The Ultimate Guide to Looking Amazing in your Wedding Photos

Your wedding photos are some of the most important keepsakes from your big day, and will be the constant reminder of such a special event in your life. Although we all love the ‘natural’ shots, which capture the fun and spontaneous moments, it is always good to be fully prepared for your big day so that each and every photo makes you go “wow”! Here are a few tips to capture that perfect shot:

 

Before the wedding:

©       Practice your smile. I know this sounds a little ridiculous but the more your practice, the more natural your smile will be and you will feel completely comfortable when the camera is pointing your way.

 

 

©       Research your photographer. Have a look at their gallery and see which of their photos stand out. Each photographer has their own style so it is good to be prepared.

©       Have a hair and makeup trial. It is really important that you feel comfortable on your special day so you need to ensure you are happy with how your hair and makeup looks and feels. Take some photos to see how your ‘look’ translates into digital pictures.

©       Book a manicure. Your rings deserve a photo too so make sure your fingers as pretty as possible!

 

On the big day:

©       Achieve the best pose. Like all celebrities on the red carpet, you can make sure you show off your best side and strike the most flattering pose. Try angling your body so you are not straight on to the camera, and put your weight on your back foot. This creates a slimmer profile.

 

 

©       Smile with your eyes. Make sure you connect and engage with the camera.

 

 

©       Elongate your neck to avoid slouching, and lift your chin slightly. This will lengthen your body and produce a beautiful silhouette.

©       Hold your bouquet at your hip. This will ensure your dress is in full view and by keeping your forearms at a 45 degree angle, you will make your body look long and lean.

 

 

 

©       Most importantly, enjoy every minute of your special day and your love and happiness will create the best possible photos to appreciate for a lifetime. 

 

 

Day in the life of a Wedding Co-ordinator

Being a wedding co-ordinator is a truly brilliant job. We are able to be part of one of the most important days of someone’s life. We are involved in the minutest detail and are witness to the happiest of moments. However, it is not all glamour and giggles…there are many jobs we are required to do, some are mundane, others send our stress levels over the edge, and many which you would never even imagine!

 

Before we meet a potential couple, we will have corresponded with them via email, and most probably sent them a brochure in the post. A viewing is the next step and finding an available spot in our diary can be more challenging than you’d think! There will be much toing and froing until a date is decided. Once we meet a couple, we can show off the Castle and really get to know the people and what they are looking for. The average couple will visit 3 venues in person so the conversion rate to booking is quite high.

 

 

 

 

One of the most important aspects of our job is in the lead up to the big day. Making sure we are in constant communication with each couple, reassuring them that we are here when they need us, answering all sorts of questions (reminding them that there is no silly question) is all integral to the job. Every bride & groom are different – we have couples that need a lot of support and will meet with us a number of times, and those who are happy to take charge and organise everything without assistance.

 

 

On the day itself, we will be on site to manage the entire day. It is our responsibility that each element of the wedding and reception are held on time and that guests are where they need to be. It is a very long day and can be exhausting, but watching a couple say ‘I do’, surrounded by those that love them most, will never get boring.  The team we work with are incredibly important and without their support, our job would be impossible.

 

 

As with any job, there are good days and bad days but working in the wedding industry is unbelievably positive and full of joy and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.

 

 

Some of the more interesting requests we’ve had at the Castle:

 

-          Camel racing on the Lower Lawns (the answer is yes FYI – what a great Instagram opportunity!).

-          Owls delivering rings (again, the answer is yes…just make sure you have no one who is ornithophobic!).

-          Real ducks to scatter petals for the bride’s arrival (yes, real ducks!).

-          Topiary (if you bring your own bushes!).

-          Dancing Chinese dragons with fire breathing acrobats – quite sensational in the Courtyard.

-          Singing waiters (yes yes yes, we love this idea).