THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
HELLO
TEAM...
Congratulations!
You’ve decided to marry your person, and congratulations to me too because I'm now part of the dream team!
Words cannot describe how honoured I am to be a part of your love story. I can’t wait to get to know you, capture your wedding day, and bust some moves together on the dance floor!
There’s so much to think about between now and then, and I’m sure your heads are already spinning, making decisions about things you didn’t even realise existed.
To make it a little easier, I’ve created this guide to help you through the whole process!
These are all the things I’m thinking about as your photographer. I’ve made it as comprehensive as possible so you can spend less time worrying about the details and more time getting excited for your wedding!
YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION...
I believe the secret to great wedding photos is that we’re comfortable and relaxed with each other, and that the whole process is as much fun as possible.
If the thought of making lovey eyes at your fiancé in front of a camera makes you want to hide from the public forever, then awesome—we’re on the same page! None of that with me! An engagement shoot is all about becoming friends with me and getting some lovely pics of the two of you!
Not only is it an incredible way for us to have a bit of fun together without the pressure of a timeline or all your guests, but spending some time together calms the nerves, inspires confidence in front of the camera, and allows us to create beautiful keepsakes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Plus, who doesn’t love a new profile pic!
We’ll get to know each other better, come away from it with a clearer sense of how we work together, and be ready to roll for your wedding day.
BONUS:
You’ll have beautiful images to add to wedding invitations or save-the-date
cards!
When Should You Schedule an Engagement Session?
There is no right or wrong season to hold your engagement session, as it depends on the weather and scenery you're looking for in your images.
I recommend holding your session at least one month prior to getting your Save the Dates done (if you want to use the images for that).
This will give you time to receive your edited images back, finalise your Save the Date design, and get them printed.
When scheduling your engagement session, you have more control over the time of day you'd like to shoot. The best time of day to be photographed is when the sun isn't so high in the sky, in the afternoon or just before sunset.
This means your session may begin mid-afternoon in the cooler months or later in the evening in spring or summer, if opting for around sunset time.
The light at this time will be more flattering on your skin, you won't have to worry about bright sun in your eyes, and you may even get lucky with an epic sunset!
WHAT TO WEAR...
Top 5 Tips for Planning Your Engagement or Pre-Wedding Session Outfits
I know what it’s like planning an outfit…
I can’t even plan one on a daily basis, let alone for a special occasion like your engagement or pre-wedding session photos! As a result, I’ve put together a little guide, featuring my top five go-to tips on what you could wear, what you should avoid, and how to feel like your best self!
Feeling comfortable in what you wear is really important! Choose something that makes you feel confident and beautiful, whether that’s a flowy dress, a tailored jacket, or your favourite jeans.
Let Your Personality Shine! Express yourself through your choice of outfit, colours, patterns, and accessories! Choose outfits that reflect your style, and bring along sentimental or unique items, like jewellery or a favourite scarf, to add a personal touch.
Prioritise Comfort and Warmth! It’s crucial to feel comfortable in your outfit—avoid anything restrictive, impractical, or uncomfortable to walk in. Stick to shoes you can explore in, and bring layers like cardigans, coats, or scarves if the weather calls for it. Feeling warm and at ease lets you focus on enjoying the session rather than fussing with your clothes. Boys, you may get those white trainers muddy!
Dress for the Season and Location! Pick outfits that complement your surroundings and suit the weather. Neutral tones (dark blues, blacks, greys, blush pinks, or earthy colours) always photograph beautifully and remain timeless. Avoid anything too trendy, neon, or logo-heavy. For winter, layer up with cosy pieces, and for summer, lean into light, airy fabrics.
Mind Your Colours, Patterns, and Logos! Coordinate without being overly matchy-matchy. Choose complementary colours or patterns, and avoid loud logos or clashing prints. Florals and muted tones look great, but steer clear of fluorescent shades or overly trendy styles. Remember, the goal is to create timeless photos that will still look amazing years down the line.
Bonus Tip: Include Your Four-Legged Friends! Bringing your dog? Fantastic! Pets are always welcome in your session, they add personality, warmth, and, of course, snuggles.
TOGETHER
IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO BE
WHAT TO EXPECT...
I. CALM & AUTHENTIC
I believe it’s my job to make sure that you feel calm, authentic, and engaged during a shoot with me, and I will go above and beyond to ensure this is the case. I will always gently direct you so that you don’t feel or look awkward in any of your photographs.
II. NATURAL & CANDID
I use a candid approach, and rather than posing you, I give you prompts and let you naturally do what feels comfortable for you. We will make magic together, I promise!
III. YOU'VE GOT THIS TEAM!
As a wedding photographer, I’ve been to a fair few weddings.
I’ve seen it all, the cold feet, the wardrobe malfunction, the teary grandpa, and at least thirteen pairs of stashed stilettos in a bush.
But one thing I know for sure is that, regardless of how much planning you do, the wedding will always unfold as it’s meant to.
People seem to swing between being extremely excited and extremely overwhelmed as they go through the stages of wedding planning.
So, if you’re feeling either of those things, know that it’s completely normal!
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TEAM SAM RUNDLE PHOTOGRAPHY
6 - 8 WEEKS BEFORE
6-8 weeks before your wedding day, I will send out a questionnaire that asks you all the questions you can think of about your day. This gives me everything I could need to know, from timings to family dramas.
2 - 3 WEEKS BEFORE
2 -3 weeks before your wedding day, i will touch base again & ask if we can have a short catch up to run through your timings
1 week before
1 weeks before your wedding, i will check in just to make sure nothing has changed...
your wedding day
your day has arrived! we are going to have an incredible time together! your day will be the biggest & best celebration you're ever thrown, and your beautiful photos will reflect that!
2 - 3 days after
2 - 3 days after your wedding, I will aim to share some sneak peeks with you so that you can share them with your friends and family!
your gallery
your online gallery will be finished within 4 - 10 weeks. I will send download instructions for your gallery & how to navigate through the pics and order prints & albums
TIMELINE...
Timelines help your day flow smoothly, giving your guests, staff, and vendors a general idea of when and where everything will unfold.
With timelines, as with weddings, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so it’s super important to create a timeline that works for you. But one thing to remember is that things almost always take longer than you think they will.
Allow some time between events so you have a moment to breathe, kiss your partner, and drink some champagne.
I’ve added an example timeline on the next page, but as I mentioned earlier, this is not a one-size-fits-all thing, just a general idea to show you.
I like to do things a little bit differently from what you may have seen at other weddings. Rather than us leaving the wedding for an hour (sometimes longer), I prefer to break up your photos into small snippets.
After your family group photos, I like to grab you both and the bridal party for 5 minutes to capture those photos.
They can then head back to the party, and we’ll do 10 minutes of couple photos.
As everyone is getting ready to head into the reception, I like to take you away again for a couple more photos.
If we’re blessed with a sunset, I may ask if you’d like some golden hour shots.
Try to structure your timeline so that we’re able to shoot some couple portraits at golden hour, just before the sun sets, with that beautiful afternoon glow all around you.
There’s nothing like this time of day to capture the atmosphere and magic of the moment.
Not every wedding is the same, and the sky is forever changing its light, but one thing that’s guaranteed is that these photos are always loved by couples and their families.
TIMELINE HOW LONG DO WE NEED?!
Getting Ready
I will arrive 2 hours before the ceremony. Please be ready 30 minutes before I leave if we're travelling to the venue! The earlier you're ready, the more time we’ll have for photos with the bridal team!
Ceremony
( 30 Mins )
Immediate family photos
(20 mins - 6-10 groups)
Cocktail hour!
Enjoy yourself... Chat to your guests!
Couple portraits
( 10 mins ish )
I like to do this as guests go in to be seated! This is the perfect time because you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything, and everyone will be ready for you to be announced back in!
Reception
(90 – 120 mins)
Sunset portraits
(10 mins)
GETTING READY
All at once calm and chaotic, the getting ready part of the day is filled with all the emotions crammed into a couple of nervous and tender hours.
With all the action buzzing around the couple, it’s easy to find yourself in a chaotic, crowded, and cluttered space that can inadvertently add stress to the situation.
Choosing the right space for this part of the day is more important than most people think, which is why I recommend considering this early.
Remember to think about it for both of you.
The factors that contribute to me getting great photos are also the ones that help create a more relaxed day for everyone...
- Clutter-free space: The last thing you want is everyone’s bags and dirty clothes in the photos. Find a "crap" corner that's out of the way to keep everything, and one of the team to be in charge of keeping the room tidy.
- Good natural light and lots of it! TIP: A big window is ideal when taking portraits of people getting their makeup done. (The makeup artist will love the extra light, too!)
- A space with an interior style that suits your own: If you're at home, don’t forget to clear away day-to-day clutter like electric fans, socks, or dog beds. Fill the space with flowers, your favourite things, and just a couple of your favourite people.
- Enough time: I’ll be sure to show up right as the finishing touches are being placed, then head over to spend some time with your fiancé too.
- Consider a love letter: While you’re getting ready, chances are you’ll be filled with nerves. Since you won’t have each other for comfort during these moments, consider writing a love letter for your fiancé to read before the ceremony. It’ll be a beautiful keepsake, help create incredibly emotion-filled images before the ceremony, and build excitement in the lead-up to the ‘I do’s’.
The Details
TIP: A great way to maximise time is to gather all the things I need for the detail shots ahead of time. I always suggest using a box to keep these items in so I can easily grab them when I arrive.
As soon as I get there, after checking in and saying hello to everyone, the first thing I do is grab all your details to capture.
Below is a list of details you may want to have ready:
Invitation (keep one aside when sending them out to guests for photos)
Perfume
Bouquet / Buttonholes
Jewellery (e.g., watches, necklaces, earrings, cufflinks)
THE CEREMONY
I’ll start by saying this: take things slow. With the kiss, with the walking, with everything.
Tell everyone else to do so, too. Resist the urge to rush through and just savour every moment!
Tip: Ensure that individuals wait until the last person has reached the end of the aisle before proceeding, particularly in the case of a short aisle.
PORTRAIT TIME YOU LOVERS!
"SAM WE HATE HAVING OUR PHOTO TAKEN!"
I hear this a lot, and I totally get it! So my approach is less about posing and more about letting you have fun, while we just capture the fun vibes. I might ask you to move into some nice light, but apart from that, I hope you won’t even notice I’m there! It’s a nice mix of natural and informal, but still aiming to capture you both in the best light and in the most flattering way possible.
The 5 or 10 minutes of couple photos allow you to take a few moments away from your guests, step back from the buzz, look into each other's eyes, and take some grounding moments for yourselves.
TIP: View it as a moment for you both to take a breath, reflect on the significance of the day, and share some quiet, intimate time together away from the excitement of the celebration.
FAMILY PORTRAITS
Depending on your family dynamics, there are plenty of different configurations we can photograph the wedding party in.
Some can include everyone, while others might focus on immediate or extended family, or a mix of smaller and larger groups.
One thing that’s absolutely necessary for this part of the day is that everyone knows it’s happening, everyone’s on board, and there’s someone (sibling? Best friend? Groomsman?) who knows who everyone is and can herd them in the right direction at the right time.
I’ll be behind the camera, so I don’t actually find people or call out for them (after years of trial and error, it works best for family members to handle this for you).
Before the wedding, create a list of every family member you need and where they should be at what time, so we can fly through these and get everyone back to celebrating as quickly as possible!
Each group takes around 2–3 minutes, so try to keep the photos to under 10 groups in total. An ideal time to do this is after the ceremony, once you’ve said hello to everyone, at the start of the drinks reception, but before the couple portraits.
Once the reception starts, it’s hard to track everyone down...
FAMILY PORTRAITS EXAMPLE
Partner 1 - Parents
Parents and Siblings
Grandparents
Extended family
Partner 2 - Parents
Parents and Siblings
Grandparents
Extended family
Brides Team & Grooms Team
Be specific if you can and write down the names of everyone for each photo group (apart from the whole group). You’ll be surprised how many people ask, "Am I in this family?" if it's not listed! (lol)
This helps, as your friends and family who are collecting people will know who to call out and can follow the list you create.
This can often be a frustrating time for you both, as people don’t listen and come to their photo, leaving you standing and waiting. So it’s important not to have too big a list.
This list is by no means the only group shots, I'm around all day so grab me at any point for a shot with a friend's groups, that can be more casual!
Once these family formals are finished, people can relax as all the formalities are now done... So, kick off your heels and bring on the party!
KIND WORDS
FROM THE ONES WHO LIVED IT
“We wanted our wedding day to be a celebration of love and joy, and Sam captured that vibe perfectly. The atmosphere was so relaxed, and we genuinely had fun throughout the entire process. He has a knack for finding those natural, candid moments that make each photo special. We couldn't be happier with the outcome!”
MEGAN & CHRIS
“Sam made our wedding day truly unforgettable with his exceptional photography skills. He effortlessly blended into the background, capturing the most candid and heartfelt moments. The attention to detail in every shot was remarkable. Looking through our wedding album, we are reminded of the joy, love, and laughter of that day. Thank you for preserving our special moments so beautifully.”
LONICA & MITCHELL
“I cannot praise Sam highly enough! His dedication and hard work to recording our special day was incredible. He met us prior to the wedding and discussed all that we required, he more than delivered on the brief. He worked tirelessly from morning to evening, nonstop and his hard work paid off. He took the more traditional photos exceptionally well but he came into his own on the more natural shots.”
JESS & CHRIS
PLAN B
Organise Your Plan B Well in Advance!
Rain, high winds, and heatwaves can, and do, often happen on wedding days.
I’ve shot weddings in 37-degree heat and during a flood.
If the British weather has done its thing and given you a wedding day with rain, don’t worry.
This will not stop it from being a perfect day. It will be a different kind of perfect from the one you imagined, but it will still be incredible.
You will still say ‘I do’. Your family and friends will still laugh and cry with you and cheer when you kiss for the first time. You will celebrate, you will have fun, and you will get married. It will be amazing!
I want my couples to have an awesome day. I want you to have fun, to be excited, and as unstressed as possible. I see it as part of my job on the wedding day to help this happen, and I’ve done my fair share of calming worried brides on the morning of damp weddings.
Be prepared if you think it might rain. Grab some umbrellas, get a pair of wellies, and embrace the day.
WEDDING PARTY
This is the perfect time to get those champagne-popping images you all know and love!
Wedding party photos are super fun. We’ll go away for 5–10 minutes (honestly, plenty of time!) and get photos of the whole group together, each side of the party, 1:1 photos, and headshot-style photos.
MAKING YOUR
IMAGES SPARKLE AS BRIGHT AS YOUR MEMORIES...
AS IF A FLY ON THE WALL!
The relaxed, natural & candid shots are one of the things my couples love. I don’t ask people to do loads of posing;
I capture things as they happen.
These are the photos that make the best memories, especially when they’re moments you didn’t see on the day.
You’ll probably get mobbed! Which is great, loving, and so much fun. I want to capture all of the tears, the hugs, and the high-fives.
RECEPTION + DINNER
From the details of where you’ll be sitting, to where you’ll be in relation to the person giving speeches, all of this is super helpful for me to get a lay of the land and understand where to get the best shots.
Will there be a sit-down dinner? Or will people be making their way around with snacks all night? Is it formal or more of a relaxed affair? If you’re having a DJ, will they be using their own lighting? The more fairy lights and candles and non-directional lighting, the better.
Also, most people don’t like to be photographed while they’re eating, so this is a good time for me to back up the photos from the first half of the day & grab a quick bite too and be well-prepared for the rest of the night!
Weddings are long days and lots of energy, so food is important. For this reason, if you can't supply a hot meal, please let me know before the day so that I can find somewhere nearby to grab a hot meal while you are eating.
FIRST DANCE
Whether choreographed and theatrical, or shy and a little clumsy, the first dance is one of the most tear-jerking moments of the day...
Little tip! If you don't like the idea of dancing, do a little twirl, then quickly invite other couples or friends
onto the dance floor to join you!
ONE THING THOUGH...
GET READY
TO PARTY !!!
PHOTO DELIVERY
You will receive a few previews to whet your appetite just a few days after the wedding.
You can share them with family and friends while everyone’s still buzzing from the big day.
Your full wedding photos will be delivered between 4–10 weeks after your big day.
When I send over the gallery of images, it’s always such a special moment for everyone!
A few of my couples have invited friends and family over for a special viewing event – it’s always amazing getting to relive that day with your nearest and dearest.
Plus, any excuse to pop a bottle of bubbly is always welcome.
Feel free to share your images with your guests so they can share them on their own social media.
But please don’t forget to tag me!
FAQ
We hate having our photo taken!
I hear this a lot, and totally get it! So my approach is less posey and more you have fun and we just capture the fun kind of vibe. I might ask you to head into some nice light, but apart from that, I hope you don't even know I'm there! It's a nice mix of natural and informal, but still trying to capture you guys in the best light / way possible.
What is an Engagement shoot?
I believe the secret to great wedding photos is that we are comfortable and relaxed with each other and that the whole process is as much fun as possible, and that's why I recommend a pre-wedding photo shoot with your wedding coverage. It’s great for helping you feel more at ease being in front of the camera, giving you more of an idea as to how I work and getting some fantastic images to celebrate this time.
What is your wedding photography style?
I focus on natural, authentic storytelling, with a healthy dose of fun and romance. I’m not a fan of heavy posing or contrived setups, just some gentle guidance when needed. Take a look at my work to get a feel for my style. My main goal is to capture the emotion of the day naturally, but in a way that’s beautifully timeless.
We are getting married abroad, how does it all work?
I have a real soft spot for traveling, I absolutely LOVE it! So, wherever you're headed, I'd love to come along! An elopement in Scotland? Sounds dreamy to me! Or a Tuscan wedding? Hit me up.
Flights & accommodation, either side of the wedding day itself are additional to this package. I always look for the cheapest options to keep these costs as low as possible. Early morning flights? No problem.
What about formal photos?
Although most of my photos are candid, group photos are still incredibly meaningful! Parents love them, and they look great on a mantlepiece. Nearly all weddings include a certain amount of traditional group photos, as they remain an important part of the day.
From experience, I’d recommend keeping the list limited to the essentials, for everyone’s patience! Allow at least 3–4 minutes for each shot, and it’s a huge help to appoint a responsible helper who knows everyone and can assist with gathering people for the photos.
We are having a big wedding, do we need a second shooter?
The simple answer is, it's entirely up to you. If you are having a small intimate wedding of 50 people, it would be overkill to have two photographers there. If you are having a wedding with 150+ guests then although not essential it would be beneficial to have two photographers.
Another thing to consider is if you are having a very formal church wedding, firstly checking photography is allowed in the church (some are extremely strict) and secondly whether we can move around. Generally speaking we don't move around very much and we would be at the front capturing the action however, if you wanted the angle from the back of the church (down the isle) you might require a second shooter.
We love to party, do you stay late?
This is a big fat YES. I hear it all the time on the dance floor: "You're still here!?" If you’re throwing a crazy party, no matter the time, I stay, shoot, and party right there with you! I love it, it’s definitely a go-hard-or-go-home kind of vibe for me! Hit that dance floor hard, I want to see people on shoulders, beer flying around, and champagne being long-armed. Let’s have the BEST party ever, guys!
Are there any hidden costs?
Nope! I’m completely transparent. The only additional cost is 45p per mile for travel outside of a 40-mile radius from Colchester.
If you’ve chosen or included a printed wedding album in your package, additional page requests or opting for a bespoke cover will incur a small fee—but don’t worry, I’ll explain all of this further down the line.
When will we get our photos?
You will receive a few previews to whet your appetite just a few days after the wedding. You can share them with family and friends while everyone’s still buzzing from the big day. Your full wedding photos will be delivered between 4–10 weeks after your big day.
We handle all the editing in-house; we don't use AI to edit your photos, and this process takes longer as we edit each one individually. However, we believe it delivers a far better end result.
Do you provide wedding books?
Yes of course! I would naturally recommend you have a professionally designed and printed wedding book if your budget allows. These photos look amazing printed in HD and of a professional quality that will last a lifetime. I'm happy to design and order your wedding book for up to 18 months after your wedding. So no pressure to decide right away when booking a package.
What happens if you are sick?
I hope that I never have to deal with this issue, and in the 10 years of shooting weddings, I’ve never missed one. BUT, if the situation were to arise where I was unable to shoot your day, I have fellow colleagues who frequently work with me on weddings and whom I trust completely to step in at a moment’s notice!
This means that if I can’t be there on the day, someone who knows my approach and how I work will photograph the wedding. I would then handle all the image editing and delivery as usual. I really, really hope this never happens, but if it does, I promise to stay in constant contact with you!
How do we book?
Great! So you like what you see and are ready to book? Awesome!
All you need to do is fill in my contact form, and I’ll be in touch very soon. I always love setting up a face-to-face meeting or video call! After we chat, if you decide you’d like me to be part of your wedding team, I’ll send over a booking form. Pay the £400 deposit, and you’re all set!
It’s that simple.
If you decide to book an engagement shoot between booking me and your wedding, we’ll schedule your shoot during that time.
We’ll then catch up closer to the wedding maybe a few months out to run through the plans for the big day. This can be done in person, over the phone, or via Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime, whatever you prefer. I strongly recommend some face-to-face time before the wedding to ensure everything feels perfect.
UK & DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
THANK YOU
I know this has been a lot of information to take in, but please remember that not all of it will apply to every wedding. Take some time to sit down with your partner and discuss what feels right for both of you. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
I’m so grateful that you’ve chosen me, and I can’t wait for your big day to arrive so we can start capturing some beautiful memories together!
info@samrundlephotography.com
WWW.SAMRUNDLEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
PROUD TO BE A RECOMMENDED PHOTOGRAPHER...
@sam_rundle_photography
