Choosing a Wedding Photographer: What You Really Need to Know

Let’s be honest – picking your wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for the day. After all, they’ll be there for some of your most intimate, joy-filled moments, and they’ll be the one capturing it all for you to relive for years to come. But how do you know if a photographer is the right fit for you

Here are some key things to consider when choosing your wedding photographer:

  • Photography Style: Do you love candid, documentary-style photos that capture natural moments, or are you drawn to more posed, artistic images? Look through portfolios to see what resonates with you.

  • Personality: Your photographer will be by your side all day, so it’s crucial to find someone whose presence you’ll enjoy. Are they calm, friendly, and adaptable?

  • Location: Hiring a local photographer can make pre-wedding meetings easier and could save on travel costs. But if you’ve found someone you adore further afield, check their travel availability.

  • Delivery Expectations: How long will it take to receive your photos? Will you get a preview first? Do they offer albums or prints? Make sure their timelines and offerings work for you.

  • Experience: Have they worked at similar venues or weddings to yours? An experienced photographer will be able to adapt to different lighting, weather, and timings with ease.

  • Backup Plans: Life happens – so it’s worth asking if they have contingency plans in place for emergencies, such as illness or equipment failure.

  • Connection: Do you feel a connection when you speak with them? That gut feeling often tells you whether you’ll work well together.

  • Budget: Make sure their pricing is clear and aligns with your budget. Remember, this is an investment in memories, so focus on value as well as cost.

  • Post-Wedding Support: Will your photos be backed up? How long will they store your images? Do they provide assistance with prints or wall art?

Taking time to ask the right questions and get a feel for your photographer will help you make a confident decision. 

So, how do you know if I’m the right fit for you? Let me give you a little insight into how I approach things and what you can expect from me on your big day.

  1. How will the photography process feel on the day?
    My approach is relaxed and natural. You won’t find me barking orders or forcing awkward poses – instead, I focus on capturing the genuine moments as they unfold. My goal is to blend into the background so you can fully enjoy your day while I document it all.

  2. Will having a photographer around feel awkward?
    Not for long! It’s natural to feel a bit camera-shy at first, but soon enough, you’ll be caught up in the excitement of your day – the people, the atmosphere, and each other. Before you know it, I’ll feel like part of the scenery, capturing moments as they happen naturally.

  3. What kind of presence will the photographer have at our wedding?
    A calm, friendly presence can make all the difference. I’ll blend in with your guests, join in on the fun, and know when to step back during more emotional or private moments. Weddings are a mix of humour, energy, and intimacy – and I’m there to capture it all with sensitivity.

  4. Can the photographer relate to us?
    If you enjoy a balance of excitement and calm, we’ll probably get along! I’d describe myself as an introverted extrovert – I love connecting with people, but I also appreciate quiet moments. Outside of weddings, I’m often wild swimming, exploring the outdoors, or spending time with my family.

  5. Can the photographer help with wedding planning?
    Absolutely! With years of experience and countless weddings under my belt, I’ve seen it all. Whether you need advice on your timeline, how to organise group photos, or ideas for a festival-style wedding, I’m happy to share tips. My blog also has plenty of helpful resources.

  6. Has the photographer worked at our venue before?
    It’s very possible! I’ve photographed at a variety of stunning venues across Somerset, from popular locations to private gardens. If you’d like to see examples of my work in a specific setting, let me know – I’d be happy to share them.

  7. What makes this photographer different?
    Chemistry matters. I’ll be with you throughout your day, so it’s important that we click. While my portfolio speaks for itself, what sets me apart is my ability to stay calm under pressure, adapt to the flow of your day, and connect with everyone – from your parents to the bridal party. With 20 years of experience, I’m confident in handling anything your wedding day throws my way.

  8. How do we book?
    We’ll start with a Zoom call so we can chat and get to know each other. If it feels like a good match, I’ll send over a booking form and a link for the £400 deposit to secure your date. Simple and straightforward!

  9. When will we get our photos?
    I know you’ll be eager to see your photos! I’ll send a preview within a week of your wedding, and the full gallery will be ready in 2–6 weeks, depending on the season.

  10. Are our photos safe?
    Yes, absolutely. I back up your photos in real time during the day and have a robust system in place at my office to ensure they’re stored securely. While I keep a physical archive indefinitely, I recommend downloading and backing up your photos, as the online gallery expires after two years.

  11. What’s the emergency backup plan?
    In the rare case that I can’t make it, I have a trusted network of local photographers I can call on. They’d shoot your wedding while I edit the images to maintain consistency. If I couldn’t handle the editing, I’d make sure the backup photographer was fully briefed.

  12. Do we need to provide a meal for the photographer?
    Yes, please! It’s a long day, and a warm meal helps keep me going. Whether I eat with the guests or in a quieter spot is up to you – just let me know. I’m vegetarian, so keep that in mind when planning.

  13. 13. Can we get albums or prints?
    Definitely. Your gallery will include a print shop where you can order everything from beautiful albums to thank-you cards. I believe strongly in the magic of printed photographs and would love to help you create something timeless.

We booked Alice to photograph our wedding day and she was so great to work with right from the start. Alice made us both feel at ease in front of the camera and really captured the fun atmosphere of the day without anything ever feeling forced. We absolutely love our photos, thank you so much Alice! :)

— Catherine and Matt

Let’s chat about your unique wedding day

Get in touch and we can arrange a Zoom call


Rustic Barn Wedding Photography

Aldwick Estate Wedding Photography

Rustic Farm Wedding at Castle Farm Campsite

Colourful Festival-Themed Tipi Wedding

Ashton Court Engagement Shoot, Bristol

couple embrace in a woodland setting

Secret Garden Wedding Bath

elevated view of a wedding marquee nestled in amongst trees in a private garden

Holsome Park Wedding

Silk Mill Wedding Photography

Exterior shot of the wedding party at The Silk Mill in Frome

Colourful Devon Beach Wedding

Super Relaxed Micro Wedding at Valentines Mansion and Gardens

Bride and groom sign the wedding register in front of a bay window

My first wedding back post-lockdown was this intimate micro wedding at Valentines Mansions in Ilford on a beautifully sunny day in May. The wedding date, like many others in 2020/21, had been changed numerous times due to the pandemic so it was extra special that the day had arrived and the wedding ceremony went ahead! 

Laura and Derwin were joined by their immediate families, and their daughter Joni. The intimate ceremony was held in the Morning Room on the ground floor with large bay windows overlooking the gardens, letting in an abundance of natural light. I was only allowed to photograph from one fixed place during the ceremony due to the venues photography rules. I usually like to quietly move around the room to get a variety of angles, but it felt good not to be a distraction, especially as it was such a small wedding.

Laura and Derwin didn’t want the ceremony to be too traditional and kept the day very relaxed which made it a joy to photograph. 

After the ceremony, we took a few group photos outside and let Joni run around.  I then took Laura and Derwin on a walk around the stunning walled garden to take relaxed and informal couple portraits. They were complete naturals and it was easy to capture the love between them. 

This was my first micro wedding after the pandemic and it just proved that an intimate and teenie wedding can feel just as special. 

Congratulations Laura and Derwin! x x x





Coastal Wedding, Cornwall // Hannah and Ben

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It was a joy to photograph Hannah and Ben’s wedding in Cornwall this month, my first beachside wedding! (of many I hope!)

Their intimate ceremony was held at Truro Methodist Church. Hannah and Ben then clambered into a (very clean) Land Rover and we headed off to Porthcurnick, one of their favourite beaches for the couple portraits. I spend such a lot of time photographing couples in rural settings in Somerset, which I love, but it was a real treat to be on the windy beach and doing something a little different.

They then joined guests at the Gerrans Parish Memorial Hall for a relaxed buffet reception some cracking speeches, and so much love in the room for Hannah and Ben. As soon as the sun broke through again we were back down on the beach again for games in the evening sunlight. Heaven.

This was such a lovely wedding to capture, thank you for having me there xxx

Splotts Moor Farm Wedding, Somerset

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In August I worked alongside the wonderful Emma Stoner as her second shooter for the beautiful wedding of Jenny and Gavin. They were married at the St John the Baptist’s Church in Pilton, and went on to celebrate at Splotts Moor Farm in Somerset.

Guests enjoyed a drinks reception in the shady orchard (it was a scorcher of a day!) with a view of Glastonbury Tor before moving through to the custom built timber marquee which they had colourfully decorated with lanterns, sunflowers and photos.

It is always a joy to second shoot and have the time (and slightly less pressure!) to find the special moments, different angles and creative shots. Here is a selection of my images from Jenny and Gavin’e wedding, and you can also view Emma’s website here





Cadhay House Wedding, Devon // Sara and Tom

Tom and Sara got married in the grounds of Cadhay House in Devon, in the most beautiful garden ceremony set beside a lake. Tom and Sara live in Singapore and had already had a small legal ceremony in Singapore, but they considered this to be their main event! The ceremony was conducted by the grooms brother in law, who being a vicar was a total pro!

Following the ceremony they enjoyed drinks and canapés on the lawn to the sounds of Skedaddle as the guests meandered around the lake and grounds. I also took this opportunity to explore the beautiful secret gardens with Tom and Sara.

The guests then moved through to a large marque in another part of the garden for a BBQ feast and hilarious speeches. As the light started to fade and the temperature dropped the fire pit them became a popular spot, especially when someone whipped out the marshmallows!

This was one of my favourite wedding of the summer, a gorgeous super chilled couple, fun and friendly family and friends and the most beautiful wedding venue to take pictures in! Magic combo!

Venue : http://cadhay.org.uk

Furniture and prop hire: www.virginiasvintagehire.co.uk 

Music: https://skedaddle1.bandcamp.com/releases


If you are planning a country house wedding and would like natural and informal, documentary-style wedding photography then please get in touch! I would love to photograph your day,

For more country house wedding venue ideas check out Pennard House and Sparkford Hall on my wedding venue list.

Llyn Gwynant Wedding // Charlotte and Matt

Matt and Charlotte got married at Llyn Gwynant Barns which lies in the most beautiful valley in North Wales at the foot of Snowdon.

This was a full weekend affair and guests arrived the night before to camp, swim in the lake, set up and be merry!

The humanist ceremony, performed by Matt’s brother, was held outside in a magical spot overlooking the lake. It was so personal and creative with readings from close family and their own personal vows.

The ceremony was followed by a drinks reception and hilarious games by the lake. Guests then moved into the barns for a BBQ dinner and some fab speeches.

Shortly after dinner (and a dip in the lake), the tables were cleared and the dance floor filled, just in time for the big surprise of the night! A (welsh) Mariachi Band! Matt and Charlotte’s wedding seriously rocked!

If you are planning a humanist wedding and would like laid back, fun, documentary-style wedding photography then please get in touch! I would love to photograph your day.

And if you are looking for a barn wedding venue in The South West then check out Over Barn on my venue feature list.

Venue: Llyn Gwynant

Copeland Gallery London Wedding // Camilla and Andy

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It was a true honour to photograph my friends' Mills and Andy's wedding at the Copeland Gallery in Peckham, London. 

The Copeland Gallery is essentially a big- blank canvas- warehouse space, and with their creative eye and a team of friends and family, they set it up to be a super-stylish wedding venue. 

Camilla and Andy had an intimate ceremony conducted by a family vicar. They were blessed with remarkably good weather for mid-April and enjoyed canapés and bubbles in the courtyard.  We took informal and relaxed couple portraits around the Bussey building before they heading inside for dinner, hilarious speeches and a rocking party! 

Congratulations Mills and Andy you beautiful pair xxx

If you are looking for laid back, informal, documentary style wedding photography for your wedding then please get in touch! I’d love to photograph your day.

And for tips on planning a creative DIY wedding, check out my blog post.