photos but also a brief respite. Afterward, you’ll return to your celebration rejuvenated and ready to re-join the festivities.
The wedding photography session acts as a capturing mechanism to encapsulate the raw and unfiltered essence of your special day. By incorporating wedding photography ideas, you can infuse creative concepts that encapsulate your unique love story.
During this hyper-stylized wedding photography experience, the focus remains on capturing candid’s photography moments, which truly capture the genuine interactions and emotions shared between you and your partner. These candid photos will serve as timeless mementos, transporting you back to the very essence of your wedding day.
The natural photography style employed by experienced photographers for wedding allows for authentic storytelling, enabling the art to unfold organically. With a delicate balance between artistry and reality, these photographers for wedding will document your celebration candidly, without imposing artificial poses or disrupting the flow of the event.
Enlisting the expertise of a seasoned photographer for weddings ensures that every captivating moment from your wedding day is immortalized. Their keen eye for detail and ability to blend seamlessly into the background guarantees a comprehensive collection of candid photos, capturing all the treasured memories you’ll want to cherish for a lifetime.
10. LISTEN TO YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Lastly, it’s crucial to heed the advice of your wedding photographer, especially when it comes to wedding photography. With their extensive experience in capturing the most incredible photos, they are a treasure trove of knowledge in the world of natural photography and candid photography. Before the big day, don’t hesitate to ask all your questions to benefit from their expertise in wedding photography for the most incredible photos. And the guidance doesn’t stop there; even during the wedding, they’ll offer helpful tips and suggestions in the field of natural photography and candid photography to ensure every moment is captured beautifully.
ONE FINAL QUICK TIP
When it comes to making decisions for your wedding, trust your instincts. You know yourselves and your vision better than anyone else. Don’t be swayed by outside opinions or trends that don’t resonate with you. Stay true to yourselves and create a day that reflects your unique love story.
I hope these 10 wedding photography tips and hacks offer you some valuable insights and assist you in maximizing the potential of your wedding photography… Isabelle xx
The morning of a wedding is beyond exciting, but also super busy! If you’re not careful, it might not go as you planned! So, if you want to ace your bridal prep and enjoy it to its fullest, take note of these easy tips and tricks!
CREATE A BRIDAL MORNING PLAYLIST
Your bridal prep is all about getting in the zone, right? Well, here’s the secret sauce – music! Pump up the excitement by borrowing a portable speaker and blasting a playlist of absolute bangers. (Psst, a little Vengaboys never hurt anyone!) The last thing you need on your wedding morning is to worry about what to listen to. So, a couple of days before the big day, whip up a killer playlist (or snag one from Spotify), and watch as the good vibes roll in. Pro tip: the longer the playlist, the better! And make sure it’s on a loop, so those tunes keep the candid moments and energy going without a dull moment. Let’s turn that bridal prep into a party!
KEEP ALL YOUR BRIDAL DETAILS TOGETHER
You’ve scoured Instagram, Pinterest, and every wedding magazine for those perfect touches that complete your wedding look. Let’s ensure these details are not just noticed but forever remembered in your photos! I’ve got a little pro tip for you – the night before your wedding, gather all these precious items in a box. Designate one of your bridesmaids as the guardian of this treasure trove, and voila! No morning chaos, no frantic searches. It’s all about stress-free elegance!
In that magical box, toss in your engagement ring (and its box), jewellery, shoes, perfume, hairpins, your wedding invitation, and anything else sentimental you’d love to see captured in your wedding photography collection. This becomes my first mission in the morning – capturing these details so that after I work my photography magic, they’re ready for you to rock! Let’s make sure those carefully chosen details shine as bright as your love story!
DITCH THE BRA AND SOCKS
Ah, the age-old battle of bras and socks on the wedding morning – they can be the sneakiest foes! Those pesky marks they leave behind can linger for hours. Here’s a game-changing tip: embrace the comfort of PJs for as long as you can, and trade those socks for snuggly slippers. Voila! No more worrying about unsightly imprints on your skin, and your feet stay toasty warm. It’s the little things that can make your wedding morning extra cosy and stress-free!
KEEP HYDRATED
Here’s a gem of a tip to kick off a few days before your wedding: stay hydrated! Downing plenty of water works wonders by flushing out impurities, leaving your skin looking and feeling its best. It’s not just a boon for your makeup artist; it also ensures your makeup stays put without needing constant touch-ups.
But, hold on, don’t forget to keep the hydration train rolling on the morning of your wedding! With all the excitement and the whirlwind of activities, your wedding day can be a marathon. Task one of your fabulous bridesmaids with the mission of keeping your glass full – and I’m not just talking about prosecco! Trust me, you’ll appreciate this little boost as you soak in every magical moment of your incredible day. Cheers to staying refreshed and fabulous!
LIGHTING IS KEY
A little photography secret – light is everything, and natural light is our absolute best friend, especially during your bridal prep! Whether you’re getting ready at home, a hotel, or a venue, scout out that spot flooded with natural sunlight. Opt for those big windows over dingy artificial lighting any day. Why? Because us wedding photographers are head over heels for natural light!
Not only does it work wonders for your skin, giving you that radiant glow, but it also sets the stage for the most breathtaking photos. So, embrace the sunlight, and let’s make sure your bridal prep is not just a routine but a radiant experience filled with stunning moments!
TEARS BEFORE MAKEUP, LADIES!
The wedding morning is an emotional rollercoaster. Letters from parents, kind words from siblings, and hugs from loved ones – you’re bound to shed a tear or two! Now, as someone who thrives on capturing emotions, I absolutely adore these moments. However, I understand that waterworks can wreak havoc on your makeup. That’s why I have a little suggestion: schedule these heartfelt moments before you sit down for your makeup.
Typically, the bride has her makeup done closer to the end of the bridal prep to ensure it lasts longer. This also means you have more time to embrace those emotions without worrying about smudged makeup. It’s a perfect blend of heartfelt moments and flawless makeup – the ideal combination for an emotionally beautiful and picture-perfect wedding morning!
KEEP TRACK OF TIME
No matter how early you rise for your bridal prep, the morning has a knack for slipping away in the blink of an eye (picture me clicking my fingers right about now). Time can easily slip through your fingers, especially with the hustle and bustle of makeup artists and hair stylists working their magic. Now, if you’re getting ready at your venue, the presence of a wedding planner can be a game-changer in keeping things on schedule.
But what if you find yourself at home or a hotel? Fear not! Instead of turning into a bridal party of headless chickens, why not designate one of your bridesmaids as the official timekeeper? (Pssst, go for the bossiest one, but shh, let’s keep that between us.) They can keep you posted on the ticking clock, ensuring you stay on track while you focus on savoring the morning, stress-free! Because let’s face it, the last thing you need is a time-related headache on your wedding day.
Oh, as a wedding photographer, I could chat about wedding mornings all day long, but let’s wrap it up for now. I truly hope these tips sprinkle a bit of magic to help you create the wedding morning you’ve always dreamed of! If you ever want to dive deeper into wedding day wonders, I’m just a message away. Wishing you the most beautiful and dreamy wedding day, filled with love and joy! Isabelle xx
Wedding Rain: How to get the most out of your wet weather wedding
WEDDING RAIN
Rain. It’s such a British thing, we should probably have it on our country’s flag! But even though it’s such a quintessentially British thing, it’s still something we fear, especially for weddings! When we picture the perfect wedding, images of sun-drenched days come to mind, but 9/10 times that’s not the reality. Rain can strike at any time, day, season or country… it’s not just us you know! But believe me, rain doesn’t have to ruin your wedding day! Just take a look at Esme & James’s wonderful wedding that was enhanced by rain.
THE UNCONVENTIONAL WEDDING DAY
Esme & James began their day unconventionally with a coach trip from the Bride’s parents’ house in Sheffield to the Bakewell Town Hall and Registry Office. Home of THE most beautiful red doors! Everyone came aboard the coach apart from the Bride and her father, who decided to make an entrance at the ceremony. The party arrived in Bakewell with time to spare and chose to take shelter from the rain in the Wheatsheaf pub across the road. Pints and mulled wine were very welcome! The big event arrived, and it was simply elegant. Full of love, and it really did show in the photos! The festivities continued as we all made our way back onto the coach and over to the wedding breakfast at the Monsall Head Hotel & Pub. A place not only holding magnificent views but also family memories too. The rain continued, but Esme & James were determined to get photos in this special and sentimental surrounding.
BROLLIES & SMILES
My advice for the best wet-weather wedding, be prepared! Bring brollies, a marquee, rain macs, or whatever you need to keep sheltered. But the best and most important thing you need to bring is a positive spirit! Unfortunately, technology hasn’t yet been developed to control the weather, so until then just embrace it! It’s that simple! This is YOUR big day, so don’t let anything (weather or otherwise) get you down! Trust me, you’ll regret all the photos you could have got! Getting a little wet is 100% worth a lifetime of memories!
“She made everyone feel so relaxed which is just what we wanted. Isabelle got our preview photos to us so quickly and we were blown away with how wonderful they were. We would both recommend Isabelle as a wedding photographer – thank you for being a part of our special day!”Esme & James
This is a wedding day that I’m definitely not going to forget! It was such a wonderful day, and I think the weather made it even more special! Thank you again Esme & James for allowing me to capture this day for you… Isabelle xx
During 2020 and 2021, micro weddings jumped to the forefront of the wedding industry. Couples choose to tie the knot even with a very limited number of guests. Even with a smaller than average guest list, thousands of couples married in style! Now with all the restrictions lifted, micro weddings are here to stay! The beautiful Katie & Paul decided a micro wedding was just the thing for them. They dedicated their special day to their nearest and dearest. Choosing an intimate but no less beautiful ceremony and reception at the idyllic Cavendish Hotel in the heart of the Peak District.
AUTUMN TONES & COLOURS
In keeping with the autumn season, Katie & Paul chose a colour scheme that matched beautifully! The flowers for the bouquet, button holes and the flower arch included autumn tones such as burnt auburn and deep green. It was a perfect choice which elevated the already stylish venue. These flowers came from the prestigious Chatsworth House gardens, which is only a matter of miles away from the venue. Chatsworth Floristry did an absolutely superb job!
LUXURY PEAK DISTRICT WEDDING VENUE
The Peak District is one of my favourite places on Earth. I grew up with the national park on my doorstep, and I spent many happy days exploring the vast hills and visiting many famous attractions. That same love is shared by so many others, including Katie & Paul, who couldn’t think of a better place to say “I Do”. I for one, couldn’t agree more! The views from The Cavendish Hotel are awe-inspiring! A wedding photographer’s DREAM!
“Thank you so much! They are amazing! I’m so so happy!” Katie & Paul
What a beautiful and peaceful wedding this was! It was such an honour to photograph an adoring Bride & Groom on their special day. It goes to show you, a wedding doesn’t have to be big to be beautiful… Isabelle xx
From the very first message, I knew that Holly & Craig’s special day would be like no other! A typical wedding just wasn’t for them. They wanted a relaxed and festival-inspired day with no expectations or normal wedding’ness. And boy, did they deliver just that! When it came to capturing their day, they wanted a photographer who could focus on more than just the average wedding stuff. Holly & Craig wanted the focus to be on the spontaneous and real stuff, rather than the staged or posed. This was like music to my ears! I knew from then we were a perfect fit!
SEQUIN WEDDING DRESS
The day finally arrived… in the heatwave of August 2022. But the heat didn’t stop them! If anything, it added to the wonderful and whimsical festival vibe they had crafted with their abundance of beautiful homemade decorations. My senses were filled to the brim with colour. Whether that be from the freshly picked heather from the Peak District, the bright bunting in the garden (made specially by the students at Holly’s school), or even the bright red jars of jam made by Holly’s own Grandma! It was a feast for the eyes.
RELAXED FESTIVAL WEDDING VIBES
Choosing to have their ceremony at their local scout hut meant that the day stayed chilled and informal. The wedding party arrived in summery and bright attire, that continued the colour theme that stretched throughout the day. Every single part had a personal touch, including the service which was conducted by a family friend. The scout hut was only a stones through away from Holly’s family home which meant everyone could make it over from the hut for more drinking, sunbathing and dancing. And of course, more colour!
“OH MY GODDNESS!!!! We LOVE them! Absolutely want we wanted and more. Can’t stop looking at them! Can’t thank you enough!” Holly & Craig
Even in the 30-degree heat, this had to be one of THE coolest weddings! Goes to show, you don’t need to follow traditions to make it the best of days. Holly & Craig showed this in the brightest and most beautiful way… Isabelle xx
Lizzie & Rich are no ordinary Bride and Groom! Instead of blindly following the same old wedding routine they took an alternative approach. Bringing together a day that truly reflects them as the loving and lively couple that they are! A day full of smiles, colour and spontaneous bursts of laughter. Fun ran throughout the whole of the day, and that was definitely reflected in their photos!
VINTAGE VW BEETLE WEDDING CAR
Their love of art and family brought them together, and in turn, they decided to include it in their wedding celebrations. Dedicating their special day not only to themselves but to their family too. Beginning with a traditional catholic service at St Marie’s historic and awe-inspiring church, they were then whisked away by an alternative wedding car – a vintage VW Beetle (supplied by Vintage Volks Weddings). Cruising the Sheffield city streets, these two know how to ride in style! Next stop, an absolute Sheffield highlight – “The Snog” Pete McKee mural. Not only is this an iconic feature in Sheffield, but it also holds a special place in Lizzie and Rich’s hearts. This and many other Pete McKee pieces hang proudly in the family home. If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing it for yourself, what are you waiting for?
MATCHING BRIDE & GROOM CONVERSES
The celebrations continued with a reception at one of Sheffield’s favourite alternative wedding venues, The Hide. A perfect place that showcases some of the greats of Sheffield, including; Hendersons Relish, Arctic Monkeys and Park Hill flats. It’s the epitome of Sheffield, all in one inviting and uber cool setting! Plus, they had hot dogs!!!
“OH MY GOD they are amazing! Thank you so much! Couldn’t have asked for a BETTER photographer and person to be at our wedding.” Lizzie & Rich
I absolutely LOVED Lizzie and Rich’s wedding day! With some traditions followed and others turned on their head, they crafted a day just for them! They certainly celebrated to the fullest… Isabelle xx
