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Here is a selection of Q&As from An Essex Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@anessex.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Snap happy
Q. We're both nervous in front of the camera. How can we relax on the day?
A. Emma Gosling says: My couples always tell me how much they hate being in front of the lens. However, I can honestly say that once we get into the groove, all we do is laugh and have fun! My advice for couples who are nervous is to build a relationship with your photographer; keep in touch throughout the planning and you may even become friends.
If your photographer offers a pre-wedding shoot, do it. They're an amazing way to get used to the camera and each other, get some awesome photos and maybe even realise that you've mastered the blue steel and have a budding modelling career ahead of you!
On the day, just be with each other and don't worry too much about the camera. Have fun and remember that your photographer is only human and (hopefully!) won't bite.
Emma Gosling,Emma Gosling Photography
www.instagram.com/emmagoslingphotography
Snap happy
Q. With so many photographers to choose from, what factors should we consider to help narrow down the search?
A. Michael Briggs says: I always say that taking photographs is just half of my job, the other half is to make sure the wedding day goes as smoothly as it possibly can. Being a photographer is the most intimate and personal role at a wedding. They'll be with you throughout the whole day, so it's important to have a warm connection with your chosen expert.
Shortlist a few photographers whose style you admire and meet them over a coffee. A face-to-face meeting is the best way to find out if your personalities are a good fit.
Michael Briggs,Michael Briggs Pictures
www.michaelbriggspictures.com
Caught on camera
Q. My friend has recommended booking a videographer, but we're nervous about being in front of the lens. How do we relax and enjoy our day?
A. Alex Moore says: Being filmed can be a nerve-racking experience, and not everyone is comfortable with it. In fact, most of our couples have this worry. My advice is always the same: forget we're there. When the day comes around, you'll be focussing on so many other things that the camera becomes a distant memory.
We always aim for natural footage and we rarely stage shots. This is to ensure the video is a true reflection of your day as it unfolds. We're never too close and we always remain respectful of everything else going on, while capturing the natural flow of the wedding from the nerves in the morning to the celebration in the evening. I guarantee you'll almost forget we're there on the day, and the memories you'll have to look back on will make it so worth it.
Alex Moore,Wedding Video Essex
www.facebook.com/essexweddingvideo
Summer lovin'
Q. We're having an al fresco wedding in summer. How can we make the most of this in our photos?
A. Scott Miller says: At this time of year, you must make the most of the long summer evenings. Arrange a shoot with your photographer for later in the day to capture images with that soft golden light. In the height of summer, the sun doesn't set until gone 9pm, so make the most of the golden hour after your first dance. This is the perfect time to capture the most incredible newlywed portraits.
Scott Miller,Boutique Wedding Films & Photography
www.boutiqueweddingfilms.uk
In the picture
Q. There are so many photographers to choose from. How do I decide who's right for me?
A. Amanda Hutchinson says: Firstly, note which images you're drawn to when researching in magazines, Instagram and Pinterest. You'll soon start to see a consistency in the type of images you like, whether that's light and airy, dark and moody etc. From there, you can start researching photographers who shoot in that style.
My biggest piece of advice is to meet a shortlist of photographers whose work you admire. It's important to get to know them and see how well you get on together – after all, they'll be with you throughout the most important day of your life. Ask to see a full wedding gallery, so you can check that their work is consistent through a full day's coverage and not just a highlight reel.
Amanda Hutchinson
www.amandakarenphotography.co.uk
Caught on camera
Q. My partner and I are nervous in front of a camera. A friend suggested having an engagement shoot - is it worth biting the bullet and having one?
A. Emma Hammond says: Lots of couples feel anxious about this – it's not every day you're professionally photographed! While you may feel unsure about a pre-wedding shoot, it'll be a worthwhile investment of your time.
I promise it's not as scary as you might think, and you may even enjoy it. You get to spend quality time together and you'll have a beautiful memento at the end of it. Most importantly, you'll be practising for the big day. These shots allow you to get to know your chosen photographer, which will help you gain confidence in a relaxed environment with no pressure. It's perfect preparation for being in front of the lens on the most important day of your life.
Emma Hammond
www.bloomwoodphotography.co.uk
Picture perfect
Q. We don't want to spend hours posing for photographs. How do we make sure that all of our loved ones are captured?
A. Anna Marie Cooper says: No one wants to waste precious time on their big day posing for endless photos, and most photographers would much rather be getting those fantastically natural moments of love and laughter.
Timing is key here. I tend to get quite involved in the running order and make sure we can fit all the great photo opportunities in. Up to two-and-a-half hours between your ceremony and reception is ideal so you can get a shot of everyone together as well as a number of pre-planned formal shots. Please note, these don't really have to be formal – why not have fun with them and show your personalities? I'd also recommend planning in time to chat with your friends and family so I can get those candid moments. A team of two shooters really helps to make the most of this time.
I love to capture unposed shots of the newlyweds. Ask your photographer to plan these around pretty spots at your venue and work out times to get the best light. Finally, make sure you choose a professional who values the same things as you. For me, it's the laughs, looks and quiet moments that should be filling your album.
Anna Marie Cooper
www.photographybyannamarie.com
A moment of calm
Q. What are your top tips for staying relaxed in front of the camera?
A. Peter Carruthers says: Lots of couples are nervous about being in front of the lens. We help our brides and grooms to feel less conscious by creating a moment, rather than a pose.
We'll take you away from the action for a while and calm everything down. It's a great opportunity to have a few minutes together amid all the chaos and excitement to reflect on the day and realise it's all about you as a couple. We want you to be comfortable and enjoy spending time together so we can get some lovely laid-back images. Your day will be busy and it'll go really fast, so these moments are very important.
Peter Carruthers
www.carruthersandhobbs.co.uk