by Michael | Feb 20, 2017 | Blog
My good friend, Louisa Coulthurst, of Urban Bridesmaid Photography, has been kind enough to submit a blog this week. She’s a great person to tell you how to secure brilliant photography for your big day.
Take it away, Louisa!
Before booking the wedding venue
When checking out potential wedding venues, talk to the venue about their photography policy rules and the restriction it may have on your ceremony. For instance, some churches and some registrars do not allow photography of the ceremony, and some churches only allow photography from the back or side of the aisle. Another issue to consider: if you have a two-venue wedding (separate ceremony and reception locations) and you want to go to the local park to grab some photographs, a lot of parks now (royal borough or otherwise) require a photography permit which can cost up to £80.
Another thing to note if you are planning a winter wedding is the timing of your wedding ceremony; your ceremony could finish by the time it is dark. In this case if you are wanting/planning to have outdoor group shots, you may wish to have them before the ceremony or jiggle the time of the ceremony.
Once you have booked your wedding venue and your wedding date is set, start looking for your wedding photographer. The reasoning behind this that often wedding photographers get booked up quite far in advance, especially on key summer dates (such as in the school summer holidays July/August)
Wedding Photography Budget
A rough rule of thumb is that you should aim to allocate roughly 10% of your overall wedding budget to spend on a wedding photographer. Whilst this might not be practical or even feasible for some couples, in all cases try to get THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY you can for your budget when choosing a wedding photographer. After all, the photographs, along with your spouse and wedding rings will be the only lasting memories from the big day! Products such as albums can be purchased after the wedding day, but you can’t go back and redo the day!
Meeting the wedding photographer in person
You have searched the internet, checked photographers’ websites and Instagram, seen some Facebook ads and shortlisted a few wedding photographers whose work you love. You have contacted them and – result – they are free on your wedding date, so what next? The next stage is to arrange a meeting with a few of them. This is to see their work in person and see how it looks printed in an album. You can also see a couple of whole weddings (start to finish) as delivered to the client to judge if their work is consistent throughout the whole day. How does the photographer deal with dark venues, bad weather? Are there only a few great shots and the rest blah? It is also to get a feel about their personality – after all, they will be round you all day and you want to find someone who you feel comfortable around, as it will reflect in the photos. You might want a photographer who is very discreet and you hardly notice they are there, for instance.
Booking the Photographer
Once you have met with a few photographers, you should have a clearer picture of whom you would like to book.
Make sure that the paperwork (contracts) is all in order, note when the final payment is due and when you will receive your photographs and what format (e.g. high resolution images on a USB). Sign the contract and pay the booking fee to confirm your wedding date with the photographer.
On Your Wedding Day
Relax and enjoy the day and let your wedding photographer do their magic!
Group Shots
If you would like to have a few group shots with your family, please indicate this to your wedding photographer beforehand and draw up a list. Group shots do not have to take hours – every guests’ nightmare! To speed up the process of group shots, make a list of a maximum of 6 essential groups (immediate family/friends). As a guide, each grouping takes about 3-5 minutes to set up (getting family into position) and execute (not counting the photographer taking two or three of the same grouping in case of any of the group blinks). And if you don’t want group shots at all- don’t have them! Hire a photographer who is skilled at capturing candid moments! Also don’t forget to take some couple alone shots, as this is the time that gets squeezed the most.
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Louisa is a South East London based wedding photographer. Couples have been choosing Urban Bridesmaid Photography for Louisa’s unobtrusive wedding photography style and attention to detail. As a photographer who will observe and capture the day as it happens, whilst staying in the background, Louisa is able to take photographs which are not dull or boring, capturing bride, groom and guests looking natural and at ease!
Company Name: Urban Bridesmaid Photography
Website address: www.urbanbridesmaid.com
Phone: 07956 531 508
Instagram: www.instagram.com/urbanbridesmaid
I’m sure you’ve enjoyed Louisa’s article and found it useful. I’ll be back next week, but, if you want some more guest blogs, then let me know (and I won’t be offended!). I’ve got another one lined up for March …
by Michael | Feb 14, 2017 | Blog
Valentine’s Day – well, it’s all about romance, isn’t it?
Visions of romantic, candle-lit dinners. Scores of love-struck Romeos on their knees proposing marriage to their beloved. It’s a magical time.
It’s a wonderful time for chocolate-makers, florists and restaurateurs too, that’s for sure! And maybe for civil celebrants?! But is it so great, for the wannabe fiancé?
By mistake I published my Valentine’s Day blog a week early (did you read it?!). Consequently, I’ve been forced to think of something else for this week! I’ve come up with a fable (well, a true story, actually).
Proposals
I wondered how many people do choose this day to propose to their intended.
Long ago, in the mists of time, I got down on bended knee in front of my bewildered girl-friend and asked her to marry me. A little to my surprise, she accepted me, and more than 18 years have elapsed since then. But, despite the result, things hadn’t gone as I had planned.
A salutary tale
I had been working in Italy, and had arranged that my girl-friend should join me in Rome. We would spend a few days together sightseeing (she thought she’d be shopping – her first surprise!).
We had been together for a year and a half, and this would be my chance to propose to her. But what if she were to say no?
I had originally chosen the Piazza Navona on the second evening for my proposal. When we got there, it was atmospheric, but crowded and busy, and it didn’t seem right.
How would the remaining days of the holiday be, if I were rejected then? No, better put it off to the last night. Yes, that was it. Wait as long as possible.
The next day, we travelled outside Rome to the Villa d’Este, in Tivoli. The gardens are spectacular, terraced, with fabulous fountains at every turn. We had chosen a beautiful morning and, for some reason, had the place almost to ourselves. (Apart from stray cats.)
As I knew I wouldn’t be proposing for a day or two, I was relaxed, and before I knew what was happening, I had done the deed. Quite easy, actually!
The right answer was vouchsafed, and I would be walking on air for the rest of our stay and, indeed, for long afterwards.
The moral of the story
So what is the point of my confession?
I would advise anybody planning to propose to take on board what I learned.
You don’t have to pre-plan when to propose – and, if you’re nervous like me, it is better to let the moment happen. If you pre-determine the moment, you will get uptight. It may spoil your dinner, or holiday, or whatever. You may even miss the opportunity altogether.
Trust that the opportunity will arise.
By all means, propose marriage on Valentine’s Day – just, don’t do it because it’s Valentine’s Day!
by Michael | Feb 7, 2017 | Blog
Ever considered a Valentine’s Day wedding?
Unfortunately, 14th February is on a Wednesday in 2018, so that may not seem the ideal day for you. However, a weekday wedding is perfectly feasible, so don’t rule it out.
History
Valentine’s Day has been around since Roman times (496 AD) and was celebrated with an exchange of hand-written love notes or cards in as early as the 1400s.
Its appeal as a wedding day is undeniable.
Modern day tips
If you choose to celebrate your wedding on Valentine’s Day, here are eight tips that you might interest you.
The Ceremony
If your officiant is a civil celebrant, you can write (or get him/her to help you write) your story as part of your wedding ceremony. By “story”, I mean how you met or what attracted – and still attracts – you to each other. This will help personalise the ceremony, and guests will love it!
Colour theme
You probably don’t need to agonise, as red or pink are traditionally the colours for Valentine’s Day.
Decor
A nice idea is to display in the lounge area photos of family members (whether living or not) on their wedding day. If there’s a fireplace, it would be great if it were lit. Otherwise, you may be able to give the illusion of a lit fireplace by using candles.
A dinner illuminated by candles can produce a wonderful effect (health & safety being duly observed, of course!). Sequined or silky table linens will make the candles shine even brighter.
Flowers
Roses must be a given. However, amaryllis can be effective too.
Drinks
You might be able to work with your caterers or venue and agree on a signature cocktail. This could have red garnishes (using cherries, strawberries or raspberries).
Music
You’d probably choose a love song for your first dance anyway. However, on their reply slip to the invitation, you could also have asked each guest to fill in what their first dance music was (or what “their” song is). Put these on the playlist, and thus make your guests feel included.
Cake
Valentine’s Day is a day to indulge. You want a special cake. A modern heart pattern embossed into white fondant may be striking. Or you can choose a cake with a red filling.
Take-home gift
Maybe that’s not all you would give, but what about starting with a packet of Love Hearts?
Your celebrant can help make this special day even more special. Ask them to suggest some romantic rituals that might fit the bill.
You really can combine the traditional and modern into an unforgettable ceremony. A Valentine’s Day wedding can be a really exciting option.
by Michael | Jan 30, 2017 | Blog
Who said wedding vows can’t be funny?
What should the tone of the vows be?
I have absolutely nothing against people who deliver traditional wedding vows. Or who write their own, solemn ones. I do respect them. Vows are highly significant. They are normally carefully chosen and delivered in the presence of a crowd of people who really matter to the couple.
As a civil celebrant, I’ve heard (and helped with) quite a few in my time.
But injecting a bit of humour and personality into those vows can work and may be absolutely appropriate. Not least, if the couple have got a rich sense of humour.
How do you do it?
I’m afraid there’s no template to follow. Nor is there a right or a wrong scenario. What you can do is to write a series of promises that contain a little humour.
One way to do this is to throw a funny line in among some serious or unfunny promises.
You can also deliver your line humorously. Maybe there can be a reference to a failing of your loved one that will be recognised by your partner and, possibly, a good number of guests! You may want to mention something about your (or your loved one’s) character.
That doesn’t mean to say that it should be all about humour and there’s no point making trivial promises. It’s not meant to be a stand-up routine. You shouldn’t force the humour. Don’t be aggressive or disrespectful.
Mention a thing if it is true (and genuinely funny). If your partner is arachnophobic, a vow such as “I promise to save you from any spider that crosses our threshold” will resonate among your guests!
A few thoughts
It goes without saying that you and your partner must both be willing and happy to write your own vows!
Before putting pen to paper, think about what makes your relationship tick.
Then write a few lines, leave your work for a day or two, come back to it and redraft, if needs be. You may need to do this a few times. When you are happy with it, practise reading it aloud. (If you’re really nervous, your celebrant will read it for you, but it’s normally better to do it yourself.)
Starting model
Personalising your vows is all about originality. If you need a starting point, here is a kind of template. By all means, use it but ADAPT IT for your own circumstances.
Use your partner’s first name first, and then say the following:
- I promise to [eg, always be at your side] – maybe 3 things
- I promise to be [your rock] – maybe 3 things
- I promise [to take your advice occasionally] –2/3 funny things
- I promise not to [check e-mails while we’re eating together] –2/3 funny things
- I promise to [love you unreservedly] – 1 or 2 serious things
Have fun with it!
by Michael | Jan 23, 2017 | Blog
After my first piece on the subject, I am continuing my trawl through the luxury London venues (well, someone has to do it!).
I paid a visit to the Ritz Hotel. My expectations were high, I confess.
The reception I received was extremely friendly, although the elegance and opulence of my surroundings took my breath away! I was pleasantly surprised how quiet the building was, despite fronting on to Piccadilly. The decoration of the rooms is stunning, particularly in the part that, though only belonging to the hotel for about 10 years, is actually the oldest.
The Ritz has three relatively informal rooms for smaller gatherings and one that takes about 75. One of the small rooms overlooks the Ritz’s own garden (I didn’t even know they had one!) and Green Park. The rooms cannot be said to be under-stated, and the ceilings are amazing!
My visit certainly didn’t disappoint.
Moving to Knightsbridge, my next port of call was The Berkeley. I’m not sure it actually announced itself with a sign outside, but perhaps it doesn’t need it!
I was immediately struck by the service. Someone is employed to greet everybody entering the hotel and offer them help. As the hotel proved a little labyrinthine, this was welcome!
This hotel too is being refurbished (January – March 2017), although it looked in excellent order to me! It has a ballroom, currently seating 100-180, which will be extended, and will accommodate nearer 220. As a celebrant, I was relieved that a microphone and built-in speakers are available as part of the package.
The hotel has its own recommended suppliers, but, if the client prefers to bring someone in from outside, this is not an issue.
This is a hotel with considerable style.
By contrast, I went a little out of London (Elstree) to visit the Village Club Hotel. This is a very modern building with little of the character of the two others. However, it has its own atmosphere, and modern facilities (and, not least, free parking).
Flexibility is the watchword, seemingly. The ballroom can fit in 180-200 maximum, but divides up, so smaller numbers can be accommodated. There is a terrace outside, which is available. There is also a reception area, as you come in, offering a private bar.
The hotel will provide catering and the like, but, subject to certain conditions, welcomes outside suppliers.
There are also smaller rooms that may suit cosier affairs.
As your ever-obliging civil celebrant, I plan to submit one further review, and I hope to be offering useful service.
